Star of the West V6 1915-16

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T HAS been our aim |I'HUIIhmI I to uplifit man, through G 9 exalted Words, unto the Supreme Horizon, and to prepare them to hearken unto that which conduces to the sanctifying and purifying of the people of the world from strife and mminuui] discord resulting, from dif ItniiiiiibiiJ ferences in religions or iiiiiiiiiiinin sects. m — B A H A ’O ’L L A H

• □•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•□•Cl» O friends! In this day the door of heaven is opened by the key of the g,odly Name, the ocean of generosity is manifested and is rolling, before your faces, and the Sun of Providence is shining and gleaming. Do not be exclusive nor destroy your most precious time through the speech of this or that person. Gird up the loins of endeavor and do your best in training the people of the world. Do not imagine that the Cause of God is a cause of opposition, hatred or wrath. The Sun of Greatness hath said, that which is revealed from the heaven of will in this Supreme Manifesta tion, is to unite the people with love and friendship toward all. The people of Baha, who have drunk of the pure wine of reality, must associate with all the world with a perfect spirit of joy and fragrance, and remind them of that which is for the benefit of all. This is the Commandment of the Wronged One to his saints and sincere ones.

O people of the earth! Make not the religion of God a cause of variance among, you. Verily of a truth, it was revealed for the uniting, of the whole world. Blessed is he who loves the world simply for the sake of the Face of his Generous Lord. With perfect compassion and mercy have we guided and directed the people of the world to that whereby their souls shall he profited. I declare by the Sun of Truth and which hath shown forth from the highest Horizon of the world, that the people of Baha had not and have not any aim save the prosperity and reformation of the world and the purifying of the nations. —BAHA’O’LLAH STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a ’o ’l l a h .

Vol. VI Baha 1, 71 (March 21, 1915) No. 1

“ My Purpose and Intention is to Remove from Amongst Men this Enmity and this Religous Hatred”

Address by Abdul-Baha at Eighth Street Temple (Jewish Synagogue) Washington, D. C ., November 8, 1912.

From stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen

OD is One; and the effulgence of is clement to all mankind. God hath G God is one; and humanity con ordained amity amongst men. stitutes the servants of that one But most regrettable is the state of God. God is kind to all. He creates difference and dispersion we have them all, He provides for all; and all created amongst men in the name of ne- doth He nurture, and protect. The sun ligion, imagining that a duty para of God shines upon all mankind. The mount in importance in religion is that divine cloud pours down upon all. The of alienating peoples; that our religious gentle zephyrs of His mercy blow to duty, as it were, is to shun one another ward all, and all humanity is submerged and to consider each other contami in the ocean of God’s eternal mercy. nated ! In reality, let it he known that God has created mankind from the the foundations of the Divine Religions same progeny in order that His crea are one, and the differences which have tures may associate one with the other occurred are due to the blind imitations. in good fellowship, that they may exer ITis holiness Abraham was the founder cise love towards each other, that they of reality. His holiness Moses was the may live amicably together. founder of reality. His holiness Christ But we have acted contrary to the was the founder of reality. His holi good pleasure of God. We have been ness Mohammed was the founder of the cause of alienating humanity. We reality. His1 holiness Baha’o’llah was have separated one from the other, aris the founder of reality. And this is to ing in opposition towards each other. be proved; it is not simply an assertion. How many have been the wars which have occurred amongst men! How ex Let me ask your closest attention for cessive has been the bloodshed which the consideration of this subject: The has taken place amongst men! How divine religions—each one of them— numerous have been the homes which are divisible into two divisions. One have been laid waste! How number division is concerned with the essential less are the cities which have been or spiritual: to wit, faith in God, the ruined. And all of this has been con acquirement of the virtues which char trary to the good pleasure of God. For acterize perfect manhood, praiseworthy God hath willed love for humanity. God morals, the acquisition of the bestowals 4 STAB, OF THE WEST

resulting from divine effulgences; in short, all the prophets have promul short, that division which is concerned gated this aspect of religion. with the realm of morality or the The second division, which is non- ethical plane. This is the fundamental essential, which has to do with the aspect of the religion of God, and this is transactions of humanity and is of no important, because knowledge is of first great import, that department is acci importance. Man must know God. He dental and changes according to the must comprehend the oneness of Divin exigencies of time and place. It is not ity. He must come to know and to ac fundamental, it is accidental. For ex knowledge the precepts of God, and he ample, during the times of Noah, it was must come to the point of knowing for expedient that all the sea foods be con a certainty that the ethical development sidered as lawful, and so God com of humanity is dependent upon religion. manded Noah to partake of all marine Man must get rid of all defects, and animal life. But during the time of seek the acquisition of virtues. Thus Moses this was not in accordance with may he prove to be the “ image and the exigencies of the time, therefore a likeness of God.” It is recorded in the second command was issued which abro holy Bible that God stated: “ We shall gated partly the law, making unlaw create man after our own image and ful certain of the marine foods. Dur likeness.” It is self-evident that the ing the time of Abraham—upon whom image and likeness thus mentioned do be peace!—it is well known that not apply to the ordinary form and camel’s milk was considered a very law visage of a human being, because the ful and delicious food; likewise the reality of Divinity is not subject to any flesh of the camel. But during Jacob’s form or anatomic figure. Nay, rather, time, because of a certain vow which by the “ image and likeness of God” Jacob rendered, this became unlawful. are meant the attributes and character These are the non-essential affairs. istics of God. Even as God is pro In the holy Bible there are certain nounced to be just, man must likewise commandments which, according to be just. Even as God loves all men, those bygone times, constitued the very man must likewise love all humanity. spirit of the age—the very light of that Even as God is kind to all, man must period. For example, according to the be kind to all his fellowmen. Even as law of the Torah, if a man committed God is loyal and truthful, man must be theft to the extent of a dollar they cut loyal and truthful. Even as God ex off his hand; but now is it possible to ercises mercy toward all, man must cut a man’s hand off for a theft of a prove himself to be the manifestation dollar? There are to be found in the of mercy. In a word, the “ image and Torah ten ordinances concerning mur likeness of God” constitute the virtues der. Are these effective today? No; of God, and man must ever become the times have changed. According to the recipient of the effulgences of divine explicit text of the Bible, if a man attributes. This signifies the “ image should change or break the law of the and likeness of God.” Again, let it be Sabbath, if he should touch fire on the stated that each religion of God is di Sabbath, he must be killed. Today such visible into two divisions or depart a law is abrogated. The Torah declares ments. One division is connected with if a man should say an unseemly word these virtues, and that is the founda of his father, he must be killed. Is this tion, and this you will find common to possible of execution now? No, indeed. all the divine religions. His holiness Times have changed. Likewise during Abraham promulgated this. His holi the time of Christ there were certain ness Moses promulgated this. His holi minor ordinances which were agreeable ness Christ iipheld this standard. In for those times. STAR OF THE WEST 5

These remarks show conclusively that They were in a state of utter helplessr the foundation of the religion of God ness and imperfection, to the extent- remains permanent and lasting. It is that it was proverbial that one Copt that foundation which ensures the could overcome ten Septs or Israelites. progress of the body politic. It is that At such a time as this, and in such cir foundation which ensures the illumina cumstances, his holiness Moses ap tion of humanity. It is that foundation peared, and with a heavenly radiance which is ever the cause of love amongst he shone forth. He came and saved men. It is that foundation which works the Children of Israel from the bondage for the unification and loving fellow of Pharaoh and released them from cap ship of all men,, and that never changes tivity. He led them out of the land of and is not subject to transformation. Egypt and into the Holy Land. Where That which is changeable is connected as before they were scattered, he uni with the accidental, with the non-es fied them. He educated them; he con sentials. It is that part which has to ferred upon them the blessing of eru do with the transactions of society. dition. Whereas before they were cap tives, he rendered them princes. Where Let me ask what is the purpose of as before they were ignorant, later on prophethood? Why hath God sent the he rendered them wise. Whereas be prophets? It is self-evident that the fore they were imperfect, he caused prophet is the educator of men, that he them to attain perfection. In a word : is the teacher of the human race. The From helplessness he led them on and prophets come to confer general educa suffered them to attain to the highest tion upon humanity; to give humanity plane of courage and valor. And there training; to rescue the human race by they became renowned throughout from the abyss of despair and desola the world. At last they attained to tion and suffer them to attain to the that plane whereby they were enabled high apogee of advancement and glory. to establish the Solomonic sovereignty. The people are in darkness ; the Through the training of his holiness prophets bring them out of darkness Moses these captivated Children of into the realm of light. They are in a Israel became the dominant people state of utter defect ; the prophets amongst the nations. And in all the cause them to become imbued with per degrees of attainment and refinement fections. The purpose of prophethood they became famous. They at last is no other than education; it is the reached such a degree that the famous guidance of people. Hence we must re philosophers of Greece journeyed to gard and be on the lookout for the man Jerusalem in order to study with the who is thus qualified ; that is to say, any Israelitish prophets and instructors, soul who is the educator of men, who and many were the lessons of wisdom is the teacher of the people, he is un and philosophy which they carried with doubtedly the prophet of his age. them to Greece. Amongst the philoso For example, let us review the epi phers was the famous Socrates. Socrates sodes connected with his holiness journeyed to the Holy Land and studied Moses—upon him be peace ! His holi with the Israelitish prophets; he ac ness Moses dwelt in Midian at a time quired lessons of philosophy from them when the Children of Israel were in and learned many of their arts and captivity or bondage in the land of sciences. After his return to Greece, Egypt, subjected to tryanny and severe through the information he had ob molestation. They were illiterate and tained, he founded that system which is uninformed, and they were subject to known as the Unity of God. The Greek very severe ordeals and catastrophes. people arose against him, and at last, (Continued on page six) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U. S .A . Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879., Editorial Stag: ALBERT R. WIN DUST— GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M lR ZA A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year$ 10 cents per copy Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i Ne w s Se r v ic e , P, O. B ox 283, Chicago, III,, U, S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

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“ M y Purpose and Intention is to Rem ove from Amongst M en this Enm ity and Religous Hatred” (Continued from page five) in the presence of the king, he was study the arts and sciences with the poisoned. Likewise Hippocrates and learned Israelitish doctors, many other of the Greek philosophers Now, so long as his holiness Moses, were wont to go to the Holy Land and through the results of his great mission, STAR OF THE WEST 7 was instrumental in releasing or rescu pressed their devotions to the calf. ing the Israelites from a low state of Thereupon God sent Elijah, the prophet, debasement and humiliation and led and Elijah rescued the people of Israel, them to a place of glorification and at and renewed the law of God. He re tainment—he taught them in this fash established a new life for the people of ion, he educated them in this fashion Israel. —we have to be fair in our judgment In short, when change and transfor in regard to that marvelous teacher, for mation took place, that oneness and he was a man, single and alone. With solidarity was followed by dispersion, out a heavenly power, could he have for then we know, historically, that Ne made such a change and brought about buchadnezzar appeared, and as a result such a condition? Could he have suf of that appearing—namely, the coming fered a people after their humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar—the greatest suffer to be thus exonerated, without a power ing obtained amongst the Israelites, the holy and divine in character? It was greatest reverses and trials took place no other than a power divine in origin. amongst them. Seventy thousand of This is a self-evident proof of prophet- the Israelites were taken into captivity hood, because the mission of the proph by Nebuchadnezzar, to the land of the ets is no other than the education of Chaldeans. Then the prophets of God the human race, and this personage edu reformed or re-established the laws of cated people, human beings, and this God, and the people again followed that proves that he was a mighty prophet law. This renewed or re-established amongst the prophets, and that his book their liberty and, according to the ordi is no other than the very book of God. nances of the king of Persia, there was There is no doubt of this at all. This a return to the holy city, Jerusalem, is a rational, a circumstantial proof. and the temple of Solomon was built In brief, his holiness Moses—upon and the Israelitish glory was reinstated. whom be peace!—founded the law of But only for a time did these affairs God and readjusted the morals of the continue, when again the morality of people of Israel, and this gave them an the people underwent a change, and con impetus whereby they advanced along ditions reached such a degree that the the degrees of human attainments. But Roman government came and con after the time of his holiness Moses, quered the Holy Land. At last the era of and after the Solomonic era, during the Titus the Emperor appeared. This Rom time of Jereboam, morality suffered a an general, Titus, utterly destroyed the change. These spiritual perfections city of Jerusalem and all the villages ceased to exist. Amongst the Israelites and hamlets. Homes were pillaged. there was a state of corruption. These Many people were killed, and children Mosaic postulates did not exist. Then were taken into captivity. Palestine be there was a state of warfare amongst came a wilderness, a waste, and all the ‘them, there was contention amongst Jews had to flee from the Holy Land. them. There was strife amongst them. The foundation of his holiness Moses As a result, their unity passed away. suffered a tremendous change then, be The sect of Jereboam declared them cause the foundation of his holiness selves to be valid, and the folldwers of Moses comprised the virtues of human Rehoboam declared themselves to be. ity. They spelled morality, love amongst At last affairs reached such a state that mankind, the acquisition of arts and the Children of Israel suffered disper sciences, the spirit of the oneness of sion and eventually there was a state humanity. But because the people lost of degradation to such an extent, that sight of this, these reversals resulted. they worshipped the golden calf. They Now, I want you to closely examine went to the city of Tyre, where they ex the following facts, for they are state 8 STAR OF THE WEST

ments which are worthy of considera and fame of Moses were confined up tion, because my purpose and intention to that period to the boundary-lines of is to remove from amongst men this en Palestine, and the Torah was a book mity and this religious hatred which well known only in Palestine. But his have fettered men, and to have all the holiness Christ—through the blessing religions unified and agreed. Inasmuch of the New Testament of Jesus Christ as the hatred and enmity which have -—the Old Testament, the Torah, was obtained amongst the religions are re translated into six hundred different sults of misunderstandings, if these mis tongues, and it was spread broadcast understandings shall vanish, all the re in the world. It was through Chris ligions will be unified. For I declare that tianity that the Torah reached Persia. the foundation of the divine religions Prior to that time there was no news is one and the same. It is the oneness of such a book as the Torah, but his of instruction or teaching, and oneness holiness Christ caused the Torah to be of foundation; but alas!—we have re spread everywhere. He caused the linquished that foundation and have name of Moses to be elevated and held tenaciously to certain dogmatic spread. He was instrumental in pub teachings and blind imitation, and this lishing broadcast the name and fame has caused enmity and hatred. This of the Israelitish prophets, and he has caused bloodshed. This is verily proved to the world that Israel con the cause of alienation amongst men. stituted the people of God. Which one Hence I wish you to be very fair in the of the Israelitish kings were capable of judgment of the following statement: accomplishing this result? Were it not These were the conditions amongst for Jesus Christ, would the Bible, the the people of Israel, when, lo and be Torah, have reached this land of Amer hold,—his holiness Jesus Christ ap ica? Would the name of Moses be peared amongst them. Jesus of Naza spread throughout the various parts of reth was a Jew amongst the Jews. He the world? Refer to history. For was single; he was alone and unique. everyone knows that when the time of He had no assistant. They at once pro Christ was at hand, and Christianity nounced him to be an enemy of Moses. was gradually spread, with the onward They declared him to be the destroyer march of evangelism, with the spread of the Mosaic institutes or laws. But of Christianity there was a spread sim let us examine the facts as they are. ultaneously of the Torah and Judaism. Let us investigate reality as it is, and Throughout the length and breadth of we shall find the exact state of affairs. Persia there was not a single volume But for the fair investigation of this of the Old Testament, of the Torah, but question, let us lay aside all that we Jesus Christ caused it to appear every have heard and thus independently where, to the extent that the holy shall we investigate. This personage, Bible today is a household book every Jesus Christ, when he appeared, de where. Hence it is evident that Christ clared his holiness Moses to have been was a friend of Moses. That he loved the prophet of Go'd, and he pronounced his holiness Moses, for had he not all the prophets of Israel to have been ltfved his holiness Moses he would not the prophets of God. He pronounced have commemorated his name. This is the Torah the very book of God, and self-evident, that he was his best friend. he enjoined upon all to conform or be Therefore the Christians and Jews lieve in the Old Testament. During a should exercise the utmost of love to period of 1500 years it is an historic wards each other, because Jesus and fact that the kings of the Israelites Mose.s, the founders of the two, have were unable to spread broadcast the loved each other. The followers should fame of Judaism. In fact, the name follow their example. STAR OF THE AY E S T 9

AYe have already stated what con For two thousand years there has stitutes a valid proof of prophethood. been this enmity and religious preju AYe find that the very proofs validating dice between the Christians and the the mission of his holiness Moses were Jews. All this blood has been shed, all virtually advanced by his holiness these ordeals have been suffered. These Christ. His holiness Christ was also few words will make them united. a unique and single individual, a mem AYhat harm comes from this: That just ber of the revered nation of Israel. But as the Christians glorify and praise his he was able to unite by the power of holiness Moses, likewise the Jews should his word the following nations: The commemorate his holiness Christ, Roman nation, the Greek nation, the should declare him as the AYord of God Chaldean nation, the Egyptian nation, and consider him as one of the chosen and the Assyrian nation. He unified ones of God? them all. AVhereas before they were Now, just a fewT words concerning blood-thirsty, they were pillaging the the Koran and the Mohammedans. properties of each other, they were tak AYhen his holiness Mohammed ap ing captive the children of one another, peared, we find that in the Koran he re he cemented all of these hostile peo fers to the sayings of Moses in seven ples in a perfect way. He caused all different places. He pronounces. Moses of these to agree and to be well unified. as the great man of God. As a prophet Such colossal effects were the results of great valor; a prophet and possessor of the manifestation of one single soul, of a book, the founder of a law and and this declares conclusively that he spirit of God. He said, “ AYhosoever was not a person unassisted by God. believes in him is acceptable in the es And now all the Christians do admit timation of God, and whosoever shuns that his holiness Moses was a prophet him or any of the prophets is rejected of God. They declare that his book was of God.” Even, in conclusion, the the book of God. That the prophets prophet calls upon his own relatives, of Israel were all prophets true and saying, “ AYhy have ye shunned and valid, and that the people of Israel con not believed in Moses? AYhv have ye stituted the people of God, and they not acknowledged the Torah? AYhy praise and glorify his holiness Moses. have ye not believed in the Jewish AVhat harm has come from this? I prophets?” And he in a certain sura declare: AYhat harm comes from a state mentions the names of twenty-eight ment in the very same way, from the prophets of the Israelites, praising each hands of the Jews, that Jesus was also and all of them. To this extent has he an expression of the AYord of God? offered commendation. Now let us Have the Christians suffered from their consider the person of Mohammed: investigation of Moses? Have they The purpose is this: That Mohammed suffered at all from it ? Have they suf glorified and praised his holiness Moses fered any loss in their religious en and confirmed Judaism. Even Mohammed thusiasm, any defect in their religious declared that whosoever denies Moses is belief, that they declare his holiness contaminated, and this is an exposition Moses was a prophet of God, that the which you will find stated in the Koran, Torah was a book of God, that all the that if a person denies Moses or any of prophets of the Jews were prophets of the prophets, he is contaminated. Even God? It is self-evident that no loss if he repent, his repentance will not be comes from that. And now it is time accepted. He pronounced even his own for the Jews to declare that Christ was relatives, just because they had denied the AYord of God, and then this enmity the prophets, as contaminated, as infi between two great religions will pass dels. He said: “ Because you have not away. believed in Christ, because you have 10 STAB OF THE WEST not believed in Moses, because you have Naught but the greatest enmity and not believed in the Gospels, therefore hatred, turmoil and rancor, amongst you are infidels and contaminated.” men. Do we not see the amount of Thus Mohammed, himself, has praised blood which is shed in this way? the prophets of the. past. He has praised Praise be to God, you are living in the Torah and Moses and Christ. He a land of freedom. You are blessed appeared amongst the Arabs, who were with men of learning, men who are well a people scattered and illiterate, bar informed, and are well versed in the barous in nature, thirsting for the blood study of comparative religions. You of each other. He led them aright. He realize the need of unity, and you know guided them and trained them until the great harm which comes from prej the Arabs reached a high state of de udice or superstition. I ask in con velopment. From the lowest degree of clusion, is not good-fellowship prefer ignorance he suffered them to attain to able for a state of society rather than the highest state of attainment, until hatred and enmity? The answer is they were renowned as masters of eru self-evident. Love and fellowship are dition and philosophy. Thus we see the things needed, that will win the that the proofs applicable to one good-pleasure of God, and we must prophet are. equally applicable to an ever emulate the good-pleasure of God. other. We must be united. We must love each In conclusion, since the prophets other. We must ever praise one an themselves, the founders, have been other. We must ever give commenda loving, and testified of each other, tion to all the people, thus removing they have praised each one the other, discord and hatred, which has suffered why are we to disagree? Why should alienation amongst men. Otherwise we be alienated? They have been kind the same state of affairs will continue, to one another—and God is One. He is each praising his own people and con the. Shepherd of all, and we all consti demning the others; religious wars will tute His sheep, hence we should be in continue, and religious prejudice is the the state of love and amity. We should cause of this havoc. This must be done exercise the utmost of good will. Should away with, and the way to do it is to this not govern; or shall we pronounce investigate the reality which underlies anathema on each other, each one prais all the religions, and which reality is ing himself and condemning the others ? love of humanity. For God is One What result comes from that sort of and humanity is one, and the prophets thing? What use comes from that? have brought the creed of amity.

Words of Abdul-Baha concerning the Mashrak-el-Azkar (Extract from Tablet to Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago, Illinois) Now it is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and raise a great sum for the building so that the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar may be laid, and perchance, God willing, the corner stone of the foundation may be laid by the hands of Abdul-Baha. This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they will arise and endeavor with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that every trace of difference may be uprooted and they may all become as one heart and one soul. Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.’’— B a h a ’o’l l a h .

Vol. VI Jalal 1, 71 (April 9, 1915) No. 2

Talk by Abdul-Baha At the home of Mrs. Parsons, Washington, D. C., November 9, 1912

From stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen

HE address which was delivered guide people. Hence we shall notice last evening in the Jewish syna first, the efficacy of their teaching. T gogue evidently disturbed some The question that must be asked is, of the people, including the revered “ Have they taught men or not? Have Rabbi, who, however, called on me this they proved themselves efficient tutors afternoon and I went over the ground or not?” Amongst them, I remarked, with him, which I shall review for your was your teacher or instructor, his benefit. holiness Moses. Did his holiness It was not possible to make the mat Moses educate or did he not? Let us ter very plain to the Rabbi last night, find out whether or not he taught the because he was very much pressed for men of his time: We find hisi holiness time; but today opportunity was suffi Moses was appointed as the educator cient for a reconsideration of the mat of the Children of Israel. It was dur ter in detail. The quintessence of the ing a period when the Children of Israel subject is as follows—I wish you to were in captivity, were in a state of understand this thoroughly and have it humiliation and ignorance, in the ut well memorized, in order that you may most of inadvertence, living in a very discourse with the Jews — thus per mean or lowly manner in Egypt, a sort chance you may be instrumental in of life which was worse than death. leading them aright. Imagine an ignorant people, downtrod The quintessence of the subject, I re den, thoughtless and most senseless and peat, was this: The question may well ignorant; so low as to be considered be asked first, “ What is the mission of the very lowest. His holiness Moses the prophet? What is the object of a was appointed for them, he guided divine law?” There is no doubt that them, he saved them from bondage, he the object is the education of the hu took them into the Holy Land, he res man race. It is for the training of cued them from ignorance, he rescued humanity. All human beings may be them from inadvertence, he trained considered as pupils or children, and them in such wise as to change a con they are in need of a divine educator. dition of lowliness into one of honor They are in need of a real teacher. In and elevation, he suffered them to reach order that he may teach these children the utmost degree of perfection. They he must be qualified, and the qualifi learned the sciences and arts, they were cation of prophethood is as follows: To civilized to a superlative degree, they 12 STAR OF THE WEST became honorable and well thought of, and unique individual overcame all the whereas previous to that they were world then, founding a sovereignty lowly and disrespected, whereas before everlasting, a nation mighty indeed. that they were ignorant, later they be The results of such an education proved came wise—reaching at last to that him to be a great man of the world, the plane of competency when the Solom first educator of his time, the first onic sovereignty was established by teacher of his period. What proof them. Their name was widespread could there be greater than these? throughout the world, and they became What evidence could there be greater famous for distinct virtues. Even the than that a single individual should philosophers of Greece went to Pales have resuscitated so many peoples and tine to learn from them lessons of wis nations, should have unified so many dom. All of these facts prove that his tribes and sects, should have removed holiness Moses was a prophet, was a so much warfare and sedition? Un teacher. doubtedly such a work is wrought As to his holiness Christ, he was a through the Power of God, because the single, unique and lowly individual, power of a human being fails in the ac who appeared at a time when the Chil complishment of such facts. dren of Israel were in the lowest state When his holiness Christ appeared, of bondage, subject to the tyranny of the Jews then living pronounced him the Roman Empire and to the severe to be the enemy of Moses. Pharisaical yoke of ignorance, utterly negligent of rabbis of the time declared him to be God. The historical information of the the very destroyer of the law of Moses, holy Book bears this statement out. the very destroyer of the institutes of Refer thereto and find it as it is. His the Torah; he would bring a great mis holiness Christ—this single and unique fortune to the people of Israel, for he individual—appeared from amongst was considered to be the breaker of this lowly and degraded people with the Sabbath and destroyer of the Tem power Divine and the potency of the ple of Solomon. Hence they turned Holy Spirit, and unified the various away from him. We must investigate peoples and nations of the world. ITe this. We must see whether this was gathered them together, he caused them reality or a libel. When we in to agree and brought them together be vestigate the facts we find that his neath the overshadowing efficacy of one holiness Christ caused the name of Word. His mention was not confined Moses to be widespread, the fame of to the Children of Israel only, for that Moses to be spread broadcast and the was a limited people then. But his book of Moses, the Bible, through him holiness Christ united the numerous was published everywhere. In 1500 nations who were then hostile and in years the Jews had been unable to have imical, such as: The Roman people, the more than one translation of the Old Greek people, the Egyptian people, the Testament or Torah, which translation Chaldeans, the Syrians and the As was from the Hebrew into the Greek syrian people. He rescued them from language. But his holiness Christ was their former state of continuous war instrumental—that is to say, his teach fare. He made them a united people, ings were instrumental—in having the and the utmost of love was created by Old Testament, the Torah, translated his Word amongst them. At last these into 600 tongues, and in these various people advanced extraordinarily along languages they were spread in every the degrees of human perfection and part of the world. All the kings of edification, and thereby achieved the Israel, with all the prophets of Israel, glory never-ending. The Jews had un were unable to further the movement dergone a great dispersion. This single of Judaism and the name of Moses even STAR OP THE WEST 13 beyond the confines of Palestine. They The Christians do believe in Moses. were unable to have the Torah even They believe in the book of Moses. spread in any other part, only Pales What harm have they received from tine ; but his holiness Christ caused that belief? Have they lost anything the name of Moses to be spread by it? throughout the world. In Asia and in In answer to all these questions, the Africa and Europe, in most parts of the Rabbi answered, “ No.” world, Judaism became an established Then I said: What harm comes from religion amongst the people. Amongst an attitude of the Jews similar to that these continents Asia, which was the of the Christians, if they shall declare center of Judaism, in all the cities of that Christ was the Word of God, that Asia the name of Moses was spread. the Gospel is the Word of God? By His holiness Moses was pronounced to such an attitude as this the enmity of be a prophet of God. His book was many, many centuries will pass away. pronounced to be the book of God. And I declare that verily Moses was the now this personage is to be considered prophet of God; that his book was the as a friend or an enemy of Moses! book of God. Doesi that harm my re Fairness is needed; one must judge ligious standpoint? Not at all. No it aright. Had he been an enemy, he harm comes to your religious stand would not have allowed the name of point if you declare that Christ was the Moses to be so wide-spread. He would Word of God. Furthermore, every na not virtually have promulgated the tion in the world is proud of its great Torah. Would there have been any men and heroes. They, the heroes or mention of Moses in America? Who great men, might have been atheists or was instrumental in even the name of agnostics. Today France glories in Judaism having come to this part of Napoleon Bonaparte, saying: “ He was the world ? It was through the blessing a French military genius,” whereas he of Christianity, undoubtedly. His holi was a tyrant; “ Voltaire was ours,” ness Moses had no better friend than whereas he was an atheist; “ Rousseau his holiness Christ, and no greater was a great man of ours,” whereas he sympathizer than his holiness Christ. was an irreligious man. They are proud Regard how they conceal reality and of them, and they have feasts commem how the illiterate amongst the Israelites orating them; they have adorned spe still continue in the delusion that Christ cial days or places for them. They have was an enemy of Moses. Just now all music in their honor. They have com the Christians do believe in Moses. memorations in their behalf. They are They declare that Moses was the inter proud of them: “ Rousseau was ours!” locutor of God; he was a prophet of And now, do you consider such great God, a man of God, that his book was men, these great men of France — I the book of God and that the prophets asked of this Rabbi—to be greater than of Israel were all valid and true, that the person of Nazareth, Jesus Christ? the people of Israel were the people of It is self-evident that in comparison God. They offer such unlimited praises, with Jesus Christ they are as nothing. unlimited eulogy, such unlimited love. Consider the grandeur and majesty of What harm comes from this? And Jesus, and that of such men as were what if the Jews should say that Christ mentioned. Consider him from the was also the Word of God; that he was standpoint of fame and name, and con the Spirit of God? What harm could sider the others from the same stand there be in this? Just a few words. point. Where1 is the station of Christ, These few words will be the cause of and where is theirs? What relation is reconciling the Christians and the Jews. there ? Incomparable! What harm (Continued on page sixteen) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111.,U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI N EW S SERV ICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, III., U. S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the Westl h e is g o d ! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shall become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon hrnmess, firmness, firmness! (Signed ) A b d u l -B a h a A b b a s . Vol. VI Jalal 1, 71 (April 9, 1915) No. 2

“ Hasten ye toward love and prosperity! Hasten ye toward peace and reconciliation!” Tablet from Abdul-Baha addressed,“To the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful throughout the world”

(Revealed several years ago; reprinted from the S t a r o f t h e W e s t , N o . 1, V ol. IV )

HE IS GOD ! 0 ye spiritual friends of Abdul-Baha! I behold you from the horizon of Abha “ Perfume Thou the East! Illumine and will make victorious whomsoever will Thou the West! Bestow Thou light to arise in the service of my Cause with the North! Grant Thou life to the the hosts of the supreme concourse and South!” the cohorts of the favored angels.” This verse hath been revealed from the Praise be to God! that this victory and lips of the Center of the Covenant one confirmation became visible and manifest year after the departure of Baha’o’llah. and hath shone forth from the horizon But the nakazeen (not understanding its of the world like unto the sun. spiritual purport) wondered and derided. Therefore, 0 ye friends of God! Show Praise be to God! that now its signs ye forth an earnest endeavor and display have become manifest, its powers evident, ye a resolute effort, so that ye may be and its proofs plain. Thanks be unto come assisted in the adoration of the Him! that the East and the West are Ancient Beauty and the manifest light; stirred into cheerfulness, and through to be the cause of spreading the light of the holy fragrances all directions are the sun of Truth; to infuse into the perfumed. dead, antiquated body of the world a The Blessed Perfection, in a clear text, new spirit; to east in the fields of the hath promised us in the Book: “ Verily, hearts pure seeds; to arise in the service STAR OF THE WEST 15 of the Cause; to speak with eloquent est gift; so that we may with our souls tongues to become candles of guidance and hearts exert ourselves, sacrifice our in the assemblage of the world; to be lives, be engaged in the guidance of the come shining stars in the firmament of people and the training of souls; so that the existent beings; to become merciful the wild beasts may become the gazelles birds in the rose garden of oneness; of the meadows of unity; the wolves the to sing the melodies of realities and sheep of God the bloodthirsty ones the significances; to spend every breath of heavenly angels; the fire of malice be your existence in the service of this extinguished and the flame of safety in conspicuous light; so that in the end ye the blessed tabernacle bestow illumina may be freed from loss and failure and tion ; the odor of the nether realm of in attain to the inexhaustible treasury of fidelity be dispelled and the fragrances the kingdom. For the life of man is of the rose garden of faithfulness be dif wholly subject to danger and imperma- fused in all parts; the weak draw light nency. A person cannot put his assur from the Universal Eeason and evil souls ance even in one moment’s continuity. seek to be purified with the holy and Notwithstanding this, the nations of the divine breath. There are needed mani- world, deceived by the mirage of super festors for this gift; farmers for this stition, imagine themselves secure in the field; gardeners for this rose garden; heavenly way. Alas! Alas! Former fishers for this sea; luminous stars for communities in bygone ages entertained this heaven; spiritual physicians for these the same perishing thoughts; but by one ill ones, and loving guides for these wan of those periodical fluctuations they were derers ; so that they may bestow a share all hidden under the ground, and af on those who are deprived, grant a por flicted with deprivation and loss, except tion to those who are shareless, give un those souls who had become pure evan measured treasure to the indigent ones, escence and had arisen with a great self- and show forth the power of proof to the abnegation in the path of God. Such seekers. souls shine forth as brilliant stars from Glory be unto Thee, 0 my God! I the horizon of the Ancient Glory, and supplicate unto Thee, 0 Thou my Help the results which emanated from their er ! I invoke Thee, 0 Thou my Refuge! lives in succeeding ages and cycles are I utter to Thee my agonies, 0 Thou my the proofs of this statement. Therefore, Physician, and entreat Thee with all my do not ye rest, neither day nor night; heart, my soul and my spirit, saying: seek not ye for composure; talk ye of the 0 my God! 0 my God! Verily, the mystery of servitude, and seek ye the gloomy night hath fallen upon all regions path of thralldom; so that through the and the clouds of ignorance have extend promised confirmation ye may receive as ed in all directions; the people are im sistance from the kingdom of oneness. mersed in the darkness of surmise and 0 ye friends! Dense and gloomy the tyrants are sunk in the depths of clouds have covered the horizon of the brutality and lawlessness. The red glare world, and the darkness of hatred, malig of the burning fire is flashing forth from nity, persecution, tyranny and the great the nether world1, roaring, ominous voices est cruelty is spreading. All the people are rising from the cruel, destructive and are drunk with the wine of heedlessness; terrible armaments; every region is cry and bloodthirstiness and rapaciousness ing out with its dumb secret tongue: are considered the noblest excellencies of “ Nothing that I possess hath benefited the world of men. me and power and strength are taken His Highness the Almighty hath chos away from me!” Verily, 0 my God, en the friends from «among the concourse the lamps of guidance are extinguished; of men and hath especialized them with the fire of animosity is enkindled; wrath the most eminent guidance and the high and antipathy are spread abroad and 16 STAR OP THE WEST provocation and maliciousness are dis Verily, these wronged ones do sacrifice seminated upon the face of the earth. themselves with infinite joy and happi Yet I see only Thy wronged followers ness for the sake of the people, with all who are crying at the tops of their voices their souls and spirits throughout all and summoning the people : regions. Verily, Thou beholdest them weeping at the misfortunes of every one Hasten ye toward affinity! of Thy creatures and becoming grieved Hasten ye toward faithfulness! at the distress of Thy children; they are Hasten ye toward generosity! kind to all the people and pained at the sight of the calamities of the inhabitants Hasten ye toward guidance! of the world. 0 my Lord! make the Hasten ye toward union! wings of prosperity to grow upon their Hasten ye to behold the Light of the shoulders, so that they may ever soar World! toward the apex of their aspirations; Hasten ye toward love and prosperity ! strengthen their loins in the service of Hasten ye toward peace and reconcilia Thy people, and confirm them in the tion ! thralldom and adoration of the threshold Hasten ye toward the law of disarma of Thy Holiness. ment ! Yerily, Thou art the Merciful! Thou Hasten ye toward harmony and suc art the Clement, and there is no God but cess! Thee, the Powerful, the Compassionate, Hasten ye toward co-operation and mu and the Ancient! tual help in the path of guidance! (Signed) Abdul-Baha Abbas.

Talk by Abdul-Baha (Continued from page thirteen) comes from your declaring that Jesus of to be the Word of God, then you will Nazareth was a great man who issued rid yourself of all the trouble. What from Israel, and we love him? A great harm comes to your religion if you be man indeed did we give to the world. lieve in Christ ? Jesus was a Hebrew. Such a mighty personage, whose Word My advice is this, that your fu has spread throughout the world, was ture may be assured and secure, that an Israelite, who has conquered the you may become honorable, that the East and the West. Such a person was Christians may love you, and all this born of this race. You should be proud depends upon two words: “ Christ, the of him! When you express your glory Word of G-od!” Finished! Nothing and honor in the recollection of Christ, more! Is it not a thoughtless state ? Is rest assured that the Christians will it not ignorance? Is it not folly? Is shake your hands in fellowship. There it not stupidity? Get thee hence, 0 will be no trouble therein; there will be prejudice! Say, “ Yerily the Word of no hesitancy; there will be no restraint. God was realized!” and all will be Consider, for this fanaticism what a lot right. of trouble and what persecutions At last, he said: “ I guess that is so. have been heaped upon you in Russia. I believe that it is perfectly so ! But I And you must not think that this is all ask one thing more of you. Cannot you ended! This humiliation will continue tell the Christians to love us a little bit forever! The times may come when in more ? ’ ’ Europe itself they will arise against the I said: Very well. I have done so, Jews. But if you should declare Christ and I will continue to do so. STAR OF THE WEST 17 Prophecies of Baha’o’llah concerning Adrianople, Constantinople and Roumelia Talk by Abdul-Baha at the home of Mrs. Parsons, Washington, D. C., November 7, 1912

From stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen LTHOUGH this evening I feel passed them on from hand to hand un quite fatigued, yet now that I am til no one knows where these copies are. A face to face with you I suddenly Inasmuch as they are published in Lon feel animated; therefore I shall speak to don you can all secure copies. When you you. get copies, carefully peruse these ex Consider events in the Balkans today, tracts, in order that you may see the re where a great conflagration is furiously markable statements of these tablets. In raging and so much blood is being shed. brief, in his words addressed to the sul You can say the whole world of humanity tan of Turkey he says: “ Verily, because is virtually lamenting and mourning be of your oppression against the subjects cause of the revival of this warfare. Gov who dwell in your land, and because of ernments are in the process of change your great tyranny in governing, ere and transformatio.n. The sovereignty of long your government will undergo the Orient at large is tottering; it is sub change, and soon you shall be dethroned ject to the greatest uncertainty. I desire, and Roumelia will be taken out of Tur therefore, to touch upon this subject. key or conquered. It will be occupied Most especially do I wish to touch upon by others. And in Constantinople there the phases of this war which BahaVllah shall come a reign of terror, to such a prophesied forty years ago fully and degree that women will be mourning and completely. He addressed a letter to the wailing, children will be crying, men la sultan of Turkey during his exile and menting, and the cries of these will reach while he was under surveillance in the unto heaven. ’ ’ I wish therefore to read prison of Akka. He likewise addressed certain parts of this book, citing the epistles to Napoleon III and to the shah very words which BahaVllah uttered of Persia. All these letters which he sent in that connection. They will be trans to the crowned heads of the earth were lated to you. The third edition was pub compiled in a book which was published lished in Bombay twenty-two years ago. thirty-five years ago in Bombay, India. The date is 1308 A. H., about twenty- It was published years ago. There are two years according to your calendar. several editions of the book. The first The western calendar is different from edition was about thirty-five years ago, the east. and another twenty-two years ago. I (Reading:) “ 0 thou king (literally have with me a copy of the edition of president), verily thou hast committed twenty-two years ago. Professor E. G. that whereat the prophet Mohammed Browne, of Cambridge University, wrote mourns and laments in his delectable a book detailing therein his visit to Akka. paradise! Verily the glory of this earth He followed that first work by another hath made thee haughty because thou wherein he quoted extracts from these hast turned thy face toward the counte tablets or letters, some of which have nance wherefrom light radiates towards been translated into English and are to all the denizens of the earth. Ere long be found in the libraries. You can look thou shalt find thyself in the most great them up in your library here. I thought loss. Thou has united with the king of some of the friends possessed copies of Persia, the shah, in exercising oppression these. Some had copies, but they have toward me; even after I cry towards ye 18 STA R OP THE W E ST from the dawning-point of Majesty and great power of God. And recall the time Might with a Command which has illu when Nimrod ignited the fire to burn the mined the eyes of the near ones. Verily Friend of God (Abraham). Verily the this is the day wherein fire declares in oppressors have ever exercised a ferocity all the things. ’’ (This is an Arabic text; or oppression toward the wronged ones, you must know there are many such sim- endeavoring to exterminate the light of ilies in Arabic. “ Fire” refers here to God and extinguish the flame of life. the fife in the “ bush” seen by Moses.) We have caused the command to be is “ Verily it declares that the Beloved of sued in the countries, and we have caused the world hath appeared, and in the esti His mission to be proclaimed amongst mation of all things there is a declara the Unitarians. Verily this youth hath tion that the Interlocutor of the wise come to unify the denizens of the earth; hath appeared, and they are ready to all of them. Ere long God, through His hearken to the Word of the generous power, will conquer, and thou shalt find and wise. Hast thou imagined that thou the earth a delectable paradise of Abha. canst extinguish a light ignited by God ? Even so hath this matter been recorded No verily, by His might and power! By upon a. mighty tablet with the strong that which thou hast committed, that is pen of God.” to say the persecutions, its volume has been increased and its ignition has aug Many are the other prophecies in this book; especially to the shah of Persia, mented, and ere long it will spread and all of which prophecies have come to pass. set aglow the denizens of the earth. Even so hath the matter been accomplished, They are lengthy and we have not time to quote them. and nothing upon the earth nor in hea ven can withstand the onward march of The purpose of this citation is that this command.” Baha’o’llah’s great endeavor in the east (This is the prophecy:) “ Ere long there was to unify these people, to cause them shall come a change of affairs; a revolu to agree, to reconcile them one with the tion in the land of mystery, Adrianople, other, thereby to manifest the oneness of and in its environment (Roumelia), and the world of humanity, to prepare the it will go out of the hand of the king. way for international peace, and to have There shall be a great quaking and be all enjoy composure and welfare. But wailing, and revolution and corruption they have not hearkened to the summons will be witnessed everywhere. In all of Baha’o’llah. Nay rather, both the parts of Roumelia affairs will undergo Persian and Turkish governments arose transformation because of that which against his cause, and the result is that hath befallen the captives. (Referring the governments of Persia and Turkey to Baha’o’llah and his party.) Verily have both gone to pieces. Whereas had that government will change, and things they heard his commands and received will be straightened, and there will be his admonitions, both of these countries lamentation even of the infants; lamen would have been protected. They would tation to the extent that stones and clay have been in the utmost joy and happi will lament in Constantinople, and even ness. They would have exercised fellow trees and inanimate objects will bemoan ship together. They would have availed and lament. Blood will be spilled in that themselves of the wonderful power of land, and thou shalt find the people in love and unity. They would have been a great turmoil and trouble. Did the well pleased with each other. They would Pharoahs withstand the power of the have dwelt in the delectable paradise. sovereignty of God while they existed But alas! The commands and behests of upon the earth and when they were of the Blessed One have not been listened the oppressors? Verily we caused the unto. Nay rather, day after day they Interlocutor (Moses) to appear from the have followed their own devices, until house of Pharoah even to express the now this fire is raging most furiously. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the gfood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a ’o ' l l a h .

Vol. VI Jamal 1, 71 (April 28, 1915) No. 3

“ There is need for an Educator; there must needs be in the world a Universal Teacher” Talk by Abdul-Baha at the home of Mrs. Parsons, Washington, D. C., November 7, 1912

From stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen N THE world of nature we observe formed into a rose-garden of variegated expressions of the struggle for exis hues, or an orchard of fruitful trees. This I tence. We find efforts of the sur proves that the world of nature is defec vival of the fittest everywhere. And this tive. The schools which are founded, the is the very cause of error in the theories systems of education which are estab and opinions of man. Because we state lished, are for what? They are for re a priori that nature is defective. When placing the defects of nature with vir we glance at the world of nature we dis tues and perfections. If the world of cover numerous defects which must be nature were not defective there would be removed by means of education. For ex no need of cultivation or education. There ample, consider man: If we study hu would be no need for training. But in man beings who have been reared accord asmuch as we find that children are in ing to the postulates of nature, if we need of education and training, that they observe them in their aboriginal condi require cultivation—it proves conclusive tion, we will find them defective indeed. ly that the world of nature must be de Regard the people of central Africa veloped. Many things show clearly that They have not received religious educa the world of nature is defective and im tion nor have they received any form of perfect. One of the basic evidences of civilization. They have grown, devel this imperfection is the expression of the oped and advanced only according to survival of the fittest among the brutes; their aboriginal state. We find them all their ignorance, sensual qualities, sus to be bloodthirsty. We find them all to ceptibilities of the animal type and free be possessed of immoral qualities, ani vent of passions. There is need for an malistic in type to such an extent that educator. There is need forever for the they even kill and devour each other. teacher. There must needs be in the This makes it evident that the world of world a universal teacher. Teachers are nature, if left alone, presents defects, be of two kinds: the private or special teach cause it is a plane upon which the strug er, and the universal instructor. The gle for existence expresses itself. If we universal instructors are the prophets of leave a piece of ground in its natural God, and the special teachers are the state, wild weeds and thorns will grow philosophers. The philosophers are only therefrom, wild trees of the jungle will capable of educating a circumscribed spring up. But if we train or cultivate circle of people. They can only train a that piece of ground, the result of cul limited number of human souls, whereas tivation will he that it will rid itself of the holy divine manifestations of God the defects of nature, will become trans are capable of conferring upon humanity 20 S T A R OF THE WEST a general education. They arise to be insula was in a state of utmost ignorance. stow upon humanity a moral education Those tribes were constantly waging war universal in scope. They are the cause and shedding the blood of one another, of general development. For example, burning the houses and homes of each consider that his holiness Moses was a other, and lived in a state of utmost im universal teacher, and how in the early morality. They were baser and lower days he educated the people of Israel; than animals. His holiness Mohammed how he enabled them to rescue themselves appeared as a prophet among such a peo from the lowest abyss of despair and ig ple. He educated such a barbarous na norance and caused them to attain the tion, rescued them from savagery and highest level of knowledge and refine ignorance and put an end to the continu ment. For they were captives and in ous strife and warfare which had existed bondage, but through him they were amongst them. He caused them to agree freed. He led them out of bondage into and reconcile. He unified them and the Holy Land and caused them to ad caused them to be as brothers. He en vance. This formerly oppressed and abled them to advance along the degrees

i ( T 7 E R IL Y , I declare that these teachings constitute the illum ination of hum anity; that this is the spirit of modernism; that this is the honor everlast ing; that these are heavenly teachings, and the cause of life never-ending amongst m en.”

-ABDUL-BAHA

downtrodden people, captives of the Pha of upward development and civilization. raohs, were helped to establish a sover Whereas they were formerly ignorant eignty Solomonic in proportion. This is they became wise; whereas they were an example of a universal teacher, a uni formerly barbarous, they became refined; versal instructor. Again, consider his whereas they were formerly debased, they holiness Christ: how that marvelous ex became elevated; whereas they were hu ample of unity, his holiness Christ, gave miliated, later they became renowned. an education in ethical training to the This proves that he was an educator, that Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Syrian and As he was a teacher. syrian nations and welded them together In the nineteenth century there was by a bond indissoluble. These various ignorance of the utmost degree in the nations were formerly at enmity, hostile, Orient. There was continuous warfare and in a state of continuous strife. He and strife. The apathy and ignorance of cemented them together and caused them the eastern nations or peoples had to agree, conferred a general tranquillity reached the lowest pitch. They were in upon humanity and established the deed gloomy and dark, utterly negligent means of welfare to the human race. of God and completely captives of the Hence he was a real educator. He was baser feelings and passions. The strug the instructor of reality. gle for existence had been in full exercise When we consider or study the con amongst them. ditions prior to the rise of the prophet At such a time as this his holiness of Arabia, we find that the Arabian pen- Baha’o’llah appeared amongst them, STAR OF THE WEST 21 even like unto the sun. He flooded the their joy is exceedingly great. The war east with light. He expounded new fare which takes place in the east is not teachings to them. He laid a basis for at all connected with them. They do not new institutions which are the very spirit participate in it. Nay rather, their atti of modernism, the very light of the world, tude towards all is one of good-will and the cause of the development of the body good-fellowship. It is a standard of politic and of eternal honor. The souls peace which is unfurled amongst them. who hearkened to these teachings It is the Light of Guidance which has amongst the various Oriental nations im flooded all their souls with its radiances. mediately let go of that spirit of strife It is love upon love. It is light upon and sedition, and began to exercise the light. This is the education of his holi utmost of good-will and good-fellowship. ness Baha’oTlah. This is the training he From the extremity of animosity they has given them. He has led these souls were transformed into the acme of love to this standard. He has given them and amity. They had been warring and such teachings as to ensure eternal illu quarreling, now they began to be loving mination amongst them. Anyone who and to live together in amity, until today becomes well versed in these teachings in the Orient such people—the Bahais— will say: “ Verily, I declare that these live in the utmost state of love and good- teachings constitute the illumination of fellowship. Among them you will find humanity, that this is the spirit of mod no expression of religious prejudice, no ernism; that this is the honor everlast political prejudice, no patriotic preju ing; that these are heavenly teachings, dice; nay rather, they associate together and the cause of life never-ending with utmost fellowship and love, and amongst men.”

“ It is proved that the existence of phenomena is effected through the Eternal Will” Talk by Abdul-Baha at the home of Mrs. Parsons, Washington, D. C., November 10, 1912 From stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen HIS is the last evening we meet explanation. It is a very subtle question. here; therefore it shall be our fare When we glance at all phenomena, we T well visit. Just now upstairs a discover that the real identity of any lady asked a question which I wish to given phenomenon is unknown. Phe answer. As it is a very important ques nomena or created objects are known tion and in need of a thorough explana only by their attributes. Man discerns tion, and as you are waiting here it was only manifestations or attributes of ob decided that the answer should be given jects, whereas the reality or identity of downstairs so that the questioner might them is unknown to him. he satisfied and at the same time we For example, this flower—what do we should enjoy our meeting and visit. The understand by this flower? We under question was, “ What is the Reality of stand the qualities apparent and ap Divinity, or what do we understand by pertaining to this flower; hut the very God?” elemental reality or identity of the This is an important question indeed. flower remains unknown to ns. As re It is a very subtle subject. Therefore, gards its external appearance and attri listen to it very carefully. After you butes, these are knowable; hut as re leave here ponder over it in order that gards the inner being, the very identity, you may understand the result of this it is unknown. Now so long as earthly STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. Entered as »econd-clas* matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. ' Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST— GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Memben M ir z a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy N o te — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i Ne w s Se r v ic e , P , O. Box 283, Chicago, 111,, U, S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to B a h a i N e w s S e r v i c e , P. O. B ox 283, Chicago, II1.,U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the Westl h e i s g o d ! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy forrn is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, U rm n e ssl______' {S ig n e d ) A b d u l -B a h a A b b a s . Vol. VI______Jamal 1, 71 (April 28, 1915) No. 3 phenomena are unknown aa regards their of divinity which has come within the identity, and are known only through intellection of a human being is finite or their properties or qualities, how much limited, and is a pure product of imagi more is this true concerning the reality nation, whereas the reality of divinity of divinity, that holy reality which can is holy and sacred above and beyond all not be comprehended by any human such concept. grasp ? That which comes within human But the question may be asked “ How grasp is finite, and we are infinite in shall we know God ? ” We know Him by relation thereto because we can grasp it. His attributes. We know Him by His Assuredly the finite is lesser than the in signs. We know Him by his names. We finite; the infinite is ever greater. That know not what the reality of the sun reality of divinity to be contained with is. But we know the sun by the ray, in human grasp would be after all pos by the heat, by its efficacy, by its pene sessed of an intellectual existence only; a tration. By the bounty and effulgence mere intellectual concept with no extra of the sun we recognize the sun, but as neous existence; an image or a likeness to what constitutes the reality of the solar which had come within the grasp of hu energy, that is unknowable to us. But man mind or intellect. The mind of man the attributes characterizing the sun are would be transcendental thereto. How knowable. If we wish to come in touch could it be then that an image which with the reality of divinity, we do so has only intellectual existence is the by recognizing its phenomena, its attri reality of divinity which is infinite ? butes and traces which are widespread Therefore the reality of divinity in its in the universe. All things in the world identity is beyond the range of human of phenomena are expressive of that one intellection, because the human mind, the reality. Its lights are shining, its heat human intellect, the human thought are is manifest, its power is expressive and limited, whereas the reality of divinity its education or training resplendent is unlimited. How can the limited everywhere. What proof could there be grasp the unlimited and transcend it? greater than that of its functioning, or Impossible! The unlimited always com its attributes which are manifest? This prehends the limited. The limited can plant or this flower; we ask, does it exist never comprehend, surround or take in or not? Can this plant—this flower— the unlimited. Therefore every concept comprehend the reality of man ? Can it STAR OF THE WEST 23 put itself in touch with the human ex That is mortality. The elements, which istence or reality ? Evidently not. It is have gone into the body of this flower entirely out of tune with the human and which have given existence to this kingdom; it is not possessed of the capac form and shape, will finally disintegrate; ity, although both man and the flower —this beautiful organism will decompose have been created. But the difference —and this we call mortality, death. Con in the degrees between the vegetable and sequently the conclusion is that life the human is ever a hindrance, an ob means composition and death spells de stacle. Inasmuch as the degree of capac composition. On this account the mater ity appertaining to this plant is inferior ialists are of the opinion that life is the to our human kingdom, consequently it mere conjoining of elemental substances is entirely impossible for the plant, which into myriad forms and shapes. The ma is inferior, to comprehend man who is terialist comes to the conclusion that life superior, although both are accidental or in other words means composition; that created. We are created; likewise this wherever we find single elements com plant is existent, this mineral exists, bined in aggregate form there we behold this wood exists; but can this flooring the phenomena of organic life ; that every here comprehend those who are standing organic composition is organic life. Now upon it? Impossible. Why? Because if life means composition of elements sight and hearing are properties or facul then the materialist may come to the con ties belonging to a higher kingdom than clusion of the non-necessity of a com the mineral. The difference between poser, the non-necessity of a creator; for these two kingdoms, the vast difference composition is all there is to it, and that between the mineral kingdom and the is accomplished by adhesion or cohesion. human kingdom is a hindrance to com In response to this we say that composi prehension. tion must needs be of three kinds. This How then can the reality of man which is a very important and subtle question. is accidental, ever comprehend the Real Give it your fullest attention. Then you ity of God which is eternal? It is self- will appreciate the point. One form of evidently an impossibility. Hence we composition is termed philosophically can observe the traces and attributes of the accidental form, another the volun God which are resplendent in all phe tary, or a third, the involuntary com nomena and shining as the sun at mid position. As to the first or accidental day, and know surely that these emanate composition; accidental composition, from an infinite source. We know that would signify that certain elements they come from a source which is in through inherent qualities and powers of finite indeed! attraction or affinity have been gathered Furthermore: It is a philosophical together—have blended together and principle that the existence of phenom composed a certain form, being or organ ena implies composition, and that mor ism. This can be proven to be false; tality or non-existence is equivalent to for composition is an effect, and philo decomposition. For example, certain ele sophically no effect is conceivable with ments have come together and as a result out causation. No effect can be conceived of that composition man is here. Certain of without some primal cause. For ex elements have entered into the structure ample, this heat is an effect; but that of this flower. Certain organic or cellu energy which gives forth this phenom lar elements have been utilized in the enon of heat is the cause. This light is composition of every animal organism. an effect, but back of it is the energy Therefore, we can state that existence which is the cause. Is it possible for this necessitates composition and death is light to be separated from the energy another expression for decomposition. whereof it is a property ? That is impos When there is disintegration amongst sible and inconceivable. It is self-evi these composing elements, that is death. dently false. Accidental composition is, 24 STAE OF THE W E ST therefore, a false theory and may be ex likewise limited. The very fact that the cluded. reality of phenomena is limited well in As to the second form of composition— dicates that there must needs be an un involuntary—this means that each ele limited reality, for were there no unlim ment has within itself as an inherent ited or infinite reality in life, the finite property the power of composition. For being of objects would be inconceivable. example, the inherent quality of lire is To make it plainer for you,—if there burning or heat; heat is a property of were no wealth in the world you would fire. Humidity is the inherent nature not have poverty. If there were no light or property of water. You cannot con in the world you could not conceive of ceive of H20, which is the chemical form darkness. Why? Because we know of water, without having humidity as things philosophically by their antithe sociated, for that is an inherent quality ses. We know for example that poverty of water. The power of attraction has as is the lack of wealth. Where there is no its function attractive or magnetic qual knowledge there is no ignorance. What ities. We cannot separate attraction is ignorance ? It is the absence of knowl from that power. The power of repul edge. Therefore, our limited existence is sion has as its function repelling,—send a proof conclusive that there is a reality ing off. You cannot separate the effect unlimited, and this is a shining proof and from the cause. If these premises be evident argument. I have been speaking true—and they are self-evident—then it today from morning until now. This would be impossible for a composite be evening I have analyzed this subject for ing, for certain elements which have gone you. Many are the proofs concerning into the make-up of a composite organ this matter, but there is not time to go ism, to ever be decomposed, because the into the subject further, for there is still inherent nature of each element Avould be another meeting and engagement to be to hold fast together. As fire cannot be kept. Therefore, I beg your pardon and separated from heat, likewise the ele indulgence. mental being could not be subjected to As I said before, this is our last even decomposition, and this does not hold ing, and I ask God that His confirma true, because we see decomposition every tions may encompass you; that your where. Hence this theory is untrue, inas hearts may become radiant; that your much as we observe that after each com eyes become illumined through witness position there is a process of decomposi ing the signs of God; that your ears tion, which forever ends it. By this we hearken to the anthems of heaven; that learn that composition as regards phe your faces be set aglow with the radiant nomena is not accidental or not involun light of the word of God. May you all tary. Then what have we left as a form be united; may you be agreed, may you of composition ? It is the voluntary form serve the solidarity of mankind. May you of composition, which means that com be well-wishers of all humanity. May position is effected through a superior you be assistants of every poor one. May will—that there is will expressed in you be nurses for the sick. May you be this motive or action. It is thus proved sources of comfort to the broken in heart. that the existence of phenomena is ef May you be a refuge for the refugee. fected through the eternal will, the May you be a source of courage to the will of the living, eternal and self- affrighted one. Thus through the favor subsistent, and this is a rational proof and assistance of God may the standard concerning composition, whereof there is of the happiness of humanity in the cen no doubt or uncertainty. Furthermore, it ter of the world be held aloft, and may is quite evident that our kind of life, our this flag be unfurled. form of existence is limited, and that the reality of all accidental phenomena is Adieu to each and all of you! HE city of San Francisco was adorned with the lights of the beauty of Abha during the week of April 19-25. The T brilliant points of manifestation were the First International Bahai Congress and the Convention of the Bahai Temple Unity. While the city with bands and parades was celebrating the ninth anniversary of the fire and earthquake, and the wonderful recovery that had been made, the Bahais were engaged in kindling a conflagration of love that, God willing, will encircle the whole world. As Abdul-Baha was leaving America, after having been here nine months, he said to some of the assembled friends, “ In two years the results of my visit will become apparent.” The brilliant gatherings held in San Francisco were a clear and evident proof of the fulfillment of that prophetic utterance, for the firmness, unity and love of the faithful souls made possible these powerful illumined meetings. Verily this was a bounty from God. Each day the light of love burned more brilliantly and the divine enthusiasm increased. Though outer communication was cut off with Abdul-Baha because of the war, the inner communication was evident and manifest, and reached its conscious height when in the convention all united in sending to Abdul-Baha a “ spiritual wireless” message, since we could not send the cable that each convention in the past had sent. This convention was one of mighty accomplishment, because it joined the most wonderful spiritual inspirations with practical plans for moving forward. The souls were enthralled with the love of the divine Beloved and this was expressed in the ambition to begin at once, with the utmost activity, the work in the world that God has entrusted to us. The consciousness that the great war, which is affecting the whole world, was in progress, made all realize the fact that the world in anguish is calling for the healing remedy; and that none can give this save the souls whose cups have been filled with the water of reality (life) from the fountain-head of revelation. —Harlan F. Ober.

With this inspiring word of introduction by Mr. Ober, who has written at length concerning the convention work, we begin in this issue of the Stab of the West, the addresses delivered at the culminating event of the Congress, the official reception ten dered by the Directorate of the Panama-Pacific International Expo sition to the International Bahai Congress, in Festival Hall, on the Exposition grounds, Saturday, April 24, at 10 a. m. •—The Editors. MEDALLION PRESENTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL BAHAI CONG OF THE PANAMA-PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EJ

Front of Medallion

“ This humble bronze is symbolic of a broader measure, the token of that birthmark herald not merely the birth and growth of a nation, but that universal manhood vt consummate .... It bears the Bahai message of unity, not that all men are equal rests upon the head of every man alike. In that birthmark there is nothing ir STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”— B a h a ’o ’l l a h ,

Vol. VI Azamat 1, 71 (May 17, 1915) No. 4

Ceremonies at the Official Reception given to the International Bahai Congress

by the Directorate of the Panam a-Pacific International Exposition in Festival H all, Exposition Grounds Saturday, A pril 24, 1915, 10 a. m .

Representing the P. P. I. E. - - Director JOHN A. BRITTON Chairman of the International Bahai Congress Reception Committee: - - CHARLES MASON REMEY W ashington, D. C.

HE CHAIRMAN: It may be accepted as a truism that Director Britton, those who are building foundations for members of this com the betterment of the human race, mittee, friends of the which are dealing with the social and International Bahai economic problems that confront the Congress: "We have people of the world today, are doing assembled here this quite as much for the perpetuation of morning in response the betterment of mankind as do those to the welcome ex who build their monuments of steel, of tended to us by the granite and of marble. president and direc We, of the Exposition family, have tors of the Panama- been hard at work for the past three Pacific International or four years, rearing here on these Exposition. Mr. John beautiful grounds the monuments A. Brittonwhich of stand the Ex for the handiwork of man position directorate as representing the arts, the sciences is here to receive us. I now present and the crafts. We have builded these, Director Britton. not so much for their artistic and archi DIRECTOR BRITTON : Mr. Chair tectural beauty, as we have for the last man, ladies and gentlemen : One of ing effects they will produce upon the the particularly pleasant things which human race and, primarily, for the we directors have to do at the present purpose of bringing before the peoples time, and have been doing for some of the world, gathered from its four time past, is the recognition of true corners, the effect upon the masses in worth wherever we find it to exist. the educational benefits which will 28 STAB OF THE WEST arise from the buildings, from the ex hoped, then have we builded absolutely hibits within the buildings; and more in vain. particularly still, the benefits which But I have faith in the intelligence will arise from the gathering together of the human race ; I have that faith in of people such as you, whose sole pur the ultimate good to be achieved by pose and aim, as I read it, is the uni work and effort, that what we have fication and solidarity of the people of been doing and what you are striving the world, and to produce an effect far to do, that the foundation laid, such as reaching, not for today, but for all you have laid, will some day—it may time to come. be many years to come—produce that We, perhaps, here on the peaceful wonderful crop of men and women who western shore of the United States, will have but one ideal in life, and that looking out into what you might call is that the race which is to come after the vast eternity across the Pacific to you shall be better than you are today the Orient, are mindful, and very mind because of your efforts to make it so. ful, of the horrible things that this day And so, in that recognition which we has brought upon us in the old world, desire to give to your universal efforts, where the civilizations builded for I have the proud privilege and honor many centuries are being wiped away, of presenting to you a symbol of that where men are clutching at each appreciation on behalf of the Panama- others throats, and destroying the last Pacific Exposition Company. And, let vestiges of humanity and love of man me say to you, in all honesty and can kind, which should concern us all. And, dor of mind, that in the many times I to you who represent that great propa have, in my official capacity, given, to ganda of peace—that peace which the those who have come here, recognition Master of the world, whoever he may of our appreciation of their participa be, to all of us, has placed upon us as tion in our affairs, none has afforded a-necessary part of the true education, me the extreme pleasure I am afforded the true refinement and the true growth today by the privilege of giving this to of the universe, to you, who have that you, who represent so much to hu solemn duty in hand, and who so seri manity. ously and full-mindedly and intelli THÉ CHAIRMAN: I feel, friends, gently are seeking to impress it upon that we have all been deeply touched your fellow-men, we, of the Exposition and moved by the kind words of wel family, extend welcome to you to our come extended to us by Director Brit family, because we are striving in our ton, by the president and directorate feeble way, out here on this western of the Panama-Pacific International rim, to be the proponents of all those Exposition, and I am going to ask the things which go toward the uplifting president of the Congress, Dr. Fred of mankind, of the world, and its bet erick W. D ’Evelyn, to respond to these terment. generous words of welcome. We have lived and worked in vain, DR. D ’EVELYN: Director Britton ladies and gentlemen, if the wonderful and friends : Were I to yield to the in things that you will see before you to stinctive promptings of the moment, I day in this Exposition—our palaces, would dismiss this meeting, that we our wonderful illustrative sculptures, might go to our respective dwelling our wonderful exhibits—are to go for places cherishing the words that Direc naught and as the mere passing of a tor Britton has spoken. That which dream of today. If our building of comes from the heart goes to the heart, them shall not accomplish the helpful and I know I am only feebly putting ness to mankind for which we have into expression the sincere thoughts of STAR OF T TIE YV E S T 29 every one present today when I say watched their flocks by night. Carmel that the words spoken by Director will learn of it; Nazareth will hear of Britton strike a sympathetic chord in it; and, as the messenger who bears it the heart of each one of us. speeds onward, the rippling waves of Director Britton, your words shall re the tideless sea shall sound in his ears, echo over a greater arena than you can and his feet shall be moistened with estimate. On behalf of the Bahais here the dews of Lebanon. It will halt in assembled, and of those throughout the the Great Prison, and there, in its tri world, on behalf of that humanity umph, the forty years of servitude will which is looking upwards, we accept become as a dream in the night. It will this token with deep appreciation and voyage to India; there the mysterious sincere gratitude. Parsee, the haughty Brahmin, the won I am sorry that I have not the ability dering Hindu, will become one, as it to amplify the text that Director Brit tells its story. To China, to Japan, to ton has so aptly outlined for us; but Africa, to the Isles of the Sea, far away the more frequently we visit this Ex to distant Ishkabad, it will be even as position, just the more persistently and a star to the caravan; and to the bro irresistibly will the thought be brought ken brotherhood of Europe, to the Slav home that the dominant appeal which and the Teuton, the Moslem and the it makes is for a recognition of the in Allies, it will tell of a better and a tercommunion and the interdependence brighter day, of a kindlier and a of the peoples of the world. nobler kinship. And, sir, when at last its mission is complete, it will come Today, these facts are crystallized back to rest beneath that dome where with an urgency and a significance be a unified humanity shall make men fore which utterance itself seems dumb, tion of God; the Mashrak-el-Azkar.* and a tribute of silence is the only rec The bell, in its mission, sounded the ognition which it appears desirable to liberty of the nation. This, in its ful offer. Thus interpreted, this simple ness, tells of the freedom of the world. ceremony carries with it a relationship This may seem a measure too broad, an to the oncoming future which the estimate too great, but it could not be fretted limitations of the present seem otherwise, for it bears the Bahai mes reluctantly to concede. sage of unity, not that all men are Within a few days our western eyes equal, but that the crown of humanity will be permitted to gaze upon that rests upon the head of every man alike. honored relic, the Liberty Bell, whose In that birthmark there is nothing in sounding notes awoke the great dawn ferior, there is nothing superior. This of the natal day of the nation. is the reality of man, and that reality Time has enshrined those memories is the throne of the divine manifesta with a wondrous heritage. No one na tion, and to every soul it is permitted tion, however, expresses the fullness of to look within himself and see therein humanity. that reality, powerful, mighty, and This humble bronze is symbolic of a supreme. broader measure, the token of that The Bahai message claims and birthmark which divinity has predes teaches that such is man’s right of self tined to herald not merely the birth appraisement. Further, to concede that and growth of a nation, but that uni appraisement to his fellow-man is to versal manhood which a unified hu admit in both the possession of that manity alone can consummate. Thus common reality which confirms the di- dedicated, this token shall start upon its mission. It will travel to the land *The Bahai Temple of Unity to be of the cradle song, where shepherds erected in Chicago. STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEW S SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U.S. A. ______Entered aa second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3.1879. ______Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M1RZA AHMAD SOHRAB T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. N o te — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. ______To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. 0 thou Star of the Westl h e i s g o d ! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed) A b d u l -B a h a A b b a s . Vol. VI Azamat 1, 71 (May 17, 1915) No. 4 vinity of unity and the unity of divin voice have ever proved strong advo ity. cates of the Cause so dear to our hearts, Seek not, accept not, any compro will now address us. mise for that attitude until there is MRS. FORD : Mr. Chairman, Direc established at once and forever that tor Britton and friends: I cannot tell relationship which, by its realization, you what happiness it gives me to stand shall annul geographical boundaries, here in this wonderful moment, before technical barriers, racial prejudices, all my friends, and try to accentuate a tribal theology, and the many things little the suggestion that has already which have been and are deterrents of been given in the wonderful words that unity and destructive of human soli have been spoken, as to why we are darity. here, why we should be gathered in This is the Bahai message in the con this beautiful spot, which today is the crete, and, in the oneness of unity, in most beautiful spot in America, and I the divinity of reality, this message am not at all sure but that it is not the shall make for the healing of the na most beautiful spot in the world. tions. Let me tell you that I came to this Director Britton, I know that you re Exposition from long wanderings on joice with us that we are permitted on the other side of the water, where I this occasion, here in this city of the had stood under the arches of the great Golden Gate, to send forth this humble cathedrals, and had studied the master messenger, the token and the symbol pieces and sculpture of the world, and of that unity which will be effective I had said to myself, “ Is there any when the reality of man is recognized thing left to be done in the realm of and accepted as the throne of the di architecture 1 ’ ’ vine manifestation. This alone is the I remembered that Abdul-Baha had world’s resource; its honor and its said long ago, when he told us about continuity depend upon it. Allah-o- the divine civilization that is to be Abha! created, “ There will be a new art, a THE CHAIRMAN: Friends, Mrs. new architecture, fused of all the Mary Hanford Ford, whose pen and beauty of the world of the past, but STAR OF THE WEST 31 new.” When I came here to these anywhere of the equality of men and grounds, what did I find? The new women, before any one thought of the architecture, fused of all the great suffrage movement, a young Persian architecture of the past, but a new gentleman by the name of Ali Moham architecture in which there is nothing med began to speak in the city of as it was in the ancient time, because Shiraz—think of it!—in all the dark here you see, as you wander back and ness of Mohammedan prejudice, to peo forth, how the Byzantine and the Moor ple who declared that there was only ish and the Romanesque have clasped one true religion, that there had never hands with the old classic Greek and been but one prophet of God, and that Roman of the past, and neither one he was Mohammed. And what did Ali could recognize itself in the result that Mohammed say to these people? He has transmuted all, and created, on said to them: “ The world is one. We these wonderful fields along the shore are at the dawn of a new day. In this of the Pacific, forms of beauty which day we are to recognize that there is must suggest to every observer the but one religion; that all the religions glories of the buildings of the future of the world have sprung from the that we are to create. same source; that in this day we shall Let me say to you: Have you not receive a divine revelation that will thought of this? Is not the very cre create a new civilization; that in this ation of this wonderful fair out of the day we are to recognize that woman, heart of the city that only nine years who has been enslaved for centuries, is ago was razed to the ground,—is it not the equal of man; that the women must the most marvelous demonstration of come out of their seclusion; that our the great and new spiritual force that oriental world, which has imprisoned is in the world today, converting and women, has committed a crime'; that transmuting and transforming all the the women of Shiraz and every other physical forms of the universe? I city of the world must walk the streets know of no greater miracle than that unveiled and be endowed with all the this city, which was destroyed, should rights and privileges that the men en in nine years create the most beautiful joy. ” Think of it! Do you wonder spectacle of the- entire world. that they persecuted him? Do you Now let us go back for a moment and wonder that they could not understand remember what our vaunted progress him ? When you follow his astonishing of this modern world means. All the career and consider the Bab’s preach evolution of the past sixty or seventy ing, when you remember his youth, you years, perhaps, finds its beginning in will say to yourself, “How could he the cause we represent here. We pride dare do it?” ourselves on our great new ideas, on Ali Mohammed, the Bab, was but our comprehension of brotherhood, on twenty-five years of age when he com our governmental reform, on our in menced his mission. In those days there sistence upon the equality of men and was no wireless, no telegraphic system, women. And we believe that these are there were no steam cars, and yet in western ideas. We look back to the the short six years of his ministry, his East and say: “ What have you done, movement, his words, went from one sleeping in your dreams of the past? end of Persia to the other, and before Why will you not learn from us ? Take his execution the soil of Persia was our energy and transform yourselves.” drenched with the blood of people who Yet, long ago, in 1844, when there was had accepted his message of progress, no movement of brotherhood in the and been martyred for the truth they world, when there was no suggestion professed. 32 STAR OF THE WEST

While I am talking about progress to take her publicly, on account of the and the equality of men and women I numbers who loved her, into a garden always want to remind people that the in the suburbs of the city where they first martyr to the cause of equal rights would be unobserved, and there they died there in Persia years ago, because murdered her. the greatest feminine disciple of the Some of you know the wonderful Bab was Kurat-ul-Ayn. This wonder story of her martyrdom. The keeper ful and lovely creature, one of the most of the garden had found a man, a distinguished women of Persia in her young Turkish fellow, who was very day, took off her veil, went about teach brutal, whom he believed would do ing publicly, and insisted upon the real anything for twenty dollars. He gave ization of the truth of the Bab’s teach him a gold piece and said: “ You will ing in regard to the equality of women. find a woman in a room upstairs; you After the Bab had been martyred, she are to take this silk handkerchief and still continued her urgent insistence strangle her, and it must be done upon the freeing of women, to such an quietly.” This man ascended the extent that her words fired every heart, stairs, and when he entered the room and the women of Persia began to rise Kurat-ul-Ayn was kneeling in prayer, and clamor for that liberty which they for she well knew that her hour had had been told was their right. Then come. She turned to him and said: some of the learned men of Persia went “ You are too noble a fellow to stain to Kurat-ul-Ayn and said: “ We do not your soul with so black a crime for this wish to martyr you because you are a little bit of money.” He looked at her follower of this absurd Bab; we do not and could not touch her. He ran back wish to martyr you because you belong to the man who had sent him, and to this dangerous movement, for we threw the coin in his face, crying: love you; but we insist that you stop “ Find some one else to do your dirty talking to the women about this ques work; that woman is divine; I cannot tion of equality. You are inciting all touch her.” Then they sent another the women of Persia to revolt. If you man, more brutal, and, because the will simply be silent on that part of victim said nothing this time in protest your teaching, we will let you go.” but yielded herself to his hand, he Do you think she would be silent? choked her with the silk handkerchief. Can’t you imagine how she looked at Her body was thrown into a deserted those men who threatened her and said well on the place, and covered quickly to them: “ Do you suppose that for the with stones, so that no one might dis sake of the little thing you call life, cover the crime which had been com and that I know is not life, I would be mitted. But today, because of the silent upon this important question memory of Kurat-ul-Ayn, not only of which is the foundation of the future the beauty of her face, but the loveli civilization of the world, the true civil ness of her soul and character, pil ization?” So she went on just the grims walk many miles to her grave. same, speaking to both the men and They believe that when they stand by the women who came to hear of the its side they are healed of all their ills; power and significance of this part of but especially, if their eyes have been the Bab’s teaching, that men and blinded or afflicted, they believe that women are equal and must stand equal as they stand near the dust of that in the face of the world. wonderful, clear-seeing woman, all the At last they came to take her secretly trouble disappears from them and they to execution, because they did not dare themselves see clearly once more. STAR OF THE WEST 33

But I must not linger over the beauti not find it right here in the marvelous ful story of this gifted woman. I must teachings and the spiritual counsels of remind you of what followed quickly, the Bahai Movement, as we call it, followed the teaching of Baha’o’llah, which, after listening to the words of who was the successor of the Bab and the Bab and Baha’oTlah, today is listen the great center of truth for the world ing to the words of Abdul-Baha? Sub for so many years, and who died in jectively the heart of humanity has prison in 1892. He said: “ This is the been quickened by these expressions. day of real brotherhood, the day when Do you remember one of the things the shackles must fall away from the said in America just recently by Abdul- world, the day when real brotherhood Baha when he was here in San Fran must be established.” cisco? He said: “ Between 1860 and Do you remember what followed im 1865 you did a wonderful thing; you mediately? Do you think it was an knocked the shackles from chattel accident, that in 1861 the Czar freed slavery ■ but today you must do a much the serfs? That from 1861 to 1865 more wonderful thing: you must de America was in the throes of the great stroy industrial slavery.” Civil War, as a result of which slavery Does not that one word put us here was banished forever from the shores in the center of this great Exposition, of America? Do you think it was an which is the very spirit of progress? I accident that in 1860 began that long am reminded of Abdul-Baha’s words and tremendous struggle, as a result of every time I come on these grounds. which Italy stood freed? The one word You remember at the Scott Street en that went from one end of Italy to the trance the great Fountain of Energy, other, in those years of her trouble, was symbolic of all the activities of the unity, that the unity of Italy must present day, and directly opposite, on be established. And today the unity of the Marina, the Column of Progress, Italy is established. There is no tyranny designed by Hermon MacNeil, the fig in Italy. For the first time in the long ure of the archer shooting across the years since the Roman Empire, Italy Pacific to the shores of the Orient? has raised her head, and she has been What does Abdul-Baha say? “ Today glorified in the liberty which has been the Orient and the Occident must join granted her. And today remember that hands, so that the Occident will give to Persia—tyrannized and tormented Per the Orient its organizing spirit, its sia—has her constitution; even Turkey, business spirit, its power of creating material civilization; and the Orient who perhaps will be wiped from the will give to the Occident in turn the map of Europe presently, has her con spiritual power and riches that enable stitution; China, the last word of the all these things to become facts.” And oldest old regime, has become a re so there is the archer shooting across public ! the Pacific. What is it he symbolizes? When you realize the spirit working Is it not the wonderful wireless that under the surface and manifesting it moves over the universe today, and self in all the wonders of these great that moves not only through the outer results, do you believe that for one mo mechanism of the ether, but through ment the political chicanery of Yuan the more marvelous inner mechanism Shi Kai can keep China from the en of mind to mind, and heart to heart, joyment of her liberty? Never! that is uniting mankind today in spite Where is the secret of all these won of this war? Perhaps you remember ders? Friends, there is always a cause one of Abdul-Baha’s utterances in re for such magnificent results, and do we gard to the war. He said: “ Such 34 STAR OF THE WEST great changes are to arise because of end to the other, you see the marvelous the divine civilization the world must cloisters of Italy, you enter once more found, that it seems almost impossible the heavenly enclosure of Monreale in to break the old condition without a Sicily; you recall the Moorish and great war which will destroy the tra Christian civilization of the eleventh ditional usage. After that war will and twelfth centuries which built such necessarily come the great reorganiza noble cathedrals. Ah! you hear, also, tion and the Most Great Peace.” the irresistible words of St. Francis I wish you would walk, all of you, laughed out to the listening world, say before you leave these lovely grounds, ing, as Abdul-Baha says today: “Be through that marvelous Court of the happy! Above all things be happy, Colonnade before the Art Palace. You and only thus be wise.” As you walk know Mr. Metcalf, the architect of the on, pausing under the dome for that building, intended to erect a beautiful whispering of the muse, which is such

“As you go past the dome to the other end of the colonnade, there begins to whisper in your hearts and ears all the great new voices of the coming dawn.” classic Greco-Roman structure, but a presage of what the world is to do when he began his work it seemed that and what our continent is to make in some wonderful old Aztec ghost got the future, and as you go past the hold of him, and in spite of himself he dome to the other end of the colonnade, did not rear a Roman-Greek palace at there begins to whisper in your hearts a ll! He raised an edifice the like of and ears all the great new voices of which has never been seen before, and the coming dawn, that love of man to he put before it this delightful colon man, and woman to woman, which is nade which has in it the spirit of all an eternal love, which is outside of the the cloisters of the past. You seem to flesh, that love which is so sensitive find there the quiet converse of Plato’s that it will not tolerate the existence academy, Confucius’ whispering, and of pain in the world that may be re the breath of Zoroaster’s teaching. lieved, that love which creates beauty Then, as you walk through it, from one because it is so happy and so glad to (Continued on page thirty-eight) STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the g-ood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds- of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a ’o’l l a h ,

Vol. VI N ur 1, 71 (June 5, 1915) No. 5

The Feast of Rizwan

At the home of M rs. Helen S. Goodall, Oakland, California April 21, 1915, 2 p. m.

HE most charming event of the Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm then took charge Bahai Congress at San Francisco, of the assemblage, as toast master, and T was the Feast of Rizwan, he was very happy in his usual half given in the beautiful Oakland resi facetious and half serious vein, calling dence of Mrs. Goodall. The feast was a upon various people to express the feel noon luncheon which proved a veritable ing of the occasion, and the joy of com banquet. Mrs. Goodall’s home is de radeship which it aroused. lightfully planned for such an enter The first one to speak was Mr. Hall tainment. From a spacious entrance of Minneapolis, who said only a few hall ascends a graceful branching stair words, because, as he explained, we way to the floor above, that is like an were jnst at the beginning of the feast, open court, from which one can look but his words were a genial invitation down upon the floor below. to feast well and remember also the The first floor is so connected by great happiness of the occasion celebrated, sliding doors, that it seems one vast and the delight of lunching together in salon, and here the tables were laid for the beautiful home which Abdul-Baha the banquet. These tables were beauti had made spiritually his own. Mr. fully decorated with flowers, in fact, Hall’s great and characteristic talk was flowers were everywhere in the house. made later, when he took part in the It was evident that the guests had ar evening devoted to explanation of the rived in the land of flowers. economic teachings of the Bahai move When all were seated Mrs. Goodall ment ; then his illuminating suggestions greeted them in a few touching words, as to how we may transform material in which she told how Abdul-Baha had into divine civilization will not be for walked through her rooms, and up and gotten by those who heard them. down the broad stairway repeating, Mr. Hall’s opening address was in with that wonderful smile of his, ‘ ‘ This marked contrast to that of Dr. D’Eve is my house, this is my house! ’ ’ Her lyn which brought the entertainment description brought to every mind the to an end, for Dr. D ’Evelyn spoke vivid recollection of Abdul-Baha’s pres after the spirit of comradeship had ence in America, and seemed to place warmed the assembled guests, and he him bodily among the guests, so natur gave a significant and eloquent de ally every one was happy. We were sur scription of the moment when Abdul- rounded not only by the hospitality of Baha reached San Francisco, and the Mrs. Goodall, hut by the enveloping long suspense of the committee who welcome of Abdul-Baha himself. awaited his belated arrival. Not all 36 STAR OF THE WES T the members of the committee lingered, also made a few remarks, but the ad- as one gathered from Dr. D ’Evelyn’s dresses of women were not a feature words, and it was a moment, he said, of this congress, and in fact one would when military experience was of value, hardly have surmised from scanning when the habit of quiescent waiting the program of the Congress how through long hours for the word of warmly the equality of women is advo- command bore fruit. Those who cated by Bahais everywhere. Perhaps waited were rewarded, for in the the marked absence of women from the weird moments between two and list of speakers will ensure their pres- three in the morning, the white turban ence in the congresses of the future, of Abdul-Baha at last issued from the for certainly the work of the women in

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BAHAI CONGI long exit at the ferry, and his warm the Bahai cause is of supreme import- hand clasp, and the welcome of his eyes ance. eliminated all the weary hours of hope The delightful feature of the feast delayed. was not the brilliance of individual Between these two addresses many speakers, nor Mr. Wilhelm’s gay and good things were said, Mr. Harris gave tactful manner of filling the office of one of his characteristic forcible talks, toastmaster, nor the charm of the en- Mr. Win dust, who was particularly her- vironment provided by Mrs. Goodall’s aided by his friend “Roy”, uttered genuine hospitality, though all these some gentle philosophy, Mr. Hoar were appreciated. It was perhaps sug- talked well as he always does, Mr. gested by the few words spoken by Hannen said many interesting things, “ P a” Goodale. There was a warmth Mrs. True was called for and made a and tenderness in his simple words brief but impressive talk. Mrs. Ford which found a response in every heart. STAR OP THE WEST 37

He, himself, was so moved at one time must spring from a new and more ten his lips trembled and he could only pro der feeling in the heart, which cannot ceed with effort. The vibration- of his endure the existence of suffering in the words, therefore, was far deeper than world, and insists upon the creation of anything expressed in the words them that new justice which is not satisfied selves. unless each country not only makes All who participated in this feast peace with its neighbor but sees to it left it with a new consciousness, a sense that individually its citizens are assured of union, of warmth and gentleness to of happiness and equal opportunity. ward all, a new feeling of the need of Perhaps one might call this spiritu brotherhood in the world, and of what ally a militant peace; it is not quiescent,

LEBRATING THE FEAST OF RIZWAN

real brotherhood is. Is not this what it is not pacific in one sense, because it Abdul-Baha means when he says he insists upon positive action for the es- hopes the Bahais will kindle such a fire tablishment of truth, and upon wide of peace in America that they will es- readjustments, but such a warm, smil- tablish the peace of the world'? Be- ing, militant peace spreads from one cause real and lasting peace is not set- happy heart to another, and ensures tied by mere diplomatic legislation, but the happiness of the world. •—Mary Hanford Ford.

On April 21st the Feast of Rizwan where he had addressed to the lovers was celebrated at the home of Sirs, of truth, wonderful words. These Helen S. Goodall in Oakland. The words were read by Mrs. Ella G. friends gathered in this beautiful Cooper and were the center around spot, where Abdul-Baha had been, which the feast revolved. Mr. Roy C. STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A. Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911. at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3.1879. Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WIND UST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honorary Member: M i r z a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i N e w « Se r v i c e , P , O . B ox 2 8 3 , C h ica g o , 111,, U , S. A . To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to Bahai News Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, U1.,U.S.A. ^ TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West\ h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness. firmness!______(Signed) A bdul-Ba h a A bbas.

V ol. V I______Nur 1, 71 (June 5, 1915) No. 5

Wilhelm presided and through his spir ones that followed we ascended to the itual perceptions and his keenness of holy threshold, and supplicated with a humor assisted the flow of happiness new understanding of the joys and the and rejoicing. The spirit of Abdul- sufferings that come to those who have Baha permeated throughout, becoming been the recipients of the divine bounty stronger and stronger as the feast pro of oneness and brotherhood. So close ceeded. were the ties that bound us in the spirit When at the end, Dr. Frederick W. of Baha’o’llah that though we were in D’Evelyn read a cablegram received America, we were conscious of the spir from Persia telling of the martyrdom itual atmosphere of the beloved friends of a venerable Bahai teacher and of in Persia. The traces of divine unity the danger to the friends there, asking were apparent in every face. us to intercede with our government At the close of the feast a photograph for the protection of the Americans in was taken on the terrace and this will Persia, the consciousness of nearness always be a reminder of the spiritual was so great as to be beyond descrip hospitality that adorned that memor tion. We were submerged in the sea able gathering. of oneness and all barriers were swept away. In the prayer for these needy ■—Harlan F. Ober.

Ceremonies at the Official Reception Given to the International Bahai Congress (Continued from page thirty-four) give, that it cannot tolerate the exist to-be-forgotten occasion to our es ence of the misery of others, and must teemed co-worker, Mr. William H. Ran banish poverty and establish justice on dall, of Boston. this earth! MR. RANDALL: Mr. Chairman, Di THE CHAIRMAN: We can safely rector Britton, members of this com intrust the closing words of this never- mittee, friends: I am glad I was not STAR OF THE WEST 39 asked to speak first, principally be to give to every other nation is not its cause I shall not have to speak very commercialism. It is the wealth of its long, and particularly because the spiritual culturei. Prejudice—religious, words of Director Britton brought a social and racial—has seemed to block great lump in my throat. I am not up the arteries of mankind; it has even going to wait for the end to ex choked the flow of that love and wis press your sentiments and mine in dom which come from the great heart thanking Director Britton and this and the great mind of the great Power committee for the very deep feeling of of all. The Bahai Revelation, in its gratitude we have, that they have effort, is seeking to break down all taken us right into the heart of the these barriers, every barrier of preju ideal of this great Exposition; We en dice, every race hatred, every religious ter that heart bringing to it the pulsa misunderstanding, that through this tions of the love of humanity, and we great organism of humanity may flow, take to its mind the highest vision that from the heart and mind of all, the God has given us. love and the bestowal that the Creator We knew, before we had stepped a has in store for us, if we only lift up single foot in San Francisco, that we our eyes and our hearts to receive the were to enter the very melting pot of gift. the East and the West, where all Baha’o’llah, in the time of darkness, emerge as brothers. “ California wel arising in Persia some fifty or sixty comes the world”—the paean of broth years ago, has returned to the world erhood ! that gift of God whereby man shall be Our hearts were deeply touched by come acquainted with the knowledge of this wonderful reception, and as I God. The gift has always been in the walked through the grounds this possession of the world. Every prophet morning it seemed to me that right out that has come has brought this gift, there Aladdin stood with his wonderful this vision, and it is the very continuity lamp, and just wished that the most of prophetic vision, but the world has marvelous city the world has ever seen not received it. Mankind has gone on should immediately descend into exist in its isolation, although God has never ence, expressing the very epitome of been isolated from man. architectural and scientific beauty. I am not going to make a speech this This city is a city of oneness, because morning. I am just going to give an every nation of the world has contrib illustration. uted to its growth. This city expresses The heart and the core of the Bahai the sacrifice and the love of California Movement is unity. Every kingdom in and San Francisco for humanity, be the world grotvs and thrives and brings cause in the very midst of war and forth its hidden secrets because of the strife it has patiently worked to rear fact that it is under the law of unity. this wonderful City of Peace, that it There are no eight-hour labor days in may be the herald to the whole world the sun. The sun has no night; it just of the peace in the hearts of this na keeps right on shining. And it shines tion, and the example of the bestowals because it loves to shine, and there is of peace. Yes, and even more than no consciousness of effort; and we that, for this city has been reared and never hear a sunbeam come to us with elevated in all its magical beauty of complaint, because every molecule of light upon the shores of the greatest the sun is affinitized with every other ocean, which is named for peace. molecule, and there is expressed there The Golden Gate is the hope of hu such a perfect and absolute unity that manity. T.he gift that every nation has the expression of the whole is a radi- 40 STAR OF THE WEST

anee that is a perfect conflagration, love humanity in which all nations and it pours ont this energy without merge and from which all nations stand effort, and brings creative power to forth? every world that depends upon its cen Every prophet has brought us this ter of unity. And that is just what message. But man has decided that he God is doing to humanity, only we can do better going it alone. He has have not found it out. felt that his own interest was greater If we could only understand unity, than that for which God created him. humanity would he a great flame of But when, we wake up to this world love, just like the sun, and there would wide vision, and enter into this race- be no sickness, no poverty, no effort; deep consciousness, we shall realize we should just be harnessed to the di that the real bestowals are much vine Energy, and our activities would greater than anything that we can be the expression of our joys. Nature learn or conceive of. knows unity. The stone knows it. Are Abdul-Baha, the son of Baha’o’llah, we not better than the stones? And came to California two or three years yet we have isolated ourselves from ago, and in one of the tablets, or let the very principle and from the very ters, in which he spoke of San Fran power that should bring about this ex cisco, he spoke of it as being a city of pression of the unity that would give great freedom. This is the very first to us the joys of life. step toward the emancipation of self, God did not just make this earth and the race and the world. Freedom! stick a few stars around it and then Free from all petty prejudices, free stop working. He has created worlds from all limitations, so that we can within worlds, and mysteries within amalgamate and become a concrete mysteries, and the key to unlock these whole. worlds and these mysteries, which shall Baha’ollah has brought to us this give to us the knowledge of heaven and knowledge of God, this knowledge of earth, is the key of unity. This is the unity, and he has given to us the power Bahai Revelation. And from that cen to express this unity, so that today this tral heart there spreads out in luminous Bahai spirit, in its universal movement, light to the whole world the principles is reaching around the world. In every upon which this unity stands : the one country, and in every city, we find the ness of the world of humanity, the soli little groups actively working for the darity of the human race, the oneness uplift of humanity. The secret of this of all the religions. power is the love of service. The mo God in his singleness created a uni ment we begin to serve we begin to verse of oneness. If we can rise to that enter into that divine power which is vision, if we can stop seeking the cen waiting to mold us all in that image ter of self and turn our eyes to that in which God created us. supreme center which is God, we shall I am going to close with this remark, find that we were all created by God that the Bahai Movement is not a new to be a brotherhood, a race of soli religion, but it is the spirit of all re darity, and not separate races, and ligions, “ a new statement and a new separate colors, and separate nations. demonstration of the power of God Is it greater that we love that nation which is working for the education and which we call our nation, or that we the uplift of humanity.” N THIS DAY every one must be tested, I as the time of the “chosen ones” to prove their worth is indeed very short. The day of attainment is drawing, to a close for them. The “first fruits” must be ripened in spirit, mellowed in love, and consumed by their self-sacrifice and sev erance. None other are acceptable as first fruits, and all who fail to attain to the standard through, the tests are relegated to the “many who are called.”

—ABDUL-BAHA

[The above excerpt is from notes brought by Dr. E. C. Getsinger from Haifa. As the notes were not signed by Abdul-Baha, the responsibility for their correct ness must rest with Dr. Getsinger until the door of communication with Abdul- Baha is again opened and the statements therein confirmed. Inasmuch as they appear of vital importance to all, we publish them in this issue.— The Editors] [See page 45] ABDUL-BAHA AT HOME—HAIFA, MT. CARMEL, SYRL Gateway and walk leading to door of his house; Mt. Carmel in background, with glimpsi

Photograph taken October 7, 1914, by Mr, George Latimer STAR OF THE WEST "We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall com e.” — B a h a ’o ’l l a h .

Vol. VI Rahm at 1, 71 (June 24, 1915) N o. 6

Latest news of Abdul-Baha Cairo, Egypt, May 13, 1915. Mr. Charles Mason Kemey. Dear Bahai Brother— .... You will he glad to hear the latest good news which we have had of Abdul-Baha. Two Persian Bahais—one a resi dent of Cairo and the other of Haifa—managed to get on a steamer at Haifa and were allowed to come to Egypt. They were searched, and could bring no letters nor papers, and that is why Mirza Sohrab could not send by them any mail for America, They tell me that Abdul-Baba is very well and happy; his health is very good, and he laughs much and is in excellent spirits. He is hap pier than at any time since the war began. They have enough to eat as supplies are brought in from the country villages—vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, meat, etc. The holy family and Lua Getsinger have been staying in a village two hours inland from Acca, but now they are all returning to Haifa, as Abdul-Baha considers it safe for them all to remain in their own homes at Haifa. You will all rejoice with us over this favorable news of Abdul-Baha...... Faithfully yours in the name of El-Abha. Elinore Hiscoch. “ The worst enemies of the Cause are in the Cause” Utterances of Abdul-Baha in answer to questions asked by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger during a few brief meetings at Haifa, Syria, January 26 to February 5, 1915, and recorded by Dr. Getsinger at the time.

O OBSTACLE should be placed before any soul which might prevent it from finding the truth. Baha’o’llah revealed his directions, teachings, N and laws, so that souls might know God, and not that any utterance might become an obstacle in their way. Holding to the letter of the law is many times an indication of a desire for leadership. One who assumes to be the enforcer of the law shows an intellectual understanding of the Cause, but that spiritual guidance in them is not yet es tablished. The alphabet of things is for children, that they may in time use their reasoning powers. “ Following the spirit” is a guidance by and through the heart, the prompter of the spirit. The Pharisees were extremely orthodox, hold ing strictly to the law. They were the cause of the condemnation and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus. Several times tablets have been written to some friends regarding a small detail in the work of the Cause, which they might attend to, such as reporting 44 STAR OF THE WEST

about Ezelies, nakazeen, et al., and now we hear that such tablets are used as a proof of their authority over the friends in those régions. Although the books and writings of Abul Fazl are used in many countries as text books, never did he even give a sign that he was an authority on any subject, consequently the gifts of God ever increased upon him, since he bore all honors in humility, until he attained to the supreme nearness. The ones in real authority are known by their humility and self-sacrifice and show no attitude of superiority over the friends. Some time ago a tablet was written stating that none are appointed to any authority to do anything but to serve the Cause as true servants of the friends—■ and for this no tablet is necessary ; such service when true and unselfish, requires no announcement, nor following, nor written document. Let-the servant be known by his deeds, by his life! To be approved of God alone should be one’s aim. When God calls a soul to a high station, it is because that soul has capacity for that station as a gift of God, and because that soul has supplicated to be taken into His service. No envies, jealousies, calumnies, slanders, plots, nor schemes, will ever move God to remove a soul from its intended place, for by the grace of God, such actions on the part of the people are the test of the servant, testing his strength, forbearance, endurance and sincerity under adversity. At the same time those who show forth envies, jealousies, etc., toward a servant, are depriving themselves of their own stations, and not another of his, for they prove by their own acts that they are not only unworthy of being'called to any station awaiting them, but also prove that they cannot withstand the very first test—that of rejoicing over the success of their neighbor, at which God rejoices. Only by such a sincere joy can the gift of God descend unto a pure heart. Envy closes the door of Bounty, and jealousy prevents one from ever attain ing to the Kingdom of Abha. No ! Before God ! No one can deprive another of his rightful station, that can only be lost by one’s unwillingness or failure to do the will of God, or by seeking to use the Cause of God for one’s own gratification or ambition. No one save a severed soul or a sincere heart finds response from God. By assisting in the success of another servant in the Cause does one in reality lay the foundation for one’s own success and aspirations. Ambitions are an abomination before the Lord. How regrettable ! Some even use the affairs of the Cause and its activities as a means of revenge on account of some personal spite, or fancied injury, interfering with the work of another, or seeking its failure. Such only destroy their own success, did they know the truth.

Abdul-Baha is the interpreter of the aims, intents, and purposes of the Words of the Blessed Perfection (Baha’oTlah) and is the interpreter of his own written words, and none can say that this or that is the intention conveyed therein, save Abdul-Baha. The spirit of unity exists in the Divine Words, and one who interprets them in such wise as to create a division and discord is indeed one who errs. Were not the Revelation of Baha’o’llah one adaptable to the entire world and its diverse nations, it could not be a unique and universal Revelation, but its elasticity adapts itself to all conditions, and its spirit is one that moulds itself into every vehicle and need for the accomplishment of the divine plan of unity. STAR OF THE WEST 45

But when some follow merely the hard and fixed letter of the law, they deprive it (the Revelation) of its elastic quality—the spirit—and endeavor to convert it into a hard instrument of inflexible qualities.

In this day every one must be tested, as the time of the “ chosen ones” to prove their worth is indeed very short. The day of attainment is drawing to a close for them. The “ first fruits” must be ripened in spirit, mellowed in love, and consumed by their self-sacrifice and severance. None other are acceptable as first fruits, and all who fail to attain to the standard through the tests, are relegated to the “many who are called.” The more one is severed from the world, from desires, from human affairs, and conditions, the more impervious does one become to the tests of God. Tests are a means by which a soul is measured as to its fitness, and proven out by its own acts. God knows its fitness beforehand, and also its unpreparedness, but man, with an ego, would not believe himself unfit unless proof were given him. Consequently his susceptibility to evil is proven to him when he falls into the tests, and the tests are continued until the soul realizes its own unfitness, then remorse and regret tend to root out the weakness. The same test comes again in greater degree, until it is shown that a former weakness has become a strength, and the power to overcome evil has been established.

Blessed are they who are the means of making unity among the friends, and pity on those who in the right or wrong are the cause of discord. For instance: When one is in the right in a case in dispute, and his minority prevents him from establishing this rightful matter, instead of agitating the subject, if he will humbly submit to sacrifice his position for the sake of unity and peace, God will accept that sacrifice and ere long the rightful matter will be established without any further dispute, by the Divine assistance; whereas without such sacrifice and submissiveness great harm might ensue. The friends must be prepared to efface themselves at all times. Seeking the approval of men is many times the cause of imperiling the approval of God.

The worst enemies of the Cause are in the Cause and mention the Name of God. We need not fear the enemies on the outside for such can be easily dealt with. But the enemies who call themselves friends and who persistently violate every fundamental law of love and unity, are difficult to be dealt with in this day, for the mercy of God is still great. But ere long this merciful door will be closed and such enemies will be attacked with a madness.

It has been a long time since letters have been received from the friends. Everything is first read by the censor, and all tablets likewise submitted to him, and as my mail alone would keep him very busy, we make no effort to trouble him. Tell Ahmad Yazdi not to send any more mail to me under any circum stances.

Indeed, I contemplate no journey, for who would look alter the poor should I leave here to travel to America or elsewhere?

If you knew what great things would happen to the Cause after my depar ture, you would pray every day and night for my release and demise. STAR OF TH E W EST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAH A I N EW S SER V IC E, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U. S. A. ______Entered a» »econd-class matter April 9 , 1911, at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879..______Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honorary M ember: M1RZA AHMAD SOHRAB______T e r m s : $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BA HA I N EW S SERV ICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S, A. ______T o personal checks pleaie add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, III., U. S. A. „ , , „ TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the JVesti h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happyl Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shall become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy forzn is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the^ leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed) A bdul-B a h a A bbas. Vol. VI Rahmat 1, 71 (June 24, 1915) N o . 6

“The holy spirit in America is confirming the dear friends”

L e t t e r f r o m M r . G e o r g e L a t i m e r . Portland, Oregon, July 9, 1915. straining my ears toward the east and To the Star op the West-.* toward the west, toward the north and A little over a year ago Abdul-Baha toward the south, perchance I might uttered the following words: hear the songs of love and good-fellow “ 0 how I long to see the believers ship raised from the meetings of the shouldering the responsibilities of the believers. My days are numbered, and Cause! This is the time of the procla save this there is no joy left for me. mation of the Kingdom of Abha! This . I am waiting, I am patiently is the hour of union and accord! This is waiting. ’ ’ the day of the spiritual harmony of the In this present time of extreme crisis, friends of God! All the resources of when Abdul-Baha is cut off from the my physical strength are exhausted and rest of the world, he again voices this the spirit of my life is the news of the longing of his heart. In a letter just unity of the people of Baha. I am received from Beirut, dated May 9, 1915, Mirza Aziz’o’llah Bahadus of the Ameri can University, who spent four days of *Extract from letter written by Mr. Lati mer: “Dear brother Windust: I have just his Easter vacation with Abdul-Baha in received the enclosed message from Abdul- Acca, writes that just before his depar Baha through our Persian brother Aziz’o’llah and, in view of the condition existing in cer ture Abdul-Baha said to him: “On tain centers, am sending it on to you. These your return, write to the beloved friends words ought to make the friends realize that everywhere and give them my heartiest now is the time to take on the mantle of unity and harmony which Abdul-Baha has love. Tell them that my health is very given us and to cast off the old disintegrating good. The climate here suits it, but if robe of personal differences. . “Yours in the Covenant, (providing) they (the violators) do not “George Latimer.” interrupt me. Tell the friends that STAR OF THE WEST 47 whenever I receive news that they are in states: “Abdul-Baha is exceedingly harmony so that their hearts are over pleased with the beloved souls in flowing with love for one another, that America. They are often the object of they are a comfort to one another, and his commendation. Abdul-Baha says: that they have devoted their time to ‘Though I am here, the holy spirit in serving mankind without any exception, America is confirming the dear friends, then my health improves more and more. the children of the kingdom. They are So my health depends upon their con blessed in every respect. My soul is with duct. I am really much pleased with them.’ ” them. I pray that they may become It is indeed apparent what is required more and more confirmed by the heavenly of us and that now is the time to fulfill hosts. ’ ’ these expectations of Abdul-Baha. May In another letter, dated May 25th, of these words of his bring to us a re this year, he writes that Dr. Habib’o’- doubled zeal and energy and enable us llahf passed through Beirut, with Abdul- to establish the kingdom of love, unity Baha’s permission, to go to Persia and and peace in the hearts of mankind convey the glad-tidings of his health. He today. In the spirit of the Covenant, fDr. Habib’o’llah was in Germany last George Latimer. summer, as was Mirza Aziz’o’llali Bahadus.

“The example of America must be a special example”

Address by Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, before four thousand newly admitted citizens, at Philadelphia, May 10, 1915.

T warms my heart that you should You have just taken an oath of al give me such a reception; but it is legiance to the United States. Of al I not of myself that I wish to think legiance to whom! Of allegiance to no tonight, but of those who have just be one, unless it be to God. Certainly not come citizens of the United States. This of allegiance to those who temporarily is the only country in the world which represent this great government. experiences this constant and repeated You have taken an oath of allegiance rebirth. This country is constantly to a great ideal, to a great body of prin drinking strength out of new sources by ciples, to a great hope of the human the voluntary association with it of g'reat race. You have said, “ We are going to bodies of strong men and forward look America not only to earn a living, not ing women. only to seek the things which it was And so by the gift of the free will more difficult to obtain where we were of independent people it is constantly born but to help forward the great en being renewed from generation to gen terprises of the human spirit”—to let eration by the same process by which men know that everywhere in the world it was originally created. It is as if hu there are men who will cross strange manity had determined to see to it that oceans and go where a speech is spoken this great nation, founded for the bene which is alien to them, knowing that fit of humanity, should not lack for the whatever the speech, there is but one allegiance of the people of the world. longing and utterance of the (human 48 STAR OF THE WEST heart, and that is for liberty and jus fore, to get rid of things that divide, tice. and to make sure of the things that unite. And while you bring all countries It was but an historical accident, no with you, you come with a purpose of doubt, that this great country was called leaving all other countries behind you— “ The United States,” and yet I am bringing what is best of their spirit, but thankful that it has the word “ United” not looking over your shoulders and in its title; and the man who seeks to seeking to perpetuate what you intended divide, man from man, group from to leave in them. group, interest from interest in the I certainly would not be one even to United States, is striking at its heart. suggest that a man cease to love the It is an interesting circumstance to home of his birth and the nation of his me in thinking of those of you who have origin—these things are sacred and just sworn allegiance to this great gov ought not to be put out of our hearts— ernment that you were drawn across the but it is one thing to love the place ocean by some beckoning finger of hope, where you were born and it is another by some belief, by some vision of a new thing to dedicate yourself to the place kind of justice, by some expectation of a to which you go. better kind of life. You cannot dedicate yourself to No doubt you have been disappoint America unless you become in every re ed in some of us. Some of us are disap spect and with every purpose of your pointing. No doubt you have found that will thorough Americans. You cannot justice in the United States goes only become thorough Americans if you think with a pure heart and a right purpose as of yourselves in groups. America does it does everywhere else in the world. No not consist of groups. A man who thinks doubt what you found here did not seem of himself as belonging to a particular touched for you, after all, with the com national group in America has not yet plete beauty of the ideal which you had become an American; and the man who conceived beforehand. goes among you to trade upon your na tionality is no worthy son to live under But remember this, if you had the stars and stripes. grown at all poor in the ideal, you My urgent advice to you would be brought some of it with you. A man not only always to think first of Amer does not go out to seek the thing that is ica, but always also to think first of hu not in him. A man does not hope for manity. You do not love humanity if the thing that he does not believe in you seek to divide humanity into jealous and if some of us have forgotten what camps. Humanity can be welded to America believed in, you, at any rate, im gether only by love, by sympathy, by ported in your own hearts a renewal of justice, not by jealousy and hatred. the belief. 1 am sorry for the man who seeks to I was born in America. You make personal capital out of the passions dreamed dreams of what America was of his fellow men. He has lost the touch to be, and I hope you brought the and ideal of America, for America was dreams with you. ¡No man that does not created to unite mankind by those pas see visions will ever realize any high hope sions which lift and not by the passions or undertake any high enterprise. Just which separate and debase. because you brought dreams with you, We came to America, either our America is more likely to realize the selves or in persons of our ancestors, to dreams such as you brought. You are better the ideals of men, to make them enriching us if you came expecting us see finer things than they had seen be to be better than we are. STAR OF THE WEST 49

See, my friends, what that means; has to work only with his hands and not it means that Americans must have a with his head. consciousness different from the con It is easy to do what other people sciousness of every other nation in the give you to do, but it is difficult to give world. I am not saying this with even other people things to do. We cannot the slightest thought of criticism of exempt you from work; we cannot ex other nations. empt you from the strife and the heart You know how it is with a family. breaking burden of the struggle of the A family gets centered on itself if it is day—that is common to mankind every not careful and is less interested in the where. We cannot exempt you from the neighbors than it is in its own members. loads that you must carry—we can only So a nation that is not constantly re make them light by the spirit in which newed out of new sources is apt to have they are carried. the narrowness and prejudice of a fam That is the spirit of hope, it is the ily, whereas America must have this con spirit of liberty, it is the spirit of jus sciousness, that on all sides it touches tice. elbows and touches hearts with all the When I was asked, therefore, by the nations of mankind. mayor and the committee that accom panied him to come up from Washing The example of America must be a ton to meet this great company of newly special example. The example of Amer admitted citizens I could not' decline the ica must be the example not merely of invitation. peace because it will not fight, but of I ought not to be away from Wash peace because peace is the healing and ington, and yet I feel that it has renewed elevating influence of the world and my spirit as an American. In Washing strife is not. There is su.ch a thing as ton men tell you so many things every a man being too proud to fight. There day that are not so, and I like to come is such a thing as a nation being so right and stand in the presence of a great that it does not need to convince others body of my fellow citizens, whether they by force that it is right. have been my fellow citizens a long time So if you come into this great nation or a short time, and drink, as it were, out as you have come, voluntarily seeking of the common fountain with them and something that we have to give, all that go back feeling that you have so gener we have to give is this: We cannot ex ously given me the sense of your sup empt you from work. No man is ex port and of the living vitality in your empt from work anywhere in the world. hearts, of its great ideals which made I sometimes think he is fortunate if he America the hope of the world.

CORRECTIONS

In No. 19 issue, Yol. Y. Star of the West, on page 298, regarding the departure of Prof. Cheney, it is erroneously stated that he died in London. His death took place in Oxford. In the address delivered by Mary Hanford Ford, which appeared on pages 33 and 34 of this Yolume of the Star of the West, the architect of the Palace of Fine Arts is a Mr. Maybeck, not the name mentioned; and the Column of Progress is on the Esplanade, not the Marnia. •—The Editors. AGA SHEIKH ALY AKBAR GOOCHANI Martyred April, 1915 STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the grood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a e a ’o’l l a h .

Vol. VI Kalamat 1, 71 (July 13, 1915) No. 7

Bahai Martyrdoms in Persia Extracts from letters from Dr. Susan I. Moody and Dr. Arastoo, Teheran, Persia.

GA SHEIKH ALT AKBAR His martyrdom is foretold by the be GOOCHANI, a noted Bahai loved Abdul-Baha in the table;t of which A teacher, was murdered in Meshed I am enclosing both Persian and English last April. The assassin shot him in copies. Persistent effort is being made the back and the body lay where it fell to bring the murderer to justice. in the bazaars for some days. The ani —Susan Z. Moody. mosity against the Bahais had reached the point where none dared to move it for fear of a general slaughter. A photo . . . The wife of Aga Sheikh Ali Akbar, graph of fifty Bahais was posted in the the martyr, had three or four children, bazaars and they were boycotted in all and she herself was very learned. Con the shops. sider how much the enemies have added A few days ago news reached Teheran to their oppression and tyranny toward from Goochan that the wife of the the Bahais. All the Bahais are scattered martyr has died in childbed; the child from Khorassan and are distressed and also died. No midwife would attend wandering. . . . Also from Zovareh, her, nor would a Mussulman prepare the which is a city near Esphahan, a great bodies for burial. It was forbidden to number of the Bahais have come to bring them to the graveyard, so the Teheran after all their property had been grandmother washed the bodies and had taken...... them buried in their own garden. We have no remedy save to be patient The original of the photograph sent and pray on behalf of the oppressors. herewith was given me by Sheikh Aly May God awaken them! Akbar while he was sojourning in Te —Dr. Aristoo, through Mirza heran three years ago. Lotfiillah, London, England.

Tablet Revealed foe Sheikh Aly Akbar Upon him be Baha’o’llah-el-Abha!

0 thou -firm, one in the Covenant! path of God it is in reality a favor and Thy letter addressed to his honor will have great results. Mirza Hayder Aly was noted and from Since this is so, it is better that with its contents regret was experienced be the utmost cheerfulness and happiness cause our intention was to prepare the you bid farewell to the friends (saying) : means of tranquillity; now it has pro I am going on a journey to teach that duced difficulties and you are greatly perchance I may he confirmed in servi troubled; but as these troubles are in the tude and perhaps the cup of martyrdom 52 STAK OF THE WEST may overflow. As in this region the giv that you may attain to a great and dis ing up of life is not attainable, therefore tinguished service on this journey. From it is necessary to hasten to other parts. Isfahan you may hasten to Abadeh and Then go to Ishkabad and a letter will Shiraz and from there to the shores of be written to Hazrati Afnan to prepare the Persian gulf and the journey may he the necessities of the journey to send you ended at the blessed tomb. to Isfahan because in Isfahan the people Upon thee he BahaVUah-el-Abha! are crying aloud for teachers and I hope (Signed) A bpttl-B atta A bbas. Translated by M. Vali’o’llah Khan Vargha, May 28, 1915, Teheran Brief history of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America By Mes. Cobinne Teue. “ 0 Concourse of Creation! 0 People of God! Construct homes or houses, in the most beautiful fashion possible, in every city, in every land, in the Name of the Lord of religions. Adorn them with that which beseemeth them, not with pictures or paintings. Then commemorate thy Lord, the Merciful the Clement, in spirit and fragrance. Verily, by His mention, by this commemora tion, the breasts shall be dilated, the eyes illumined, the hearts gladdened; and thus shall you pray the orient of praises, in the Mashrak-el-Azkar.” —From the Kiktab-el-Akdas, by BahaVllah. AVING heard enthusiastic reports it proved good (that) even when in a of the building of the first Mash village a house was called the Mashrak- H rak-el-Azkar in Ishkabad, Russia, el-Azkar, it possessed a different effect. the members of the spiritual committee* How much more its building and organi of the Chicago Assembly were inspired to zation.” Furthermore, he says, “ The supplicate to the Center of the Covenant, Mashrak-el-Azkar is the most important AbduhBaha, to grant permission for the matter and the greatest divine institute. second Mashrak-el-Azkar to be built in Consider how the first institute of his America. holiness Moses, after his exodus from On June 7, 1903, a tablet was revealed Egypt was the ‘Tent of Martyrdom’ in Acca by Abdul-Baha saying, “Now which he raised and which was the trav the day has arrived in which the edifice elling temple. It was a tent which they of God, the divine sanctuary, the spirit pitched in the desert wherever they ual temple, shall be erected in America.7 ’ abode, and worshipped in it. Likewise, The following words from the pen of after his holiness Christ—May the spirit Abdul-Baha clearly indicate .the erection of the world be a sacrifice to him—the of a material building: ‘ ‘ The Mashrak- first institute by the disciples was a el-Azkar, though outwardly a material temple. They planned a church in every foundation, is possessed of spiritual country. Consider the Gospel (i. e., read effect and causes the union of hearts it), and the importance of the Mashrak- and the gathering of souls. . . . el-Azkar will become evident. I hope Praise be to God! The erection of the that all the beloved of God, collectively, Mashrak-el-Azkar has a great effect in on the continent of America, men and all grades (or states). It was tested in women, will strive night and day until the east and so evidently and plainly was the Mashrak-el-Azkar is erected in the utmost solidity and beauty. ’ ’ ♦Better known as the “House of Spirit uality.”— T h e E d ito rs. And again: “ Today, the establish- STAR OF THE WEST 53 ment of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is of para- This important point was made clear mount importance, but hereafter it shall to a pilgrim visiting him, namely, that not be so. This is the beginning of or ‘ ‘ The organization of worshipping places ganization ; it is like unto the first church is not simply for drawing near to God, founded in Christianity; it is an expres but it is to concentrate the word or sion of the elevation of the Word of spirit of God and cause the power of God.” unity and oneness among the people.” While in London, on his first Euro Regarding the locating of this edifice pean trip, Abdul-Baha told Mr. Charles of God, Abdul-Baha wrote to the friends Mason Remey that “ its building is the of New York City: “ Concerning the most important -of all things. This is erection of the temple; now all the be the spiritual foundation, for that reason lievers must become united, so that the it is the most important of all founda temple may be built soon in one place. tions ; from that spiritual foundation will For should the believers undertake (the come forth all manner of advancement erection of the temple) in many places, and progress in the world of humanity. it will not become completed anywhere; Therefore, how great is its importance.” and, as in Chicago they have preceded To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. every other place to plan the erec Ella G. Cooper, Abdul-Baha said: “ To tion of the temple, undoubtedly to have it built is most important. Some co-operate and help them is nobler and a material things have spiritual effect, and necessity. Then when it is built in one the Mashrak-el-Azkar is a material thing place it will become erected in many that will have great effect upon the spir other places. God willing in all the its of the people. Not only does the states of America, in the future, there building of the Mashrak-el-Azkar have will be erected temples, with infinite an effect upon those who build it, but architectural beauty and art, with pleas upon the whole world.” “ In the Mash ing proportions and handsome and at rak-el-Azkar, services will be held every tractive appearances, especially in New morning and the words of Baha’o’llah York.” only are to be read.” Also to Dr. Edward Getsinger, Abdul- While in Ramleh, Egypt, Abdul-Baha Baha wrote: “ Regarding the building of assured Mr. Percy Woodcock that “ The the temple in Chicago, both of you (Dr. most important thing in this day is the and Mrs. Getsinger) display the utmost speedy erection of the edifice. Its mys effort in encouraging and inspiring the tery is great and cannot be unveiled as believers and the maid-servants of God, yet. In the future it will be made so that they may assist in the matter with plain.” generosity, and thus soon this temple During the sojourn of Mr. and Mrs. will be: erected. This matter is of great Charles Haney in the prison home of importance. ” (“ Utmost importance ’5 in Abdul-Baha, he said: ‘ ‘ When the Mash Abdul-Baha’s own handwriting.) rak-el-Azkar, with its accessories, is es When M. Eshte ’al-Ebn Kalanter wrote tablished in the world, aside from its re regarding a Mashrak-el-Azkar on Monsal- ligious or spiritual influence, it will have vat (Green Acre, Maine,) Abdul-Baha a tremendous effect upon civilization. replied: ‘ ‘ Concerning the building of a Aside’ from the religionists, who will feel Mashrak-el-Azkar on Monsalvat: It is its influence, materialists will not be ex certain that before long this shall be empt therefrom. Moreover, it contains built; and this is an ordained (or fixed) divine wisdoms, spiritual effects upon the matter; but in Chicago it is two or three intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to years since a number of people are mak its erection these will become evident. ’ ’ ing efforts. Now while the building of (Continued on page fifty-five) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WIND UST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M ir z a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to Ba h a i News Ser v ic e , P, O. Box 283, Chicago, 111,, U, S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to B a h a i N e w s S e r v i c e , P. O. B ox 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A. TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou S t a r of th e W e s t I h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form< is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the 1 eaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea:; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon fir m n e s s , firmness, firmness! (S i g n e d ) A bdiil-Ba h a A bbas. V o l. V I Kalamat 1, 71 (July 13, 1915) N o . 7 Persian-American Educational Society HE WORK of the Persian-Ameri sixth grade certificates from the univer can Educational Society continues sity. In all forty-three boys passed. T as heretofore, and through the “ From the Girls’ Tarbiet, twelve girls courtesy of M. Eshte’al-Ebn Kalanter, received the same certificate. We are the private banking facilities of the Per very proud of them, as they have had so sian Legation have been made available few years of preparation. for the transfer of funds to Teheran. In “ We are also examining in my home, this way recent drafts have been safely all the advanced girls who have com transmitted, and another remittance is pleted the first and second courses in being made up to be forwarded as soon their study of the Revelation. We take as the funds shall have been assembled. them in small groups by request of the Dr. Susan I. Moody writes from Te Spiritual Assembly. They are given heran, telling of a plan to create a build simple gifts, as a remembrance—a pen ing fund by setting aside any margin holder; a ticket bearing their name and which may accrue after deducting from stamped by the Mahfil Dars Aklagh; the scholarship fund of $18.00 per an once we added a printed telegram from num, the actual expenses of tuition, Abdul-Baha; another time one of Mr. books, etc. To this will be added such Remey’s illuminated cards; again, a special amounts as the American friends photographic copy of a holy tablet. may contribute from time to time. Of Miss Kappes loans out a beautiful gold course, as heretofore, those who send medal sent by Miss Holmes, which is money for clothing for their proteges worn by each graduate in turn during may be assured of its being applied in one session of class. We serve sherbet that direction. The following quotation and tea, the pupils chant prayers and from Dr. Moody’s letter may be of gen poems from memory and the atmosphere eral interest: is just what one desires, nearness to “ Yon might make known the fact of each other and to the Beloved. building fund, and others may wish to “ Dr. Clock and Miss Kappes are in subscribe various sums. This year nine terested in establishing centers to teach of the American boy pupils received married women to read and write, and STAR OF THE WEST 55 working in the advanced girl students as for service in a most effective manner, teachers. ’ ’ and it is hoped that the work of the The friends and patrons of the so society may be continued1 uninter ciety will realize herein opportunities ruptedly, and its influence increased. Joseph H. Hannén, Exec. Sec’y. Brief History of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America (Continued from page fifty-three) this temple is not yet started or engaged and grow. In past times they could not in, if there be the founding of a second build it so outwardly. This building will temple undertaken, neither of the two be the cause of unity and prosperity of would be accomplished, and this failure the Cause. The unity comes ; from every would weaken the Cause.” part the believers will assist. This is a Mr. Mountfort Mills received a tablet heavenly society and also it will be the from Abdul-Baha saying: “ The Mash- cause of strength. The believers will get rak-el-Azkar of Chicago is of the greatest blessings and bounties. It cannot be com importance. This is a Bahai temple, a pared with the church of the old time. supreme house of worship, a place of You have only to begin, everything will spiritual gathering and of the manifesta be all right.” tion of divine mysteries. The friends of When this message was brought back God must endeavor with all their hearts to America a new activity in the Mash and souls that this structure may be rak-el-Azkar resulted throughout the raised and completed.” country and contributions from various The Center of the Covenant has writ assemblies and individuals were received. ten: “ One must first grasp those affairs A convention was called for November which will make growth (in the Cause) 26,1907, to be held in Chicago. This was and also be in time and season.” the first Mashrak-el-Azkar convention, From the foregoing quotations it is regarding which Abdul-Baha wrote to manifest that the Mashrak-el-Azkar is Mr. Charles Sprague: ! ‘ Thou hast writ founded on the “ Rock of Ages,” the ten concerning the organization of a eternal Word of God, as to its object, council for the building of the Mashrak- location and appropriate time for its el-Azkar. This news brought much spirit erection. and fragrance, for the nine delegates sent A brief sketch of the work accom by the various assemblies gathered in plished may prove interesting: that meeting and consulted concerning In the spring of 1907 while Messrs. the building of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. ’ ’ Chase, Agnew and Scheffler were in the Several possible tracts of land on both prison home of Abdul-Baha, he said to the south and north sides of the city had them: “ Concerning the temple, the been investigated, as Abdul-Baha had said Mashrak-el-Azkar, it is a very important to a pilgrim that it must be near the lake. matter, the most important thing now in The morning of the day of November 26, America is the building of the temple. 1907, the delegates visited the south side You and your friends must endeavor in tract, noting carefully the surroundings, this matter. This building will be the returning to the home of Mrs. Grace cause of the confirmation of the believers. Foster for a sumptuous (Thanksgiving It has a great effect because it is the be day) feast, prepared in the name of ginning of the foundation. After cen the Center of the Covenant by the Chi turies it is not so important as it is now, cago maid-servants. It was at first but now it is very important. At first feared that such a feast of good things they build the temple and worship in it had incapacitated1 the delegates to visit 56 STAR OF THE WEST

the north shore tract in the afternoon power and authority to provide ways and but it made them stronger for the trip, means for the erection of the Mashrak- both spiritually and physically. That el-Azkar. A constitution was presented evening a spirited meeting was held over and adopted and the first executive board the location and it was unanimously of Bahai Temple Unity was elected and voted that the north shore tract was authorized by the convention to close and most desirable. Miss Gertrude Buikema complete the purchase of the land, recom took the minutes of this meeting. Upon mended by the first convention, 1907, of closer investigation the north shore tract which two lots had been bought and paid (now the site of the Mashrak-el-Azkar) for, with an option secured on the re was found to consist of fourteen lots. maining twelve lots. Immediately after The spiritual meeting of the Chicago the close of the convention the newly Assembly, after bringing the matter be appointed executive board went -into fore the assembly for approval, took session, selecting its officers in ac title to two of the lots in the name of the cordance with the constitution. The treasurer of the assembly, Mr. Carl treasurer of the Chicago Assembly, Mr. Scheffler, and arose to obey the Center Scheffler, in whose name the title to the of the Covenant when he said, “ You have two lots was held, turned over to the only to begin, everything will be all Bahai Temple Unity all official docu right. ’ ’ The sum of $2,000 was paid for ments and all monies held by him for the those two lots on April 9, 1908. Mashrak-el-Azkar, as follows: On June 19, 1908, a tablet was re Monies on hand...... $3,666.44 vealed by Abdul-Baha and translated by Land values...... 2,000.00 his daughter Moneveh Khanum, in which Total ...... $5,666.44 he wrote, “ Ask every spiritual meeting in the other cities that they will each se When the two lots had been purchased, lect one and send him, and from these Mr. C. E. Brush, one of Chicago’s archi selected ones and with those who are se tects, kindly made a plat of the tract and lected from the Chicago meetings, estab its surroundings, which was sent to Ab lish a new meeting for the provision of dul-Baha. A beautiful tablet flowed from the needs of the temple. If this be es his pen, “ To the friends and maid-serv tablished with perfect fragrance and joy, ants, ’ ’ saying that on the anniversary of it will produce great results. In this new the declaration of his holiness the Su meeting, especially for the establishment preme, the Bab, the map of the Mashrak- of the temple, women are also to be el-Azkar had been presented, that ‘ ‘ great members. ’ ’ joy was obtained thereby and with the In compliance with these instruc greatest care it was considered;” that tions from Abdul-Baha, the House of “ it is indeed a delightful spot worthy Spirituality of the Chicago Assembly of this edifice and building.” (Date of called the second* Mashrak-el-Azkar con this Tablet, July 4, 1908). vention for March 22 and 23, 1909, the The members of the Executive Board proceedings of which were accurately re of Bahai Temple Unity appointed Messrs. corded by Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mills, Hall and Jacobsen, a committee to Mr. Charles Ioas, duly elected to act as attend to the land negotiations, and an secretaries, and afterwards printed1. Thus offer of $32,500 fo^j the remaining twelve the tiny mustard seed of nine delegates lots was made and accepted with a con grew in the two intervening years to four tract providing for the payment of times nine. The Bahai Temple Unity re $5,000 every six months, with interest, sulted, as an organization, with full commencing July 1, 1909. A religious corporation was effected under the laws ♦More often referred to as the first con vention because it was the first general gath of Illinois in the name “ Bahai Temple ering of Bahais in convention.— Th e E d ito rs. Unity, ’ ’ and the title to the land secured. STAR OP THE WEST 57

The third Maslirak-el- Azkar converi- “ Praise be to God, that the New York vention convened1 in Chicago, April 25 believers became confirmed in the ac and 26, 1910. Report of the work done complishment of a great service and during the year was given by the secre held in that city the consultation con tary, Mr. Jacobsen, and the financial vention for the erection of the Mashrak- secretary’s report showed contributions el-Azkar. They displayed the utmost of for the fiscal year: effort until that convention was inaugur Prom the Orient...... $7,092.85 ated with infinite perfection. They ex Prom America and Europe.... 7,638.66 ercised the greatest of love and kindness Turned over by Mr. Scheffler.. 5,666.44 towards all the delegates who had come from, the different states. They united Total ...... $20,397.95 and entertained the delegates in their ($2,000 of this being land) homes. With perfect affection they Contributions had come from India, spread before them the banquet of hos Persia, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Russia, pitality. Every one became grateful Egypt, Germany, Prance, England, Can and happy. This event will adorn an ada, Mexico, Hawaiian Islands, and a lit important and blessed page in the Bahai tle island far out in the Indian Ocean, history. ’ ’ Mauretius. Besides from sixty different At this convention the commemora American cities. The words of the Cen tion of the ninth day of every month as ter of the Covenant had literally been Mashrak-el-Azkar day was proposed and fulfilled: “ You have only to begin— afterward confirmed by Abdul-Baha and everything will be all right. ’ ’ has proved a very great impetus to the The fourth Mashrak-el-Azkar conven Mashrak-el-Azkar work. The friends of tion was held in Chicago, May 1 and 2, other countries join with us in observing 1911. A command having come from the day; very beautiful are the letters Acca to hold the convention during the from our four American sisters in Te Rizwan days. During the fiscal year heran telling of their holding this ninth April 23, 1910, to April 29, 1911, the day with us. total contributions were: The first contribution for the fiscal year April 30, 1912, to April 19, 1913, The Orient and Europe...... $ 1,190.83 was a gift from the Center of the Cov America ...... 9,210.76 enant at the closing session of the pre Total ...... $10,401.59 vious convention in Chicago. Also this year marked the completion of the pay The fifth convention in Chicago, April ment on the site dedicated by Abdul- 29 to May 1, 1912, will eternally wear Baha and an indebtedness of $9,000 on the glorious crown of. bestowal because the Lake Shore tract remained only, its of the presence of the Center of the entire liquidation being urged before the Covenant and his dedication of the expiration of 1913. The contributions Mashrak-el-Azkar grounds May 1, 1912. for the year having been $14,206.42. During this fiscal year the lake shore Another year soon rolled around and tract of 293 feet frontage had been con Chicago was again blest with a Mashrak- tracted for and payment made on it, el-Azkar convention, which was the sev the purchase price being $17,000. The enth convention. It also marked the contributions for the year having been fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of $7,292.45. Baha’o’llah. The sixth convention was entertained At the close of the year 1913 the money by the friends of New York City, April came literally rolling in for the cancel 28 and 29, 1913. Regarding this won lation of all land debts and a cablegram derful convention Abdul-Baha wrote Mr. was sent to Abdul-Baha announcing that Wilhelm, saying: the Bahai Temple Unity had completed 58 STAR OP THE WEST its land obligations. Thus the new year, April 27 to May 1...... $ 258.00 1914, dawned free of any clouds for the May...... 388.60 Mashrak-el-Azbar work so that the build June...... 351.09 ing fund might be started. The financial July...... 483.31 secretary reported contributions for the August...... 344.22 year $13,503.79 and the Unity entirely September...... 1,533.88 out of debt with land holdings for which October ...... 557.99 $51,500 had been paid and which was November...... 519.50 worth almost double the price paid. Com December...... 614.66 plete unity and harmony marked the January...... 768.72 sessions of this seventh convention. February...... 247.10 And now the eighth Mashrak-el-Azbar M arch...... 278.76 convention and first Bahai congress has April 1 to April 18...... 251.82 convened in San Francisco. Thus our Total, to April 18, 1915...... $6,597.65 conventions held in the United States Total receipts of subscriptions from of America have travelled from coast to August, 1907, to April, 1915 : coast. First Convention...... $ 5,666.44 Almost immediately after the second Second Convention .. j ...... 14,731.'51 convention, when the Bahai Temple Third Convention ...... 10,401.59 Unity resulted, the president of the first Fourth Convention ...... 7,292.45 Executive Board, Mr. Mountford Mills, Fifth Convention...... 14,206.42 of New York City, visited the Center of Sixth Convention ...... 13,503.79 the Covenant who was still a prisoner Seventh Convention ...... 6,597.65 of the Turkish Government, though lib erated in July of that same year, 1908. Grand Total...... $72,399.85 Mr. Mills wrote: “ At the temple con Of the above amount $11,158.75 was vention, he seemed most pleased and sat from countries other than United States, isfied and assured us that the future as follows: would see many more, constantly in England—St. Ives, Cornwall; Spring- creasing in numbers, attending and field, Broadway; Manchester; London; bringing together representatives from Sussex, Brighton; Warwicke; Clifton, all parts of the world. He said that these Bristol. Ireland—Warrington, County gatherings would be to the spiritual body Down. France—Paris; Dinan, Brittany. of the world what the inrush of the Germany—Berlin; Stuttgart; Esslingen; spirit is to the physical body of man, Zuffenhausen. Italy—Sienna; Ravenna, quickening it to its utmost parts and in Erba. European Turkey—Constantino fusing a new light and power.” ple. Palestine—Acca; Haifa. Russia— One of the most touching gifts to the Baku; Ishkabad. Persia—Teheran; Es- building fund was a check for $1,000 phahan; Gangelie; Shiraz; Yahromi; addressed to “ the Bahai Temple of Resht; Kermanshah; Sanstan; Meshed; Peace” and saying in the letter, “In Tifiis; Yazd; Arabelli. India—Rangoon; Europe, fathers and brothers have been Bombay; Mandalay. Egypt—Cairo; tom from their wives and little chil Port Said; Alexandria, South Africa— dren, and many left at home are in want East Rand; Transvaal; Capetown. New of dire necessities. Our beloved ones are Zealand—Davenport; Aukland. Brazil— not facing mutilation, acute suffering Sao Paulo. Canada—Montreal; Brock- and death. I send this as a thanksgiv ville; St. John’s, W. B. Islands of the ing offering, though it seems minute in Sea—Isle of Pines; Isle of Mauretius; deed to express what I feel.” Hawaiian Islands. During the fiscal year beginning April Respectfully submitted, 27, 1914, the monthly contributions have Cobinne True, been as follows: Financial Secy., Bahai Temple Unity. STAR OF THE WEST "We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a ’o’l l a h .

Vol. VI Asma 1, 71 (August 1, 1915) No. 8

“ W e are in the most radiant century, wherein human perceptions have developed and investigation of reality is conducted” Address by Abdul-Baha at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Moxey, New York City, November 18,1912.

Stenographic notes taken by Miss Esther Foster.

OFFER thanks to God for this meet God did not reveal themselves for the ing with you here. From the exter purpose of founding a nation or a de I nal standpoint such meetings are in nomination. They did not appear in conceivable, for we are orientals, where order that some one, or ones, might ac as you are occidentals, and between us knowledge their prophethood. They did there is no patriotic relation, no racial not appear in order to lay the founda relation, no linguistic relation, no com tion for a religious belief. ' Even Christ, mercial relation, no political relation.. his holiness Christ, did not become man There is no connection or any bond re ifest that we should believe in him as quiring such a gathering between us. the Christ; he did not appear in order However, the love of God has gathered that we might follow him; he did not us here, and this is the best of means. appear in order that we might adore Every other means of fellowship is lim him; all these are limited in scope, ited in efficiency, but fellowship based whereas the reality of Christ was an un on the love of God is unlimited, is ever limited- essence. The unlimited reality lasting, is divine, is radiant. There cannot become bounded by any limita fore we must be thankful to God for tion. Nay, rather, his holiness Christ uniting us in fellowship and creating appeared in order to illumine the world such amity between us that persons from of humanity in order to render the the east may meet revered persons of earthly world celestial in nature; to the west in the utmost love. Surely, for make all the human world a realm of everything there is wisdom, especially angels; to unite the hearts; to enkindle for great things, and most especially for the light of love in all the hearts; that the most particular affairs of life, and souls might thus become independent, this concerns the manifestation of God attaining the utmost love and fellow and the descent of the law of God, for, ship, turning to God, being ushered into verily, this is the greatest affair, and for the kingdom, apportioned in the bestow the greatest affair, surely, there is all als and bounty of God, and partaking comprehensive wisdom. of the manna from heaven. Thus they The divine, holy Manifestations of might become baptized through the holy 60 S T A R O F THE WEST spirit, attaining a new spirit and real bent on the revelation of reality. There izing thë' life everlasting. All these be fore it is behooving of this century that liefs and all prophetic laws were for we set aside all that Savors of blind imi these various purposes. Consequently, tation and impartially and independent we offer thanks to God that no mundane ly investigate reality. Let us find out relation obtains among us, but—Praise what constitutes the reality of the di to God!—ideal and divine bonds con vine religions. For example, if a Chris nect us. We have gathered at this meet tian sets aside all blind imitations ing eagerly anticipating the showing handed down by his forebears and forth of the divine bestowals. investigates the reality of the teach In bygone centuries, all the nations of ings of the Gospel, he will observe that the world imagined that the law of God the foundation of the teachings of his was synonymous with blind imitation. holiness Christ constituted mercy, love, For example, the Jews were captives of good féllowship, humanitarianism, altru domestic, blind imitations. The Mussel- ism, and the resplendence or radiance of men, or Mohammedans were also cap the bestowals of God, the acquisition of tives. The Christians were followers of the breaths of the holy spirit united to old and ancient tradition and teachings. oneness, even as he declared: Verily, The basic foundation of the religions of the sun of God shineth upon all human God, which are ever conducive to good ity without exception, for it shineth up fellowship, amity and love of humanity, on the just and the unjust. What is the that foundation was forsaken and cast meaning of this declaration 1 we may ask. aside, each religion held tenaciously to The 'meaning is this, that the mercy of certain imitations, and by dint of these God encircles all, not a single individual blind imitations, one was iniimieable to is deprived of the mercy of God ; no soul the other. On this account it was im is deprived of the resplendency of the possible for the religionists to gather in bestowals of God. The whole human a meeting, nor was it possible for them race is submerged in the sea of the mercy to exercise fellowship, even ordinary of the Lord and we are all the sheep of conversation was considered contaminat God. If there is any shortcoming, it ing, and every nation because of the her must be eradicated; for example, the itage of blind imitations from ancestors man who is ignorant must be educated and forefathers and their tenacious hold in order that he may become wise; the thereto was alienated from all the other man who is sick must be treated in order religions. There was no investigation of that he recover; the man who is imma,- reality at all. Every soul whose father ture must be trained in order that he chanced to be a Jew, turned out to be a may reach maturity; the man who is Jew, and every soul whose father had asleep must be awakened. All this must been a Mohammedan turned out to be a be accomplished in the utmost love and Mohammedan, and every soul whose not through hatred or rancor. For in forebear was .a Buddhist was likewise a stance, his holiness Christ has declared: Buddhist. In brief, religion was a her Those having eyes yet they see not ; hav itage which was bequeathed from an ing ears yet they hear not; having cestor to progeny, therefore there was hearts, yet they understand not. Just no investigation ; consequently all were as the prophet Isaiah foretold : But I at variance. shall heal them. Hence, it becomes Praise be to God, we are in this most evident that the bounties of Christ traps- radiant century, wherein, human percep formed the eye which was blind into a tions have developed and examination or seeing one ; the ear which was formerly investigation of reality is conducted. deaf, he rendered attentive; the heart Each individual of the human race is which was hard, he made tender; in STAR OF THE WEST 61 other words, the text means that al the human world, the life which is last though the people possessed external ing—and that is the love of God, faith eyes, yet the insight, or the sight of the in God, philanthropy, knowledge, per soul was blind although the corporeal ear ception, guidance—all these are held to heard, yet the hearing of the spirit was be accidental and they squabble over deaf ; though they possessed hearts, they the question as to whether divorce is were without illumination ; and the, boun lawful or unlawful. The Jews consider ties of his holiness Christ saved those it lawful and the Catholic religion says souls from these conditions. Thus it is it is unlawful, therefore, they quarrel. evident that the manifestation of the Now what is the basic foundation? Messiah was synonomous with universal His holiness Christ said in the Gospel : mercy. His providence was universal Whosoever smites thee on the right and his teachings were for all. His lights cheek, turn to him the other also. Con were for everybody. Every “’Christ” sider what is going on now in the Balk came for the earth of mankind. There ans. What relation is there between fore we .must investigate the foundation the teachings of Christ and what is hap of the divine religion and find it and re pening there? What relation is that instate it and spread it broadcast in the which man has absolutely forgotten? world, so that it may become the cause For the mooted question as regards their of illumination of the world; that the quarreling and disputing belongs to the dead may become alive, and the blind department which is accidental and of seeing, and the inattentive attentive. no importance. We therefore must set Each one of the divine religions is aside all these blind imitations and in divisible into two departments. One de vestigate reality, and reality is one, it partment is spiritual in nature, such as faith in God, faith in Christ, faith in does not accept of multiplicity at all, Moses, faith in Abraham, faith in Mo and there is no doubt through that con hammed, the love of God, the oneness of ception we shall be unified. the world of humanity. These shall be In the orient, darkness was brewing spread throughout the world. This and all the religions were submerged in strife and sedition shall disappear. This the ocean of blind imitation. There was ignorance and inadvertence and these no trace of the foundation of the divine quarrels shall cease, and all the human religion. Therefore, because the blind race shall be bound together. The sec imitations were various, the people were ond department or division, which is hostile and inimical; rancor and sedi non-essential, concerns the world of tion were rampant, and battling and bodies, concerns transactions. It is quarreling were continuous; blood over non-essential or accidental. Seen in af spread the eastern horizon. In place of fairs it is subject to changes and trans religion being the cause of fellowship, formations according to the exigency of it was the cause of hatred ; in lieu of re the time and place. For example, the ligion being the cause of unity, it proved question of divorce, at the time of Moses to be the cause of discord, reaching that it was permitted, but during the time of degree wherein there was warfare and Christ it was not permitted, therefore strife, even as in the Balkans at the pres Christ made it unlawful. For example, ent time. The present existing religion there are in the Torah ten command in the Balkans imagines that the basis ments concerning retribution for mur of divine religion means warfare. If der. . . . And now the religions have the adherents of one religion endeavor forsaken the department which is es to eradicate and erase the other religion, sential, which has to do with the life of the adherents of both religions try to (Continued on page sixty-four) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, III., U. S. A. Entered as second-clas* matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Editorial Staff; ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M ir z a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy N o t e — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i N e w s Se r v i c e , P , O . B ox 2 8 3 , C h ica g o , 111,, U , S. A . To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to Bahai N ews Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the Westl h e is god I Be thou happy 1 Be thou happy I Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou- shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmnessl CSigned) A bdul-Ba h a A bbas. V o l. V I Asma 1, 71 (August 1, 1915) N o . &

“ The W ill of the Creator is effected through the process of (voluntary) composition” SCIENTIFIC PROOF OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Address by Abdul-Baha delivered Sunday, February 9, 1913, at 30 rue St. Didier, Paris.

Translated from notes in Persian by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.

ODAY some one asked a question from an intellectual standpoint. As it regarding the existence of God. is an abtruse subject I request you to T What are the proofs through give your utmost attention. which one can establish the existence of When we look upon all forms of phe God? nomena we observe that they are the People are divided into two sections, results of composition. For example, one which is satisfied with the knowl certain single atoms are brought to edge of the attributes of divinity, and gether through the inherent law of elect the other which strives to establish the ive affinity existing between these vari existence of divinity, and he informed ous particles, the result of which is the of the fundamental principles of divine human being. A number of primordial philosophy. atoms have gone into the make up of a Therefore today I will speak to you of plant, the result of which is the flower. the proofs which establish scientifically Again looking into the mineral king the existence of God. dom we observe that this law of cohe I will not quote to you the scriptural sion is working in the same manner in proofs from the Old and the New Testa that kingdom, for we see that many ment or the Koran, for you are more or atoms go into the composition of a piece less familiar with those ideas. Conse of stone which through purification may quently I will deal with this subject reach to the state of a mirror. STAR OF THE WEST 63

In short, the existence of life depends Composition is of three kinds. upon the composition and decomposition 1. Accidental composition. of phenomena. When the particles of a 2. Involuntary composition. given composition are disintegrated this 3. Voluntary composition. may be called non-existence, but the There is no fourth kind of composi original simple atoms will go back to tion. Composition is restricted to these their primary elements and are ever ex three categories. istent. If we say that composition is acci For instance, the body of man being dental, this is philosophically a false the resultant factor of the composition theory, because then we have to believe of these atoms, when this body becomes in an effect without a cause, and philo the subject of decomposition we call that sophically no effect is conceivable with death, but those atoms of which the out a cause. We cannot think of an body of man was composed, being sim effect without some primal cause, and ple and primordial, are indestructible. composition being an effect, there must Consequently it is proved that the ex naturally be a cause behind it. istence of phenomena depends upon composition and their mortality upon As to the second composition, i. e., the decomposition. involuntary composition. Involuntary composition means that each element has This is a scientific principle; science within it as an inherent function this approves of it, because it is not a mat power of composition. For example, cer ter of belief. There is a great difference tain elements have flowed towards each between theories upheld by belief, and other, and as an inherent necessity of facts which are substantiated by science. their being they are composed. That is, Beliefs are the susceptibilities of con it is the imminent need of these elements science, but scientific facts are the de to enter into composition. ductions of reason and inexorable logic. For example, the inherent quality of Therefore it is logically proven that fire is burning or heat. Heat is an orig the existence of phenomena depends up inal property of fire. on composition, and their destruction Humidity is the inherent nature of upon disintegration. water. You cannot conceive of H20, Now going back to our subject and the which is the chemical form of water, facts upheld by materialists. They state without having humidity connected, for that inasmuch as it is proven and up that is its inherent quality, inseparable held by science that the life of phenom and indivisible. ena depends upon composition and their Now as long as it is the inherent ne destruction upon disintegration, then cessity of these elements to be composed, where comes in the need or necessity of there should not be any decomposition. a Creator—the self-subsistent Lord? While we observe that after each com For we see with our own eyes that posite organism, there is a process of de these infinite beings go through myriads composition we learn that the composi of compositions and in every composi tion of the organisms of life is neither tion appearing under a certain form accidental nor involuntary. Then what showing certain characteristic virtues, have we as a form of composition? It then we are independent of any divine is the third, that is the voluntary com maker. position. And that means that the in This is the argument of the material finite forms of organisms are composed ists. On the other hand those who are through a superior will, the eternal informed of divine philosophy answer will, the will of the living and self- in the following terms : subsistent Lord. 64 STAR OF THE WEST

This is a rational proof, that the Will the greater will be your comprehension. of the Creator is effected through the Thank God that He has given you process of composition. such a power through which you can Ponder over this carefully. When you comprehend these divine mysteries. Re comprehend the significances of this sub flect deeply, ponder carefully, think ject .you will then be able to convey it minutely, and then the doors of knowl to others. The more you think over this edge shall be opened unto you.

“We are in the most radiant century” (Continued from page sixty-one) suppress the other. They think the live together in the utmost of love and more a religionist kills, the nearer he good fellowship. Were you to enter draws to God, the more blood he sheds, one of their meetings, you would observe the more does he gain the good pleasure that they have become as one race, as of the Lord. That is why you see them one nativity, as one religion; that they fiercely attacking each other and tak associate one with the other in the ut ing the women captives. Think of the most of love and good fellowship. Praise property they plunder and the inno be to God, these blind imitations, this cent children they destroy. Observe the darkness, have ceased to exist and the results of blind imitation. How gloomy reality of the oneness of humanity has imitations are ! How destructive to hu been proven! manity! If this be the foundation of divine religion, undoubtedly irréligion Now, I have come to America, and I is better, because the infidels do not consider the American people to be a shed blood; they are inimical to each civilized people, an intelligent nation, other. It is the religions of the pres a nation investigating reality, hence, I ent day that are inimical. Thus re hope through the efforts of this noble ligion, which should have contributed nation the solidarity of humanity will be to the illumination of the world has be advanced daily; the illumination of the come productive of gross darkness. human world will be widespread; the Consider how blind imitations in the banner of universal peace be held aloft; orient made darkness all-encircling. At the lamp of the oneness of the human such a time, his holiness Baha’o’llah world be ignited; and the hearts of the dawned from the eastern horizon like east and west become united. Then the unto the sun. He reformed the basis of reality of the divine religions shall be the religions of God. He took away come resplendent and refulgent, indicat from their midst blind imitations and ing the fact that all the divine religions placed in their stead amity and good were meant to be the cause of unity and fellowship. There remained no strife, love and all heavenly bestowals have no sedition, no quarrels. The amity of ever been conferring light upon hu the sects can be seen. Nay, rather all manity. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace' shall come.”— B a h a ’o’l l a h .

Vol. VI Kamal 1, 71 (August 20, 1915) No. 9

The Great Manifestation was fulfilled and consummated in the Blessed Beauty of Abha (Baha’o’llah). . . thus was it ended and for a thousand years all shall receive illum ina tion from His Lights” T ranslated August 4,1908 Tablet from Abdul-Baha to be read by the friends of God in the East and the West. Upon them be Baha ’o ’llah-El-Abha ! He is God! YE people of the Kingdom of in the world of humanity, and perpetual O Abha! life. The fundamental basis thereof is There are two influences tend the teachings and the precepts of the ing toward prosperity and progress prophets, the dictates and attraction of which emanate from the forefront of the conscience, which belong to the realm advancement of the world of humanity. of morality. Like unto the lamp they They remind the negligent, awaken illuminate and brighten the depths and them that sleep, give sight to the blind, recesses of human realities. The ef hearing to the deaf, power of utterance fective power of this is the Word of to the mutes and life to the dead. God. One is the influence of civilization—■ But the advancement of civilization, that development of the world of nature material perfections and human virtues that concerns the material life of man. will hear no fruit or result unless joined It promotes physical advancement and to the spiritual perfections; merciful cultivates the social virtues. The laws qualities and sound morals, and the hap and deductions of science, so indispen piness of the human world, which is the sable to progress, are the product of the original goal, will not be attained. For lofty thoughts of sound minds, the ac although through the advancement of cumulated results of the efforts of an civilization and the adornment and re cient and modern scholars. The most finement of the material world, happi effective power for the promotion and ness is realized, and the sight of hopes dissemination of this influence is just fulfilled in perfect beauty wins the government. heart, yet, concomitantly, great dangers, The other is the divine influence, the severe ordeals and awful catastrophes holy and spiritual revelations, which are involved. insure eternal glory, everlasting happi Now, when ye behold the order and ness, the illumination of the world, regularity of countries, cities and vil the appearance of merciful phenomena lages, the attractive adornment, the del- 6 6 STAR OF THE WEST ieacy of the blessings, the suitability of of human existence has attained great implements, the ease of transportation capacity for the spiritual teachings and and traveling, the extension of knowl the divine summons. edge of the facts of the world of nature, To illustrate: Wheh a suckling babe the great inventions and gigantic un has passed through the material grades dertakings and the fine and artistic dis and has attained physical growth and coveries, ye shall say that civilization is development, the body reaches the the cause of happiness and the develop grade of maturity and attains capacity ment of the human world. for the manifestation of ideal perfec Yet again, when ye glance over the tions and intellectual virtues. Then the inventions of infernal instruments of de signs of the endowment of perception, struction, the creation of the forces of intelligence and knowledge, and the spir ruin, the discovery of fiery means which itual forces appear. cut at the root of life, it becomes plainly Likewise in the general world, when evident that civilization is twin with mankind accomplished physical devel savagery and a concomitant thereof, un opment, traveled through the grades of less material civilization be aided by di civilization and attained the human won vine guidance, merciful appearance, ders, virtues and endowments in their heavenly thoughts, and become joined to most consummate form, it attained the spiritual states, the perfections of capacity for the appearance and exten the kingdom (of God) and the divine sion of the spiritual divine perfections bounties. and obtained worthiness for hearing the Now consider how the most civilized divine summons. and populous countries of the world Then the ensign of the Kingdom was have become storehouses of infernal raised, spiritual virtues and perfections articles (guns, etc.), the dominions of became manifest, the sun of reality the world a great barracks, the na arose, the light of the “ Most Great tions of the world armed hosts, and the Peace” dawned, the solidarity of the kings thereof commanding generals of human world was realized. We hope the battlefield. Thus hath the human that the radiation of these lights may world fallen into a great calamity! day by day become intensified and these Therefore this civilization and ma ideal virtues magnified. Thus may the terial development must be led by the great achievement of the human world Great Guidance; the mundane world become evident and manifest, and the must be madei the place for the appear beloved of the love of God may become ance of the bounties of the kingdom; ma with the utmost sweetness and beauty terial advancement must be made twin the representatives of the (heavenly) with merciful revelation. Thus may the assemblage. human world appear as the representa O ye friends of God! Know ye verily tive of the (heavenly) assembly on the that the happiness of the world of hu plane of existence, and the exposition manity is dependent upon the unity and of divine evidence may reveal itself in solidarity of mankind, and that material the greatest sweetness and loveliness. and spiritual progress both rest upon Thus may eternal happiness and glory universal friendliness and love among find realization. human individuals. Praise be to God! For centuries and Consider other living beings; that is cycles the banner of civilization has been to say the animals that graze, or fly, raised, the human world has day by day and those that are ferocious. The indi advanced and developed, the material vidual of every ferocious kind is sep world has flourished and outward per arated from its kin and the members fections increased until now the world of the same Species, and lives in loneli- STAR OF THE WEST 67 ness. They exercise the utmost oppo the most consummate innate virtues. sition and ferocity towards each other. Therefore it behooves man in homage When they chance to meet they imme for this creation and gratitude for this diately engage in contention and fight bestowal that he should exercise friend ing, and use their claws and sharpen ship and love for his kind, nay more, he their teeth by ferocity, such as atrocious should treat all living beings with jus lions or bloodthirsty wolves. Thus do tice and equity. the ferocious animals that live solitary Again consider that the comfort, joy, and fight for their living. rest and happiness of mankind come But as to the tame, domestic animals from love and unity ; that contentions of good nature and pure temperaments, and disputes are the greatest causes of such as those that fly and those that distress, misery, tribulation and unhap graze, they associate with each other piness. But a thousand times alas! that with the utmost love, and company by humanity is ignorant and negligent con company they live together. They spend cerning these matters, and every day be their time in the greatest happiness, joy comes metamorphosed, into the character and gladness. The thankful birds which of a savage animal, one day a ferocious are content with a few grains, practice tiger, again a coiling and repulsive ser the utmost joyousness towards one an pent. other and sing myriads of melodies upon The sublimity of man is derived from the pleasant plains, mountains and val the qualities and virtues which charac leys. Likewise the animals that graze, terize the angels of the supreme con like the sheep, deer and rabbit, live in a course. Therefore when good qualities state of greatest friendliness, and fel and virtuous attributes appear in man, lowship with happiness and unity in the he is verily a heavenly personage, an pasturage of the green tablelands. But angel of the kingdom, a divine reality, the dogs, wolves, tigers and the blood a merciful manifestation. And when he thirsty hyenas and other ferocious ani does contend and thirst for blood, he ex mals shun each other and wander lonely ceeds in ferocity the basest of brutes, for after their prey. Even when the ani while the bloodthirsty wolf will devour mals that graze and fly come to each one sheep in the night, in that time man other’s nest or den, there is no opposi will make away with a thousand vic tion and estrangement manifested, nay tims. rather they treat one another with the For man has two aspects: one the utmost friendliness and affection. On sublimity of nature and intellectual the contrary, when a ferocious animal qualities, and the other the base animal approaches the den of one of its kind, ity and imperfections of passion. the two engage in contention. Even if If you travel through the continents one passes through the neighborhood of and countries of the world, you will see, the other, it is at once attacked and if on one side, the signs of ruin and de possible destroyed. struction and, on the other, the signs and Therefore it becomes evident that monuments of civilization and construc friendliness and love even in the animal tion. As to the ruin and destruction, kingdom are the result of good nature, they are the signs of contention and pure temperament and gentle behavior; discord, of war and battle. But order while discord and estrangement charac and construction are the results of the terize the ferocious brutes of the plains. virtues of friendliness and concord. The almighty God has not created in If one travel in the central desert of man the claws and teeth of the lion; Asia, he will observe how many cities nay the human existence is made and as great and populous as Paris or Lon fashioned after the best form and for don have been ruined. From the Cas- STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BAHAI NEW S SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U. S. A. ______Entered >« aecomFclaaa matter April 9,1911. at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.______EJttorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M1RZA AHMAD SOHRAB T erms: $ 1 .50 per year; 10 cents per copy. N o t e — Until further notice, diitribution in the Orient is through Agenta. Make Money Orders paykble'to BA H A I N EW S SER V IC E, P. O. Box 283,-Chicago, 111., U. S. A, ______To petaonal fchecki please add aufficient to covet the bank exchange.______Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A . TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the Westi h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal> ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the 1 eaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will he raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, -firmness, firmness! (Signed) Abdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Kamal 1, 71 (August 20, 1915) No. 9 plan Sea to the River Oxus naught is customs and religion. Their godless to be seen save forlorn and deserted leaders made public property of the prairies and deserts. The Russian rail blood, the belongings and the privacy of way (the Trans-Caspian R. R.) takes each other. This is the exposition of one two days and two nights to traverse instance. the ruined cities and destroyed villages Then, when you travel through the of that desert. There was a time when world and observe it, you shall find all that land was very populous and in the constructiveness and progressiveness to highest state of civilization and develop be signs of friendliness and love, and all ment; science and knowledge were wide destructiveness and ruin the results of spread, the arts and professions estab hatred and enmity. lished, commerce and agriculture were in Notwithstanding this obvious fact the the utmost state of perfection, and civil human world1 does not take warning nor government and politics well organized. wake up from its sleep of negligence. Now, all this great region is the habita Men still engage in discord and conten tion of desolation and shelters only the1 tion; they organize armed forces and nomadic Turkoman tribes and the wan long to charge on the battlefield. dering beasts of prey. The cities of that Again, consider organization and de land, as Gorgan, Tassa, Abiavard and composition, existence and non-existence. Shahrastan, were once famous in the Every being is composed of many differ world for sciences, knowledge, profes ent constituents, the existence of every sions, wonders, wealth, greatness, happi thing is the expression of organization. ness and virtue. Now, no voice or .mur That is to say: when by divine genesis mur is to be heard in all that land save organization of certain elements occurs, the roar of ferocious brutes, and naught a being is produced. All existent be to be seen save the wandering wolves. ings are after this fashion. But when This ruin and destruction was occa a defect appears in that compound and sioned by the battles and murders of decomposition sets in, the parts separate the wars between Iran (Persia) and and that being disintegrates and be Turkan, which had become different in comes non-existent. Thus annihilation of (Continued on page seventy) Y'N BELOVED of God! These days are the time for firmness and the period for steadfastness and constancy in the Cause of God. You must not look upon the personality of Abdul-Baha, for he will eventually hid ye farewell. Nay, ye must observe the Word of God. If the Word of God is in the ascendant, be ye happy, joyous and thankful, even if Abdul-Baha be under a sword or beneath fetters and chains; for importance is in the holy temple of the Cause of God, and not in the physical mould of Abdul-Baha. The beloved of God must be confirmed with such a firmness that if every moment a hundred like Abdul-Baha become the target of arrows, no change should occur in their decesion or intention, no transfor mation in their zeal or attraction to God, and no abatement in their occupation in the service of the Cause of God. Abdul-Baha is the servant of the Word of the Blessed Beauty and the manifestat ion of absolute servitude in the threshold of the Lord. He has no other station, grade, class or power. This is my utmost hope, and my abiding paradise. —ABDUL-BAHA 70 STAR OF THE WEST “The Great Manifestation was fulfilled and consummated in the Blessed Beauty of Abha (Baha’o’llah)”

(Continued from page sixty-eigljt) things is an expression of their decom to depart, exhibiting ferocity and blood position and disintegration. The affin thirstiness. The other difference (or ity and organization of the elements disagreement) is an expression of va makes possible the existence. riety, that is itself perfection, and the To sum u p : the attraction and affinity means of manifesting the graces of the of things are the cause of fructification All-Glorious. and production, and estrangement and Look at the flowers of the gardens. disunion among things the cause of death Although members of different families, and annihilation. By attraction, and af having various colors, different forms finity all living beings such as plants, and shapes, yet because they absorb the animals and men are realized. From dis selfsame water and grow and thrive by agreement and estrangement dissolution the same breeze and are reared by the results and annihilation follows. Verily same heat and light of the one sun, this the life of the human world is that which difference and variety produces greater is conducive to unity, attraction and beauty and grace and each appears more concord of mankind. beautiful by contrast with the other. When you pass a farm and observe a When the complete proof, which is the prosperous plantation with symmetry effectiveness of the Word of God, ob and beauty, full of plants and flowers tains, this difference in nature’s ethics, with an organized community, ye see habits and thoughts results in the diver proof of the fact that the farm and gar sification and adornment of the human den are nnder the care and cultivation world. Moreover this difference and va of a skillful farmer; but if ye see con riety is inherent and innate in the parts fusion and disorder, it is an evidence and members of man, which afford the that the place is bereft of the care of means for revealing perfections, and the gardener and a wild and unculti since these members and parts (of the vated plantation results. human organism) are under the control Therefore it is evident that unity and of the king of the spirit, the spirit in concord are the result of the education terpenetrates the parts and1 governs even of the real educator, while separation the veins and arteries. This difference and dissension are evidence of savagery and variety then is no barrier to one and the lack of the training of God. ness and love governed by the spirit. If an opponent object, saying: The This diversity is indeed the greatest nations, peoples, tribes and sects of the power of unity. world have different ethics, morals, con Should a garden have its trees with ducts, tastes and temperaments and their their branches, leaves, blossoms and thoughts and opinions vary, how then fruit all of one kind, color, shape and can real unity become realized or abso arrangement it would have no beduty lute accord among humanity be estab and sweetness whatever. But if it pos lished ? sess various hues, different leaves, blos We will say that difference (or dis soms and fruits, each will intensify the agreement) is of two kinds: One sort is decorative effect and beauty of the other. the cause of annihilation and that is like The garden will become perfect and ex the disagreement of warring nations and cel in beauty, delicacy, freshness, sweet fighting tribes who destroy one another, ness and magnificence. ruin homes and cause comfort and peace Likewise, the difference and yariety STAR OF THE WEST 71 of thoughts, opinions, morals and tem power of ‘the Word of God? No, verily, peraments of the human world when un the proof is clear and the evidence com der the guidance of the one power and plete. the influence of the word of oneness, If .a soul open the eye of equity, will shine forth with the utmost great he will become amazed and surprised ness, beauty, sublimity and perfection. and will testify justly that all the na Today no power save the great power tions and peoples of the world should of the Word of God, which comprehends be grateful and thankful to the teach the realities of things, can gather to ings of Baha’o’llah. For these teachings gether under the shade of the same tree, make tame every ferocious animal, give the minds and hearts of the world of speed to those that only move, trans humanity. It is the motive power of form human souls into angels of heaven all things; it is the mover of souls and and make the world of humanity the the controller and governor of the hu center of the manifestation of mercy. man world. All are compelled thereby to obey and Praise be to God! Today the light be loyal to the government. of the Word of God shines upon all Today no kingdom in all the world horizons. From every nation, tribe and is confident and at ease, for security denomination, souls are coming under and confidence have disappeared from the influence of the Word (of God) and humanity. Kings and subjects are alike have agreed and united with the utmost in danger. concord and harmony. The sect today which obeys the gov Many an assembly shall be organized ernment with perfect religious honesty, whose members will be representatives and practices the utmost integrity to of different nations, tribes and peoples. wards the nations is this oppressed sect. If one attend such a meeting, he will The proof thereof is the following: All be surprised and will imagine that those the tribes in Persia and Turkestan are present are of one birth and nation, one thinking of their own petty interests; people with the same thoughts and opin if they obey the government it is either ions, when, as a matter of fact, one may with the hope of favor or through fear be an American, another a European; of punishment. But the Bahais are well one from Hindustan (India), another wishers of and obedient to the powers from Turkestan; one an Arab, another a (or governments) and are loving and Tajik; one Persian, another Greek. Not kind to all the nations. withstanding this they consort together This obedience and adherence are en with joy and sing together in the utmost joined as duties upon all by the Beaut}7 unity, harmony, love and solidarity in of Abha (Baha’o’llah) in clear texts. liberty and wisdom. This is through the Therefore in compliance with the com effect of the Word of God. mandment of God they practice the ut If all the powers of the world should most honesty and good-will toward the convene, they could not organize an as governments. If any man commit a sembly like unto these assemblies. Here wrong against the government he must with such remarkable love, attraction hold himself responsible before God and and zeal, different people unite in one consider himself a sinner deserving of assembly and raise their voices in uni punishment. Notwithstanding this it is son in the center of the world. They amazing how some of the ministers of cause the abolishment of war and mur (political) affairs account all other sects der, and the realization (and establish well disposed, but the Bahais ill dis ment) of universal peace, and the friend posed. liness and unity of the world of hu Praise be to God! (An expression of manity. Can any power withstand the wonder when thus used.) In these lat 72 STAR OF THE WEST ter days when a great general uprising must observe the Word of God. If the and commotion took place in Teheran Word of God is in the ascendant, be and other cities of Iran (Persia), it was happy, joyous and thankful, even if clearly evidenced that not a single Abdul-Baha be under a sword or be Bahai interfered in these affairs nor neath fetters and chains ; for importance troubled the populace, and for this rea is in the holy temple of the Cause of son they were blamed and criticised by God, and not in the physical mould of others, for they had obeyed the Blessed Abdul-Baha. Beauty (BahaVllah) and interfered The beloved of God must be con not at all in political matters nor dis firmed with such a firmness that if every turbed any sect. They were occupied moment a hundred like Abdul-Baha be with their own affairs, trades and pro come the target of arrows, no change fessions. should occur in their decision or inten All the friends of God testify that tion, no transformation in their zeal or Abdul-Baha is entirely true to, and ex attraction to God, and no abatement in hibits good-will toward the governments their occupation in the service of the and nations of the world, especially, the Cause of God. two sublime governments of the East Abdul-Baha is the servant of the (Persia and Turkey), for these two Word of the Blessed Beauty and the countries were respectively the native manifestation of absolute servitude in land and habitation of his holiness, the threshold of the Lord. He has no BahaVllah. In all the epistles and other station, grade, class or power. This writings he has commended and praised is my utmost hope, my abiding paradise, these two kingdoms, and has asked my Masjid-El-Aska* (Most Holy Sanc aid for them from the threshold of one tuary) and, my Sadrat-El-Montahaf ness. The Beauty of Abha—may my (Divine Guidance). soul be a sacrifice for His beloved!— prayed in behalf of their majesties, the The great Manifestation was fulfilled two sovereigns (the shah and the sul and consummated in the Blessed Beauty tan). Praise be to God! Notwithstand of Abha (BahaVllah), and his holiness ing these decisive arguments, each day the Supreme (the great Bab) was the an event occurs and difficulties appear. herald of the Blessed Beauty—may my But we and the beloved of God must spirit be a sacrifice to them ! Thus was not grow lax in the least in our honesty it ended and for a thousand years all and good-will, nay rather in the utmost shall receive illumination from his devotion and trustworthiness remain lights and obtain (favor) from the sea steadfast in our sincerity and engage in of his favors. philanthropic prayers. 0 ye beloved of God ! This is my wish 0 beloved of God! These days are for ye and counsel to ye. Blessed is he the time for firmness and the period for who is aided by God to comply with steadfastness and constancy in the Cause what is written on this leaf. of God. You must not look upon the Upon ye be Baha Vllah-El-Abha ! personality of Abdul-Baha, for he will eventually bid ye farewell. Nay, ye (Signed) Abdul-Baha A bbas.

*Masjid-El-Aksa, originally a Christian Church and afterwards turned into a Moham medan Mosque by the Caliph Omar, attained great importance in the devotional estimation of the Mohammedans. tSadrat-El-M ontaha (the furthermost Tree) referred to a tree planted by the Arabs in ancient times at the end of a road, to serve as a guide. It usually refers to the Manifesta tions of God on earth. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall c o m e .” —B a h a ’o’l l a h ,

Vol. VI Eizzat 1, 71 (September 8, 1915) No. 10

Recent letters from Mirza Ahmad Sohrab to Bahais in America*

Home of Abdul-Baha, we have been separated from each other, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria, but from the ideal standpoint our re July 1, 1915. lations were not interrupted in the least. There is no separation for those who are Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago. engaged in the services of the Cause. My dear sister in the Faith! They may not hear from each other, but The spirit suggests to me to write you their hearts are united, their altruistic a letter and convey to you the news of aims are for the moral illumination of the good health of Abdul-Baha and those their fellowmen and their highest desire who moth-like fly around this divine is to serve in an effective manner the re candle. For the last ten months we have ligion of Truth. received not one letter from America nor We are waiting patiently to hear the under the present circumstances have I results of the First International Bahai been able to mail to the Bahai world the Congress and the progress of the Mash- spiritual words and advice as well as the rak-el-Azkar. We read its preliminary description of the selfless deeds and di program in the S t a b o p t h e W e s t . vine actions of the Beloved. Thus from After that we have received no more in an external and superficial standpoint formation. Abdul-Baha gave a stirring

»LETTER FROM MR. HANNEN. letters will be received by the different indi Dear brother Windust: viduals. Will you and brother Windust see to At the suggestion of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, it that .the general portions of these letters deal from whom I have heard two or three times ing with the teachings and the health of Abdul- recently, I give you below extracts from his Baha are reproduced in one or two numbers of letters to me covering matters of general inter th e S ta r o f t h e W e s t ? This is very important. est, and also information concerning his cor “Abdul-Baha is quite well, spending most of respondence with others. It is suggested that his time with the members of the holy family you obtain from several or all to whom he and enjoying a much-needed rest in these last has also written recently, extracts from his years of his life. A few days ago a pilgrim letters, the whole or a compilation to be pub arrived from Bagdad. It had taken him - fifty lished in the St a r o f t h e W e s t from time to days for the journey. He is an old resident time as current news from Haifa. It would of Bagdad, but a Persian by birth. Another appear that communication has again been incident worth relating is the arrival of our established with that city ; and of course it goes Persian students from the American Collège in without saying that the friends will be most Beirut. Their presence has given us a hew interested in all news concerning Abdul-Baha zest of life. They chant and sing, and are full and his servants who are privileged to he near of activity. him in these days. If I can be of any further “Very few things happen in these parts, and service in this matter, pray command me. from a spiritual standpoint, except Abdul-Baha On Ju ly 8, 1915, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab writes; and his work and deeds and words, there is "According to Abdul-Baha’s suggestion, I am nothing worth recording. It is his love and writing a series of short letters to the different grace that keeps us awake and alive.” believers of the west, giving the news of his Faithfully yours, health. . . . I wonder whether all these Joseph H. Hannen . 74 S TAR OF THE WEST talk in this regard which no doubt you the reception given to him by the will read in its opportune time. You churches and meetings, the inspiration must know by this time that none of the and satisfaction of the services rendered letters mailed to Port Said during the at the threshold of the Almighty form a past many months were received by us. great consolation in these days of in Personally I feel sad because all the activity. He often prays for the spiritual ways of correspondence are closed and success and prosperity of the believers the glad-tidings of the kingdom could not and hopes they will embody in their lives be sent out or received. Undoubtedly, the ideal principles of Truth. there must needs be a wisdom in this I am thinking of the friends of Chi which will appear later on. God’s ways cago. Their kindness to me will never are inscrutable and unsearchable. All be forgotten. Day and night I pray that that we can say is: We do not under they may arise with greater zeal and en stand. Let His will be done. No doubt thusiasm in the promotion of the Word all these turmoils and disturbances are of God. the result of man’s heedlessness and neg Please give them my sincere greeting. ligence, and those who are conversant I hope that a day may come when I may with biblical prophecies and their fulfil have the pleasure and privilege of meet ment in these days, do not need any other ing them again. proof. I am as ever, your faithful brother, Praise be to God! that Abdul-Baha is (Signed) Ahmad. quite well. After many months of stay in Abou Senan the holy family and the Home of Abdul-Baha, friends are back in Haifa and the Be Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Syria. loved at the present time is passing quite July 4, 1915. peaceful days with them. There are no Mr. Arthur E. Lunt, Boston. tablets to be written, no pilgrims to meet My very dear brother: and talk to and no strenuous outward This being your fourth day of July, activities. Our days are like a calm, no doubt America is holding a national limpid stream, flowing smoothly and holiday to praise God, the author of their with no inundation. The surface, blessings and the sustainer of their in like the mirror, is silver-like and dependence. Long may that land be clear. Now and then he delivers an in bright with freedom’s holy light! In formal talk or discusses in a heart-to- prostrated attitude and agonizing despair heart manner on the beauty and advan the embattled legions of Europe and the tage of love and amity. These thoughts countless hosts of Asia look toward Amer are the dancing ripples of light which ica to behold the rays of hope. They appear on the stream to delight our eyes are straining their ears to hear the voice and enrapture the ears. We are happy of love and peace. The United States, as to be in his neighborhood during these a racial and religious composite photog crucial months of the history of mankind rapher, has demonstrated to the whole and watch daily his acts of charity and world by keeping peace and goodwill hear his words of loving kindness. He amongst its heterogeneous population is always doing some good and is ever that the idea of the brotherhood of man ready to go to the help of the needy is not an utopia, but an actual reality. and those who are in want. He often With the dynamic force of the “ New remembers his many trips to and through Dispensation” she must become the lead Chicago and reviews for the benefit of er of this hotly-waged crusade for inter the friends the many meetings held in national arbitration and the universal your house and other places. The mem Court of Justice. This will be the crown ory of his tour in the United States, the ing glory of America as the benefactor devotion and sincerity of the friends, of the world of humanity. STAR OF THE WEST 75

It is a very long time, my dear brother, Home of Abdul-Baha, that I have not heard from you, nor from Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria. the friends of God. My heart is aching July 5, 1915. to hear the news and know the details of Mrs. May Maxwell, Montreal, Canada. the services rendered by your good self My dear spiritual sister! and other equally devoted brothers and Is it not a long, long time that we sisters. have received any news from you? It In the S t a r o f t h e W e s t , N o . 16 or seems to me an age. What has caused 17 (after these two numbers we have this sudden interruption of all corre received no other), I read your name as spondence, the unexpected closing of the a speaker at the First International Ba wide gate of intellectual and spiritual hai Congress in San Francisco. I hope association, and the hurried ending of that in the future it will be my great the chapter of all sweet ideal relations? pleasure to read a copy of your ad Is it not strange, nay rather a sad com dress. . . . mentary on the spirit of our time that Praise be to God! that the health of the East is deprived of the glad heart- Abdul-Baha is good. He much needed uplifting news of the West, and the West this rest, but he longs to hear the news has become bereft of the life-imparting of the friends and look into the shining breaths of the holy spirit wafting from faces of the pilgrims. . . . the kingdom of Peace? It is true that All the friends here are well and send the ideal tie with which the hearts of the you their warmest greeting and saluta friends are bound together will not be tion. All of us are praying for your broken by these accidental circum success. Often Abdul-Baha speaks about stances; but it is nevertheless true that his spiritual experiences and the glowing constant co-operation, relation and mu meetings in Boston and Green Acre. He tual helpfulness will increase its strength, hopes and prays that the former may be durability and solidity. With this point come the rose-garden of Truth and the of view we must ever think of the widen latter the elysium of heavenly beatitudes. ing of the sphere of spiritual and social These two spots were blessed with his relations between the members of the holy presence and many of you heard his human commonwealth. words and utterances. What greater It is now about ten months that we privilege is conceivable than this! Now have had no news from the believers in we must put forward extraordinary ef America nor have I been in a position to fort to serve the holy Cause and teach, write them about the news of the health not only by words but by self-sacrificing and spiritual activities of the Beloved. deeds and charitable thoughts. Leaving aside the celestial blessings and Seldom a day passes that I do not benedictions that are vouchsafed to one think of you and of my ineffable experi by living near the abode of Abdul-Baha, ences in Boston and Green Acre. Your the only other source of my pleasure love and kindness is ever remembered. and happiness was the arrival of soul- clearing news from the western friends. Please convey my sincere greeting to You do not know how much we all hun all the friends in these two places and ger and thirst for this bread and water. assure them of the love and affection of Often I feel extremely sad and unhappy the Beloved for each and all. over all these human misfortunes, and Hoping to see you and converse with miseries and how all the people are you as in the olden time, I am as ever, caught in a mad whirlpool of suffer ings and trials; but then I realize Your faithful brother, my utter helplessness in the face of (Signed) Ahmad. all these lofty mountains of hardships. STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, III., U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.

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Address all communications to B ahai N ews Service, P. 0 . Box 283, Chicago, I1I.,U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the PVestl h e is god! Be thou happyl Be thou happy1 Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention or the friends and the center of the generosity of the 1 eaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, Urmnest, firmness! (.Signed) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Eizzat 1, 71 (September 8, 1915) No. 10

Whenever I am attacked with these truth and the brilliant pearls of wis thoughts I turn my face towards the dom. These jewels of heavenly bright Center of the Covenant and then I feel ness are diligently collected as they fall assured that the end will be light, peace, from his seraphic tongue: thus future progress and love. humanity may adorn therewith the tem Praise he to God! that the health of ples of their beings. the Beloved is quite good in these days. My dear sister ! The Beloved thinks of The present condition of the world has you and of your husband and of “ his” forced upon him a much needed rest. little darling Mary. Often he speaks Prom his earliest childhood he has been about his never-to-be-forgotten sojourn so active and energetic that he would not in yonr city, the light-beaming faces of take a rest under any consideration. the friends, the spiritual meetings held Now after several months of stay in in your house, the attraction and en- Abou Senan, a village near Acca, the kindlement of the hearts, your faithful holy family and the believers have re ness and loyalty to the Cause of God and turned to Haifa and he is spending his yonr contagious enthusiasm in the dif days quietly with the blessed members fusion of the fragrance of God. When of his household. We have no pil ever he reviews these events, his face be grims to whom he may deliver formal comes illumined and were I a painter I talks nor do we receive any letters re would place on the canvas the raptur quiring immediate attention. Peace ous smile of his countenance and the ini fully and calmly these spiritual days mitable gesture of his hands! succeed each other like, the lovely days Please convey to all the friends my sin of an ideal tropical spring. In the cere Bahai greeting and let them know garden of the hearts the birds of con that we are all thinking of them and tentment sing and in the field of the pray for their spiritual and physical spirits the roses of assurance bloom. success and prosperity...... Now and then he delights our ears with a charming spiritual discourse, setting I am as ever yonr sincere brother, before our eyes the shining gems of (Signed) Ahmad. STAR OF THE WEST 77

Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria. that are demanded of each one of us and July 18, 1915. we must perform them more or less ac Messrs. Howard and Edward Struven, cording to our abilities and attainments. Baltimore, Md. The Beloved longs to see the friends as Often have I spoken about your spir the embodiment of charity and loving kindness, as the personification of fra itual meetings to. your Oriental broth ternity and neighborliness. He expects ers and their faces have glowed with them to shine as the stars in this dark joy and enthusiasm because they realized night of mutual hatred and enmity, and more than others the beatitude and bless guide the wandering steps to the station ing of peace and love based on the knowl of certainty and assurance. They must edge of God. Although I have not written you all this time yet have I be the vivifiers of the dead, joy-bringers and the dispellers of gloom. Only in this especially remembered you in the pres ence of Abdul-Baha and when praying manner can we bring happiness to his sorrow-laden heart. at the threshold of the Blessed Perfec Now that Abdul-Baha is living on the tion,—so that all of you may attain to slope of Mount Carmel near the holy complete happiness and composure of mind both in this world and the world tomb of the Bab, his health is much im to come. No doubt you have also prayed proved, in fact he is well and enjoying the fresh, vitalizing breeze wafting from for this unworthy servant, for we are the far away hills in this Holy Land. so much in need of each other’s prayers We meet him two or three times a day in these days of darkness and gross and are uplifted by the grandeur and materialism. Of course Abdul-Baha beauty of his moral and spiritual dis does not only pray for us, he is praying courses. These are of course our golden for the whole world, that its inhabitants may become illumined with the rays of days for we have him all to ourselves. No pilgrims throng the streets of Haifa the Sun of Reality, their hearts become and no reading of letters take up the the caskets of the jewels of good-will time. Each day is a blissful recurrence and fellowship, their minds the chamber of the one just past, all being strung into of the lofty ideals of brotherhood and a white rosary of sweet memory. their ultimate object the progress of Our dear mother Lua [Getsinger] humanity. He hopes that the practice of altruism and the inculcation of opti lives with the holy family at the foot of the mountains and is. very happy. mism may become the general rule and Please present my grateful greeting not the exception and the law of fellow- to all the dear friends. I hope I will be feeling and sympathy widely spread. He given the opportunity to see them again is looking to the friends for the creation and talk with them on the things we of a better understanding between na prize most. tions and the diffusion of the fragrance I am as ever, your faithful brother, of the holy spirit. The world is sick and those who claim to be the wise phy (Signed) Ahmad. sicians must treat this patient with far sighted wisdom and perception. Will Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria, their treatment cure or only aggravate August 8, 1915. the malady? It is the duty of the Miss Ghodsea Ashraf. friends of God to show to the denizens My dear sister in the light of Abdul- of this globe, through their deeds and Baha ! explanations what love means, what tol Soon it will be three years that I have eration signifies, what is the meaning of left the United States—three years over brotherhood, and what is the standard flowing with spiritual memories and di of true solidarity. These are the things vine events. Each day was equal to a 78 STAR OF THE WEST thousand years and each hour most im My dear Ghodsea! I hope you have portant in its ideal signification. They made great progress in your education were such days the like of which will and have bedecked the chambers of your not be found in the annals of history. mind and the mansion of your heart with Their beauties cannot be compared with imperial thoughts and queenly senti those of the most precious jewels or the ments. This will not only make Abdul- majesty of principalities and kingdoms. Baha happy but all those who are sym Each day was a white limpid pearl pathizing with the movement tending strung on the golden thread of time, a toward the emancipation of the Persian fruitful tree planted in the garden of women, suffering them to become the in life, a blue heaven studded with the tellectual and spiritual peers of the bright stars of humanitarian ideals, a women of the civilized world. garden adorned with the most fra Praise be to God! that from the time grant flowers, a most perfect portrait of your arrival in America you have been painted by the hand of the master confirmed at every step and have been artist, a charming song the notes of which advancing year after year. This is a will enrapture the hearts of many thou great bounty on the part of God and sands and a new dedication to the service there is no doubt that you are appre of the Cause of God and the promotion ciating it. All of us expect from you of the Word of God. the performance of great and signal The sweetness and affability of these services. I dare say that few of the days will never be forgotten, nor will Persian girls have had the wonderful they ever be erased from the tablet of opportunities prepared for yon by the consciousness. I wish all the friends grace and mercy of Abdul-Baha, and were with me to enjoy the sublime I feel certain that you have availed your pictures; engraving them on the retina self of each one of them in a noble and of the eyes. It is one thing to take thankful manner. You know what our part in an event, and another thing to great poet Sadi says in the beginning of describe it. One cannot put on paper his book: “ In every breath two bless those sudden outbursts of joy, those ings are contained and for every blessing indefinable moments of tremulous pleas a separate thanksgiving is due.” If the ure, those happy events of the past mere process of expiration and inhalation which appear in the life of every indi involves so many blessings and thanks vidual, leaving behind a deep and last givings, how much more then should we ing impression. The greatest writers thank our Father who has showered up have acknowledged their limitations on us all His graces and favors. when they had to describe the details If yon desire to know something about of the most wonderful epochs of their our condition here: Praise be to God! lives. They could not cast into the we are all well, especially our Beloved’s mould of cold words the warm and health is excellent. He is living now on glowing sentiments of their hearts. They the slope of Mount Carmel and we have struggled, they strove, but at last they the rare pleasure of seeing him two or laid aside their pens and confessed their three times a day. inability. Similarly I have tried to form There is a possibility of my return to a clear mental picture of all the mar Washington after this war. No doubt velous events of the last three years, but four years in America have worked won they come crowding upon me with such ders in you and I anticipate seeing these variety and number that I retire from pleasing changes. In myself I do not see the field precipitously. It is impos any radical change, except I have grown sible to duly appreciate one of these older and the hairs of my head are get events, appearing in order and gradation ting white. Youth is a flitting image one after another. which like a character in a moving pic- STAR OF THE WEST 79 ture shows itself for a few years which morning he comes to Mosafer Khaneh* in comparison to eternity are far less and Avhile walking to and fro he uplifts than a few seconds and then flies away our hearts through his spiritual talks and forever. . . . conversations. Like unto the white I am as ever your sincere well-wisher, pearls we gather the words of wisdom (Signed) Ahmad. falling from his divine lips, collecting them for the timely presentation to the Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria, eastern and Avestern friends. In the August 9, 1915. afternoon for an hour or so he Avalks majestically in front of the Mlagham,t Dr. and Mrs. Bagdadi, Chicago. then directing his steps toward the holy My dear brother and sister in the Cause of holies we follow him quietly and offer of God! our prayer in behalf of all the friends. During the last month I wished so It is now nearly one year that we much to write you a letter and express have no letters from America, We do to you my spiritual love and devotion not know what our friends are doing and and now I avail myself of the first op how are they getting along. Please give portunity offered to me. Because you my sincere greeting to each and all and are the natives of this blessed land, be tell them I have not forgotten them. cause your dear families live here, and Every day I pray for them and hope you have been brought up in this sacred they will be confirmed rvith the breaths atmosphere, you are never forgotten both of the holy spirit. The Persian students, in the holy presence and at the divine especially Abbas Ikbal and Mirza Badi threshold of the Blessed Perfection. Our send you their heartiest greeting. love for and devotion to you ever prompt us to remember you and pray for you, Ever your faithful brother, and we anticipate to receive good news (Signed) Ahmad. from you. On one hand Abbas Ikbal *Mosafer Khaneh—Pilgrims’ House. is spending his vacation on Mount fMagham—the tomb of the Bab. Carmel in company with the Persian students from the American college, on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria. the other hand your mother and sis August 15, 1915. ter and your three brothers are perma nent dwellers in Haifa. All these dear [Louis G. Gregory, Washington, D. C.] ones are well, happy and in good health ...... His [Abdul-Baha’s] de and, with the friends of God, remember sire is that all the believers character you and supplicate for your success and ize themselves Avith these [divine] at prosperity. tributes, adorn their temples with these Abdul-Baha’s health is excellent. He garments, ornament their bodies Avith is at the time of this Avriting living in these decorations and illumine their the house of Aga Abbas Goli adjoining homes with these glistening lamps. Then the tomb of the Bab. and not until then will they be consid It is now more than a month that he ered as his sons and daughters. His real has come up. The weather at the foot solicitude is for their spiritual welfare of the mountain is quite warm during and happiness. Above eA^erything else the summer, while here on its high slope he Avishes them to be joy-bringers to this it is cool and refreshing, the vitalizing sorrow-laden world. This is considered breeze ever blowing from the sacred hills to be their greatest mission. They must beyond. . . . cry at the top of their voices: My dear brother! Now that the Be “ Rejoice! Rejoice! 0 thou world of loved lives on Mount Carmel we see him humanity! The tree of thy hope is every morning and evening. In the near the time of fruition! 80 STAR OF THE WEST

“ Rejoice ! Rejoice ! The rivers of celestial enraptured with the beauty of the Be ideals are flowing from the mountains loved. They are not attached to any of decree! thing. They pray at morn and eve for “ Rejoice! Rejoice! The gales of love the misguided children of men and wish and peace have stirred deeply the sea them naught but good and prosperity. of God’s grace and pity! The heaven of their minds is not dark 1 ‘ Rejoice ! Rejoice ! The music of reality ened with the clouds of prejudices nor has attracted the hearts of all the sin the chambers of their hearts bedimmed cere ones! with the smoke of hostility. They are released from all such ties and are soar ‘ ‘ Rejoice ! Rejoice ! The trees of the gar ing in the atmosphere of sanctity. dens of truth are bedecked with the most luscious fruits. I am writing you this letter from the lovely garden of Abdul-Baha. He is just “ Rejoice! Rejoice! The Beloved of all walking amidst the beds of roses and nations will soon enter the assembly talking with a number of friends on the of the children of men with a radiant corruptibility of nature and the sacred face ! ness of the Word of God. Like unto the “ Rejoice ! Rejoice ! for the earth of capa sun, he shines upon the just and unjust. bilities is already begemmed [orna Every day we descend from the Pilgrim’s mented] with the sweet amaranths of House and spend several hours in the love and the fragrant lilies of affec verdant garden and listen to the words tion ! ’ ’ of truth and wisdom. They are indeed In such wise the friends must work, life-giving and soul-uplifting. I wish for as the moral physicians of the world you were present; but I am sure you can of humanity, their pharmacopoeia must accomplish better and more efficient be filled with all kinds of medicines; work where you are. thus they may be able to treat every Abdul-Baha remembers you and sends kind of illness and disease. Firm you his greeting. He prays for all the ness and steadfastness is the condi friends at the Holy Threshold and the tion whereby they may attain to this blessed tomb of the Bab. unparalleled station. They must close Give my greeting t o ...... their eyes to the world and the things all the friends We are all well and contained therein. Their work is in the happy. I anticipate the time when I realm of the spirit; their efforts are shall have the pleasure of seeing you along the line of morality and the incul face to face. cation of ethical principles. They look I am ever your sincere brother at all times towards heaven and are (Signed) Ahmad.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR FUNDS On hand at opening of Convention in San Francisco...... $8,150.92 Amount received from April 17th to Sept. 1st, 1915...... 1,718.96 Total ...... $9,869.88 Expenses ...... 661.95 In bank August 31, 1915...... $9,207.93

B a h a i T e m p l e U n i t y , Corinne True, Financial Secretary.

A few of the Greatest Name stones, in ring and brooch sizes, received direct from Haifa some time ago, may be obtained so long as the supply lasts. Interested friends may address Joseph H. Hannen, P. O. Box 1319, Washington, D. C., for particulars and prices. This dis tribution is planned at the request of those who have been unable to procure the stones, none of which are now being sent over. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”— B a h a ’o’l l a h .

Voi. VI Masheyat 1, 71 (September 27, 1915) No. 11

Abdul-Baha’s Message to the People of America Talk given by Abdul-Baha at Grand Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio, November 5, 1912.

INCE I am in Cincinnati, the home of President Taft, who has done noble service for the cause of peace, I will dictate a statement for the people S of Cincinnati and America generally: In the orient I heard that there are many peace-loving people in America. Therefore, I left my native land to associate here with those who are the standard-bearers of international peace. Having traveled from coast to coast, I find America a continent vast and progressive; the government .just; the nation noble. I attended many gatherings where international peace was discussed, and am extremely happy to witness the results of these meetings, for one of the great teachings of BahaVllah relate to international peace. He founded and taught this principle fifty years ago, in the orient. He pro claimed universal peace among the nations; he summoned the people to estab lish universal peace among the various religions; he organized peace among many races, communities and sects. At that time he wrote epistles to all the rulers and kings of thè world and summoned them to co-operate with him in spreading these principles, saying that humanity would not attain composure and rest save through universal peace. And he practiced the prin ciple in Persia. And, therefore today there are people of various religions and races, in Persia and elsewhere, souls who followed the exhortations of Baha’o’llah, living together in the utmost love and fellowship, with no religions prejudice, no patriotic prejudice, no sectarian prejudice. They live in unity and agreement, Mohammedan, Boman Catholic, Jew, Buddhist, followers of Zoroaster, and all others. Now, America has arisen to spread the teachings of peace, for the illumi nation of mankind and for bestowing happiness and prosperity on all the children of men. These are the principles of divine civilization. America is a noble nation, the standard bearer of peace throughout the world, shedding her light to all regions. Foreign nations are not untrammeled and free of intrigues like the United States, and are unable to bring about universal peace. But America, thank God, is at peace with all the world and is worthy of rais ing the flag of brotherhood and international peace. When the summons to international peace is raised by America, all the rest of the world will cry, “ Yes, we accept!” The nations of every clime will join in adopting the teach ings of BahaVllah, revealed over fifty years ago. In his epistles he asked the parliaments of the world to send their wisest and best men to an interna 82 STAR OF THE WEST tional world parliament, that should decide all questions between the peoples and establish universal peace. This would be the last court of appeal, and the Parliament of Man, long dreamed of by the poets, would be realized. It would be much more far-reaching than The Hague tribunal. I am grateful to President Taft for giving his influence to the movement for international peace and what he has done toward establishing peace treaties is good; but when we have the inter-parliamentary body, composed of delegates from all the nations of the world, devoted to maintaining univer sal peace and good-will, then we will have the Parliament of Man, of which the poets have dreamed. Tablet from Abdul-Baha to Mr. Andrew Carnegie To the noble personage, his excellency, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, May God assist him!

he is god ! 0 thou illustrious soul! 0 thou the wilt sit upon the throne of incorruptible great pillar of the palace of uni glory in the kingdom of God. versal peace! All the leaders and statesmen of Eu It is some time since I intended to rope are thinking on the plane of war correspond with thee, but there was no and the annihilation of the mansion of intermediary between us. Now that his humanity, but thou art thinking on the excellency, Mr. Topakyan, has made this plane of peace and love and the strength possible through his kindly suggestion, I ening and reinforcement of the basis of write thee this epistle; for truly I say the superstructure of the human world'. thou art the lover of humanity and one They are the heralds of death, thou art of the founders of universal peace. the harbinger of life. The foundations, Today the most great service to the of their palaces are unstable and waver kingdom of God is the promotion of ing and the turrets of their mansions the principle of the unification of man are tottering and crumbling, but the kind and the establishment of universal basis of thy structure is firm and un peace. A number of souls who were movable. doctrinaires and unpractical thinkers While I was journeying throughout worked for the realization of this most America and Europe, I cried before all exalted aim and good cause, but they the meetings, conventions, and churches : were doomed to failure, save that lofty “ 0 ye noble friends ! The world of hu personage who has been and is still pro manity is facing in the future a most moting the matter of international arbi portentous danger and supreme calam tration and general conciliation through ity. The continent of Europe has be deeds, words, self-sacrifice and the gen come like unto a gunpowder magazine erous donation of wealth and property. and arsenal, under which are hidden Rest thou assured that through the con combustible materials of the most in firmations of the holy spirit thou wilt flammatory nature. Its combustion will become confirmed and assisted in the be dependent upon the sudden and un accomplishment of this most resplendent expected enkindlement of one tiny spark service, and in this mortal world thou which shall envelop the whole earth with shalt lay the foundation of an immortal, a world-wide conflagration, causing the everlasting edifice, and in the end thou total collapse of European civilization STAR OF THE WEST 83 through the furious, wild, raging, fiery the kingdom of God is the promulgation tongues of war. Therefore, 0 ye well- of the cause of universal peace and the wishers of the world of humanity, en principle of the oneness of the world of deavor by day and by night so that humanity. Whosoever arises in the ac these inflammable materials may not complishment of this pre-eminent service come in touch with the burning fires of the confirmations of the holy spirit will racial antipathy and hatred!” descend upon him. Today the life of mankind and its Now all that has been predicted has attainment to everlasting glory depend come to pass, and the lurid flames, of on its display of effort and exertion in this war have emblazoned the horizon accord with the principles of his holi of the east and the west, causing a re ness Baha’o’llah; for his first and fore verberating social earthquake through most teaching consists of the oneness of the columns of the earth. After this the world of humanity. He says: “ We war the workers for the cause of uni are all the sheep of God. His Highness, versal peace will increase day by day, the Almighty, is the real Shepherd and and the pacific party will array its force, kind to all the sheep. Why then should displaying great activity with better ad we be unkind toward each other 1 ’ ’ An vantage, and in the end gaining a per other of his most great institutes deals manent triumph and eternal victory with the subject of universal peace, the over all the other parties. The realiza establishment of which would be con tion of this matter is incontestable and ducive to the well-being and progress irrefragable. and tranquillity of the commonwealth Therefore, ere long a vast and unlim of man. ited field will be opened before your Other precepts of Baha’o’llah treat of view for the display of your powers and the identity of the underlying founda energies. You must promote this glori tions of the religions of God, the original ous intention with the heavenly power oneness of the nations, the adoption and and the confirmation of the holy spirit. general practice of a universal auxiliary I am praying in thy behalf that thou language and the inculcation of the ideal mayest erect a pavilion and unfurl a flag of cosmopolitanism and world-patriotism in the world of peace, love, and eternal among the children of men; conse life. quently in the future his teachings will I beg you to accept the consideration act as a deterrent and preventive from of my highest and deepest respect. the occurrence of the most great danger, (Signed) Abdul-Baha A bbas. L e., universal war. . Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, May 1, 1915. Home of Abdul-Baha, Mount Carmel, Today the most important object of Haifa, Syria.

Tablet from Abdul-Baha To the Bahai Assembly ' if Portland, Oregon. Upon thee be Ba 1 a’o’Uah-el-Abha! H E is GOD ! O ye denizens of the Kingdom! thereof being the blessings of his holi Yonr letter was received and caused ness Baha’o’llah, the spirit of that meet joy and gladness, for it was an evidence ing is the confirmations of the supreme of firmness and steadfastness. Praise kingdom, and the sustenance of that be to God, ye have an assembly in the gathering is celestial benediction. I hope utmost joy and fragrance; the candle that the life of that assembly shall be (Continued on i eighty-seven) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BAH A I N EW S SER V IC E, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IU.,U. S. A. Entrrrd as second-class matter April 9. 1911. at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3. 1879. Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB T e r m s : $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI N EW S SERV ICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P, O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U .S.A . TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. 0 thou Star of the West l h e is god-! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea: thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon -firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed') A bdul-Baha Abbas. Vol. VI Masheyat 1, 71 (September 27, 1915) No. 11

Some Bahai Teachings on Peace and War

Extract from a tablet by Abdul-Baha, of the world to lay down their arms and October 4,1914. proclaim an era of universal peace. About fifty years ago, Ms holiness Baha’o’llah proclaimed certain teach Words spoken at Acca to Professor E. G. ings, and chanted the song of Uni Browne, 1890, by Baha’o’llah. versal Peace. In numerous tablets and epistles* he foretold in the most clear We desired but the good of the world language the present cataclysm: stat and the happiness of the nations; that ing that the world of humanity was all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of af facing the most portentous danger, and that the coming of universal war was un fection and unity between the sons of fortunately inevitable; for the combus men shall be strengthened; that the di tible material stored in the infernal ar versity of religion shall cease, and differ senals of Europe would some day explode ences of race be annulled. These fruit through contact with a single spark. less strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass Amongst other things he foresaw that away, and the “ most great peace” shall the Balkans would become a volcano, come. Do not you in Europe need this and the map of Europe would he also ? Is not this that which Christ fore changed. For 'these and similar reasons told ? Yet do we see your kings and rul Baha’o’llah invited the kings and rulers ers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the hu ♦These epistles are contained in the Surat’-ul- Mutuh, and have been described and analyzed in man race, than on that which would con th e Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. B a h a ’o’llah wrote to the Pope, to Queen Victoria, to duce to the happiness of mankind. Strife, the Shah of Persia, and Napoleon III, asking them for their co-operation in his efforts to make bloodshed, and discord, must cease, and his ideas of fraternity and universal peace all men he as one kindred and one fam triumph. History does not tell us how all of them were received, but the prophecies therein ily. Let not a man glory in this, that he have made them celebrated. Thus in 1868, he announced to Napoleon III, the approaching fall loves his country; let Mm rather glory of his Empire, and to the Pope the loss of his temporal power. that he loves his kind. STAR OF THE WEST 85

From “Abdul-Baha in London”—Notes Extracts from “ Talks Given by Abdul- of a Conversation. Baha in Paris.” Abdul-Baha showed how Baha’o’llah Land belongs not to one people, but to had exactly described in one of his books all people. The earth is not man’s home, what has since been attempted in the but his tomb. It is for their tombs these International Court of Arbitration, at men are fighting. The Hague. Baha’o’llah also said the However great the conqueror, however Court must have other functions, some of many countries he may reduce to slav which are not yet realized, and Abdul- ery, he is unable to retain any part of Baha described them to us so that when these devastated lands except one tiny they would be fulfilled in the near future, portion—his tomb! If more land is re we might know they had been prophesied quired for the improvement of the con by Baha’o’llah. The functions of the ditions of the people, for the spread of International Court of Arbitration would civilization, surely it would be possible be to settle disputes that arose from time to acquire peaceably the necessary ex to time between nations; to define the tension of territory! exact boundaries of the different coun But war is made for the satisfaction of tries ; to decide what number of soldiers men’s ambition; for the sake of worldly and guns should be maintained by each gains to the few, terrible misery is nation, according to its population, in brought to numberless homes, breaking order to preserve internal order. If any the hearts of hundreds of men and state rebelled against the decision of the women. Court and rejected it, the Court would I charge you all that each one of you empower the others to join their forces concentrate every thought of his heart on and to endorse their decision, if need be, love and unity. When a thought of by united effort. war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred Extract from Abdul-Baha’s Writings. must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. Thoughts of war bring Fifty years ago Baha’o’llah clearly destruction to all harmony, well-being, stated this matter of universal peace in restfulness and content. Thoughts of the Booh of Akdas, and has commanded love are constructive of brotherhood, all the Bahais to serve faithfully with peace, friendship and happiness. When heart and soul in this great Cause, to soldiers of the world draw their swords give up their possessions and wealth for to kill, soldiers of God should clasp each it, and sacrifice their lives in case of others’ hands! So may all the savagery necessity. of man disappear by the mercy of God Extract from “Bahaism” by Monsieur working through the pure in heart and Hippolyte Dreyfus. the sincere of soul. Do not think the peace of the world an The Bahais have carried obedience to ideal impossible to attain. Nothing is this principle so far—remembering that impossible to the Divine benevolence. their Prophet had said: “ It is better for If with all your heart you desire you to be killed than to kill”—that the friendship with every race on earth, fanatical population of Persia excited your thought, spiritual and positive, will by its mullas, has been able, at different spread; it will become the desire of times in the last few years, to make others, growing stronger and stronger, odious attacks against them, without until it reaches the minds of all men. their even wishing to take up arms in I charge you all that each one of you self-defense, although often they had a concentrate every thought of his heart numerical advantage. upon love and unity. 86 STAR OF T H E WES T

Only One Religion for Entire World

Requisite for Universal Peace Announced by Mirza Ali Kuli Khan. Persian Charge d ’affaires Speaks Before International Peace Congress

IRZA Ali Kuli Khan, charge ing through the dense clouds which d’affaires of the Persian lega temporarily impede its course to the M tion at Washington, D. C., in an meridian of its glory. address before the International Peace “Although the effecting of a world Congress at San Francisco, said: brotherhood is the determined plan of “Humanity, from the dawn of his God, it is for the membership of the tory, has progressed under the guid human family to co-operate in its real ance of prophetic teachers from a state ization. of infancy through the various stages “ In our effort to unify the world we of development leading to its maturity. must take the lessons taught by the In spite of all obstacles to the con past great religions in achieving the trary, the course of humanity, in the moral and spiritual uplift of their re long run, has never been impeded by spective peoples, for no unity of a peo retrogression. ple existing in a civilized state could “ The prophets of God, whose gospels be independent of moral .and spiritual were the result of a well founded op character. The building of such char timism, aimed at the unity of man be acter has been the task of every true cause of their due knowledge of the religion. principle of human unity, which in the “ As our aim today is the creation of mind of God had ever been an accom a world civilization, based upon a plished fact. Each world teacher ac world unity, we must enlarge our complished that plan in conformity conception of religion to reach the di with the limited capacity manifested mensions of a world religion—the re by his people. ligion of humanity. “ God applied His original plan for “Such religion should include the the unification of Israel through Moses, truth of all religions and exclude all of the Gentiles through Jesus, of the patriotic, national and racial bias. Parsees through Zoroaster, of the Hin “ The most successful political and dus through the Buddha, and of the industrial steps taken by any nation other sections of humanity through toward human betterment are those other world teachers and prophets. represented by the federal and indus “ Today, which to the wise and trial institutions organized in the thoughtful is the day of the maturity United States, the greatest republic of of the human race, God will accomplish all time ; for these American institu that noble plan. In the voice raised in tions, in their domestic and interna all parts of the world in favor of peace, tional relationships, are impregnated and in the efforts extended by the with the spirit of justice, altruism and peace-loving element in the world’s broad humanity, which is embodied in population, which constitutes the posi the religion of humanity, because they tive, affirmative principle of the human exhale the fragrance of the noble say body politic, we find a potent manifest ings of the Persian prophet [Baha’- proof that the day of peace has dawned, o’llah] of these modern times : ‘Ye are all and is steadily, though slowly, break the leaves of one tree and the drops of STAR OF THE WEST 87 one sea’; ‘Great glory is not his who of all climes the bounties of the religion loves his country, but rather his who of humanity. May we not, therefore, loves his kind.’ look upon America as the nation which “ America is therefore the field in is specially chosen by the Almighty to which the seeds of the world religion assist in man’s progress upward and are given opportunity to germinate, to bless humanity with the fruits of and which will extend to the peoples universal peace?”

Tablet from Abdul-Baha (Continued from page eighty-three) the breaths of the holy spirit, and in cordance with the teachings of his holi accordance with the heavenly teachings ness Baha’o’llah, he is self-sacrificing. ye become regiments of universal peace, My hope is that he will become a candle breaking asunder the armies of war and of the Convention for Universal Peace strife through the power and teachings and shine forth like unto the. morning of his holiness Baha’o’llah, and thus star from the horizon of the oneness of raise the standard of unity, of friend the world of humanity. ship and of love in the world of hu It may come to pass that some cor manity. rupted souls shall come to America The Americans are distinguished from working to bring about the wavering of the Europeans in this noble ideal, viz.: your hearts; but ye must he firm like universal peace, and it is proper that unto a mountain in faith and the Cov they glory before all nations. His honor enant, and be not shaken by the blowing Mr. William Jennings Bryan, the Secre of contrary winds. tary of State of the United States of America, especially, has in reality stood Upon ye he Baha-el-Abha! by the promulgation of universal peace (Signed) Abdul-Baha Abbas. with the utmost effort; and because in Translated October 14, 1914, Mt. Carmel, this matter he is striving exactly in ac- Haifa, Syria.

Letter from Mirza Ahmad Sohrab

Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria, our relation not broken, the light of September 4, 1915. friendship not extinguished, the stars Albert PI. Hall, of our hope not set, the river of amity Minneapolis, Minn. not dried, the breezes of devotion not My dear brother in the Kingdom of hushed and the palaces of mutual help God! fulness not destroyed! Instead of sow Days and months succeed each other ing the seeds of love, we have sown and we do not have any news from the seeds of hatred. Instead of culti those friends, neither have we been vating the flowers of brotherhood, we able to correspond with you. Because have nurtured the thorns of strange we could not write nor did we receive ness. Instead of shining with the light your letters our spiritual loss and of joy and happiness, we have sur deprivation has been great and meas rounded ourselves with the darkness of ureless. How much more wonderful grief and despair. Instead of teaching it would have been were the ties of and practicing the laws of life, we are 8 8 STAR OP THE WEST disseminating and inculcating the sen to the friends those jewels of the mines tences of death. We are not following of truth gathered in these days. The in the path of Christ, nor are we im light of those gems will illumine many bued with his holy fragrances. It hearts and strengthen many souls. seems that all the teachings of Christ, They will impart comfort and consola his sufferings and crucifixion have tion, bringing to light many dark and yielded no result, for the so-called civ ambiguous problems. Our days in ilized Christian nations of Europe to Haifa are very quiet because there are day are no better than their Yisigoths, no pilgrims nor any letters—thus we Vandals, Pranks, Anglo Saxons ances pray at the threshold of the Almighty tors and other barbarian, bloodthirsty to bring to an end these conflicts and tribes who roved over the then unin let the sun of goodfellowship shine habited parts of the west. We may forth for the realization of better un still thank those early savages for hav derstanding amongst all the peoples. ing not perfected the art of manslaugh Often do I remember the spiritual days ter, they could not spread so much de spent in Minneapolis and the meetings struction and ravages. They were un held in the Jewish synagogue, your able to kill so many of their brothers in home and other places. Abdul-Baha a day or in a month. They had no now and then speaks of you and nar rifles, no rapid-firing guns, no cannons, rates for the friends the interesting no bombs, no aeroplanes and no dirigi events of those few days. He remem bles. Their instruments consisted of bers also the Bahais in St. Paul and crude spears, javelins, battle-axes and the few delightful hours spent there. unwieldy engines of ancient war meth Those were days that we do not forget ods. With these they could not carry and the love and kindness of the their cruel propensities into full opera friends showered upon us remain vivid tion, and were hampered by lack of and clear throughout all our lives. He means and the non-existence of the hopes all the dear ones in those parts means of modern communication. Their are well and engaged in the service spheres of activities were always lim of the Cause of God. Whenever he ited and their ambitions bounded by receives such news his heart is filled natural and impassable barriers. with gladness and joy. He knows that My dear brother! Praise be to God, in the future the spiritual responsibility that the health of Abdul-Baha is per of propagating the principles of the fectly well and for the present he is oneness of the world of humanity will living in Haifa. We are fortunate to be theirs, and he loves to see them car see him and hear him speak three or rying in their firm hands the luminous four times a day. We preserve his torch of divine principles. To this lofty talks and conversations as they are all station, he calls forth their attention. the spiritual food for the people of the Please give my sincere greeting to earth. They are the roses of the king dom of Abha and the sweet notes of all the loved ones. the bird of paradise. I hope that when Ever faithfully your brother, the means of transportation are again established, I will be able to forward (Signed) Ahmad.

F eb r u a r y 2 2 , 1847 Jtt 4$fejtt01TÌUttt S e p t e m b e r 3 0 , 1912 T hornton C h a se “This revered personage was the first Bahai in America. He has served the cause faithfully and his services will ever he remembered throughout future ages and cycles." —A b d u l-B a h a . STAR OF THE WEST "We desire but the grood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace1 shall come.”— B a h a ’o’l l a h .

Vol. VI Elm 1, 71 (October 16, 1915) N o. 12

“ Tell Everyone Now is the Time to Teach and Spread the Cause !”

LETTERS FROM LUA GETSINGER

Port Said, Egypt, Mrs. Bagdadi, Chicago. Sept. 20, 1915. Dear Zeenat Khanurn : I promised your brother, who came to see me ou board our American Cruiser, Des Moines, August 30th, which took me and many hundreds of refu gees from Haifia, that I would write you as soon as possible after reaching some destination from which it would be possible to get mail through to you. I arrived in Port Said, September 14th, so tired and exhausted that I could do nothing but talk to the friends who have been so long without news of Abdul- Baha! Praise be to God! when I left he was in good health though surrounded by difficulties and dangers which I am powerless to describe. "What he has not done for Syria! “ The army of God,” as Abdul-Baha named the locusts—which came in such clouds as to darken the snn—completed the difficulties by way of misery, starvation and death. Such suffering as was manifest on all sides can scarcely be believed. People were coming day and night begging and weeping at his gate. He became the sole comfort and hope of the people whether they are believers or unbelievers! Your mother and family were well and your mother especially was so wishing and longing to hear from you. There is no reason why you cannot write direct to Haifa as long as America is neutral and you do not write about war matters. The Bahais in America could have been writing all this time direct to Haifa; but they have sent everything to Port Said which was cut off from Turkey a year ago. Abdul-Baha said, now the friends should not address him—as he did not wish to trouble them—and perhaps their letters would not reach him; but that anyone could write Mirza Ahmad Sohrafo or other friends in Haifa, so long as America is not in the conflict. Thus please Zeenat, do write to your mother and family; but write in English or Arabic. No news had come from Fatima Khanum for a long time and I am sorry to say that nothing had been heard from any of Dr. Zia’s people for some time...... I am enclosing a photograph of a tablet to the American Bahais which was revealed August 27th, and which I got through the custom house with the assist- 90 STAR OF THE WEST

artce of the American Consul at Haifa. Please ask Dr. Zia to translate it to Mrs. True and then give it to the S t a k o f t h e W e s t . I do not just yet know when I shall reach America as I have some work to do in France first. I am writing an account of my last months with Abdul-Baha and family to Mr. ITan- nen which will probably be sent to all centers...... I am sent forth again “ to herald The Covenant” by its holy Center, and I shall do it with his divine assistance better and more powerfully than I have ever done. . . . Please say to all the friends that I love them all, and I am ready to meet them in the spirit of the Center of God’s holy Covenant which is naught save pure, spiritual divine love! I wish everybody success in the service of His Great Cause, and ask them to pray for me—the least and most unworthy of all His faithful servants. . . . With most sincere Bahai greetings to you and your husband, I am as always, Yours in the service and love of Abdul-Baha, (Signed) Lua.

Port Said, Egypt, Sept. 21, 1915. Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C. My dear Bahai friend: I arrived here a week ago from the island of Crete, having left Haifa on our American cruiser, Des Moines, which brought away from Haifa two hundred and ninety refugees and myself. I was ready to leave the middle of June on the U. S. S. Tennessee, but as some of the students in Beyrouth succeeded in getting away, Abdul-Baha decided that I should stay until later. When the news filtered through of the possibility of America declaring war, and our gunboat came to the very port of Haifa, he said: ‘ ‘ Now is the time for you to go and give news to the friends in Egypt, Europe and America. It is a long time that they are without any word, and I desire to send you to them, after which you are to go and teach.” Then he wrote a tablet to the friends in America, gave me my instructions, and I left. I shall send a photographic copy of the tablet on the next mail, with a short account of the last few days in Haifa, which were stirring and moving ones for everybody. Abdul-Baha was well, though surrounded with the greatest dangers and difficulties when I left. He left Haifa for Nazareth at noon, August 29th, and I sailed the next morning, August 30th. . . . He has been encompassed by difficulties on all sides for months, and more especially since the locusts came and destroyed everything, which has caused hundreds to suffer and die from starvation. We were absolutely without news from any quarter for months, and greatly wondered why no one from America wrote, as it was the only neutral country from which news could come. And now that must cease also, as far as addressing Abdul-Baha is concerned; but I do hope you will try and write STAR OP THE WEST 91

Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, if only post cards. Letters via Constantinople must all pass the censorship, remember, so no word about war, politics or prophecies! We passed through three bombardments, which were all localized, therefore no lives were lost. What the people are to do there this winter, only God knows. The cold rains will be an added misery to their already manifold woes. It was wonderful to witness the calm majesty of Abdul-Baha as he went about among the people, whose only hope and help he is! . . . I shall come to America as soon as possible, though I have work to do else where first. I enclose you a translation of the tablet above-mentioned, and will send photographic copy of the original next mail. I send the French translation, made in Haifa by Shougi Effendi, Abdul-Baha’s grandson; also the English. Please let the friends see them. I have had such a fatiguing journey, and feel so very exhausted physically that I cannot write more at present; beside I only just have time to catch the .mail, which closes at midnight. Please give my most sincere greetings to all in the service, and love of the Covenant of God, espe cially your dear wife, Mrs. Haney and Mrs. Parsons. Abdul-Baha said: “ Tell everyone now is the time to teach and spread the Cause!” The friends in Cairo and here are all well, and send greetings to all in Washington. 0 these days of trial and test! The whole world has been flung into the melting pot. Each individual soul must be put into the crucible and “ tried as gold is tried and refined as silver is refined.” The Center of the Covenant now sitteth as the Refiner, and it is he who judgeth the purity, capacity and station of every servant. He is the divine assayer who accepts and rejects. He alone knows the hearts, and in him only can one find justice and truth. He is the judge of the high court in the supreme concourse, who renders judgments in righteousness and stations the souls of his sincere worshippers! In this day all must be sure that he is the Center from which every living soul is sent forth, and to which every faithful and sincere one must turn! More later. As ever, yours faithfully, In the Center of the Covenant, (Signed) Lua.

TABLET Haifa, August 27, 1915. To the beloved of God in America—On them be glory and bounty ! The maid-servant of God, Lua, was a long time occupied in India in spread ing the fragrances of the love of God. She is now ready to return to the regions of America. Show her every consideration. She is firm in the Covenant of love. In reality she worked vigorously during her sojourn in India, and she is worthy l°Te- (Signed) A bdul-Baha Abbas.

Address letters to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, care of Mirza Jalal Irani, Haifa, Syria. STAR OF TH E WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BA H A I N EW S SER V IC E, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I1I.,U. S. A. ______Entered at accond-class matter April 9,1911, at the poat office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.______Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______H o n o r a r y Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB______T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. N o t * — Until further notice, diatribution in the Orient is through Agenti. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P . O . Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. ______To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAH AI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S. A . TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West\ h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Elm 1, 71 (October 16, 1915) No. 12

“The confirmation of the Kingdom of Abha shall descend uninterruptedly upon those souls who are firm in the Covenant” TABLET To the beloved of God in America—On them he glory and bounty! The maid-servant of God, Lua, was a long time occupied in India in spread ing the fragrances of the love of God. She is now ready to return to the regions of America. Show her every consideration. She is firm in the Cove nant of love. In reality she worked vigorously during her sojourn in India, and she is worthy of love. ( S ign ed ) Abdul-Baha Abbas. Haifa, August 27, 1915.

A L L A H ’0 ’A B E A ! On the opposite page we take pleasure in reproducing a photographic copy of the original tablet written by Abdul-Baha sent through Lua Getsinger to the Bahais in America, the English translation of which is given above. Per haps, some who read the simple statements in this tablet may wonder why it was written at all, inasmuch as the hearer is well known to all the Bahais in America; yet to those who are informed of the spread of the Bahai Cause in the West, it is replete with meanings. What we have in mind is this: It is the duty of Bahais, of course, to receive all, whether from the East or the West in the spirit of friendship, hut as a protection to the Cause, Abdul-Baha has made it a rule that any one com ing from the East, whether a Bahai or not, even if it be one of his own rela tives, who does not bring a letter of permission written in his [Abdul-Baha’s] own handwriting with his own signature—such an one must not he approached by the Bahais, who must even shun him. STAR OF THE WEST 93

The following extracts from tablets and cablegrams sent by Abdul-Baha to Bahais in America, explain this important matter:— Tablet revealed many years ago: 0 ye beloved of God! Highway robbers are many and hypocrites are innumerable. The wolves clothe themselves with the shepherd’s garment and thieves show themselves in the form of watchmen. Hereafter, if any Persian or Oriental come to those parts, even though he be from the very city of Akka, if ye find he does not possess a letter written by the hand and sealed by the seal of Abdul-Baha, you must decidedly avoid him. (Signed) A bdul-Baha Abbas. Cable from London to Wilhelmite, New York, received December 30, 1912: Receive no Persian, even my family, without autographic permission. Communicate to all friends. (Signed) Abdul-Baha.

Facsimile of original tablet to the American Bahais brought by Lua Getsinger Prom a tablet to Charles Mason Remey, Washington, D. C., translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, London, England, December 29, 1912: Awaken the friends, for ere long a test shall come. Perchance some per sons, outwardly firm and inwardly wavering, shall come to those parts in order to weaken the faith of the friends in the Covenant of God. Let them be awake! Let them be mindful! As long as they see a trace of violation of the Covenant, they must hold aloof from the violator. Day and night let them strive so that the lights of the Kingdom of Abha may encircle the globe, and the darkness of error may be. entirely dispelled. (Signed) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Cablegram received February 3, 1913, from Paris to Wilhelmite, New Y ork: We have reached Paris. Greetings to all. Any Persian, be he my own 94 STAR OF THE WEST son or daughter, if he comes to America without haying a new permission written in my own handwriting or signature, do not meet him at all. Inform all cities. (Signed) A bbas.

Cablegram from Paris, February 14, 1913, to Parsons-Remey, Washington:

I am servant of Baha! His holiness Baha’o’llah is unique and peerless. All must turn to Baha A ’llah. This is the religion of Abdul-Baha. Firmness in the Covenant means love and obedience to the command of Abdul-Baha. Announce this. (Signed) A bbas.

Portion of a tablet to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, March 25,1913, Paris, France. The original of this tablet is in Abdul- Baha’s own handwriting:

Convey my longing greeting to all the believers of God throughout all the cities of America and announce to them on my behalf that if any person from amongst the Persian believers who may be well known as to his charac ter, whether man or woman—although he may be my own son or daughter— comes to America and has not a new permission for his going to America written with my own handwriting and signed with my own signature, you must not give him any attention at all. Whosoever speaks with him is a vio lator of the Covenant! This question is most important. Undoubtedly you must show the utmost caution. There are some wolves in sheep’s clothes who may claim to be shepherds. Whosoever from amongst the Persian believers arrives in America although he may be related to me,—that is,—even if he be my son-in-law or she be my daughter, first ask of him the letter giying him a new permission to come again to America. If he shows you any such letter, be most careful and attentive that it is my writing and my signature, that they may not be counterfeits. Then you cable to me and inquire about him. When the answer is received by you that it is correct then you meet him, otherwise do not associate with him. Announce the contents of this letter to all the believers and the maid-servants of the Merciful throughout America. (Signed) Abdul-Baha A bbas.

Excerpt from tablet to Mrs. Harriet Cline, Los Angeles, Calif., translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Paris, March 29, 1913:

Today firmness in the Covenant is the means of the promotion of the Word of God and conducive to the effect of the word of man. Any explana tion which does not accord with the Covenant will have no effect whatever. Therefore, whosoever heralds the Covenant of God, unquestionably he is con firmed. This has been tried a thousand times: Any soul who violates the Covenant and Testament in the least degree, immediately he is cut off; even in this material world he will become afflicted with remorse and regret. (Signed) A bdul-Baha Abbas.

From a tablet to an American Bahai, translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Paris, March 4, 1913:

Whosoever claims that Abdul-Baha has given to him a tablet or sent a cablegram he must prove it (by showing it). Do not accept the saying of anyone on mere statement. He must bring forth the unmistakable and valid STAR OP THE WEST 95

evidence, signed by my own written signature and not the signature on a cablegram which cannot be substantiated. (Signed) Abdul-Baha Abbas.

Message from Abdul-Baha in his own handwriting, to the American Bahais, translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, September 18, 1913, Rarnleh, Egypt: Any Persian, whether Bahai, or belonging to the ancient religions of Per sia—in short, any Persian—without carrying in his hand a letter either in my handwriting, or signed with my signature, the believers must not associate with him or speak to him, even if he is Shougi Effendi or Rouhi Effendi (the two grandsons of Abdul-Baha). The friends must demand of him before any thing else, his credential letter, written in my handwriting, or signed with my signature. (Signed) Abdttl-Baha A bbas.

Portion of a tablet to Mr. Charles Mason Remey, translated in Rarnleh, Egypt, September 23, 1913: I have repeatedly written that any Persian—although he be my relative or Afnan—if he has no credential in his hand, the believers must not at all approach him, or associate with him, because all the enemies of the Cause in Persia—Yahyais, Nakazeen and Sufists—are turning their attention to Amer ica and will come in order to weaken the Cause of God. You must protect the Cause of God, and write to every one, and awaken all, that they must not meet any Persian who has not in his hand a credential in my handwriting and signature. (Signed) Abdul-Baha A bbas.

In response to a letter detailing the circumstances attending the arrival in San Francisco of two Persians from India (via Honolulu), without creden tials, of their appearance at a Bahai meeting, of their being advised to leave and return to their hotel, and of their being entertained subsequently in the home of a believer, the following tablet was revealed by Abdul-Baha. Trans lated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Rarnleh, Egypt, September 30, 1913: 0 thou who are attracted to the Kingdom of Abha! Thy letter was re ceived. Its details concerning those bwo persons (Persians) became known. You have acted most reasonably. Every Persian, or non-Persian, who comes from the East and has not in his hand a letter from me, although he may be one of my relatives, the believers must not receive him, neither should they let him enter into their meetings. For some wolves are coming from Persia to those parts in order to tear the sheep of God, and to scatter the seeds of corruption and to become the means of division—especially the followers of Mirza Yahya. To receive those souls would be like permitting a thief to enter a home, or like letting a wolf into a flock (of sheep). Unquestionably this is not permissible! A man may receive his own enemy into his house and show him the utmost respect and consideration, but it is not allowable to receive a thief into his house, nor a traitor into his home, nor a wolf into the flock. This would be injustice. Although the heart of the wolf is displeased at this, yet the sheep of God must be protected...... Show ye the utmost kindness toward enemies, that is, ignorant enemies, but not toward traitorous and treacherous enemies. I hope that through the divine bounty and favor you may be guarded and protected. Say to those two persons (Persians) : “ Because we have explicit instruc tions in regard to this matter we cannot disobey them. It would have been 96 STAR OF THE WEST

better for you to have gone first to Akka, and, receiving permission and cre dentials, to have come to America from there. Then you would have experi enced the utmost consideration. You must likewise obey this command. If you are sincere believers, act according to this clear injunction.” (Signed) A bdul-Baha Abbas. Portion of a tablet to Miss Juliet Thompson, New York City, translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, October 29, 1913, Ramleh, Egypt: Convey this message to each and all the believers in New York: Any person who comes to America from the East, whether Bahai or non-Bahai, although he may be one of my relatives, such as Mirza Jalal, Mirza Mohsen and Mirza Hadi (the three sons-in-law of Abdul-Baha), who has not in his hand a letter of permission in my handwriting and signature, the believers of God must not at all approach him, but shun him and know that he is a wolf— he has come to scatter the flock; a thief—he has come to rob the house...... From a tablet to the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful, United States of America; translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, home of Abdul- Baha, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Syria, April 19, 1914. (These words are in the handwriting of Abdul-Baha) : If a Persian comes from the East to those parts—supposing the impossible: Although he may be my own son, or the only daughter of Abdul-Baha—with out having in his hand an epistle with my own hand and my own signature, to meet and hold conversation with him is forbidden. For whosoever goes to America without permission has no other aim save sedition and the violation of the Covenant. (Signed) Abdul-Baha Abbas. Tablet to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, New York City, translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, August 2, 1913, Ramleh, Egypt: The confirmation of the Kingdom of Abha shall descend uninterruptedly upon those souls who are firm in the Covenant. Thou hast well observed that every firm one is assisted and aided and every violator is degraded, humiliated and lost. It is very astonishing that people are not admonished. They have observed how Mirza Mohamed Ali on account of the violation of the Covenant descended to the lowest degree of humiliation, and yet they do not become mindful. They have seen how others through disobedience to the Testament have fallen into a well of degradation, and yet they are not awakened. This Covenant is the Covenant of his holiness, BahaVllah. Now its importance is not known befittingly; but in the future it shall attain to such a degree of importance that if a king violates to the extent of one atom he shall be cut off immediately. Consider that during the life of Christ—May my life be a sacrifice to him! —his cause had no importance whatsoever ; nay, rather the people scoffed and ridiculed him, and according to the text of the Gospel they called him Beezle- bub. Now you can see the importance which it had later. (Signed) Abdul- Baha A bbas. In the light of the foregoing, further comment on our part is unnecessary. “ Peace be upon those who follow guidance.” It is evident that those who are favored with a written word of approval from Abdul-Baha should receive every consideration. Lua Getsinger has been thus favored; “ she is worthy of love.” —The Editors. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but tbe gfood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall com e.’-BAHA’o’LLAH.

Vol. VI Kudrat 1, 71 (November 4, 1915) No. 13

Addresses by Abdul-Baha delivered at Washington, D. C. ADDRESS DELIVERED AT A BAHAI BANQUET, RAUSCHER’S HALL, NOVEMBER 9, 1912. Dr. Ameen U. Fareed, interpreter; stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen.

PEEL a keen sense of joy in being here in the utmost of love. We have present at this banqnet this evening. turned to Thy Kingdom. We seek I For—praise be to God!—I see be naught save Thee, and desire naught fore me countenances which are radiant; save Thy good pleasure! 0 God! Let ears which hear, which hearken to the this food be Thy manna from heaven, melodies of the supreme concourse; and suffer this assemblage to be a con hearts which are set aglow with the fire course of Thy supreme ones. May they of the love of God; spirits which are ex; be the cause of love to humanity and hilarated through the glad-tidings of the source of illumination to the human God; souls sheltered beneath the over race. May they be the instruments of shadowing power of the Kingdom of guidance upon the earth. For verily Abha. I see before me here an assem Thou art Powerful, Thou art the Giver, blage of souls who are of the “ chosen” Thou art the Forgiver and Thou art the and not of the “ many called.” And it Almighty! is my hope that through the favors of After anointing and serving BahaVllah he may keep all of you at tracted to his Kingdom; that he may In the world there have been organ render you victorious in your service to ized many banquets, assemblages or the oneness and solidarity of men. May meetings. There have been many ban he assist all of those who are firm in quets held; but those assemblages have establishing the unity and the oneness gathered either for commercial purposes of the inhabitants of this earth. May all or have met in commemoration of po of you thereby become my partners and litical achievements. Meetings have co-sharers in servitude. been held for financing certain plans or for the promulgation of certain sci Supplication entific accomplishments. They have 0 Lord! Confirm and aid this assem been held to establish agricultural indus blage. Confirm these souls through the tries or for territorial agreements. Many breaths of Thy holy spirit. Enlighten are the assemblages which have been the eyes by witnessing these radiant held in the world for consultation upon lights, and render the ears happy subjects of learning and education. through Thy anthems and Thy sum These meetings have had for their object mons. O God! Verily we have gathered the advancement of civilization. But— 98 STAR OP THE WEST praise be to God!—this banquet and this whatsoever. To all the sheep He is kind. assemblage are for no other purpose Therefore we must emulate the example than love; for the purpose of showing of God and strive in pathways of good forth the Kingdom; for manifestation of and well-wishing for all humanity. May the traces of God; for reflecting the we endeavor with heart and soul to rec effulgences of the Kingdom of God; for oncile the religions of the earth, to rec connecting the hearts together; for serv oncile the peoples of the earth, to recon ice to the world of humanity; for the cile and unify all the nations. May we promulgation of humanitarianism and uphold the flag of solidarity, and may altruism; for promoting and advocating we enkindle a light which shall illumine international peace; for the illumination all regions with the radiance of oneness. of the world at large. Therefore such May all our purposes be centralized in an assemblage as this is matchless, peer the earnest desire of attaining the good- less, because every other assemblage is pleasure of God, and may our supreme held for a limited object, for a personal efforts be directed to the welding to reason, whereas this meeting is for God gether of the human household. Let us and God only; for the love of God. It not regard our own respective capaci is for the love of the hearts of men. It ties; nay, rather let us regard forever is for the oneness of the world of hu the favors of God. The drop must not manity. So it behooves us to offer observe its own limited capacity. Nay thanks to God, for He has confirmed us rather, it must regard the sufficiency in attaining hereto. He has1 suffered us and capacity of the ocean which ever to be servants of the world of humanity, glorifieth the drop. The tender and to be advocates of universal peace simple seed, solitary though it may be, amongst the religions; to herald univer must not look at its own lack of power. sal peace amongst the races; to estab Nay rather, its attention must ever be lish universal peace amongst the nations directed to the sun, in the rays of which and all peoples. it basks; and1 it must ever consider the It is my fervent, fond hope through downpour of the cloud of mercy. For the favor of God that this present meet the bounty of the cloud, the effulgence ing may be instrumental in ushering in and heat of the sun and the breath of the day when the standard of the one the vernal zephyrs can transform the ness of the world of humanity shall be tiny seed and develop it into a mighty held aloft in America. May it be the tree. And may you remember that a first real foundation of Universal Peace. single infinitesimal atom in the ray of May it have for its object universal serv the sun and through a shining beam of ice to man. May it be divine philan the solar energy becomes glorified and thropy to humanity. May it never ob radiant. serve any distinctions or differentiations. Therefore let us ever trust in God and May you consider all the religions as the seek confirmation and assistance from servers of God, and may you regard all Him. Let us have perfect and absolute the races as avenues of God’s Manifesta confidence in the bounty of the King tions. May you know humankind to be dom. Recall the events connected with the sheep of God, and may you know for souls of by-gone times, in the beginning a certainty that God is the real Shepherd of their days; and again regard them of all. Consider how this kind and ten when, through the assistance and the aid der Shepherd most gently cares for all of God, they proved to be the mighty His flock; how He leads them to green ones of the earth. Remember the fact pastures and beside the still waters; and that Peter was a fisherman, but through how well He protects them! Verily this the bounty of the Kingdom he became real Shepherd observes no distinctions the great apostle. Mary, the Magdalen, STAR OF TH E W EST 99

was a villager of lowly type, and trust ye in the bounty and grace of God, that selfsame Mary, the Magdalen, and rest assured in the bestowals of was changed and became the means of God’s eternal outpouring. I am hopeful conferring confirmation upon the dis that each one of you may become a shin ciples. Verily she served the Kingdom ing light, even as these electric lights of God in such wise as to render herself are now shining. Nay rather, may each well-known and oft-mentioned by the one of you become a luminary like unto tongues of men. She is shining even to a sparkling star in the heaven of His day from the horizon of eternal majesty. good will. This is my supplication at Consider how colossal is the bounty of the throne of God. This is my hope God. A woman such as Mary Magdalene through the favors of Baha’o’llah. In God selected to be the channel of con behalf of all of you I offer this supplica firmation of the disciples, and a light of tion, and with a contrite heart do I beg nearness in His Kingdom. Consequently for you assistance and eternal bestowal.

ADDRESS DELIVERED AT 1252 EIGHTH STREET, N. W., NOVEMBER 10, 1912. Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, interpreter; stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen.

HIS is a beautiful assembly. This am brown.” Nay rather, they graze to is a very good assembly. I am gether in the utmost love, live together T very happy that the whites and in the utmost unity and. happiness. How the colored are together. This is the can man be limited by colors? What cause of my happiness, for you are all are colors, anyway ? The important the servants of one God, and all are thing is that in reality all are human. brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. All are one progeny of Adam. Inas In the sight of God there is no white and much as they are all one family, why there is no colored. In the sight of God should they be separated? all are as one. Any one whose heart is I had a servant who was colored; his pure is dear to God, whether white or name was Isfandiar. If a perfect man colored, red or yellow. Among the va could be found in the world, that man rious animals there are colors. Among was Isfandiar. He was the essence of the doves that you see, some are white, love; radiant with sanctity and perfec some black, some yellow, red; but, not tion. He was luminous like unto this withstanding this, they are in the utmost light. Whenever I think of Isfandiar I happiness and fellowship with each am moved to tears, although he passed other. There is no distinction whatever, away fifty years ago. He was the faith because they are all doves. Now you ful servant of BahaVllah. He was en all are human. The doves understand trusted with the secrets of Baha’o’llah. that there is no distinction between their The shah of Persia especially wanted colors. Therefore they live together in him because he knew the secrets of the utmost fellowship. Man is intelli Baha’o’llah; therefore the shah wanted gent and thoughtful; he has powers of him very much and inquired continually mind. Why, then, should he be bound as to his whereabouts. His holiness by distinction of color or race? There Baha’o’llah was in prison; but the shah is no sheep which says to the other: “ I of Persia had appointed several persons am white!” or “ You are black, and I to find Isfandiar. Perhaps more than a (Continued on page 102) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.

Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. Z I A M . BAGDADI Honorary Member: M i Rz a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy N o t * — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i N e w s Se r v i c e , P, O. Box 283, Chicago, HI,, U, S. A. T o persona! checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to B a h a i N e w s S e r v i c e , P. O. B ox 283, Chicago, II1.,U.S,A. TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West\ h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the 1 eaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame# will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou- shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! ______CSigned) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Kudrat 1, 71 (November 4, 1915) No. 13

1850—Arthur P. Dodge—1915

A pioneer of the Bahai Cause in America has passed to the life beyond. The name of Arthur Pillsbury Dodge will ever he associated with its development in the western world, for he was an active worker and well known. In its memorial issue, the Star of the W est plans to mention his services in the Cause he loved. On behalf of the Bahais everywhere, we extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved. —The Editors. [newspaper clipping] ARTHUR P. DODGE DEAD, AFTER Mary Baker G. Eddy, at that time an VARIED CAREER. apostle of Phineas Parker Quimby, the founder of Christian Science. In 1886 Mr. Dodge founded The New Lawyer, Inventor, Publisher, Author and England Magazine, and later founded Student of Religion Succumbs The Bay State Monthly and The Granite At Sixty-five. State Monthly. Dr. Edward Everett Hale and William Dean Howells were Arthur Pillsbury Dodge, lawyer, in both associated with Mr. Dodge in these ventor, publisher, and member of the enterprises. bars of New York, New Hampshire, Illi In 1892, Mr. Dodge went to Chicago nois, and Massachusetts, died October and was admitted to the bar of Illinois 12th at his home in Freeport, L. I., in and became interested with the late his sixty-sixth year. He was born in George M. Pullman and devoted his Enfield, N. H., and was a direct descend time to the development of the Dodge ant of Simon Dodge, who came to this System of Stored Heat Motive Power. country from England in 1630. Mr. Later he founded the Kinetic Power Dodge educated himself, and was ad Company, the Dodge Motor Company, mitted to the bar of Massachusetts in and the Kinetic Manufacturing Com 1879, and for a time was attorney for pany. STAR OP THE WEST 101

Mr. Dodge bought the franchise of the Universal Peace and Unification of Re Babylon Railroad at Babylon, L. I,, and, ligions in a number of important with the aid of the late Colonel Robert churches throughout the United States. G. Ingersoll, planned to use it to demon Mr. Dodge was a profound student of strate his system of stored heat motive religion and was the author of a number power. Later he sold the franchise to of books1 on religion, the most recent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1900, in which were “ The Truth of I t ” and company with his wife, who was Miss ‘ ‘ w hence ? Why ? Whither ? ’ ’ Elizabeth Ann Day of Boston, and whom He is survived by his wife and three he married in 1870, he made a pilgrimage sons, William C. Dodge, a lawyer of 14 to the ancient prison city of Acre in Pal Nassau Street ; Wendell Phillips Dodge, estine, Syria, where Abdul-Baha Abbas editor of the Strand Magazine, and Rich was proclaiming the Bahai message to the ard P. Dodge, a scenic artist. world. Three years ago, Abbas visited His funeral services will he held from this country and was entertained by Mr. his late residence at Freeport on Thurs Dodge, who made arrangements whereby day and the interment will take place in he was allowed to preach the gospel of the Dodge plot in Wakefield, Mass.

Messages from Abdul-Baha to Bahais in Germany

ORTION of letter from Mirza Azzi- this, and consequently they will always zollah dated Haifa, July 30, 1915, strive and shine brilliantly among other P addressed to Miss Alma S. Kno- friends upon the horizon of the Cause.” bloch, Stuttgart, Germany. “ I translated all the enclosed letters Message from Abdul-Baha, to the Ba immediately and offered them to our be hais, of Germany, through Prau Consul loved Abdul-Baha. He became very hap Schwarz, translated by A. S. Bahadur, py thereby. He loves all of you, dear Mount Carmel, July 25, 1915 : friends. He often speaks highly of the character of his German children. He ‘ ‘ O dear friends! says: ‘They are pure, their nature is “ Praise be to God, we are all well and not stained by any disagreeable quality. safe under the shelter of divine patron They are readily confirmed by the hosts age and protection. We are in the ut of the Kingdom. They are blessed in their most harmony; we pray night and day activities in serving and helping the neg and beseech God’s mercy for all the ligent and distressed. Their success in people of the world, that He may not the service of the kingdom of God is look at the capacity of His creatures (at sure. ’ what the people deserve), but may He ‘ ‘ Dear sister, he praises them so often deal with them through His mere Bless that I do not know which time to write. ing and Grace, so that the means of I have only to congratulate all for their comfort and joy may be attained; so nobility of character which attracts so that the hearts may become lamps for many blessings from him. (His) lights, and the souls (people) may “ Also I pray that he may keep them attain God’s pleasure. This is our ut always under his guarding staff, safe most desire and longing. And you also from the thieves of worldly desires, pray that the ocean of bounties may rise pride and negligence. I am sure he does in waves, and all the people may be 102 STAR OF THE WEST come immersed in the ocean of God’s will give rise to great results, that it forgiveness. will influence others (nations) also. ‘ ‘ God he praised! Strong love is pro ‘ ‘ By the grace of God, we are well and duced between Germany and Islam. The happy. We hope that you are happy Islamic world is in love with the Ger too. Your postal cards were received. As manic world. The former loves exceed they bear the glad-tidings of your good ingly, the latter. health, they became the cause of our “ What a good friendship is produced! delight and joy. May peace be upon We hope that this love and friendship you!”

ADDRESS DELIVERED AT 1252 EIGHTH STREET, N. W. (Continued from page ninety-nine) hundred policemen were appointed to go but the debts of the court, for they had in search of him.. If they had succeeded confiscated our properties. Everything in catching him, they would not have we had was taken away from us. The killed him at once. Nay rather, they only thing that remained was our debts. would have cut his flesh into pieces to He paid all our debts; not a single force him to tell them the secrets of penny remained unpaid. Then he came Baha’o’llah. But Isfandiar with the ut to us and said “ Good-bye!” and went most dignity used to walk in the streets away. Afterwards Baha’o’llah was re and bazaars. One day he came to us. leased from prison. We went to Bag Mother, sister and I had a place near a dad, and Isfandiar came there. He comer, because they frequently injured wanted to stay in the same home, and us. We said: “ We must go to a place BahaVllah the Blessed Perfection said: where they do not know us.” I was a “ When you fled away there was a Per child at that time. At midnight Isfandiar sian minister who gave you shelter, at came in. Mother said: “ 0, Isfandiar, a time when no one else could give you there are a hundred policemen seeking protection. Because he did give you after you. If they catch you they will shelter and protect you, you must be not kill you at once, but they will tor faithful to him. If your master is sat ture you with fire. They will cut off isfied, then come to us; but if he does your fingers. They will cut your ears. not want you to go, do not be separated They will put out your eyes, to force you from him.” His master said: “I do to tell them the secrets of Baha’o’llah, not want to be separated from Isfandiar. you who are the servant of Baha’o’llah. Where can I find another like him, with Go away; do not stay here.” He said, such sincerity, such faithfulness, such “ I cannot go, because I am indebted in character, such power? Where can I the street and in the stores. How can find one ? 0, Isfandiar! I am not willing I go ? They will say that the servant of that you should go, yet if you wish to go, Baha’o’llah has eaten and devoured the let it be according to your own will.” property of the people. Unless I pay But because the Blessed Perfection had all these debts, I cannot go. But, if they said, “ You must be faithful,” Isfandiar take me—never mind. If they kill me— stayed with his master until he died. He never mind. If they punish me, there was a point of light! Although his color is no harm in that. But to go away is was black, yet his character was lumi impossible. I must strive and pay all nous, his mind was luminous, his face my debts. Then I will go.” For one was luminous. Truly, he was a point of month Isfandiar went about in the streets light. and bazaars. He had things to sell and Then it is evident that excellence does from his earnings he used to pay his not depend upon color. Character is the debts. In fact, they were not his debts, true criterion of humanity. Anyone STAR OF THE WEST 103 who possesses a good character, who has you will be like unto a rose-garden. Al faith in God and is firm, whose manners though different in colors, yet—praise are good, whose speech is good,—that be to God!—you receive rays from the one is accepted at the threshold of God, same sun. From one cloud the rain is no matter what color he may he! In poured upon you. You are under the short—praise be to God!—yon are the training of one Gardener, and this Gar servants of God. The love of Baha’o’- dener is kind to all. Therefore you must Uah is in yonr hearts. Your souls are manifest the utmost kindness towards rejoicing in the glad-tidings of BahaV- each other, and you may rest assured llah. My hope is that the white and that whenever you are united, the the colored will he united in the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha utmost love and fellowship, with com will reach you, the heavenly favors will plete unity, associating in real amity and descend upon you, the bounties of God brotherhood. Associate with each other, will be given to you, the sun of reality think of each other and be like unto a will shine upon you, the cloud of mercy rose-garden. Anyone who goes into a will pour its showers upon you, and rose-garden will see various roses, white the breeze of mercy will waft its fra roses, pink roses, yellow roses, red roses grances upon you. —all growing together and replete with I hope you will continue in unity the utmost adornment. Each one is the and fellowship. How beautiful to see adornment of the other. Were all of one color, the garden would be monoto colored and white together ! I hope. nous to the eye. If they are all white God willing, the day will come when I or all yellow or all red, the garden would shall see the red men, the Indians with lack variety and attractiveness. But you, also the Japanese and others. Then when the colors are varied, white, pink, there will be white roses, yellow roses, yellow", red, there will be the utmost red roses, and a very beautiful rose- beauty. Therefore I am hoping that garden will be organized !

ADDRESS DELIVERED AT 1901 EIGHTEENTH STREET, N. W., NOVEMBER 10, 1912. Dr. Ameen U, Fareed, interpreter; stenographic notes by Mr. Joseph H. Hannen.

AM well pleased with the friends of the favors of the Blessed Beauty Washington, and entertain the ut (BahaVllah) encompass them all, and I most of joy for them. Likewise I am may the lights of the sun of reality pleased with all the friends living in the shine upon all. May you all be united environs of Washington, like Baltimore, and assured. As a united force may etc., for I have observed that their you as one, singly and alone serve God’s hearts are attracted to the love of Cause; and I give you the glad-tidings BahaVllah. Their sight is occupied that the confirmation of God will reach with the kingdom of Baha. Their spir you. Be assured of this. Ye will be its are joyous through the glad-tidings come illumined. Ye will become con of Abha. Verily they are servants of querors. the Cause of God. All are endeavoring But after I leave, perhaps some peo to serve, and the utmost of their desire ple will arise in opposition to you, heap is to enter into the kingdom of Abha persecutions upon you, and in the pa and draw near to God. On that account pers there may be articles against the I am very happy and I am well pleased Cause. Rest ye in assurance of firm with them. For all do I pray. May ness. Be ye well poised. Be ye serene, 104 STAR OP THE WEST and remember that they are only as O people! If you wish to know who the twittering of sparrows, and they will Jesus is and what Christian means, go pass away. If it be not so, the fame of and ask his relatives. Go and ask the the Cause will not be widespread and Jews who knew him. See what a bad the summons of God will not be heard. person he was; how degraded he was.” Consider the times of the past. Regard, There were many similar accounts. But for instance, the days of his holiness remember that these did not affect the Christ and the days subsequent thereto. Cause of Christianity. Nay rather, How many were the books compiled Christianity advanced daily in power against his holiness ! How many were and potency. the calumnies attributed to him! How Day by day the majesty of Christ many were the utterances in the tem grew in splendor and effulgence. There ples against his holiness! How many fore my purpose is to warn you against were the accusations against him, and accusations, against certain complaints, what hatred and persecutions! How criticisms, revilings, and upbraidings in many scoffed at him in derision! How newspaper articles, or other publications. many were the titles they bestowed upon Be not disturbed by them. They are the him ! They even designated him Beelze very cause of confirming the Cause; the bub—satan. They did not say “ Jesus.” very source of upbuilding the move They used the term Beelzebub. Beelze ment. I hope that God may confirm it bub was crucified, they said. Beelzebub that ten or twenty ministers of the was captured. Upon the head of Beelze churches may arise and with bared bub was placed the crown of thorns. heads cry at the top of their voices, say Beelzebub was taken and paraded ing to the people that the Bahais are through the streets, they said. This is misguided. I would like to see that the name of the Jews for Christ, and day, and I want you to know that on you will find it in the Gospels. It is that day something is going to happen. recorded there. Likewise many were That is the day when the Cause is going the forms of reviling and persecution. to spread. BahaVllah has pronounced Witness in the Gospel, how they went as such as these the couriers of the Cause. far as spitting in his face, cursing him, They will proclaim from the pulpit that anathematizing him, and bowing back these Bahais are fools; that these Bahais ward towards him, saying: “ Peace be on are a bad lot; but be ye steadfast in thee—thou king of the Jews!” “ Peace the Cause of God. They will spread be on thee, thou destroyer of the tem the Cause of BahaVllah. ple!” “ Peace be on thee, thou king My purpose is this.—that his honor and pretending builder of the temple in Mirza Abul Pazl has written a treatise* three days ! ’ ’ How many were the phil answering the criticisms of a London osophers of the times, Romans and pfeacher. It is published in Chicago; Greeks, who wrote against his holiness Mr. Windust has copies of it, and the Christ! Even the kings wrote against copies are for distribution. Each one him. Many were the calumnies indeed. of you should have a copy of that book, One of the Caesars who was a philoso and read, memorize and ponder over it. pher wrote a book. In that book, con Then when anybody advances accusa cerning the people of Christ, he says: tions and criticisms, you will be well “ The most degraded of people are the armed. »Refers to “The Brilliant Proof” by Mirza Christians. The most immoral of the Abul Fazl. It was published by Abdul-Baha during1 his sojourn in America. Mr. Windust people of this time are the Christians. was the printer of the book. It can be had of the Bahai Publishing Society, P. O. Box 283, Jesus of Nazareth has led them astray. Chicago. Price, 15 cents. THE CENTER OF THE COVENANT THE GREATEST BRANCH ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS

“ W hen the ocean of M y Pre«ence hath disappeared and the Book of Origin is achieved to the end, turn your faces toward Him-Whom-God-hath-purpoied, who hath branched from this Pre-Existent Root.“ — W ords of B A H A 'O ’L L A H . STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; tliat diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a ’o ’l l a h , Vol. V I K o w ll, 71 (November 23, 1915) No. 14

[Following its usual custom, this isstfe of the S t a r o f t h e W e s t emphasizes “The Center of The Covenant” in the person and function of A b d u l -B a h a , inasmuch as the Twenty-sixth of November isj the “Feast of the Appointment of The Center of The Covenant.”— Editors]

“Tkese Great Days are swiftly passing and once gone can never be recalled; so while the rays of the Sun of Truth are still shining, and the “CENTER of the COVENANT of GOD” is manifest, let us go forth to work, for after a while the night will come and the way to the Vineyard will tiot then be so easy to find.” —ABDUL-BAHA The Covenant of God* By GEORGE O. LATIM ER

N all the Holy Scriptures the “ Cov tablish His kingdom on earth as it is in enant and Testament” of God has heaven.” In each successive cycle this I been given to man through the proph Covenant or promise has been renewed ets and in order to clearly and fully com with man by the Word of God speaking prehend the Bahai Revelation it is neces through His Manifestations, but each sary to understand the meaning and pur time it has been given in a different testa pose of this Covenant and Testament as mentary form. A testament requires two it has existed in past ages as well as its witnesses to make it valid, and the pro importance in this present day. As the ceeding and succeeding prophet in each term implies, a “ covenant” means a com dispensation have been these witnesses.. pact or an agreement and a “ testament” For example, Moses promised the coming is a document by which one disposes of of Christ and Christ said that he ful his property after his death. In legal filled the prophecy of Moses, thus these phraseology the term, covenant, is used two were the witnesses to God’s Coven in the sense of a mutual promise and ant, and in like manner, this has been necessarily implies that there are two the case in every age. parties to the agreement: the promisor The subject is clearly explained in the and the promisee. The promisor agrees following tablet from the pen of Abdul- to fulfill certain conditions upon the per Baha: forming of certain acts by the promisee. “ His holiness Abraham—On him be Now the “ Covenant of God” is a peace—made a covenant concerning his promise, with the Creator as the party holiness Moses and gave the glad-tidings of the first part and the people of the of his coming. His holiness Moses made world as the party of the second, that a covenant concerning the ‘promised “ at the ‘end of the days,’ God will es one,’ i. e., his holiness Christ, and an

* N o te—Compiled in Stuttgart, Germany, during August, 1914. This manuscript was presented to Abdul-Baha personally by Mr. Latimer while in Akka in October of the same year. Abdul-Baha gave consent to its publication.—The Editors. STAR OF THE WEST 107 nounced the good news of his Manifesta BahaVllah as the one “Whom God tion to the world. Iiis holiness Christ shall Manifest,” is this same Covenant, made a covenant concerning the Parac and the Kitdb-el-Ahd .(Book of the Cov lete and gave the tidings of his coming. enant), Written by BahaVllah, is the es His holiness the prophet Mohammed tablishment of this same Covenant. made a covenant concerning his holiness This Covenant is the source of order the Bab, and the Bah was the one prom in the world. In the words of Abdul- ised by Mohammed—for Mohammed gave Baha: ‘ ‘ The Covenant is an Orb which the glad-tidings of his coming. The Bab shines and gleams forth unto the uni made a covenant concerning Baha’ollah verse. Yerily, its lights will dispel and gave the glad-tidings of his coming, darkness, its sea will cast out the froth and BahaVllah was the one promised by of suspicion upon the shores of perdition. his holiness the Bab. BahaVllah made Yerily, naught in the world can resist a covenant concerning a promised one the power of the Kingdom. Should all who will become manifest after one thou mankind assemble, Could they prevent sand, or thousands of years. He like the sun from giving its light, the winds wise, with his Supreme Pen, entered into from their blowing, the clouds from their a great covenant and testament with all showers, the mountains from their firm the Bahais whereby they were all com ness or the stars from their beaming ? No! manded to follow the Center of the Cov by the Lord, the Clement. Everything enant after his (BahaVllah’s) depart (in the world) is subject to corruption, ure, and turn not away, even to a hairs- but the Covenant of thy Lord shall con breadth, from obeying him.” tinue to pervade all regions.” In reality, there has been but one Each one of the prophets testified to Covenant. Each prophet has renewed the renewal of this Covenant by the one this Covenant in a different manner and who was to come after him and at the to distinguish the promise of one from same time pointed to the final Coven that of the other, it is spoken of as the ant which would be a culmination of all covenant of Abraham, the covenant of the preceding ones and which would be Moses, etc., and in this “ latter day” it the establishment of God’s Kingdom in has been referred to by Jeremiah the hearts of mankind. In the Old Tes (31:31) as the “ new covenant.” tament this Covenant has been symbol Thus God has entered into this Coven ized by salt. Moses commanded that all ant with all His Manifestations and each offerings be seasoned with the “ salt of in turn has given it to the world, but the covenant of God.” In Numbers always in a new form according to the 18:19, it is referred to as “ a covenant of understanding of the people. The story salt forever before the Lord. ’ ’ In Chron of Adam and the Garden of Eden is an icles II, 13:5, it is stated that the Lord account of this Covenant. Again the gave the kingdom of Israel over to Ark of Noah represents this Covenant. David and his sons by “ a covenant of The “ everlasting covenant” with Abra salt.” Again Christ says to his disci ham that “ his seed would inherit the ples (Matt. 5:13): “ Ye are the salt of earth” explains the promise, Moses ful the earth; but if the salt hath lost its filled this Covenant on Mount Sinai. savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” Christ referred to this Covenant when Salt has been used to characterize the he spoke of Peter as the “ rock” upon spiritual power which gives life to hu which the church was to be built. Again manity and if one is deprived of its the account of Fama-Gad'eer (where Mo savor by losing hold of the Covenant hammed told the people to turn to his his spiritual sustence is cut off. successor, Ali) relates to this Covenant. Today, the symbol of the spiritual The Booh of Beyan, in which the Bab power of the Covenant is love. All commanded his followers to turn to through the biblical scriptures the wrath STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U. S. A. ______Entered a» aecond-cltas matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.______Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honomru Memlcr: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB______T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. Nou — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient it through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BA HA I N EW S SERV ICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. ______T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S. A.

Vol. VI Kowl 1, 71 (November 23, 1915) No. 14 of God is called down upon those who Covenant becomes invalid and cannot be violate the Covenant of God or loose established. The way in which the peo hold thereof, but His protection is guar ple are to fulfill their side of this com anteed to all who come under its divine pact is to turn to God with open hearts power. In the present day, the Coven and to follow His commandments and ant has again been the means of illum abide in His love. When they do this inating mankind. Abdul-Baha says: the confirmations of heaven will reach “ The Covenant has such a sway that it them ; all their desires and longings will astonishes the minds. In every region be fulfilled by the establishment of this the sign of the power of the Covenant very same Covenant. is apparent and manifest. For instance, Today, this Covenant is fulfilled by in Persia the fire of revolution blazed in the Manifestation of the three Bahai such wise that all communities, govern teachers: the Bab, BahaVllah and Ab ment and nation became afflicted with dul-Baha. The coming of the three to the most severe trials; but the power of establish the Covenant in this day—one the Covenant protected the Bahai friends as the “ Forerunner,” one as the “ Lord to such a degree that in this turbulent of Hosts,” and one as the “ Center of storm no dust fell upon them, except in the Covenant”—was promised by God in one locality, which became the cause the clearest of terms through the prophet of the spreading of the Religion of God Malachi (3:1) : “ Behold I will send my and the diffusion of the Word of God. [1] messenger, and he shall prepare the Now all the parties in Persia are won way before me ; [2] and the Lord, whom dering how the people of Baha’ were ye seek, shall suddenly come to his tem guarded and protected.” (Extract from ple; [3] even the messenger of the cov a Tablet.) enant, whom ye delight in, behold he Thus in every age the people have shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.” been commanded to ‘ ‘ remain firm in this It is not meant however, that these three Covenant,” i. e., to perform their part holy personages are to be considered as of the agreement, for unless both parties separate manifestors of the Word of carry out their side of the agreement, the God. in this day, for the Word of God is STAR OF THE WEST 109 ever given in its oneness and singleness, the Lord shall rest upon him.” Again i. e., it is made manifest throng’ll only Isaiah said (1:2): ‘‘In that day shall one channel or individual at a time. the Branch of the Lord be beautiful and The reality of their Manifestation is glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall likened unto that of a tree: the Bab, be excellent and comely.” known as the "F irst Point” of this Rev The branch is the center of the tree’s elation, is the first off-shoot from the existence; likewise in this world of crea seed of the Tree; Baha’o’llah is the tion there is a center for everything and ‘‘Pre-existent Root” of the same Tree, all the bounties of existence come from and Abdul-Baha is the ‘‘Greatest that center. For example, everything in Branch” of that Tree. All parts of the this physical world is dependent for its Tree are nourished by the same osmosis existence upon the center of gravity (the Word of God), and each is depend which holds all the physical bodies to ent on the other for sustenance. In the gether. If anything should detach itself botanical kingdom, the direct, upward for one instant from this center of growing branch of the tree is known as attraction it will immediately fall off the main or greatest branch of the tree into space, and so far as part of the life while all the other branches are con of this planet is concerned it will cease sidered as offshoots from this main to exist. In our solar system the sun is branch. The seed of the tree is its mani the center of illumination. All forms of festation, for it is the seed itself which genesis appear through its light and appears in the form of branches, leaves heat, without which there would be no and fruits. The fruit cannot he ripened growth and development; there would be and perfected save through the branch, no vegetable kingdom, no animal king and without the fruit the potentiality of dom, and all life in the world would cease the seed ceases to exist. The people of to exist, The earth, the moon and all the world are the leaves of this tree and the planets receive their illumination the leaves receive their nourishment from this same sun, and if deprived of through the branch. When the connec its rays they would be in eternal dark tion with the branch is severed they ness. In the mineral kingdom the ele drop off from the tree and wither up. ments are held together by a center The purpose of the tree is to produce known as chemical affinity, and likewise fruit and while the root may live for there is a center for all life in the vege awhile without its branch, yet it is not table world. Again the human organism able to complete its existence; therefore is a unit composed of various organs all the root and the trunk are one and each dependent upon one center—the heart— is subservient to the other for the per for life and sustenance. As long as all fection of their manifestation. ‘‘The the different parts are in perfect connec essential object is the Tree, the founda tion with the heart, they co-ordinate and tion is the Tree, and the Universal Real perform their separate functions in har ity is the Tree.” mony and accord, and life will be mani The perfection of this ‘‘Branch” has fest in its fullest perfection; but if the been foretold by God through Zechariah supply of life-giving blood is cut off (3:7): ‘‘For, behold, I will bring from one of the members of the body, forth my servant, the Branch” ; and immediately that organ begins to disinte the promise was also given through grate and die. In turn its death will Isaiah (11:1): ‘‘And there shall come cause the contamination of the other forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse. members, and eventually the entire body [Baha’o’llah descended from Jesse, the will become diseased, and death will be son of Abraham—not Jesse, the father the result. In our commercial life there of David], and a Branch shall grow is a focusing point that controls affairs. out of his root, and the spirit of The heart of the city is the business 110 STAB OP THE WEST

center which regulates the life of the the faith of the people in Christ. Yet entire city. In a like manner there are there were dissentions in the time of co-ordinate units of centralization for the Christ because there was no Center, and social, civic and political welfare of the men began to interpret and explain his community. In fact, everything in the teachings in the way that most benefited material world demands a centralizing themselves. The separation between Bo- 1 of forces for the well-being and progress man and Greek church was due to a of humanity. small question of interpretation— Now, the material world is a counter whether a word meant “ by” or part or reflection of the spiritual world “ through.” Today the signs of man and as there is a center of attraction for are far more evidence in the church, than everything in the terrestrial globe—this the signs of Christ. being an universal law of nature—like Therefore, in order to have accord and wise, there must be a center of attach harmony in the spiritual world, and the ment in the spiritual world. In every establishment of God’s Kingdom of love age the absence of this center in the and peace on earth, and the uniting of spiritual world has been the cause of the all peoples under the tent of oneness, a decline and departure of the spirit from Center is necessary, and Abdul-Baha has religion. Differences and misunder been appointed that Center. He is the standings have crept in and falsehood has Explainer of the Word and the Ex supplanted truth, creating new sects and pounder of the Book of God revealed to thus destroying the very foundations of the world in this day through Baha’o’- religion. Strife and contention makes llah. In the Kitab-el-Ahd (Book of the division, and separation is the cause of Covenant) the Tablet of the Branch, death, for every creation is an organized and in numerous writings, Baha’o’llah unit, the members of which are held clearly appoints Abdul-Baha, the Great together by the center of attraction. est Branch, as the one to whom all should Because in former times there was no turn for spiritual guidance and knowl distinct center of the Covenant of God, edge after his departure. He writes in after each renewal, decay set in and the his Will and Testament: “ When the Word of God became contaminated by Ocean of My Presence hath disappeared man-made creeds and dogmas which in and the Book of Origin is achieved to turn caused disagreement, opposition and the end, turn your faces toward Him- bitter struggle throughout the centuries, Whom-God-hath-purposed, w ho hath down to the present time; and now this branched from this Pre-Existent Boot. strife in the spiritual world, as well as The aim of this blessed verse hath been in the physical world is at its height for the Greatest Branch.” Again he com the very reason that this Center is un manded: “ After My departure turn to known. the Branch for what ye do not under In former ages no distinct personage stand,” and in a tablet to Abdul-Baha had been appointed to be the Center addressed “ 0 Thou My Greatest which was to differentiate between truth Branch,” he said, “ Verily, We have or and falsehood and thus eradicate all dained Thee the guardian of all the crea differences arising in the mind of man. tures, and a Protection to all those in Many have thought that Peter was made the heavens and earths, and a Fortress the expounder of the Book, when Christ to those who believe in God, the One, said, “ Thou art Peter, and upon this the Omniscient! I beg of God to pro rock will I build my church” ; but this tect them by Thee; to enrich them by was only an indication and confirmation Thee, to nourish them by Thee; and to of Peter’s faith, for the word “rock” reveal to Thee that which is the Dawn- was used as a symbol of faith, and the ing-point of riches to the people of Christian church was established through Creation, and the Ocean of Generosity to STAR OF THE WEST 111

those in the world, and the Rising-point like unto this. This Spirit of the Cov of favor to all nations. Verily, He is enant, is the real Center of love and is the Powerful, the All-knowing, the Wise! reflecting its rays to all parts of the I beg of Him to water the earth and all globe, which are resuscitating and regen that is in it by Thee, that there may erating man and illuminating the path to spring up from it the Flowers of Wis the Divine Kingdom.” j| dom and Revelation and the Hyacinths of Through all His Prophets, God has science and knowledge.” Also in an urged the people to firmness and obed other tablet: ‘ ‘ Thou knowest, 0 my God. ience so that His Everlasting Covenant that, verily I have chosen Him, only be may be established: It is His universal cause Thou hast chosen Him; I have law that all things which are not at elected Him, only because Thou hast tached to their life-giving Center, disin elected Him. Therefore assist Him by tegrate and die, and in order to preserve the Hosts of Thy Heaven and earth. the oneness of all humanity, He has made Help Thou, 0 My God, whosoever may known that spiritual Center which will help Him! choose, whosoever may choose unite all and establish His Kingdom in Him ! strengthen whosoever may advance the hearts of men. Toward H im ! and reject whosoever may When the electric light bulb loses its deny Him and desire Him not!” connection with the power-house it be These are a few of the many utter comes extinct and ceases to give forth ances of B aha’o’llah. referring to the ap light. The Center of the Covenant is the pointment of Abdul-Baha as the Center Divine Magno which is illuminating the of His Covenant. This does not mean world, dispelling the darkness of racial that Abdul-Baha is the “ Promised One” and religious hatred, and lighting up the of BahaVllah, for that One will not way made dark by the superstitions and appear until after one thousand or blind imitations of former ages. It is the thousand of years, but it means that Magnet which is attracting the hearts of Abdul-Baha has been made the Standard men to God. This awakening is being differentiating falsehood from truth, and accomplished by the Servitude of Abdul- his explanations of the meanings of the Baha to mankind, His whole life has texts and verses are the truth. been one of sacrifice and service so that Therefore, again in this day, all the man might become mindful of God’s people are exhorted to firmness in God’s wishes. After a life of imprisonment Covenant, and this is accomplished by and trials and at an advanced age, he turning to Abdul-Baha for enlighten travelled throughout Europe and ment and guidance in all affairs. He America, undergoing many hardships, in says -. ‘ ‘ Firmness in the Covenant means order to serve the people by rending obedience, so that no one may say, ‘This asunder the veils of ignorance and dis is my opinion’; nay rather, he must obey closing the realities of all things, thus il that which proceeds from the Pen and luminating this dhrk world of material Tongue of the Covenant. Any explana ism. tion which does not accord with the Cov Assuredly, the words of Jesus (Matt. enant will have no effect whatsoever. 23:11) to the multitude: “ But he that Therefore, whosoever heralds the Coven is greatest among you shall be your serv ant of God, unquestionably he is con- ant, ” are being fulfilled today by Abdul- ; firmed. | Know this for a certainty that Baha, the “ Servant of God.” His today, the penetrative power in the greatest wish is: “ To be a faithful arteries of the world of humanity, is servant and a sincere slave at the Thres the power of the Covenant. The body hold of Baha’o’llah. Whosoever enter of the world- will not be moved through tains perfect love for me and is firm in any power except through the power of the Covenant must know and believe the Covenant. There is no other power that I am the Servant of the Threshold 112 STAR OF THE WEST of the Blessed Perfection (Baha’o’llah). promotion of the Word of God and con But the Center of the Covenant is the ducive to the effect of the word of man, ’ ’ Point toward which all the people of for the fulfillment of this Covenant it the world must turn their faces. He is is necessary for the believers of God to the Interpreter of the Books and all the imitate the conduct and manner of Ab Bahais are beneath his protection. dul-Baha, that is they must engage in Therefore, if any soul by himself, inter teaching and spreading the Cause of prets the Books of God contrary to the God ; their words must be like the flame clear text emanating from the pen of of fire, burning away the veils of dog the Covenant, it is not acceptable and mas, passion and desire and they must be this will become the cause of differences in the utmost state of humility and self- amongst the believers of God” (From a renunciation so that others may be mind recent Tablet of Abdul-Baha). ful. In order to accomplish this fulfill The fruit appears upon the branch and ment of the Covenant, one has only to not upon the root of the tree, therefore follow out the following admonition of Abdul-Baha : the fruits of Baha’o’llah’s teachings are “ Through the protection and help of being ripened and brought to fruition the Blessed Perfection (Baha’o’llah), through Abdul-Baha. He is ushering in you must conduct and deport yourselves the new1 harvest of Universal Peace and in such a manner that you may stand the Oneness of the World of Humanity— out among other souls distinguished by a which means the cessation of fruitless brilliancy like unto the sun. If any one strife and ruinous warfare. Thus the of you enters a city he must become the antagonism of faiths and religions and center of attraction because of the sin the racial and patriotic differences will cerity, faithfulness, honesty, fidelity, be eradicated and for all there will be truthfulness, and loving-kindness of his one religion, one faith, one race, one disposition and nature toward all the people and one home, and the din and inhabitants of the world. That the peo clamor caused by warfare and discordant ple of the city may cry out: ‘This per revelry will be changed to the beautiful son is unquestionably a Bahai. For his and harmonious melodies of the kingdom manners, his behavior, his conduct, his of paradise. morals, his nature and his disposition are These blessings are coming to man of the attributes of the Bahais.’ Until through his firmness in the Covenant. you do attain to this station, you have Abdul-Baha has said: “ Today firm not fulfilled the Covenant and Testament ness in the Covenant is the means of the of God.”

Concluding paragraph of “The Daily Prayer” revealed by Baha’o’llah [Then sitting down, say:] “I confess Thy Oneness and Singleness and that Thou art God: There is no God but Thee! Thou hast manifested Thy Command, FULFILLED THY COVENANT, and opened the gate of Thy Bounty to all who are in the Heavens and upon the earth. Prayer and peace, praise and g,lory be upon Thy beloved, who were not prevented by the deeds of the people from turning unto Thee, and who offered what they had for the hope of what Thou hast. Verily Thou art the Merciful, the Forgiving!” “ The Call of God”

PEOPLE! The doors of the kingdom are opened—the Sun of Truth is shin O ing, upon the world—the fountains of life are flowing—the daysprings of mercy have appeard—the greatest and Most Glori ous Light is now manifest to illuminate the hearts of men. Wake up and hear the voice of God calling from all parts of the Supreme World: “Come unto Me, O ye children of men! Come unto Me, O ye who are thirsty, and drin\ from this sweet Water which is descending in torrents upon all parts of the globe!” Now is the time! Now is the accepted time! —ABDUL-BAHA STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall com e.”— B a h a ’o ’l l a h . Vol. V I Massa’ul 1, 71 (December 12, 1915) No. 15

The Call of God* By GEORGE O. LATIMER HE Bahai Message has been given own kind, while men, among the negroes to the world on the same basis of central Africa, kill and eat one an T as that of all the past religions, other; whereas if man be educated he that is, the acknowledgment of a single becomes a heavenly being. If it were divinity which is all-powerful, all-com not for education, no facilities or won prehending, all-encompassing. This di derful industries in the world, sciences vinity is an unknown essence, an infinite and arts would be known, and civiliza being known as God. “ God, singly and tion would not exist. alone, abideth in His own place, which Now man, the greatest of all God’s is holy above space and time, mention handiwork, isi in constant need of educa and utterance, sign, description and def tion. He is born into the world helpless inition, height and depth. God alone and remains in. this condition for a long should be realized as the one power which time. His faculties are brought into use animates and dominates all things which only by training. He does not speak un are but manifestations of its energy.” til taught to do so. Later on he is sent [Baha’o’llah]. All things owe their ex to school and receives instruction in the istence to God and are dependent upon arts, sciences and needs of humanity. In Him for guidance and advancement. All fact, his whole life from birth to death existence testifies to a creator and every is one period of learning. As man has kingdom is in need of an educator. material faculties which need develop For example, the barren soil when ment, so he has within him spiritual tilled produces abundant crops. By cul faculties, latent powers given him by tivation, fertilization and engrafting, God, which must be awakened. trees which produced bitter fruits, yield Thus man is in need of three kinds sweet fruits. Without the training of of education: material, human and spir the gardener the flowers become choked itual. Material education perfects his by weeds and cease to give forth their physical body and is common to animals fragrance. By careful training the ani as well as men. Human education deals mal has become domesticated and is of with his civilization and progress. It great service to mankind, but if it is left has to do with the social, economic and untrained it remains a wild, often fero civic problems of life. It includes arts, cious beast. Man also, if left without sciences, inventions and all the activities training, becomes bestial, in fact he be which are essential to man as distin comes lower than the animal, for the guished from the animal. Divine edu greater number of animals protect their cation consists in acquiring the divine

*Note—Compiled in Stuttgart, Germany, during August, 1914. This manuscript was presented to Abdul-Baha personally by Mr. Latimer while in Akka in October of the same year. Abdul-Baha gave consent to its publication.—The Editors. STAR OP THE WEST 115 perfections, the awakening of the latent Prom time to time such a man ap spiritual powers within man. This is pears, declares his mission to the world the real education and confers upon man and establishes a civilization—termed the supreme goal of the world of hu dispensation—which lasts for centuries manity : £ ‘ Let us make man in our and which becomes the focal point image and after our likeness.” around which, the laws and lives of many Thus it is evident that man needs an generation® revolve. This civilization educator who must be perfect in all re which all the governments on the earth spects in order to impart this education have been unable to found, one holy man to him. This teacher must aid man in establishes withorrt any material aid or the carrying out of physical matters and support. For example, Christ, singly the establishment of a proper social and and alone, established a cause and found civil organization. He must train the ed a union between many diverse com mind, so that it will be able to grasp munities, which all the kings of the earth the reality and purpose of creation, to had tried to establish and had failed. improve arts, trades and inventions and History bites many notable examples of to master the difficult problems of sci this kind, among whom are Abraham, ence ; and he must quicken the spiritual Mose®, Mohammed and Christ. susceptibilities, so that he may be freed History also shows us that although from self and become illumined with each one of these educators of the world the heavenly attributes of God. of humanity was of lowly and humble It is clear that no human agency is birth, without schooling or instruction, able to fill this important mission, for yet they were endowed with erudition, since man is unable, in his short lifetime, and the wisest philosophers have not dis to acquire perfection in any one of the played one-thousandth part of the influ branches of art, learning, literature or ence manifested by these holy men. science, how much more impossible is it This power was not due to their human for him to bestow at the same time per attainments but to the divine word which fect material, human and divine educa spoke through them. The divine words tion. Can there be a perfect civilization of these educators of humanity have with an imperfect educator? "Undoubt certain characteristics which prove them edly no one but God, the creator, is able to be from a higher source than man. to fulfill this great office. But as man It is their direct appeal to the hearts is incapable of knowing God, because it and lives of men, rather than an appeal is impossible for the finite mind to com to the intellects. The words of a great prehend the infinite, this awakening writer appeal only to the mind of a must come through certain channels man, while the word of God, speaking which are capable of man ’3 comprehen through, His Manifestations, appeals di sion. rectly to his heart or soul. The soul is These channels are certain men, chos the lamp, while mind is the light which en and prepared by God to express His comes from the lamp. Therefore, in word in speech and writing and to mani order to have illumination the lamp must fest it in their lives. These men are first be lit. This word of God has ever likened unto polished mirrors which re enkindled the lamp of humanity. It flect perfectly the rays of the sun, but has made a resistless advance against all which are not a part of that sun, and earthly powers, overcoming ignorance are known as Manifestations of God. and darkness,, dispersing former concep ‘ ‘ The root of all knowledge is the knowl tions and superstitions, and creating new edge of God—GlOry be to Him !—and ideals^ and higher morals. Its perma this knowledge is impossible save through nency has outlasted kingdoms, dynasties His Manifestation” [Baha’o’llah]. and philosophies. STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, I11.,U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the'post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE "BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honoraru Member: M1RZA AHMAD SOHRAB______T e r m s : $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. Note — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI N EW S SERV ICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, III., U, S. A. ______T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U.S. A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West 1 h e i s g o d ! Be thou happy! Be thou happy 1 Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in, every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firm ness! (S ig n ed ) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Massa’ul 1, 71 (December 12, 1915) No. 15

Whenever one appears in the world, and assistance of mankind. Prom the equipped with these qualifications, and time of Adam and Enoch to that of Moses by his words and deeds such a result and Christ and down to the present day, follows, can we not safely acclaim him such divine leaders have appeared, guid to be a true messenger of God and ing man through the various highways worthy of our greatest love and respect ? and byways and leading him through Shall we remain in the darkness of doubt the different stages of development from and denial, as in former ages, or shall childhood to the present manhood of we become illumined by acceptance and the race. Man has never been without enlightenment ? such instructions. Each one of these “ Look ye at the time of Christ; had teachers gave the same message: “ The the people realized that the holy spirit Fatherhood of God1 and the brotherhood of God was speaking to them through of man,” but in the terminologies of his divine mouth they would not have the race and the exigencies of the time, waited three centuries before accepting and according to the capacity of the peo him, and now is it meet for you that ple to whom he came. Each of these you are sleeping on the bed of idleness messengers had a threefold mission. and neglect, while the Father foretold First, to fulfill the prophecies of the by Christ has come amongst us and' prophets who preceded him and heralded opened the greatest door of bounteous his coming. Second, to be the unique gifts and divine favors? Let us not be source of all divine knowledge and1 in like those in past centuries who were deaf struction during his dispensation. Third, to his call and blind to his beauty; hut to prepare the way for the coming of let us try and open our eyes that we the great latter-day Messiah, who would may see him, and open our ears that we establish God’s kingdom of “ Peace on may hear him, and cleanse our hearts earth as it is in heaven.” that he may come and abide in our tem Christ did not establish this kingdom ples” [Abdul-Baha]. but heralded its coming. As a proof of It is a law of nature that stagnation this he said: “ I came not to send peace, is the cause of retrogression and death. but a sword,” and the Christian dispen Man must always advance and for this sation has been one of warfare and strife. purpose God has sent His Manifesta The Christian nations have perfected tions, from age to age, for the guidance the deadliest instruments for the cruel STAR OF THE WEST 117 and bloody destruction of mankind. One Fortunately there is a ray of hope has only to look at the present condition for the world is a^quiver with the long existing in the world and ask himself if ing and expectation of the appearance it is the divine will of God that nine of the new Sun of Truth, the new peace nations of the world should be at war maker. The Jews are expecting the with one another thus destroying the coming of the Messiah; the Christians greatest of all God’s handiwork. The are looking for the second coming of very foundations of our existence have Christ, and in the eastern world a simi been shaken by division and inharmony, lar anticipation is prevalent. The Mos strife and enmity, oppression and in lems expect the coming of their prom equality. The conflict of thoughts and ised one, the Imam Mahdi, the Budd ideas, is raging; one sees the persecution hists hope for the coming of the fifth of the poor and hears the sighs of agony Buddha, the Zoroastrians are longing for of the wretched. From all sides sound Shah Bahram, and the Hindoos await the discordant strains of the folly and the appearance of the tenth incarnation heedlessness of those who have turned of truth, called Kalki, while the people from God. The rights of men, nations of modern and advanced thought are and races have been lost in the whirlpool expecting the coming of the Great Mas of greed, thoughtlessness and ambition; ter who will right all the conditions of even the very right of existence is de this decadent world. nied to some. This is indeed the time In order to bring about this change of calamity and separation of which and to cure all the ailments of mankind Christ spoke (Mark 13:8). “ For nation this Great Master must fulfill certain shall rise against nation and kingdom conditions : ‘ ‘ He must be the educator against kingdom! and there shall be of the world of humanity ; his teachings earthquakes in divers places, and there must be universal and confer illumina shall be famines and troubles: these are tion upon mankind ; his knowledge must the beginnings of sorrows.” be innate and spontaneous, and not ac In the spiritual world there is a sim quired; he must answer the questions ilar conflict. Theology is arrayed of all the sages, solve all the difficult against science, creeds and dogmas deaf problems of humanity, and be able to en the ears of man, and1 forms and cere withstand all the persecutions and suf monies blind his sight. In the United ferings heaped upon him; he must be a States alone there are one hundred and joy-bringer and the herald of the king thirty-two Christian sects, each one pro dom of happiness; his knowledge must fessing to have the only true way of at be infinite and1 his wisdom all-compre taining the kingdom, thus disobeying hensive ; the penetration of his word and the express commandments of all the the potency of his influence must be so divine messengers. In like manner in great as to humble even his worst ene the eastern world there are antagonizing mies ; sorrows and tribuations must not sects among the Mohammedans, Budd vex him. His courage and conviction hists and Hindoos, each claiming to be must be God-like. Day by day he must the pure religion of God. become firmer and more zealous ; he must But how can the glorious and heav be the establisher of universal civiliza enly kingdom of God be established tion, the unifier of religions, the stand amidst this mess without first laying the ard-bearer of universal peace, and the essential foundation of unity, peace and embodiment of all the highest and noblest justice ? Is it not time for a new guide virtues of the world of humanity.” * to come and clear away the debris of ignorance and superstition and again *From a talk given by Abdul-Baha to a large delegation of Theosophists in Hotel Ritz, Buda make manifest the path of God? pest, April 11, 1913. 118 STAR OF THE WEST

When one sees, that all of these con-, the oneness and fatherhood of God and ditions are fulfilled in one human tern* the brotherhood of man, and taught the pie, then he mlay safely turn to him for abolition of differences existing between guidance and illumination. religions. He suffered the most severe The Bahai Revelation brings the ful persecutions at the hands of the Moham fillment of all these hopes, and conditions medan clergy and after the confiscation to the world. It. is a renewal of religion of his property he was banished with a to man. It brings the spring-time of a number of followers, first to Bagdad in new life and ideals1. In the words of Asiatic Turkey, then to Adrianople and Abdul-Baha: “ The Bahai Movement is finally, in 1868, he was sent to the prison not an organization. You can never or city of Acca., which lies at the foot of ganize the Bahai Cause. The Bahai Mount Carmel, the home of the proph Movement is the spirit of this age. It ets, in Syria. Here he remained until is the essence of all the highest ideals his death in 1892, but although in con of this, century. The Bahai Cause is an stant imprisonment and hardship he was inclusive movement: the teachings of all able to spread his message to all parts the religions: and societies are found of the world and leave his Cause firmly here; the Christians, Jews, Buddhists, established. After his departure, Baha’ Mohammedans, Zoroastrians, Theoso- o’llah commanded his. followers to turn phists, Freemasons, Spiritualists, et ah, to Abbas Effendi, the Center of God’s find their highest aims in this Cause. Covenant, for guidance. Abbas Effendi, Even the Socialists and philosophers find the eldest son of Baha’o’llah—who pre their theories fully developed in this fers to be called' Abdul-Baha (the Serv Movement. ’ ’ ant of God)—went into exile with his This Movement, had its beginning May father at the early age of nine years, 23, 1844, with, the appearance of a young remaining with him until the latter’s Persian, called the Bab (the Persian or death, and sharing all his deprivations. Arabic word for door or gate) who, al In 1908 after fifty-six years of perse though unschooled and untrained, arose cution, hardship and imprisonment, forty among the great doctors of Islam who years: of which were spent in the prison were ruling the people in spiritual ig of Acca, Abdul-Baha, was given his free norance at that time, and proclaimed dom, by the new Turkish Republic. Since himself to be the forerunner pf “ Him- that time he has, been unceasingly at whom-God-shall-manifest. ” He taught work spreading the glorious message of and prepared the people for this com Baha’o’llah. He has come from the east ing during a period of six years, at the to the west, visiting many countries of end of which time he was martyred by Europe, including England, France, Ger the Mohammedan clergy, together with many, Austria, and Switzerland, and thousands of his followers. Nineteen traveling extensively throughout Amer years, after this declaration, Mirza Hus ica, awakening the people from their sein Ali of No,or, more widely known lethargic, sleep on the bed of negligence as Baha’o’llah (which means the Glory with this call: of God manifest) announced to the “ Do you know in what day you are world by means of letters, to the rulers living? Do you realize in what dispen and crowned heads of all nations, that sation you are alive? Have you not he was the promised one of all religions read in the holy scriptures, that at the and the one whom God would manifest. consummation of the ages there shall He declared that the time was at hand appear a day which is the sun of all the for the “most great peace,” the cessa past days? tion of strife and warfare and the unity ‘ ‘ This is the day in which the Lord of and harmony of all the world. He re Hosts has come down from heaven on the newed the word of every prophet as to clouds of glory! This is the day in STAR OF THE WEST 119 which the inhabitants of all the world associate of Elijah and God will redeem shall enter under the tent of the word of him from the gnashing of teeth in the God. This is the day whose real sovereign day of resurrection.” Again, “ Blessed is His. Highness, The Almighty. This is the one who has visited Acca and is the day when the east and the west blessed is the one who has seen the vis shall embrace each other like unto two itor of Acca,” and many other similar lovers. This is the day in which war utterances. and contention shall be forgotten. This These three divine men (the Bab, is the day in which nations and gov Balia Vllah and Abclul-Baha) have not ernments will enter into an eternal bond only fulfilled the spiritual prophecies of of amity and conciliation. This century all the former religions, but they have is the fulfillment of the Promised Cen manifested by their words and deeds all tury. ’ ’ the true qualities and requisites neces The east shall become illumined, the sary to the divine and perfect educator. west perfumed and the children of men The Bah, a young merchant, untrained shall enter beneath 'the all-embracing and unschooled, was able, at the age of canopy of the oneness of the world of twenty-five, to confound the most erudite humanity. doctors of the religion of Islam. Alone, Indeed all the prophecies of the past he was able to withstand all the great have been fulfilled by this call, which men of religion and state who arose to ex has gone out to the world from the terminate his life and teachings, and he prison city of Acea. In speaking of produced a great change in the corrupt this, time, Hosca (2:15) said: “ And I morals^, thoughts and customs of Persia. will give the valley of Acca for a door At that time, when the persecution, pil of hope.” Solomon (Eccl. 4:14) said: lage and massacre of the Bab’s followers ‘ ‘ For out of prison he cometh to reign. ’ ’ was at its height, Baha’o’llah arose to Micah (7:12) spoke: “ In that day, he promulgate his teachings. Although a shall come to thee from Assyria,. ’ ’ Isaiah person of noble birth, he had never stud (35:2), that,: ‘ ‘ Carmel and Sharon they ied in any school nor associated with the shall see the glory of the Lord” ; and learned men of religion, yet he mani Christ (Matt. 24) : “For as the light fested such knowledge and perfection ning cometh out of the east and shineth that all the people of Persia marvelled even to the west, so shall the coming of at his wisdom while his enemies spoke the son of man be.” Again there are of him as “ the renowned Baha’o’llah.” many utterances of the prophet, Moham He was exiled four times and for fifty med regarding Acca. He said to one of years he was exposed to the gravest dan his followers, Ebne Masoud: ‘1 The great gers and persecutions, yet in that de est of all sea-coasts in the sight of God is cadent and declined civilization of Per Asealon, but Acca, is greater than Asca- sia, he advanced teachings and ideals lon; the greatness of Acca to Asealon that were unheard or unthonght of even and all other sea-coasts can be compared in our western civilization. He pro with the greatness of Mohammed' to all claimed: The oneness of the world of other prophets. Be mindful of what I humanity; the investigation of truth so say unto you concerning a city which that no one should blindly follow the be lies between two mountains (Carmel and liefs and superstitions of his forefath Lebanon) in Palestine in the midst of ers; the oneness of God and the one a plain which is called Acea.” To Ons, ness of all religions; that the purpose of another follower, Mohammed said: “ I religion is the creation of unity, har inform you about a city on the coast of mony and accord amongst men and if it the white sea (the Mediterranean) which fails in this, irreligion is better than re is called Acca,; anyone who remains there ligion ; the agreement of religion and sci seven days, God will regard him as the ence, for that which is not in accord with 120 STAR OF THE WES T science is superstition; the equal rights means of unity and agreement are of man and woman; the abolition of re brought about; communication between ligious, sectarian, sectional, denomina the races of men is rapidly established. tional and patriotic prejudices;—“ Glory Now is the time that all of us may em is not his who loves his country, but glory brace the law of peace and treat each is his who loves his kind” ; the non-in other with honesty and straightforward terference of religion and politics; uni ness. Let the religious prejudices be versal peace amongst nations, races and wiped away. Let the law of racial su religions; a universal language; the premacy be discontinued. Let political pursuit of education and the necessity expediencies be done away with. Let the for every one to engage in some occu love of country be superceded by the pation, art or trade, for this will be ac love of the world. Let us all deal with counted an act of worship before God; each other with infinite kindness. We the solution of the economic problem of are all the servants at the one Divine the world and the organization and es Threshold. We are all receiving the tablishment of Houses of Justice for the rays of truth from the same Sun of administration of the law and the means Reality. We must all believe in all of of philanthropic and social betterment; the prophets. We must all acknowledge in fact, all the needs and demands of the divine authority of all the heavenly our present civilization have been pro books. We must wash our hearts free vided for in the writings of Baha’o’llah of all human prejudices. We must serve and the teachings of Abdul-Baha, who God! We must propagate the oneness without any opportunity for education, of the realm, of humanity. We must be has never failed to answer convincingly the cause of the appearance of the per the questions of the most learned phil fections. in the world of man. We must osophers, religionists and scientific men not be like the beasts of prey. We of the orient and the Occident, and who must not allow carnage and bloodshed. by his life of servitude and sacrifice to We must regard the blood of man as humanity, has become the means of the sacred. We must not shed the holy blood realization of these teachings. of man for the paltry earth. We must Can a just judgment, after reflection all agree upon one fundamental prin and consideration, deny the reality of ciple—that principle is the oneness of these educators ? Their Cause invites in the kingdom of humanity. vestigation and their message is for all “ In this age, Baha’o’llah has breathed ears. Every person whether spiritual or the Holy Spirit into the dead body of materialist can find his questions and the world. Consequently every weak difficulties solved by these educators. soul is strengthened by these fresh di Does it behoove us then to turn our eyes vine outbreathings. Every poor man from these manifest signs and to shut will become rich, every darkened soul our ears to the call of God ? It is of the will become illumined, every ignorant greatest importance, for our future as one will become wise, because the con well as present welfare to investigate firmations; of the Holy Spirit are descend the purpose and teachings of these edu ing like unto- torrents. A new era of cators and to hearken to their divine divine consciousness is upon us. The call, which has been expressed by Abdul- world of humanity is going through a Baha as follows: process of transformation. A new race is being developed. The thoughts of hu “ The foundation of Divine Religion man brotherhood are permeating all re is love, affinity and concord. Praise God gions. New ideals are stirring the depths that this cycle is the period of illumina of hearts; and a new spirit of universal tion ! Minds have made great progress; consciousness is; being profoundly felt intelligences have been unfolded; the by all men.” STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as -brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”—B a h a 'o ’l l a h . Vol. V I Sharaf 1, 71 (December 31, 1915) No. 16

“The principle of religion is to acknowledge what is revealed by God, and to obey the laws established in His Book.” —BAHA’O'LLAH The Word of God* By GEORGE O. LATIMER

HE greatest cause of the inhar world of morality. Religion guides hu mony in the world1 today is the manity to the eternal happiness. Re T lack of religion; or rather the ligion is the cause of the everlasting hon failure of mankind to understand the or in the world of man. Religion has meaning of and the reason for religion. ever helped humanity towards progress.” If this were not the case, why are nine By religion, the fundamentals of religion civilized nations of the world at war with are meant, not the blind imitations, dog one another; why are seven great re mas and creeds that have been added ligions bitterly attacking each other; why through man’s invention and which have is there unceasing strife between capital ever been the cause of the destruction and labor and why are the pillars of our and retrogression of nations, nay even social, political and economic structure their degradation. Again history is our being shaken from their very founda proof for these facts. These foundations tion? Our body politic has ever been of the religion of God are one and have based, as history proves, upon the teach been laid by the divine prophets through ings of the messengers of God, and surely whom the word of God has spoken. these divinely inspired men have not It is the purpose of this discourse to given a false doctrine to the world. What show that this word of God which has then is the cause of this present state been the impetus to all advancement in of affairs1, and are we not to blame for civilization, is and ever has been funda the existence of such a condition? Let mentally the same. “ In the beginning us look into the matter with an open was the word, and the word was with and unbiased mind and ascertain the God, and the word was God” ; but man’s real purpose of religion. refusal to accept and understand this To quote from Abdul-Baha,: “ The “ word” has been the cause of his fail first bestowal of God in the world of ure to comprehend the reality and the humanity is religion, because religion oneness of all religion. Baha’o’llah has consists in divine teachings to men, and written: ‘ ‘ The Sun of Truth is the word most assuredly divine teachings are pref of God, upon which depends the training erable to all other sources of instruction. of the people of thought. It is the spirit Religion confers upon man the life ever of reality and the water of life. All lasting. Religion is a service to the things owe their existence to it. Its ma.n-

*Nole—Compiled in Stuttgart, Germany, during August, 1914. This manuscript was presented to Abdul-Baha personally by Mr. Latimer while in Akka in October of the same year. Abdul-Baha gave consent to its publication.— The Editors. 122 STAR OF THE WEST ifestation is ever according1 to the car fair unbiased mind. Reality is not mul parity and coloring of the mirror through tiple and by religion is meant the one which it may reflect. For example: Its law or word of God, ever from the same light when cast on the mirror of the wise, source, which has been the cause of the gives expression to wisdom; when re establishment of all divine institutions in flected from the minds of artists it pro the world. According to Abdul-Baha duces manifestations of new and beauti this “ word” of God has a twofold func ful arts; when it shines through the tion and may be separated into two di minds of students it reveals knowledge visions. One deals with clay and water and unfolds mysteries. All things of the while the other deals with the heart and world arise through man and are mani soul. The one has to do rath the world fest in him, through whom they find of morality—the ethical sublimity of hu life and development; and man is de man nature; the other is concerned with pendent for his (spiritual) existence up the transactions of society and has to do on the sun of the word of God. All the with the material well-being of man. good names and lofty qualities are of the The first aids him in his advancement word. The word is the fire of God, which toward the kingdom of God. It is true glowing in the hearts of people, bums idealism. It has ever been the means of away all things that are not of God. The quickening man from a material being minds of the lovers are ever aflame with into a spiritual one. It is the cause of this fire. ’ ’ And from the pen of Abdul- the “ new birth” of which his holiness Baha: “ The word of God is the store Christ spoke. This division has always house of all good, all power, all wisdom. been one and the same in all religions. The illiterate fishers and savage Arabs It is the fundamental basis of all and is were thereby enabled to solve such prob not subject to change or alteration. It lems as were puzzles to eminent sages all has been renewed in each prophetic dis through the ages. It awakens within us pensation or cycle; and, in short, can be that brilliant intuition which makes us summed up by the ‘ ‘ golden rule ’ ’ which independent of all tuition and endows us Christ gave (Matt. 7:12) “ All things with an all-embracing power of spiritual therefore whatsoever ye would that men understanding. Many a soul, in the ark should do unto you, even so do ye unto of philosophy, after fruitless straggles, them, for this is the law and the proph was drowned in the sea of conflicting ets”—which Mohammed proclaimed: theories of cause and effect, while those “ Let none of you treat his brother in a on board the craft of simplicity reached way he himself would dislike to be treat the shore of the universal cause by the ed”—and which again appears in the help of favorable winds blowing from teachings of BahaVllah: “ 0 son of the point of divine knowledge. When man! Wert thou to observe mercy, thou man is associated with that transcendent wouldst not regard thine own interest power eminating from the word of God, but the interest of mankind. Wert thou the tree of his existence becomes so well to observe justice, choose thou for others rooted in the soil of assurance that it what thou choosest for thyself.” This laughs at the violent hurricanes of skep is the spiritual, the essential, the eternal ticism which attempt its eradication. For side of religion. this association of the part with the The second assists man in his relation whole endows him with the whole, and ship toward society. It aims at the high this union of the particular with the uni est state of material civilization and versal makes him all-in-all.” progress. It has advanced man from the In order to understand the light of this depths of ignorance to a high stage of sun of truth one must free his mind from enlightenment. This division, however, the superstitions of the past, and investi has been subject to change and transfor gate the reality of the “word” with a mation according to the exigencies of time STAR OF THE WEST 123 and the varying need’s of mankind. Each has become a mooted question. But succeeding prophet has abrogated the ex when Jesus came he abrogated the law isting material law and substituted teach of Moses and substituted the law of love: ings applicable to the (then present) If the right cheek was smitten, then necessities of man. This, however, is the turn the left also. Now in this day practical, the non-essential, the transitory Baha’o’llah has said: “ If you be slain side of religion. for God’s good pleasure, verily it is bet Let us consider for a moment this sec ter for you than that ye should slay. ’ ’ ond part of the Word of God with a keen Again the tribes that Mohammed came sight, for it is the misunderstanding of to were in the lowest stages of savagery the purpose of these teachings of God and debasement. It was one of their eus- that has caused the establishment of tomes to bury their own daughters alive. many different faiths in the world. For A man was permitted to take a thousand example, in the time of Noah certain re women as his property and nearly every quirements demanded that sea-foods be husband had at least ten wives. It was a allowed. In Abraham’s dispensation custom that when such a husband died camel’s flesh was a food for man, but in his sons took possession of each other’s Jacob’s epoch it was, unlawful. After mothers. If a son threw his mantle over Christ, four disciples, including Peter his father’s wife and said, “ This woman and Paul, permitted the eating of animal is my lawful property, ’ ’ immediately she food forbidden by the Bible, “ with the became his slave and chattel. In all fair exception of those animals which had ness one may ask, Was not Mohammed’s been strangled, or which were sacrificed law curbing this barbaric state of affairs to idols, and of blood.” (Acts 15:20.) and making it unlawful for man to have Later Paul permitted the eating of such more than four wives an advance over animals. the existing condition ? And now in our During the time of Adam it was per present day, Abdul-Baha has abrogated missible for man to marry his sister, and this law of Mohammed by forbidding Abel, Cain and Seth took unto wife their polygamy. In a word these seeming dif own sisters,. In the Abrahamic cycle a ferences are merely alterations demanded certain expedient made it permissible for by the growth and advancement of man man to marry his aunt, as Sarah was the kind. Time changes and when time sister of Abraham’s mother; but when changes, the laws must change. There Moses came and established the law of fore, it is impossible for us to compare the Torah these material ordinances were the time of Moses to that of Christ be abrogated and changed. Later Christ cause the condition of the world has came and broke the Sabbath and forbade greatly altered. divorce. When Moses came to the world The existence of the world may be com there were no houses of correction, no pared to the physical being or health of forms of punishment and because of the man, and the prophets of God to skillful lawless condition of the people the law physicians. It is impossible for the hu of God had to be strict and direct. There man body to remain in one state of fore Moses said that an eye was to be health, and different diseases occur, taken for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. which require different remedies. The He laid down ten commandments for Divine "Wisdom requires that for every dealing with the murderer. If a man change of condition there will be a robbed to the extent of one dollar, his change of commands and when diseases hand was cut off. It is not permitted in change, there will be a change of treat our advanced civilization to carry out ment. For example, the patient may be these commands, It is indeed impossi in the throes of a raging fever and the ble; even the law of capital punishment doctor will administer a cooling remedy, (Continued on page 126) STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, III.,U.S.A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3 ,1 8 7 9 , Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WIND UST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI Honorary Member: M i r z a A h m a d S o h r a b Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy f f o t e — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to Bahai News Service, P , O. Box 283, Chicago, 111,, U, S. A. T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to B a h a i N e w s S e r v i c e , P. O. B o x 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A.

Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Syria, tones. It Would fill many pages should Sept. 18, 1915. I attempt to give you a translation of his Kate C. Ives, Oldaere, Eliot, Maine. discourse, but I must acknowledge that it was a wonderful, spontaneous outburst My dear spiritual sister in the love of of the spirit that could not be produced God! under the usual standard of social and Yesterday a letter was received from religious emotions ! Teheran giving the sad and painful story How true it is that this is the year of of the recent troubles against our friends universal tests and ordeals for all man in different cities; the pillaging of their kind! None are excepted. Everyone is properties to the extent of $60,000; their suffering, men and women, old and dispersion through the mountains and young, rich and poor. God is pouring deserts and the martyrdom of a number the vial of His wrath upon all His chil of spiritual teachers. This harrowing dren. Their negligence has reached to news saddened the heart of Abdul-Baha. such a degree that they have forgotten For a long time his grief was so great not only the precepts of their Creator, and overwhelming that he did not open but the Creator Himself. They have set his mouth. After so many months of aside His laws and statutes and are walk complete silence and lack of correspond ing in the path of desire and self. They ence, this was, then, the news from the are not thinking of the consequences of headquarters of the Cause, this was the their own deeds and are submerged in manner in which the followers of light the sea of self-adoration. Without any were treated by the people of darkness! valid1 reason they shed the blood of their He read the letter twice and pondered own brothers, pillage their properties, set long over its contents. Continuing his on fire their homes and scatter them to walk, for on hour he spoke with unusual the four corners of the earth. How all- animation and earnestness and gave embracing are the teachings of the vent to his utmost feelings and thoughts. Blessed Perfection (Baha’o’llah) : “ Ye Like into a tumultuous waterfall the are the fruits of one tree and the leaves words fell from his lips with thunderous of one branch ! ’ ’ STAR OF THE WEST 125

If the people of the world could un Ahmad Sohrab under date September stop their ears and listen to this spiritual 16, 1915, I quote the following: all-inclusive principle, there were no need of these wars and their calamitous “ As usual Abdul-Baha gives wonder results. They would have then acknowl ful talks almost every day, and they are edged that God is the Father of all man preserved for future distribution. There kind irrespective of race, religion and na must be great wisdom in the ending of tionality, that He is the Universal Shep all the former relations between the east herd, that we are all His sheep, that He and the west, in fact Abdul-Baha has is so kind and benevolent as to feed us, repeatedly asserted this point, exhorting protect us, nourish us and surround us us to be patient and long-suffering, and with the white fluttering wings of His that brighter and happier days are in protection. They would have then con store for the people of the world. He fessed the brotherhood of man is not a says this is like the season of winter—• utopian, unpractical dream ; that the frosty, snowy, windy and cold; this is Fatherhood of God is not a visionary the night of the world, dark, gloomy and theory without basic foundation and that forbidding. But even during the inky international conciliation and amity are night we can look heavenward and be not wild doctrines of dreamers. These hold the shining stars suspended in ideas would have then become the mov the limitless, unfathomable space. We ing policies of their administrations and can study the book of the firmament and activities. decipher its brilliant hieroglyphic alpha In short, now that the whole world is bet of this matchless creation. There drinking from this over-flowing cup of in yon blue vault is the wonderful sorrow, our friends in Persia are holding Venus, the luminous Orion and Pleiades, in their hands similar goblets filled with the great planets, the scintillating con the same nectar. Heroically they are giv stellations, the Milky Way begemmed ing up everything in the path of God, en with millions of suns and stars! Is not during incredible hardships for the sake this in itself a great consolation, a source of Truth. We beg of you to pray for of infinite comfort? The darker the them in your meetings and gatherings, night, the more brilliant the stars. In so that God may send down upon them a way we must be thankful for the com His confirmation and aid to withstand all ing of the night, for it makes it possible the tests in this dark night. We also for us to see and appreciate the starry pray for them in this Holy Land. They hosts of heaven. In a similar manner are indeed the true soldiers of the Lord, these sad events will bring forth and the humble servants of the Most High create better environment for humanity, and the burning torches of guidance. causing the stars of divine qualities to The effect of their patience and self- shine forth with greater brilliancy. Those sacrifice will illumine the hearts of the who cannot look toward heaven and see seekers of Truth and their example will the stars of hopeful promises twinkling be followed by generations yet unborn. with dazzling beauty, who complain on Please give my faithful greetings to all account of the enveloping darkness, are the friends. I think of them and never indeed blind, deaf and speechless. Only forget them. I am as ever your sincere the seer, the thinker,, the poet, are en brother, dowed with this invisible power of visu (Signed) Ahmad. alization. Abdul-Baha desires us to gain this heavenly vision, this spiritual hope, Washington, D. C., Oct. 28,1915. this radiant faith so that we may be able Dear Brother Windust :—From a letter to serve our fellow-men. just at hand, addressed to me by Mirza “ We are all very well; especially 126 STAR OF THE WEST

Abdul-Baha is very healthy. He prays will stimulate the friends to greater in behalf of all the Bahais and wishes activity during this season. We must all them to work for goodwill and brother arise in the accomplishment of worthy hood amongst all the nations. He de and noble services, and be not satisfied sires them to display extraordinary ef with little things. It is true that we fort in the diffusion of the fragrance of must attend to the small things as con the love of God and set aglow the fire scientiously as the great things, but in of attraction and enkindlement in the the accomplishment of the smaller serv hearts of all the children of men.” ices we must not lose sight of the great Faithfully yours, and universal problem of this Cause. Joseph H. Hannon. Conscious of our weakness in the Pres ence of God, we must appear as the tower of strength in the eyes of men and at Dear Brother Windust:—From a all times rely upon His confirmation and postal card, just at hand, sent to me by beg for His help. Banishing all ideas Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, and dated Haifa, that breed disappointment and discour Syria, Oct. 24, 1915, I quote the follow agement, we must breathe the spirit of ing for reproduction in the Star of the hope into the dead bodies of mankind. West if you can utilize it. I am advised “ This is the eighth day since Abdul- that a series of cards is being sent out, Baha came to Bahajee to pray for the and extracts from these may be used as warring nations at the Holy Tomb of you receive them and find them avail the Blessed Beauty (Baha’o’llah). I able : have written every day one postal card 1 ‘Having finished and mailed the series to different friends, and they are of letters, I have been writing a series mailed. ’ ’ of postal cards, making their contents as Faithfully yours, general as possible, so that they may be Joseph H. Hannen. copied and distributed and portions to appear in the Star of the West.* So *Note—Copies of many of the letters far I have written twenty-five, and will and postal cards referred to have been write thirty or thirty-five more, complet sent by the recipients to the Star of the ing a circle of dear and steadfast be West. We regret that lack of space lievers. As I am doing this work at the makes it impossible to print them.—The suggestion of Abdul-Baha, I hope they Editors.

The Word of God (Continued from page 123) in a few hours the state of the patient why did he recommend it in the begin may be changed to one of chills. It is ning ? ’ ’—but the wise patient is ever sub then that the skilled physician changes missive and the change of treatment only his remedy and applies a heating or vivi adds to his conviction and faith in the fying tonic. The skill of the physician doctor. Some constitutions are weak depends upon his ability to prescribe while others are strong, but all need con remedies that will cure the patient in stant care and attention. The change of every state of sickness. The ignorant remedies according to the state of the patient may complain of the lack of skill patient’s condition is a proof of the skill on the part of the physician when he of the d'oetor. changes his treatment, saying to himself, Today the condition of the world is “ If the first drug was my cure, why did very grave and serious. Humanity is he change, and if it were not my cure sick, socially, economically, spiritually. STAR OF THE WEST 127

It is attacked by the germs of despotism loving the melody of the dove of virtue. ’ ’ and oppression; the microbes of injus- In a similar way all the demands of our tice and inequality have entered the sys present stage of civilization are provided tem, the bacteria of deceit and hypocrisy for and everything that has been a hind are multiplying; the savagery of bloody rance and a setback to improvement has war and relentless strife have gripped been cast aside. and distorted the body; the scourge of These material changes, however, are license and calumny has left its deep pit- the non-essentials and have been aptly marks; the disintegrating forces of pa termed the accidentals of religion. Ab- triotic, social and religious prejudices are dul-Baha writes: “ In this great cycle attacking man from all sides. The air and wonderful dispensation, the majority has become contaminated with blind dog of those non-essential commands which mas, creeds and superstitions and man’s refer to the body are to be administered sustenance is befouled by pride, lust by the House of Justice, because this and selfishness. Man is gasping for re great cycle is of long duration, this great lief from this disease of repulsion, dis age is vast, continuous and eternal, and cord, hatred and separation. The old since changes and alterations are the teachings are insufficient for today, they characteristic and necessary demands of cannot cure every disease and are not the world, therefore these material cotn- an ointment for every wound. mands will be administered according to Now in this hour of extreme crisis the the exigencies of the time, but the very Divine Physician has again come in the foundation of the law of G-od has never person of Baha’o’llah and has given the been nor will be altered. The same foun allaying remedies of attraction, harmony, dation, which is the basis of the law of unity and love. He has prescribed anti Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, dotes, free from all toxins, which have Mohammed and all the prophets, is again the power to cure our spiritual as well as to be found in the teachings of the Bab, sociologic sickness. His medicine Is the Baha’o’llah and Abdul-Baha. panacea for every disease in the world To sum up what has already been said, today. The divine healer, Christ, ad we find that the second part of the law ministered to the needs of his time but or word of God consists of teachings he did not give his full treatment for he which are concerned with the material said: “ I have many things to tell you, welfare of man. It is composed of in-' but you cannot bear them now.” His structions relating to prayer, fasting, treatment had to do with the individual, forms of worship, marriage and divorce, while the remedies of Baha’o’llah are for legal processes, the abolition of slavery the community at large. He has diag and the method! of treatment for crim nosed' every sickness of the body of the inals, etc. This part of the divine law world and prescribed remedies accord is modified and altered according to the ingly. His treatment is for the body condition of mankind in each prophetic politic and in administering it he says to cycle. While on the other hand the first the world of humanity: ‘ ‘ The progress part of the law of God is never abro of man depends upon faithfulness, wis gated because it is spiritual and not ma dom, chastity, intelligence and deeds. He terial truth. It comprises faith, knowl is ever degraded by ignorance, lack of edge, rectitude, justice, piety, righteous faith, untruth and selfishness. Verily, ness, trustworthiness, love of God, in man is not called man until he be imbued ward peace,, purity, severance, humility, with the attributes of the Merciful. He meekness, patience, constancy and all the is not man because of wealth and adorn heavenly attributes. It causes man to ment, learning and refinement. Blessed care for the wretched, to uplift the down is he who is free from the names, seek trodden, to give to the needy and to de ing the shore of the sea of purity and fend the oppressed. It makes man treat 128 STAR OF THE WEST friend or foe alike and as a result one physician and partake of his spiritual finds the wounded German and French treatment? The divine healer, Baha’o’- soldiers lying side by side, each being llah has offered the following remedy: nursed by the same kind hand. These “ Ye are all fruits of one tree and leaves divine qualities are the lofty attributes of one branch. 0 ye discerning ones of of God, they are unceasing and eternal. the people: Yerily the words which have In every age this same spiritual law of descended from the heaven of the will of God has been renewed. The necessity God are the source of unity and harmony for the renewal is not that these teach for the world. Close your eyes to racial ings have entirely disappeared from the differences and welcome all with the light world, but that man has lost the spirit of oneness. Be the cause of the comfort of them. And when the spirit has de and the advancement of humanity. This parted from the essential side of the handful of dust, the world, is one home: word of God, then also the non-essential let it be in unity. Forsake pride, it is a side becomes corrupt and in need of a cause of discord; follow that which tends change. The world is in this condition to> harmony. Consort with all the people at the present time and again God has with love and1 fragrance. Fellowship is renewed his spiritual law and altered the cause of unity and unity is the source the material law through the divine in of order in the world.” strumentation of the Bah, Baha’ollah and Abdul-Baha. Shall we still keep on All other remedies have failed. Shall suffering or shall we turn to the divine we not give this treatment a fair trial?

Letter from India to Mr. George Latimer

Ghatia Azam Khan (U. P., India) very cheering. Even the matters as they November 5, 1915. stand with the Cause are not without a ray of hope, for the days of greatest My Dear Brother Latimer:—It made hardships have been the days of greatest me so very happy to receive a letter from progress of the Cause. The news of the you yesterday, enclosing a photograph safe arrival of Miss Root in America of Abdul-Baha. I thank you most cor was another word of glad-tidings. We dially for the blessed gift. I shall keep found her truly what you say of her. She it as a real souvenir of the spirit work was such a help and inspiration to the ing in America, and show it to all the Cause and the workers in India, being the friends I meet. This week I also had a embodiment of self-sacrifice. Let us hope letter from sister Lua (Getsinger) from most sincerely that you and Mr. Remey Cairo, telling us of the stirring times are coming soon. India is looking with she passed through at Haifa. She says most eager eyes towards Palestine and she has also written accounts of what waiting for the light to flood it today she saw there and sent them to America as of yore. and to London. A copy of the London Please convey Ahha greetings to accounts would probably reach me, but Brother Remey, Dr. Getsinger, Sister unless the American article is published Lua, Miss Root, Howard Struven, Zee- in the Star of the W est I may not be nat Khanum (Mrs. Bagdadi) and other able to see it. It is most heart-rending friends when you write to them, or meet to hear that the people there have no them. money and no food. Yours sincerely in the service of the What you say of the work you are all Covenant, privileged to do out there in America is H ashmatullah. Words of Baha’o’llah from Kitab-el-Akdas

O concourse of creation ! O people ! Construct homes (or houses) in the most beauti ful fashion possible in every city, in every land, in the name of the Lord of Religions. Adorn them with that which beseemeth them—not with pictures or paintings. Then commemorate the Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit and fragrance. Verily, by His mention, by this commemoration, the breasts shall be dilated, the eyes illuminated, the hearts gladdened, and thus shall you pray the Orient of Praises in the Mashrak-el-Azkar (i. e., the Source of Praises). Teach your children what hath been revealed through the Supreme Pen. Instruct them in what hath descended from the Heaven of Greatness and Power. Let them memorize the Tablets of the Merciful and chant them with the most melodious voices in the galleries built in the Temple of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. The prayers of the Lord shall be chanted in a manner to attract the hearts and souls. Blessed is he who listens unto the River of Life! “ Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, the spiritual Temple, shall be erected in America.’ ’

Portrait by Boissonnas & Taponier, P a r is STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the grood of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous w ars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall com e.”“ BAHA’o’LLAH.

Vol. VI Sultan 1, 71 (January 19, 1916) No. 17

Foreword

HE Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity has been impelled to issue this special Mashrak-el-Azkar edition of the Stab op the West by the T urgent desire to place in the hands of every friend of the great Cause, every follower of Abdul-Baha, his words upon the purpose of the Uni versal House of Worship and its erection in America. These words, arranged in chronological order over a period of ten years, include tablets, table-talks given in Akka and addresses delivered by Abdul- Baha during his American sojourn. Upon these utterances there can be no comment. The call is there, the insistent call, to every Bahai in America to arise for the building of the Mashrak- el-Azkar. The inception in the west of the Mashrak-el-Azkar dates back to the early spring of 1903. The cornerstone of the Ishkabad Temple1—the beginning of the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in the world—had just been laid. Photographs of that momentous event were sent by the friends of the east to the Chicago House of Spirituality. And that body, inspired by the great vision of the Mashrak-el-Azkar upon American soil, supplicated to Abdul-Baha that the second Mashrak-el-Azkar in the world might be erected in America and in Chicago. The tablet of May 30, 1903, was written in response to the appeal of the House of Spirituality. During the same year, three other tablets were revealed upon the same subject, all proclaiming in no uncertain phraseology the import ance of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America. Now a silence of four years seems to have surrounded the Mashrak-el-Azkar of the west. It was a tremendous undertaking. The Cause in America was young. The laborers were few. They were just coming into the realization of the spiritual dynamics of the Bahai Revelation. They knew that the building of the Mashrak- el-Azkar was incumbent upon them by command not only of Abdul-Baha, but of Baha’oTlah in the Kitab-el-Akdas. As yet they did not know, perhaps, that, “ Verily, God never reveals a letter or word from the Tongue of the inaccessible Godly Tree, without at the time of utterance, the spirit of its reality being created. ’ ’* So, apparently, for four years the Mashrak-el-Azkar idea in America lan guished. But it was never lost. In the silence it was gaining momentum; tak ing definite, ineffaceable form in the consciousness of the faithful. And then, at the psychological moment, the silence Was broken. In re sponse to a supplication of inquiry, came the tablet of June 14, 1907, proclaim ing again the importance of the construction of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Chicago.

♦The Bab. 132 STAR OF THE WEST

From that date, until the European war closed the door of direct com munication between Abdul-Baha and the Bahais of America, every year came the call to the west to arise for the building of this great Bahai Institution, this manifest sign of the oneness of humanity and the vitality of religion.

Have we been slow to understand its imperativeness? “ Today, in America, no matter is greater for the elevation of the Word of God than the Mashrak-el-Azkar. ’ ’ “ The question of Mashrak-el-Azkar is very important and is superior to every matter.” “ The Mashrak-el-Azkar is the most important matter and the greatest divine institute.” “ When the Mashrak-el-Azkar, with its accessories, is established in the world, aside from its religious, or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization.” “ This organization of the Mashrak-el-Azkar will be a type for the coming centuries and will hold the station of the Mother.” Have we in America been slow to comprehend our great responsibility, our great privilege to serve the Cause of God, to influence civilization during all the ages to come? If we have been slow to comprehend, surely, this compilation of the utter ances of Abdul-Baha will awaken us, will inspire us, will stimulate us to greater effort in the accomplishment of this—the supremest work in the Cause today.

The world is sick. The European tragedy grows in horror. In America we hear rumors of war. To the Bahais of the world has been given the remedy for the world’s ills. Do we in America believe it with a realization so deep and powerful that, before another year has passed away, all obstacles shall be overcome and the walls of the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in America, the Mother Institution, shall rise triumphantly, in proclamation to all humanity that the “ Most Great Peace” has come? Unresting, let us strive for this prodigious achievement, that, when the door of communication with Abdul-Baha is again open, we may say to him— “ The Bahais of the west have arisen greatly to service. Come to America and lay the comer stone of the Mother Mashrak-el-Azkar of the world. ’ ’ No message from America would stir more profoundly the great heart of Abdul-Baha. While he is still with us, let us respond to his call. Let us objectify our supreme faith in his mission, in his station as the Center of God’s Covenant.

We who have been called to the great service—let us arise !

(Signed) Alfred E. Lunt, President, Ella G. Cooper, Vice-President, Albert H. Hall, Treasurer, Corinne True, Financial Secretary, Harlan F oster Ober, Secretary. William H. Randall, Edward B. Kinney, A. R. Vail, J oseph H. Hannen. STAR OF THE WEST 133

Utterances of Abdul-Baha upon the Mashrak-el-Azkar

SEND you the glad tidings of the mult of His exaltation and greeting from erection of the Mashrak-el-Azkar the whole world shall be heard. I (the Bahai Temple) in Ishkabad.with Whosoever arises for the service of all joy and great happiness. The friends this building shall be assisted with great of God assembled together with rejoic power from His Supreme Kingdom and ing and conveyed the stones themselves, upon him spiritual and heavenly bless upon their backs, while attracted by the ings shall descend, which shall fill his love of God and for the glory of God. heart with wonderful consolation and en Soon that great Temple will be com lighten his eyes by beholding the pleted and the voice of prayer and praise Glorious and Eternal God. shall ascend to the Sublime Kingdom. [T ra n sla te d Ju n e 7, 1903.] I was rejoiced through your endeavors The vision also signifies that a Mash in this glorious Cause, made with joy rak-el-Azkar will soon be established in and good interest. I pray God to aid America. The cries of supplication and you in exalting His Word, and in estab invocation will be raised to the Highest lishing the Temple of Worship, through Kingdom therefrom and, verily, the peo His grace and ancient mercy. Yerily, ple will enter into the Religion of God ye are the first to arise for this glorious by troops, with great enthusiasm and at Cause in that vast region. Soon will ye traction. see the spread of this enterprise in the [Translated June 9, 1903.] world, and its resounding voice shall go 0 friends of Abdul-Baha, and his co through the ears of the people in all parts. sharers and partners in the servitude of the Lord of Hosts! Yerily, the greatest Exert your energy in accomplishing what ye have undertaken, so that this affair and the most important matter glorious Temple may be built, that the today is to establish a Mashrak-el-Azkar beloved of God may assemble therein and and to found a Temple, from which the that they may pray and offer glory to voices of praise may rise to the Kingdom God for guiding them to His Kingdom. of the Majestic Lord. Blessings be upon [Translated May 30, 1903.] you for having thought to do so and in tended to erect such an edifice, advanc Now the day has arrived in which the ing all in devoting your wealth to this edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, great purpose and to this splendid work. the spiritual Temple, shall be erected in You will soon see the angels of confirm America. ation succeeding you, and the hosts of I entreat God to assist the confirmed reinforcement crowding before you. believers in accomplishing this great When the Mashrak-el-Azkar is accom service and with entire zeal to rear this plished, when the lights are emanating mighty structure, which shall be re therefrom, the righteous ones are pre nowned throughout the world. The sup senting themselves therein, the prayers port of God will be with those believers are performed with supplication towards in that district, that they may he suc the mysterious Kingdom (of Heaven), cessful in their undertaking. For the the voice of glorification is raised to the Cause is great—because this is the first Lord, the Supreme, then the believers Mashrak-el-Azkar in that country, and shall rejoice, the hearts shall be dilated from it the praise of God shall ascend and overflowed' with the love of the All- to the Kingdom of Mystery and the tu Living and Self-Existent (God). 134 STAR OF THE WEST

The people shall hasten to worship in ever they abode and worshiped in it. that heavenly temple, the fragrances of Likewise, after His holiness Christ— God will he elevated, the divine teach May the spirit of the world be a sacrifice ings will be established in the hearts like to Him !—the first institute by the disci the establishment of the spirit in man ples was a Temple. They planned a kind; the people will then stand firm in Church in every country. Consider the the Cause of your Lord, the Merciful. Gospel (read it) and the importance of [T ra n sla te d Ju ly 2, 1903.] the Mashrak-el-Azkar will become evi dent. The construction of Mashrak-el-Azkar In fine, I hope that all the beloved of in those regions is of the utmost import God, collectively, in the continent of ance; is conducive to the attainment of America, men and women, will strive the good pleasure of the Almighty and night and day, until the Mashrak-el- the descent of the confirmation by the Azkar be erected in the utmost solidity Exalted Lord. and beauty. [Translated June 14, 1907.] [Translated February 4, 1908.] To have it (the Mashrak-el-Azkar) Concerning the erection of the Tem built is most important. Some material ple: Now all the believers must become things have spiritual effect, and the united so that the Temple may be built Mashrak-el-Azkar is a material thing that soon in one place, for should (the be will have great effect upon the spirits lievers) undertake (the erection of the of the people. Not only does the build Temple) in many places, it will not be ing of the Mashrak-el-Azkar have an come completed anywhere. And, as in effect upon those who build it, but upon Chicago they have preceded every other the whole world. In the time of Christ place to plan the erection of the Temple, the believers used a room under a house, undoubtedly, to co-operate and help them where they held their meetings. Moses is nobler and a necessity. Then, when built the Tabernacle. Solomon built the it is built in one place, it will become first real Temple. In the Mashrak-el- erected in many other places. If, for the Azkar, services will be held every morn present, you prepare or establish a home ing, and the Words of Baha’o’llah only in New York, though by renting it, to are to be read. Mashrak-el-Azkar means become a center for the gathering of the “ Dawning Point of Mention” (Where believers of God, it is very acceptable. God is mentioned). God willing, in all the states of America [Table talk given in Akka January, 1908.] in the future, there will be erected Tem Thou hast written concerning the or ples with infinite architectural beauty, ganization of a Council for the building art, with pleasing proportions, and hand of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. This news some and attractive appearance, espe brought much spirit and fragrance, for cially in New York. But, for the pres the nine delegates sent by the various ent, be ye satisfied with a rented place. assemblies gathered in that meeting and [Translated May 9, 1908.] consulted concerning the building of the But it is two or three years since a Mashrak-el-Azkar. number of people are making efforts in The Mashrak-el-Azkar is the most im Chicago, but this has not yet given re portant matter and the greatest divine sult, and important persons are exerting Institute. Consider how the first insti themselves and applying for contribu tute of His holiness Moses, after his tions to various quarters. Now, while exodus from Egypt, was the “ Tent of the building of this Temple is not yet Martyrdom,” which he raised and which started or engaged in, if there be the was the traveling Temple. It was a tent founding of a second Temple under which they pitched in the desert wher taken, neither of the two would be ac STAR OF THE WEST 135 complished and this failure would ever mentioned and always commemor weaken the Cause of God. ated. And, for the tranquillity and re [Translated 1908.] pose of the hearts, there is no other In reality, the radiant, pure hearts are means save the commemoration of al the Mashrak-el-Azkar and from them the mighty God. voice of supplication and invocation con Praise be to God! The erection of the tinually reaches the Supreme Concourse. Mashrak-el-Azkar has a great effect in I ask God to make the heart of every all grades (or states). It was tested in one of you a temple of the divine Tem the east and so, evidently and plainly, ples and to let the lamp of the Great was it proved. Even when in a village a Guidance be lighted therein. And, when house was called the Mashrak-el-Azkar, the hearts find such an attainment, they it possessed a different effect. How will certainly exert the utmost endeavor much more its building and organization! and energy in the building of the Mash Therefore, 0 ye friends and maid rak-el-Azkar. Thus may the outward servants of the Merciful! As long as express the inward and the form (or let ye can, endeavor with life and heart, so ter) indicate the meaning (or reality). that the Mashrak-el-Azkar of Chicago [Translated May 21, 1908.] may soon be built, organized and con firmed. His honor .... presented the map If all the friends in America, in ail of the land of the Mashrak-el-Azkar on cities and hamlets, assist and by the the day of the declaration of His holi means of a building commission help, ness the Supreme (the Bab). Great joy this offering will prove most acceptable was obtained thereby and with the great in the Kingdom of the Sun of the Hori est care it was considered. It is indeed a zons. delightful spot worthy of this edifice and building. However, it must be enlarged 0 God! 0 God! Verily, I implore yet a little more, so that spacious ground Thee with throbbing heart and streaming around the Mashrak-el-Azkar may afford tears to aid every one who endeavors for ample room for a rose garden. the erection of this edifice, in the build Thank God! the people of God made ing of a house, wherein Thy Name is such a sincere resolution and exerted such mentioned every morn and eve. a great effort. It is hoped that all the 0 Lord! Send down Thy benediction friends and the maid-servants of the upon whosoever served this edifice and Merciful, from all regions and directions, endeavored in its uprising among the will assist the erection of this building, sects and religions, and confirm him in so that in a short time a wonderful edi every good of mankind; open the doors fice may arise in the name of God and of riches and wealth unto him and give prove the reason whereby the people in heritage the treasures of the Kingdom may examine and investigate the Cause which perish not; make him the sign of of God and seek the divine teachings. giving among the people and reinforce The Mashrak-el-Azkar, though out him. by the Sea of Generosity and wardly a material foundation, is pos Bounty, which is surging with the waves sessed of spiritual effect and causes the of grace and favor. union of hearts and the gathering of Verily, Thou art the Generous, the souls. Merciful, the Bountiful! In the days of the Manifestation, any [Translated July 4, 1908.] city, wherein a Temple was founded, af The believers of God in America, one forded the means of promulgation (of and all, must unitedly make an effort, the Cause) and the confirmation of the so that the Temple of God will be built hearts and the confidence of souls, for in Chicago, then, afterwards, it will be in those dwellings the Name of God is built in other localities. . . . 136 STAR OF THE WEST

Regarding the building of the Temple Some of the souls are not aware of the in Chicago, both of you display the ut importance of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. most effort, that is, effort in encouraging They think and say: The other nations and inspiring the believers and the maid have hundreds of thousands of temples, servants of God, so that they may assist the Christians having as many as a mil in the matter with generosity and thus lion temples of the greatest structural very soon this Temple will be erected. importance. What result have they This matter is of great importance (ut yielded, that now this one Mashrak-el- most importance). Azkar is said to cause the manifestation [In Abdul-Baha’s own handwriting] of signs and prove a source of light! In Ishkabad, the believers of God made One million churches have not yielded the erection of the Temple conducive to any fruit. What is the one Mashrak-el- affinity and unity, so that it really be Azkar going to do? . . . came the cause of oneness of the Word. Furthermore, today, the establishment Ye also make the erection of the Tem of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is of paramount ple in America conducive to the unity importance, but hereafter it shall not be and oneness of the believers, of the maid so. This is the beginning of organiza servants and servants of the Merciful, so tion. It is like unto the first church that, in one thought, one aim, they en founded in Christianity. It is an ex gage themselves in the building of the pression of the elevation of the Word of Temple. God. When the Mashrak-el-Azkar was [Translated July, 1908,] erected in Ishkabad, its influence was felt in all the oriental countries. Who I am hopeful by divine bounty and soever heard of it commenced an inves grace that the beloved ones of God may tigation of the Cause. Now the Mashrak- be confirmed in the building of the Mash- el-Azkar of Ishkabad, like an evident rak-el-Azkar and all its accessories, for banner waves in the world. And, if, in the Mashrak-el-Azkar has important ac Chicago, the Mashrak-el-Azkar is estab cessories which are accounted of the basic lished, even as in Ishkabad, then you will foundations. These are—school for see what the recognition of the Cause orphan children, hospital and dispen will do. Particularly, the arrangement sary for the poor, place for the incapa of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is such, that it ble (i. e., home for the cripple), col will exert the greatest effect upon the lege for the higher scientific education. civilized world, for it has many accesso The meaning is this, that, in every place, ries. Among them are the following:, First a Mashrak-el-Azkar must be A school for orphans, a college for founded; higher scientific education (or higher Then a School for the Education of knowledge), a hospital, a home for crip orphan children and the poor; ples, a hospice. Then the Hospital and Medical Dis When the Mashrak-el-Azkar, with its pensary must be founded; accessories, is established in the world, Then the Home of the Cripple; aside from its religious or spiritual in Then the College of Higher Scientific fluence, it will have a tremendous effect Education. upon civilization. Besides the religion In every city a great Mashrak-el-Azkar ists who will feel its influence, material must be founded after this order. Now ists will not be exempt therefrom. More we hope the Mashrak-el-Azkar may be over it contains divine wisdoms, spirit founded in Chicago. After Its founda ual effects upon the intellects and tion, the important accessories may grad thoughts. Subsequent to its erection ually be founded. these will become evident. [Translated November 25, 1908.] [Table talk given in Akka, February, 1909-] STAR OF THE WEST 137

Among the most important affairs is With sincere intentions and lofty en the founding of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, deavors have ye proposed to undertake although weak minds may not grasp its this mighty affair. Know ye for a cer importance: nay, perchance, they imag tainty that ye will be confirmed by the ine this Mashrak-el-Azkar to be a temple aids of the Holy Spirit and that ye will like other temples. render the Kingdom of God a distin They may say to themselves: 1 ‘ Every guished service, whereby ye will become nation has a hundred thousand gigantic dear in both realms and will shine forth temples; what result have they yielded, as morning stars from the horizon of the that now this one Mashrak-el-Azkar (is Love of God. said) to cause the manifestation of signs This organization of the Mashrak-el- and prove a source of light?” But they Azkar will be a type for the coming are ignorant of the fact that the found centuries and will hold the station of ing of this Mashrak-el-Azkar is to be in the Mother, and thus, later, in other the inception of the organization of the cities many Mashrak-el-Azkars will be Kingdom. its offspring. Therefore, it is important and is an ex 0 Lord ! Make these holy souls dawn- pression of the upraising of the evident ing-points of lights and the manifesta Standard, which is waving in the center tions of (Thy) signs. Make every one of that continent, the results and effects a leading comer stone in this great edi of which will become manifest in the fice, a pillar of its pillars. hearts and spirits. No soul will be O God! Although the friends are aware of this mature wisdom save after needy, yet Thou art the Helper, the Sup trial. porter, the Rewarder! When the Mashrak-el-Azkar was These souls have arisen to serve Thee founded in Ishkabad, its clamor affected well and have begun servitude. Confirm all the cities of the orient and caused them and aid them. Encourage each by souls to awaken (to the call). Most of promises of Thy divine favors and make the souls who investigated and heard the them of the elect. explanation were attracted to the King Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful, the dom of God. Able, the Giver, the Shining, the Hearer, Moreover, the accessories of the Mash the Seer! rak-el-Azkar are numerous. Among them [Extract from Tablet to Temple Unity Con are the school for orphans, the great vention of March. 22-23, 1909.] college for the higher arts, hospital, Praise be to God ! that the Convention home for the cripples, and hospice. of the delegates for the Mashrak-el-Azkar The doors of these places are to be opened was held in perfect order and the mem to all sects—no differentiations. When bers assembled in that spiritual meeting these accessories are completed, and, by with radiant faces, heavenly hearts, mer God’s help and aid, the departments ciful spirits and the glad tidings of the fully systematized, it will be proved that Kingdom, and consulted and deliberated the Mashrak-el-Azkar is to human society respecting the founding of the Mashrak- a great bounty and a great blessing. el-Azkar. In brief, through the unlimited boun Although hereafter thousands of ty of God, I am hopeful that the be Mashrak-el-Azkars will be founded, yet loved ones of God in America may be as this Mashrak-el-Azkar is the first di aided and confirmed in founding this vine Institute in America, therefore, it mighty and solid foundation and grad is very important and its results and ually annex thereto its accessories. fruits are endless. Soon will some of its Now ye have convened in that center results become known and evident. (Chicago), from other cities of America. In brief, the delegates who congregat 138 STAR OF THE WEST

ed in that lordly assemblage and en revolution blazed in such wise that all gaged in the service of the divine King communities, government and nation be dom must give thanks night and day, came afflicted with the most severe trials; for they were thus aided and confirmed but the power of the Covenant protected and left a foot-print (trace), of which the Bahai friends to such a degree that etemality is an inherent quality. in this turbulent storm no dust fell upon Although the importance of this di them, except in one locality, which be vine Institute is not very evident now, came the cause of the spreading of the yet in the future it will be clear and religion of God and the diffusion of the plain as the sun. Word of God. Now all the parties in [Translated July 20, 1909.] Persia are wondering how the people of Baha were guarded and protected. Thy detailed letter was received. Its Praise be to God! that, in Teheran contents indicated that thou didst travel and all the provinces of Persia, the call in the cities of America and visited the of God has been raised, the ensign of the friends of God until thou didst reach the Covenant has been unfurled, the cry of general Convention held in Chicago for “ Ya-Baha-el-Abha!” has been heard and the building of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. the melody of the Kingdom of Abha has In thy letter thou hast written in praise been promulgated among the people of and commendation of the illumination of intelligence. that Convention. Truly, I say, the Con [Translated August 14, 1909.] vention of the Bahai delegates in Chi cago was a heavenly gathering and con 0 ye friends of the east and the west! firmed by divine assistance. The splen One of the greatest foundations of the dor of the Kingdom of Abha shone forth religion of God, the significance of the and the soul-refreshing breeze wafted Word of God and the duty of the be from the direction of providence. It lievers of God is mutual assistance and was an effulgence from the rays of the co-operation. For the world of human Sun of Truth, that the friends of God ity, nay, rather, all the infinite beings gathered in that illumined assembly exist by this law of mutual action and with the utmost love, unity and con helpfulness. Should this law of joint cord. The intentions of everyone were interchange of forces be removed from reinforced by divine confirmation, the the arena of life, the existence would be aim of everyone was service in the Cause entirely destroyed. of God, servitude in the threshold of When we ponder deeply upon the con the Almighty and the erection of the nection and interdependence of beings, Mashrak-el-Azkar. we clearly realize that the life of every The results of that Convention in the being draws benefit and sustenance from future will be far-reaching and most im all the other innumerable existences. portant, and evident signs shall become This mutual helpfulness is realized manifest. As it was the first general either directly or through mediation, and Bahai Convention in America, it dis if, for the twinkling of an eye, this con played wonderful influence. The gath firmation and assistance does not descend ering of that illumined assembly, in such upon the living being, that one will be a short space of time, would have been come non-existent, for all the existing impossible without the power of the di things are linked together and draw help vine Covenant and Testament. But the from each other. Therefore, the greatest Covenant has such a great sway that it foundation of the world of existence is astonishes the minds. In every region this co-operation and mutuality. the sign of the power of the Covenant is Liken the world of existence to the apparent and manifest. temple of man. All the limbs and organs For instance, in Persia, the fire of of the human body assist each other, STAR OF THE WEST 139 therefore life continues, When, in this for the building of this supreme founda wonderful organism, there is a discon tion. Now, in the regions of America, nection, life is changed into death and the believers of God have resolved to the parts of the body disintegrate. Like build the Mashrak-el-Azkar and, while wise, among the parts of existence, there choosing the land in a most beautiful is a wonderful connection and inter spot, they are occupied in gathering con change of forces, which is the cause of tributions. Although they will build this the life of the world and the continua Mashrak-el-Azkar with the utmost beauty tion of these countless phenomena. and completeness, yet, for the sake of When one considers the living beings the communication between orient and and the growing plants, he realizes that occident, the increase of spiritual affec the animals and man sustain life by in tion and love and the solidarity of the haling the emanations from the vegetable foundation of unity and concord, all the world, and this fiery element is called believers in the east must contribute ac oxygen. The vegetable kingdom also cording to their means, no matter how draws life from the living creatures in small the sum may be. God does not the substance called carbon. In brief, ask from any soul except according to the beings of sensation acquire life from his ability. This contribution must come the growing beings and, in turn, the from all cities and villages from all the growing things receive life from the believers of God. They should send all sensitive creatures. Therefore, this in contributions to this Holy Land, so that terchange of forces and inter-communi they may be forwarded from here to cation is continual and uninterrupted. America through a confidential channel. From this illustration, one can see the In brief, 0 ye friends of God, rest as base of life is this mutual aid and help sured that in place of this contribution, fulness ; and the cause of destruction and your commerce, your agriculture and in non-existence would be the interruption dustries shall be blessed many times. of this mutual assistance. Whosoever comes with one good act, God The more the world aspires to civiliza will give him tenfold. There is no doubt tion, the more this most important mat that the living Lord shall assist and con ter of co-operation and assistance be firm the generous soul. comes manifest. Therefore, in the world 0 my Lord! 0 my Lord! Illumine of humanity, one sees this matter of the faces of Thy sincere and beloved helpfulness attain to a high degree of ones. Assist them with the angels of efficiency; so much so, that the contin Thy manifest victory ; make them firm in uance of humanity entirely depends up Thy great path ; open before them the on this interrelation. The believers of doors of blessings through Thine ancient God must especially fortify the founda favor, for they give in Thy way what tion of this reality among themselves, so ever they have, protecting Thy religion, that all may help each other under all assured in Thy mentioning, sacrificing circumstances, whether in the degree of their souls for Thy love, giving what they truth and significances or in the stations have for Thy beauty, so that they may of this world of matter and, especially, gain Thy good pleasure. 0 my Lord, in founding public institutions which destine for them inexhaustible compen shall benefit all the people, and, still sation, never failing bounty and divine more, the founding of the Mashrak-el- outpouring. Azkar, which is the greatest of the divine foundations. Yerily, Thou art the Confirmer, the Consequently, the friends of God, with Assister, the Generous, the Giver, and the utmost magnanimity, sincerity of the Merciful. purpose and self-abnegation, must help [Translated August 24, 1909.] STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, III., U. S. A. Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, sit the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honorary Member: M i r z a A h m a d S o h r a b ______Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy N o t e — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to B a h a i NEWS SERVICE, P, O. Box 283, Chicago, 111,, U, S. A . T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.

Address all communications to Bahai N ews Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West\ h e i s g o d ! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness. firm n e ss! ______(S ig n e d ) A b d u l -B a h a A b b a s . Vol. VI Sultan 1, 71 (January 19, 1916) No. 17

I hope that all of them may become best of their ability, although the inter assisted in the service of the Mashrak-el- nal conditions of Persia have, during the Azkar, so that this divine Institution last few years, been exceedingly dis may be raised in that country, and the turbed. This revolution affected all con melody of Mashrak-el-Azkar may awaken ditions and walks of life. There has been the sleepy ones. no agriculture, no trade and no com [T ra n sla te d O ctober 31, 1909.] merce; nay, rather in all the provinces The Mashrak-el-Azkar of Chicago is of there have been political disputes and the greatest importance. This is a Bahai quarrels between the two parties, name Temple, a supreme House of Worship, ly, the nationalists and the constitution a place of spiritual gathering and of the alists. Thus they have been wholly oc manifestation of divine mysteries. The cupied with their own affairs. Notwith friends of God must endeavor, with all standing this, they have striven to con their hearts and souls, that this structure tribute to the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Chi may be raised and completed. cago according to their best ability and [T ran slated 19 09.] they will never be found wanting. If Persia should obtain order, the beloved 0 ye beloved of Abdul-Baha! The then will make a worthy contribution. beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful intend to found a Mashrak- [Translated March 18, 1910.] el-Azkar in Chicago. They have sent to Several plans and designs of the Mash us numerous plans, that one may be ac rak-el-Azkar have been received from cepted and the edifice be built accord America. Now, the believers must dis ingly. Now the funds must be accumu play an endeavor so that the land may lated, the land entirely paid for and the be bought in its entirety; then collect necessary preparations for building and contributions for the building, and then then the accessory matters considered. they may think about the plans. So far. Therefore, make ye an effort and show the means are lacking. I hope from the ye zeal that the price of the land be favor of the true One that sufficient anc fully discharged and the means for the ample contributions may be gathered and edifice procured. afterward the best and most acceptable The beloved in the east are striving plans be decided upon. with heart and1 soul to contribute to the [Translated April 12, 1910.] STAR OF THE WEST 141

In all the world of creation all the ex terial unity are founded and organized istent beings are in the utmost connec between them. tion. Through this connection, mutual In these times, the utmost hope and helpfulness and1 co-operation is realized. wish of the friends of the west is the This mutual helpfulness and co-operation erection of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, and in is the origin of the conservation of the those regions the materials for construc forces of life. If, for one instant, this tion and building are expensive and mutual helpfulness and co-operation were costly. A large sum of money is needed cut off from the sources and realities of for the building of a residence ; then how things, all the existent beings and things much more is needed for the foundation would he thrown into confusion and of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, which must be chaos, and he reduced to nothingness and erected with the utmost splendor, beauty annihilation. and magnificence ! For instance, from the breath of the Therefore, the friends of God must animals a watery element, called hydro arise in every part of the world to raise gen, and carbon is exhaled, and this is contributions, and with their hearts and the life principle of the vegetable king souls strive to gather these funds to be dom. From the vegetable kingdom and sent to the occident, that it may become the trees, a fiery element, called oxygen, known and evident throughout the uni is emitted and this becomes the cause of verse that the Bahais of the east and the maintenance of the life of the animal west are as members of one household kingdom. In such a manner, mutual and the children of the one Lord ! The helpfulness and co-operation is realized Turks and the Persians, the Parsee and continually between all the existent be the American, the Hindu and the Afri ings. can, all of them are one army and one cohort and, without any distinction, they Likewise, the greatest interrelation arise for the assistance and aid of each and communication exists between the other. sons of men, without which, peace, life This praiseworthy movement is beloved and existence are entirely impossible. and accepted in the threshold of the For a soul independent of all the other forgiving Lord. Truly, I say, in the souls and without receiving assistance erection of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Ish- from other sources cannot live for the kabad, the friends of God have laid the twinkling of an eye; nay, rather, he will foundation of the oneness of the kingdom become non-existent and reduced to noth of humanity and they worked nobly to ingness; especially among the believers gether until now, and it is nearly com of God, between whom material and pleted. Praise be to God! that, at this spiritual communication is developed up moment, from every country in the to the highest point of perfection. world, according to their various means, It is this real communication, the es contributions are continually being sent sential necessity and requirement of toward the fund of the Mashrak-el-Azkar which is mutual helpfulness, co-operation in America. and confirmation. Without the complete Convey the gratitude of Abdul-Baha istablishment of this divine principle in to all the friends of God in this service. the hearts of the friends of God, noth In reality, this magnanimity of the ing can be accomplished, for they are believers is worthy of great praise and the hyacinths1 of one garden, the waves thankfulness, for, from Teheran, Khoros- )f one sea, the stars of one heaven and san, Shiraz, Jahram, ESphahan, even ;he rays of one sun. From every stand from the towns and villages of the Kho- point, the essential unity, the luminous rassan, Shiraz and Yazd, contributions mity, the religious unity and the ma were sent. This donation in the path of 142 STAR OF THE WEST the Orb of Regions is conducive to the the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Chicago and tell happiness of the souls of the spiritual them how contributions are received from ones. the east and the west. For example, at From the day of Adam until now, such this moment, four contributions were re an event has never even been witnessed ceived in one day from Rangoon, Bom by man, that, from the farthermost coun bay (India), Jahram of Shiraz and try of Asia, contributions were forwarded Kheirol-Gora of Khorassan for the to the farthermost country of America. Mashrak-el-Azkar of America and were From Rangoon, India, donations are sent f orwarded to their destination. to Chicago, and from Jahram, a little vil Truly, I say, the friends of God dis lage of Shiraz, and Kheirol-Gora of Tar- played wonderful generosity in regard shiz, money is transmitted for the Mash- to the contributions for the Mashrak-el- rak-el-Azkar in America. This is through Azkar. They displayed magnanimity at the bounty and providence of the Blessed any cost to such an extent that some of Perfection, the assistance and confirma them sold portions of their clothing on tion of the Sun of Truth and the victory the street. This is through the power of and triumph of the Luminary of Efful the Covenant of God, for, until this day, gence, who has united so marvelously the an event of this character has never regions of the world together. Glory be transpired, that, from the east and Asia, longs to the Lord of Hosts. Sovereignty contributions were forwarded to the west belongs to the compassionate God. Power for the building of a Temple. Verily, and might belongs to the living, self- this is a cause of astonishment for the subsistent One, who has united the peo people of perception. ple of the world and assembled them to [Translated April 19, 1910.] gether like unto the brilliant stars of the horizon of adoration. O God, my aim, my hope ! With hearts full of longing and breast full of yearn 0 my God! 0 my God! Favor be ing, we beg of Thee and we supplicate longs to Thee! Generosity belongs to at the threshold of Thy might to raise Thee! Praise belongs to Thee and glori the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar fication is Thine, for that which Thou in Chicago, in the most speedy manner. hast bestowed upon these indigent ones, Make its basis firm and its structure en granted a refuge and asylum to these during, suffer its pillars to remain un weak ones in the cave of Thy protection shakable and make its columns of the and preservation, assisted them in the steel and iron of firmness. Glorify its service of Thy Cause and confirmed them servants, beautify the characters and in the worship of Thy exalted threshold. make the worshipers beloved. Suffer its 0 Lord! They have sacrificed their nightingales to sing, “ Ya-Baha-el- belongings and souls in Thy path, con Abha!” and warble the praises of our tributed for love of Thee and missed no Lord, the Most Supreme. Make its men chance or opportunity in spreading Thy the standards unfolded on the mountains signs, diffusing Thy Word, promulgat of the world, and its women the sancti ing Thy Name among Thy servants and fied angels of the tabernacle of the proclaiming Thy wonders among Thy world ! creatures. [Translated 1910.] Verily, Thou are the Powerful, the The Temple is the most great founda Mighty, the Most High, the Omnipresent tion of the world of humanity and il and, verily, Thou art the Clement and has many branches. the Most Merciful! Although the Temple is the place oi [Translated April 19, 1910.] worship, with it is connected hospital Explain to the people the details of pharmacy, pilgrim Js house, school for tht STAR OF THE WEST 143 orphans and university for the study of about, the breath of the Holy Spirit shall higher sciences. not have any effect, for the physical Every Temple is connected with these body must find capacity, so that the life five things. I hope that now in America of the spirit may breathe through it. If they will build a Temple and gradually the Beloved of the union of the friends add to it the hospital, school, university, and the harmony of the believers become pharmacy and pilgrim’s house, with the manifest, the east and west of America utmost efficiency and thoroughness. You shall be perfumed through the sweet fra must make the believers understand these grance of the Paradise of Abha, the details, so that they may realize how im Mashrak-el-Azkar shall be constructed, portant the Temple is. The Temple is the outpouring of the Sun of Reality not only a place for worship: nay, it is shall descend, the everlasting glory of the perfect in every way. friends of God shall become apparent and [Translated 1910.] the heavenly life be attained. Your detailed letter was perused, and [Translated April 28, 1911,] from its contents it became evident that Today, in America, no matter is greater the debt of the land of Mashrak-el- for the elevation of the Word of God Azkar is clear. This news made the than the Mashrak-el-Azkar. Surely, give hearts happy and caused infinite rejoic it the utmost importance. I am always ing. waiting that a good report regarding the Now, it is hoped that the believers of Mashrak-el-Azkar should come. God may show magnanimity and raise a In most of the cities of Persia, even great sum for the building so that the in some villages, a Mashrak-el-Azkar has foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar may been founded. be laid, and, perchance, God willing, the Now the beloved in America must make comer stone of the foundation may be effort to establish one Mashrak-el-Azkar. laid by the hands of Abdul-Baha. [Translated June 1, 1911.] This confirmation will descend upon The question of Mashrak-el-Azkar is the people of America, if they will arise very important and is superior to every and endeavor with great courage to estab matter; surely put forth utmost effort lish union and harmony, so that every for it. trace of difference may be uprooted and [Translated June 1, 1911.] they may all become as one heart and one soul. Know thou that the building of the Convey the wonderful Abha greeting Mashrak-el-Azkar is the greatest founda to all the friends and the maid-servants tion in, those regions. God said in the of the Merciful. Koran, ‘ ‘ It is those who believed in God [Translated M arch 4, 1911.] and the Last Day shall build the Temple of God.” You have written that a sum of money It is incumbent upon thee and upon is raised to be contributed toward the all to put forth the best effort in these Mashrak-el-Azkar. Ask ye of God that days, in building this glorious Temple, the American believers may become as raising the tumult of commemoration sisted in the building of this great Tem ple. therein, during the wing of the night, at [Translated M arch 4, 1911.] dawn and at eventide. It is incumbent upon you (men and women) to be united If the believers of God in New York in this great Cause, so that ye may be and other cities of America establish, in confirmed by the divine bounty, and a befitting manner, union and harmony merciful spirit; become increased with with spirit, tongue, heart and body, sud energy and power; gain a recompense, denly they shall find Abdul-Baha in their and estimation. midst. Unless this union is brought [Translated September 23, 1911.] 144 STAR OF THE WEST

Addresses of Abdul-Baha in America upon the Mashrak-el-Azkar

Address op Abdul-Baha at P ublic proclaimed: that all the human race are Meeting Concluding the Bahai the servants of God, and that all are sub Temple Unity Convention, Drill merged in the ocean of God’s mercy. Hall, Masonic Temple, Chicago, The world of existence may be likened Tuesday, April 30, 1912. to this place. It is the Mashrak-el-Azkar. Just as the external world is a place [S tar o p t h e W e s t , Vol. Ill, No. 4.] where various peoples of different hues MONG the institutes of the Holy and colors, of various: faiths and denomi Books is that of the foundation nations, meet; just as they are submerged A of Holy Edifices. That is to say, in the same Sea of favors, likewise all an edifice is to be built in order that may meet under the dome of the Mash humanity may find therein a place of rak-el-Azkar and adore the one God in meeting, and this is to be conducive the same spirit of truth, for the ages of to unity and fellowship amongst them. darkness have passed away and the cent The real Temple is the very Law of ury of light has arrived. The imaginary God, for to that all humanity must prejudices are in the process of disper resort, and that is the center of unity sion and the Light of unity is shining. for all mankind. That is the collec The difference which exists among the tive Center. That is the cause of nations and the peoples is soon to pass accord and unity of the hearts. That is away, and the fundamentals of the di the cause of solidarity of the human vine religions, which are no other than race. That is the source of the life eter the solidarity and the oneness of the hu nal. Temples are the symbols of that man race, are to be established. For uniting force, in order that, when the six thousand years the human race has people gather there, in a given edifice of been at war. It is enough! Now let God, in the house and Temple of God, them, for a time at least, consort in they may recall the fact, that the law has amity. They entertained enmity former been revealed for them and that that law ly. Let them for a period exercise love. is to unite them; that, just as this edifice For six thousand years have they negated was founded for the unification of man each other, each nation considering the kind, the law preceding and creating this other as infidel. It is sufficient! We Temple was issued therefor...... must all know that we are the servants In brief, the purpose of places of wor of one God; that we are turning to one ship and edifices for adoration is simply God; that we have one kind Father; that of unity, in order that various na that we have one divine Law; that we tions, divergent races, varying souls may have one reality; that we have one de gather there and among them amity, love sire. Thus may we live together in the and accord may be realized. The origi utmost of amity and love. And, for this nal purpose is this. That is why His love, for this amity, the favors and boun holiness Baha’o’llah has commanded ties of God shall surround u s; the world that a place be built for all the religion of humanity will be reformed; human ists of the world; that all religions and kind will find a new life, eternal light races and sects may gather together; that shall shine; merciful and heavenly morals the oneness of the human world may be shall become manifested. The divine STAR OF THE WEST 145 policies shall rule, for the divine policy ness of the human world and love among is the oneness of the human world. God all mankind, and the second is the Most is kind to all. He considers all as His Great Peace. Praise be to God, this servants. He does not exclude anybody, American democracy presents capacity, and the policy of God is the correct and its people showing forth their readiness just policy. No matter how complete to become the flag-bearer of the Most human policy and foresight is, it is im Great Peace. May they be the hosts of perfect. If we do not emulate the policy the oneness of humanity! May its people of God, or if we refuse to follow His dic serve the threshold of God and spread tates, that will he a presumptive evi that which is the good pleasure of God! dence of our saying, as it were, that we 0 Thou kind Lord! This gathering is know better than God; that we are know turning to Thee. The hearts are radiant ing and wise, whereas God is ignorant; through Thy love. The thoughts and the that we are sagacious, and God is not. spirits are exhilarated through Thy glad God forbid! We seek shelter in God’s tidings. 0 God! Let this American mercy therefor! No matter how far the democracy become glorious in spiritual human intelligence shall advance, it is degrees, even as it has aspired to the ma still as a drop, whereas the divine omni terial degrees, and render this just gov science is the very ocean. And now is ernment victorious! Confirm this revered it just for us to say that a drop is im nation to hoist the standard of the one bued or endowed with qualities where ness of humanity; to promulgate the with the ocean itself is minus or not Most Great Peace; to become thereby endowed? To say that the policy of the most glorious and praiseworthy among atom or the drop is greater and superior all the nations of the world. 0 God! to that of the ocean, there is no greater This American nation is worthy of Thy ignorance than this! At most it is this: favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. That there are some people who are as Make it dear, near to Thee, through Thy children. They are ignorant, and with bounty and bestowal! the utmost love we are to educate them in order that they may become wise. They are sick; they are ill. We must Address op Abdul-Baha at the Dedica tenderly care for them and treat them tion OP THE MaSHRAK-EL-AzKAR until they become well. Their morals are Grounds, Chicago, High Noon, May unpraise worthy. We must train them in 1, 1912. order that they may become imbued with morals commendable. Otherwise we are [S ta r o f t h h W e s t , Vol. I l l, N o. 4.] all the servants of one God, and we are Today you have endured considerable beneath the protection and providence of difficulty in coming out, withstanding the one God. These are the institutes of cold and wind; but the power which has God and the foundations of the Mashrak- gathered you here is truly a colossal el-Azkar, or His Temple. The outer edi power. It is the extraordinary power. fice is a symbol of the inner. May the It is a divine power which gathers you people be admonished thereby! I pray here. It is divine favor of Baha’o’- in your behalf, that your hearts may be llah, which gathered you together. enlightened with the light of the love Therefore, we praise God that this power of God; that your minds may develop does assemble people in this fashion. daily; that your spirits may be set aglow Thousands of Mashrak-el-Azkars,— with the fire of His glad tidings, until which means the Dawning-Point of the divine foundations in the human Praise for all religionists,—will be built- world may become promulgated. And in the world. In the orient and in the the first of these institutes is the one Occident of the world will they be built. 146 STAE OF THE WEST

But this Mashrak-el-Azkar, being the things. When that, God willing, shall first one in the Occident, has great im be completed, it will be a Paradise! portance. In after years, there will be There will be no greater geometry than many Mashrak-el-Azkars; even in this this and I hope that in Chicago it shall City of Chicago many will be estab be like this. It will be even so. lished. In Asia there will be many. In Europe there will be many. Even in Africa there will be many. Even in Address o f Abdul-Baha at Protestant Australia and New Zealand; but this is Episcopal Church o f the Ascension, of great importance. In Ishkabad, Cau F ifth Ave. and 10th St., New York casus, Eussia, the Mashrak-el-Azkar has City, Sunday, J une 2, 1912, 8 p. m., the same great importance, being the first Eev. Dr. Percy Stickney Grant, one built there. In Persia there are many Eector. Mashrak-el-Azkars. Some are houses, [S t a b o p t h e W e s t , V oI. Ill, No. 10.] which have been rented for that pur In the terminology of the Holy Books, pose. Others have given their homes en the church has been called the “ Plouse tirely for that purpose, and in some of the Covenant,” for the reason that places temporary and small places have the church is a place where people of been built therefor. In all the cities of differing thoughts and diverging tenden Persia there are Mashrak-el-Azkars; hut cies,—where all races and nations may the great Mashrak-el-Azkar was founded come together in a covenant of perma in Ishkabad. Because it was the first nent fellowship. In the temple of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, it possesses the super Lord, in the house of God', man must be lative degree of importance. All the submissive to God. He must enter into friends of Ishkabad agreed and put forth a covenant with his Lord, in order that the greatest effort. His holiness the Af- he shall obey His commands and become nan devoted all his wealth to it. Every unified with his fellow-man. He must thing he had he gave for it. Hence, such not consider divergence of races nor dif an imposing edifice was built. A colos ference of nationalities; he must not sal effort was put forth. Notwithstand view variation in denomination and ing their contributions to that Mashrak- creed, nor should he take into account el-Azkar, they have, as you know, con the differing degrees of thoughts; nay, tributed to the one here in this city. Now rather, he should look upon all mankind that one is almost complete, that is to and realize that all must become united say, with all its gardens. That Mashrak- and agreed. He must recognize all as el-Azkar is centrally located. It has one family, one race, one nativity; all the nine avenues, nine gardens, nine foun servants of one God, dwelling beneath tains, so it is nine on nine, all nines. It the shelter of the mercy of one God. is like a beautiful bouquet. Just imagine The purpose is that the church is a an edifice of that beauty in the center, collective center. Temples are symbols very lofty, surrounded by gardens, varie of the reality and divinity of God, the gated flowers, with nine avenues inter collective Center. Consider how, within lacing nine gardens, nine pools and nine a temple, every race and people are seen fountains, and think how delightful it and represented—all in the presence of must be! That is the way it should be. the Lord, covenanting together in a cov It is matchless, most beautiful! Such enant of love and fellowship, all offer is the design. And now they are at work ing the same melody, prayer and suppli building a hospital and a school for cations to God. Therefore, it is evident orphans and a home for cripples and a that the church is a collective center for large dispensary and a hospice. They mankind. For this reason, there have are now planning, thinking of these been churches and temples in all the di STAR OF THE WEST 147 vine religions. But the real collective Therefore, assisted by the collective and Centers are the Manifestations of God, divine Center, which is the Law of God of whom the church or temple is a sym and the reality of His Manifestation, we bol and expression. That is to say, the can overcome these conditions until they Manifestation of God is the real divine pass away entirely and the races ad Temple and collective Center of which vance. the outer church is but a symbol. Consider the time of His holiness Christ. Recall the statement of His holiness How many different peoples, races and Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel. Ad governments there were; how many vary dressing Peter, He said, ‘ ‘ Thou art Peter ing sects and denominations! But, when and upon this rock will I build my His holiness appeared, the Messianic church.” It is evident, therefore, that Reality proved to be the collective Cen the Church of God is the Law of God ter, which brought together and unified and the actual edifice is but one symbol them beneath the same tabernacle of thereof. For the Law of God is a col amity. Reflect a moment! Could His lective center which unites various peo holiness Jesus Christ have united these ple, nativities, tongues and opinions. All divergent factors or brought about such find shelter in its protection and be results through political power? Was come attracted by it. For example, His this unity and agreement possible holiness Moses and the Mosaic Law through material forces? It is evident were the unifying center for the scat that it was not; nay, rather, these various tered sheep of Israel. Pie united these peoples were brought together through wandering flocks, brought them under divine power,—through the breaths of control of divine Laws, educated them, the Holy Spirit. They were revived unified them, caused them to agree and through the infusion of a fresh spirit. uplifted them to a superlative degree of The spirituality of the Christ overcame development. At a time when they were their difficulties so that their disagree debased they became glorified; ignorant, ments utterly passed away. In this way, they were made knowing; in the bonds these varying peoples were unified, of captivity, they were given freedom. agreed, and became welded in a bond of In short, they were unified. Day by day love, which alone can unite hearts. There they advanced, until they attained the fore, it is proved that the Manifestations highest degree of progress witnessed in of God—the great Mouth-pieces of God—■ that age. It is therefore proven that the are the collective Centers of God. The Manifestation of God and the Law of Prophets of God are these collective God accomplish unity. Centers, for they are the real shepherds. It is self-evident that humanity is at The real shepherd unites the scattered variance. - Human tastes differ; sheep, as they have done in the past. The thoughts, nativities, races and tongues collective Center has ever appeared from are various. The need of a collective the orient. His holiness Abraham was Center, by which these differences may a collective Center and he appeared in be counterbalanced and the people of the the east. His holiness Moses was a world be unified, is obvious. Consider collective Center and he appeared in the how nothing but a spiritual power can east. His holiness Jesus Christ was a bring about this unification, for ma collective Center and He appeared in terial conditions and mental aspects are the east. His holiness Mohammed was so widely different, that agreement and a collective Center appearing among the unity are impossible through material nomadic tribes of the Arabian peninsula. means. But it is possible for all to be Today, His holiness Baha’o’llah is the come unified through one Spirit, just as collective Center of unity for all hu all may receive light from one sun. manity and He has come from the east. 148 STAB OF THE WEST

He founded the oneness of humanity in needed. The status of material civiliza Persia. He established amity among, the tion in the Occident cannot be denied, various peoples of different religions, nor can any One deny the confirmation denominations, sects and cults by rescu of the spiritual civilizations of the ing them from the fetters of past imita orient, for all the divine foundations of tions and superstitions, and led them to civilization have appeared in the east. the very foundation of the divine re This, too, is clear and evident. There ligions. And, from this foundation, fore you must strive £0 assist the orient shines forth the radiance of spirituality, in order that it may acquire material which is unity, the love of God, the progress. Likewise, the orient must pro knowledge of God, praiseworthy morals mulgate the principles of spiritual civili and the virtues of the human world. zation in the Occident. By the comming Baha’o’llah again renewed these ling of these two civilizations, the world principles, just as the coming of the of humanity will attain the highest bond spring refreshes the earth and confers of prosperity and progress. Material new life upon all phenomenal beings. civilization alone is not sufficient and will For the freshness of the former spring not prove productive. The physical hap time had waned, its vivification had piness of material conditions was alloted ceased, the life-giving breezes were no to the animal. Consider how the animal, longer wafting their fragrance; winter has reached the utmost degree of phy and the season of darkness had come. sical felicity. For example, a bird His holiness Baha’o’llah came to re perches upon the loftiest branch and new the life of the world with this new builds there its nest in the utmost beauty and divine springtime, which has pitched and skill. All the grains and seeds of its tent in the countries of the orient the meadows are its wealth and food; in the utmost power and glory. It has all the fresh water of mountain springs refreshed the world of the orient and and rivers of the plain are for its enjoy there is no doubt that, if the world of ment. Truly, this is the acme of material the occident should abandon dogmas of happiness, to which even a human the past, turn away from empty imita creature cannot attain. This is the honor tions and superstitions, investigate the of the animal kingdom. But the honor reality of the divine religions, holding of the human kingdom is the attainment fast to the example of His holiness of spiritual happiness in the human Jesus Christ, acting in accordance with world, the acquisition of the knowledge the teachings of God and becoming uni and love of God. The honor alloted to fied with the orient, an eternal happi man is the acquisition of the supreme ness would be thereby attained. virtues of the human world. This is his In the western world, material civili real happiness and felicity. But, if ma zation has attained the highest point of terial happiness and spiritual felicity be development, but the divine civilization conjoined, it will be “ delight upon de was founded in the orient. 'Now the light”—as the Arabs say. And now we orient must acquire material civilization pray that God will unite the east and from the occident and the occident must the west in order that these two civiliza acquire spiritual civilization from the tions shall be exchanged and mutually orient. This will establish a mutual enjoyed. I am sure it will come to pass bond. When the east and west shall for this is the radiant century. This come together, the world of humanity is an age for the outpouring of divine will present a glorious aspect and extra mercy upon the exigency of this new ordinary progress will be achieved. This century,—the unity of the east and the is clear and evident; there is no proof west. It will surely be accomplished. Last words of Abdul-Baha concerning the M

As to the matter of the building of dollars must be ready. And, most as the Mashrak-el-Azkar, that is, the matter suredly, if it be built in the days of the wi of beginning the building thereof—an Covenant, it will be more joyful and mi important (or considerable) sum of more heart-rejoicing; but this is diffi- of money must decidedly be prepared in cult. 1 order that work may be begun: that is, Now be ye engaged in collecting con at least two or three hundred thousand tributions. [Translated June 18, 1913.] H i 150 STAR OF THE WEST

Mashrak-el-Azkar Treasury

STATEMENT OF INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES, FROM MARCH 29, 1909, TO DECEMBER 31, 1915.

INCOMES: Contributions: 1909—March 29th, Chicago Assembly...... $ 3,665.44 1909— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1910.. 14,732.51 1910— Fiscal year ending May2, 1911...... 10,453.59 1911— Fiscal year ending April 30, 1912.. 7,325.27 1912— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1913.. 14,123.28 1913— Fiscal year ending April 27, 1914.. 13,514.14 1914— Fiscal year ending April 23, 1915.. 6,986.93 Overcharge in exchange...... 4.41 Interest on deposit account, less ex change charges, April to Dec. 31, 1915 128.80 1915— Fiscal year incomplete (to Dec. 31, 1915) 5,537.88 $76,472.25

EXPENDITURES: Purchase Price, Mashrak-el-Azkar Site, Main Tract: 1909—April 5, payment...... $5,000.00 1909— Dec. 10, payment...... 5,000.00 1910— July 1, payment...... 5,000.00 1911— Jan. 1, payment...... 5,000.00 1911— June 14, payment...... 2,500.00 1912— June 24, payment...... 5,000.00 1912—Sept. 21, payment...... 2,500.00 1912—Oct. 1, final payment...... 2,500.00 $32,500.00 Purchase Price Lake Shore Tract-. 1911—Oct. 11, payment...... $ 200.00 1911— Dec. 11, payment...... 2,800.00 1912— Jan. , 30, payment...... 1,000.00 1912— Mar. 1, payment...... 1,000.00 1913— Mar. 3, payment...... 3,000.00 1913— Sept. 8, payment...... 3,000.00 1914— Feb. 2, final payment...... 6,000.00 $17,000.00 Buildings: 1909—Shelter houses...... $ 105.00 1915— Cement sidewalks...... 395.00 $ 500.00 STAR OF THE WEST 151

EXPENDITURES—Continued :

Taxes and Assessments : 1909— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1910...... $ 974.79 1910— Fiscal year ending May 2, 1911...... 695.80 1911— Fiscal year ending April 30, 1912...... 976.73 1912— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1913...... 331.00 1913— Fiscal year ending April 27, 1914...... 1,768.73 1914— Fiscal year ending April 23, 1915...... 4.46 1915— Fiscal year incomplete (to Dec. 31, 1915) 880.78 $ 5,632.29 Interest : 1909— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1910...... $1,425.00 1910— Fiscal year ending May 2, 1911...... 1,200.00 1911— Fiscal year ending April 30, 1912...... 675.00 1912— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1913...... 861.62 1913— Fiscal year ending April 27, 1914...... 600.00$4,761.62 Expenses : 1909— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1910...... $ 183.70 1910— Fiscal year ending May 2, 1911...... 562.57 1911— Fiscal year ending April 30, 1912...... 930.66 1912— Fiscal year ending April 28, 1913...... 298.28 1913— Fiscal year ending April 27, 1914...... 732.25 1914— Fiscal year ending April 23, 1915...... 107.00 1915— Fiscal year incomplete (to Dec. 31, 1915) 91.00 1915—Special expenses, record and report, con vention at San Francisco...... 150.00 $ 3,055.46

Total expenditures...... $63,449.37

SUMMARY 1915—Dec. 31, balance in building fund...... 13,022.88

Grand total ...... $76,472.25

NOTE—In addition to the land purchased for the Mashrak-el-Azkar site, shown in the above statement, there is also included in the main tract, and forming a part of it, two lots, purchased by the Chicago Bahai Assembly at a cost of $2,000.00, and conveyed free of encumbrance to this Unity. The Unity also owns a lot at Muskegon, Michigan.

Respectfully submitted, Albert H. Hall, Treasurer. 152 STAR OF THE WEST

The Bahai Revelation

The Bahai (Glorious) Revelation proclaims religion and continuing the connection between the B hais of all parts of the world. In point of fact, the; the time of Universal Peace and provides the are Bahais everywhere, not only in Mohammedan cou base for the Universal Religon—the hope of tries, but also in all the countries of Europe, as well ; the ages. It points the way and supplies the in the United States, Canada, Japan, India, etc. Th means for the unity of mankind in the knowl is because BahaV llah has known how to transfor edge and love of Truth under the high ban Babism into a universal religion, which is presented . the fulfillment and completion of all the ancient faith kers of Justice and Mercy. The Jews await the Messiah, the Christians the retui It is divine in origin, human in presentation, of Christ, the Moslems the Mahdi, the Buddhists tl fifth Buddha, the Zoroastrians Shah Bahrain, the Hi sane, practical and applicable to life in its doos the reincarnation of Krishna, and the Atheists— every phase. In belief it inculcates naught better social organization! BahaV llah represents i out Truth; in action, naught but Good; in hu these, and thus destroys the rivalries and the enmities man relations, naught but loving Service. the different religions; reconciles them in their prin tive purity, and frees them from the corruption of do For the information of those who know mas and rites. For Bahaism has no clergy, no re gious ceremonial, no public prayers; its only dogma little or nothing of the Bahai Revelation, we belief in God and in his Manifestations (Zoroaste juote the following account translated from Moses, Jesus, e t al., BahaV llah). The principal wor :he (French) Encyclopaedia of Larousse: o f Baha'V llah a re th e Kitab-ul-Ighan, th e K ita b -1 A k d a s, th e Kitab-ul-Ahd, and numerous letters or table B A H A IS M : the religion of the disciples of Baha'- addressed to sovereigns or to private individuals. Ritt d’llah, an outcome of Babism.—Mirza Husain Ali Nuri holds no place in the religion, which must be express BahaV llah was born at Teheran in 1817 A. D. From in all the actions of life, and accomplished in neig 1844 he was one of the first adherents of the Bab, and borly love. Every one must have an occupation. T ievoted himself to the pacific propagation of his doc education of children is enjoined and regulated. 1 trine in Persia. After the death of the Bab he was, one has the power to receive confession of sins, or vith the principal Babis, exiled to Baghdad, and later give absolution. The priests of the existing religio o Constantinople and Adrianople, under the surveil- should renounce celibacy, and should preach by thi ance of the Ottoman Government. It was in the latter example, mingling in the life of the people. Monogai ;ity that he openly declared his mission. He was “H e- is universally recommended, etc. Questions not treat :vhom-God-would-make-manifest/* whom the Bab had an- of are left to the civil law of each country, and to t lounced in his writings, the great Manifestation of God, decisions of the Bait-ul-Adl, or House of Justice, ini iromised for the la st d a y s; and in his letters to the tu te d b y BahaV llah. Respect toward the Head irincipal Rulers of the States of Europe he invited them the State is a part of respect toward God. A univer; :o join him in establishing religion and universal peace. language, and the creation of tribunals of arbitrati From this time, the Babis who acknowledged him be between nations, are to suppress wars. “You are came Bahais. The Sultan then exiled him (1868 A. D.) leaves of the same tree, and drops of the same se: o Acca in Palestine, where he composed the greaterBahaV llah has said. Briefly, it is not so much a n >art of his doctrinal works, and where he diedreligion, in as Religion renewed and unified, which is 1892 A . D. (May 29). He had confided to his rected son, today by Abdul-Baha.— Nouveau Larousse Illust \bbas Effendi Abdul-Baha, the work of spreading the supplement, p. 60.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Extra copies of this Mashrah-el-Azkar edition of Stab of the West may be had by applying to Bahai Temple Unity, Harlan F. Ober, Secretary, 114 State Street, Boston, Mass. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall com e.”— Baha'o’llah.

Vol. VI Mulk 1, 71 (February 7, 1916) No. 18

The Mashrak-el-Azkar of Ishkabad

By CHARLES MASON REMEY

Washington, D. C., western city, while the buildings and the October 12, 1908. waterways, which flank the streets and To the House of Spirituality of Bahais, are fed with water coming from the Chicago, 111. nearby mountains, are strikingly ori ental. Brothers in the service of Abha:— I could hardly believe that this city As you have arisen for the construc had sprung up almost entirely during tion of the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in the past half-century. It was hut a America, and, as I have recently visited huddle of mud huts, when BahaVUah Ishkabad and seen there the great Mash first directed some of his followers to rak-el-Azkar of the east, of which we in settle there. Now this is replaced by a the west have heard so much, I take it large and prosperous city of buildings upon myself to write to you a descrip of brick and stone. tion of this edifice, hoping to share with you the great blessing of meeting with The Mashrak-el-Azkar stands in the the friends in those parts and of behold center of the city, surrounded by a large ing this Temple which is a testimony of garden, which is hounded by four their sacrifice and unity. streets. It rises high above the surround As you know, Ishkabad is in Russian ing buildings and trees, its dome being Turkestan, just north of the Elbruz visible for miles, as the traveller ap mountains, which separate the desert proaches the city over the plain. The plain of western Turkestan, on the north, building in plan is a regular polygon of from Persia on the south. The city nine sides. One large doorway and itself lies on the plain a short distance portico, flanked by turrets, facing the from the mountains, which here are direction of the Holy City [Akka], quite rugged and rocky. The town is forms the principal motive of the facade, quite modern in aspect, being laid off while the dome dominates the whole with gardens and broad streets, which composition. meet at right angles. Rows of trees The walls of the Temple are of brick along the sidewalks remind one of a covered with a firm and hard stucco, 154 STAR OF THE WEST which in that climate resists quite well separate the triforium gallery (which is the action of the elements, while the directly above the ambulatory) from the floors are concrete supported by iron or wall of the rotunda. The third story steel beams. is decorated with nine flank arcades, be In plan the building is composed of tween which is a shield upon which is three sections : the central rotunda, the inscribed, in Persian characters, “ Ta- aisle or ambulatory which surrounds it, Baha-el-Abha. ” The fourth story con-

Temple at Ishkabad, Russia and the loggia which surrounds the en tains nine large windows, while the wall tire building. of the fifth story, which is not as high The interior of the rotunda is five as the others, is pierced by eighteen stories in height. The first or main floor bull’s-eye windows. story consists of nine arches, supported Above, there is the dome which is by piers, which separate the ambulatory hemispherical in shape. The rotunda from the rotunda proper. The second from the floor to the top of the dome story consists of a similar treatment of is elaborately decorated with fret work arches and piers and balustrades, which and other designs, all in relief. We were STAR OF THE WEST 155 told that the ultimate aim was that color will be entered from the street by a and gilding should he added to this in monumental gateway. Last July they terior decoration. were completing the plans for this prin The inner dome is of iron or steel cipal gateway of the grounds. and concrete, while the outer dome or At the four corners of the garden are roof is entirely of metal—the intention four buildings. One is a school. One is that this shall be gilded. is a house, where traveling Bahais are The main portico of the temple is two entertained. One is to be used as a stories in the clear, while the loggias, hospital, and the other is for workmen, which surround the building, are on two storage, etc. Much of the property in floors, the lower being on the main floor the immediate vicinity of this enclosure level, while the upper one is on the belongs to Bahais, so the Mashrak-el- level of the triforium gallery. This up Azkar is the center of the community per loggia is reached by two stair-cases, materially, as well as spiritually. one to the right and one to the left of That which impressed me more than the main entrance, and the gallery is all else, as I stood before this Mashrak- entered from the loggia. el-Azkar, was the fact that the Bahais On the main floor the principal en of the east had all worked with one ac trance is through the large doorway, hut cord and had given freely toward its there are also several inner doors, which erection. connect the ambulatory with the loggia. The Temple in America can be accom An abundance of light is admitted plished only as we give up self and unite through the windows in the upper part in this service. The beloved in the east of the rotunda, as well as through the made their offerings and left them with windows of the upper gallery and am all personal desires upon the altar of bulatory, which open upon the loggias. sacrifice. Now we in this country must The Persian style of architecture has do likewise. We need something more been used in treating the details and than money for the Temple. It must be decorations of the buildings. built of the material of sacrifice and ce At present the stucco work is not mented together by the spirit of unity. quite completed. The interior of the In the building of the Temple, every rotunda is finished, but the decoration one must lay before God his material of the loggias and gallery and ambula offering together with his ideas, desires tory is only done in part. However, the and aspirations—give them to the Lord work is continuing and it will not be completely, and then, as we come to long before all will be complete. gether to construct the material build From what I saw and heard in Ish- ing, we will find that we have ample kabad, I found that those believers who means for the work in hand. superintended the building of the Tem Each one of us has sufficient means, ple were competent business men and both material and spiritual, for the that, although they had undertaken a work which God has given us to per large enterprise, every possible economy form. We need not trouble thinking was made, yet at the same time no ex that we may not have enough means, pense seemed to be spared when neces but we should seek to apply to the best sary for the beauty and solidity of the advantage the means which God has building. given us. The layout of the garden is not yet complete. Nine avenues of approach lead Faithfully, your brother in the service to the Temple. The main avenue of the of Abdul-Baha, nine, leading to the entrance portico, Charles Mason Bemey. STAR OF THE WEST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111.,U. S. A. ______Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879.______Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SQHRAB ______T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. N o te — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. ______T o personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, I11.,U.S. A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the West\ h e i s g o d ! Be thou happyl Be thou happyl Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the^ leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed) A bdul-Baha A bbas. Vol. VI Mulk 1, 71 (February 7, 1916) No. 18

Aga-Seyed-Taki, the Great Afnan

By CHARLES MASON REMEY

January 1, 1916. the Kitab-el-Ighan or Book of Assurance. So far as I have been able to ascertain, Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago. Aga-Seyed-Taki-Afnan was six or seven My dear friend : years younger than the Bab, and they You have asked me for some informa were intimately associated in Baghdad. tion regarding the life of the venerable The friends in Akka and Haifa have Afnan, or the great Afnan, as he was told interesting incidents of the youth of sometimes called in the orient, under the Bab, as described by the Afnan, who whose service of direction, the Mashrak- recalled vividly the holy personality and el-Azkar was built in Ishkabad, Russia. spiritual charm of the “ First Point.” Afnan, you know, is the term which After many years of service to the has been applied to the blood relatives Cause in Persia, the Afnan was chosen of the “ First Point”—the Bab. Aga- by Abdul-Baha to undertake the work of Seyed-Taki was the name of the Afnan the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Ishkabad, of whom I write. In the orient, he is where he lived for some years, held in known also as Jenab-Afnan-Vakil-Dow- great esteem by all who knew him. Under leh, the title bestowed upon him for pub his direction, the plans for the building lic services rendered to his country, Per were made and the edifice constructed. sia. I am sending you some pictures which Aga-Seyed-Taki-Afnan was first cous will be of interest to the friends. One in of the Bab. He was the son of Hadji- shows Aga-Seyed-Taki-Afnan the center Mirza-Seyed-Mohammed, the brother of of a multitude, including, as yon will the Bab’s mother. It was this same see by their uniforms, a number of Rus Hadji-Mirza-Seyed-Mohammed, to whom sian officials, He is in the act of placing Baha’o’llah revealed, while in Baghdad, the first stones of the foundation of the STAR OF THE WEST 157

Mashrak-el-Azkar of Ishkabad. Note with him. Again, in the late spring of t'he decorations he wears. These were 19.10, when Howard Struven and I were received from the Russian government with Abdul-Baha, we had several in recognition of service rendered in memorable visits with the venerable Af- offices to which he had been appointed. nan, who was then visiting on Mount Another picture shows the Mashrak-el- Carmel, in the German Colony, not Azkar under construction. I send you far from the tomb of the Bab. I recall

The Great Afnati

»Iso a likeness of the Afnan himself with him as a most patriarchiai figure with two sons, one upon either side. his long white beard, green turban and In the early summer of 1908, I made the flowing robes of the orient. Though a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the physical man showed his many years, Akka. At that time it was not advisable his smile was radiantly brilliant, giving for a westerner to go to the home of a glimpse into the chambers of the soul Abdul-Baha, so I was entertained for of the inner—the real spiritual man, two days in Akka in the home of the which knows no age, for it lives eter Afnan. This was my first acquaintance nally. 158 STAR OF THE WEST

Here was Aga-Seyed-Taki-Afnan simple tomb of Aga-Seyed-Taki, the Af- spending the evening of a long life of nan. Upon one side towered the moun service near to Abdul-Baha, on the hal tain of God, with its sacred places, while lowed slopes of the mountain of God—■ upon the other side stretched the blue that spot frequented by the Holy Seers sweep of the “ tideless sea,” stretching and Prophets of biblical days—that spot off to the north, where Akka, the New from which now, in these latter days, Jerusalem, with its white walls and the spiritual religion of God is again domes seemed to float like a dove upon being given to the world. the water. We were struck by the sym-

Laying of Corner Stone, Bahai Temple, Ishkabad, Russia

The service of the great Afnan in bology of the dove. In the past the this world was completed in the summer “ dove of peace” has always been repre of 1911, when he passed into the realms sented as soaring above the earth, but beyond, at the advanced age of eighty- here, even while the great war raged, five years. we seemed to see the dove calmly While George Latimer and I were on resting upon the earth’s surface, afford Mount Carmel a year ago last October ing the refuge, in this age, of spiritual (1914), we took a walk one day over the peace, protection and shelter! mountain, in the direction of the sea, Could the mortal Aga-Seyed-Taki, the toward the cave of the Prophet Elijah. greatAfnan, have a more fitting resting Below us, on the flat between the foot of place than amid such holy surroundings ? the mountain and the shore, was the Bahai cemetery. From where we stood, Faithfully yours in the service of the we could look down into the small en Mashr ak- el-Azkar, closure, in the center of which is the Charles Mason Bemey. STAR OF THE WEST 159

Letters from the Orient Received by MISS MARTHA L. ROOT

Tanta, Egypt, Nov. 24, 1915. happy, how splendid were those days! Dear Bahai sister, Miss Root:—Yes I think you all appreciated them when terday morning I found upon my desk, Abdul-Baha was among you. after the first hour in the morning, a Yes, it is a good plan that we should packet of letters, I knew, at a glance, correspond with the different centers of to be from America. I welcomed them, the Bahais in the world. It gives us a because certainly they came from some new impulse and pushes us forward on friend, otherwise there is no connection the road of the Kingdom. Though we between an occidental and an oriental have met and certainly love each other, like my poor self, unless it be a spiritual yet, when I receive a letter from a friend relation. I found printed on the en in America whom I had not known be velopes the name of Miss Root. I felt a fore, and in the letter printed tablets, great pleasure, a pleasure beyond my such as I had from our sister, Irene C. expression. I remained the whole day Holmes of New York, indeed it is a joyous, happy and cheerful. solid proof of our union in His Greatest Yes, my dear sister, I was glad to Cause. know that you arrived home again safe On the day I received your two let ly, from your spiritual tour around the ters and the letter of Miss Irene C. world, in these dangerous days. I felt Holmes containing tablets and printed that I was with you all the time I was notes, and at the same time the S tab of reading your fragrant and spiritual let the "West and a card from Miss Hiscox ter. Indeed we still remember the few, in Cairo, I could not express my joy in but spiritual days, when you adorned receiving them at one time. This at our meeting and stirred our spirits. We tracted the notice of one of our col hope and pray for the blessed days, in leagues who happened not to have heard which we see an occidental friend anything about the Bahai Movement ; he among us, be he man or lady. It gives got interested in the paper of the Stab us more strength to see that the differ of the W est and read a great part of ences between us have been removed an address of Abdul-Baha. He was and that the east and west are being quite pleased with it. . . . united in one universal brotherhood for ever, through the Cause of the Blessed (Later) Today, November 26th, is the Perfection (Baha’o’llah). The first in Fête Day of Abdul-Baha, We pray cident that struck me and worked out that God may take away this black cloud my final belief was the sight of some that darkens the horizons of the world Europeans and Americans among Egyp and that people may open their sight tians showing towards each other kind and see the glory of Baha’o’llah and ness and love that was not known among Abdul-Baha illumining all regions, that them before. I hope, my dear Bahai all should become one in faith and that jister, and earnestly pray to see new the Most Great Peace should come. 'riends from the east and west. Indeed Yesterday, I received a letter from ;his reminds me of the time, when our Cairo, from Mohammed Taki Margosh, in jeloved Abdul-Baha was in Egypt, which he stated that Mrs. Getsinger vhere there were many friends from all went to Alexandria to inquire from the lation h1 ¡ties—the happiest hours of our American S. S., that arrived from Syria, ives. I cannot help weeping whenever about the health and conditions of Ab [ think of those glorious days. Oh! How dul-Baha and the friends there. She re 160 STAR OF THE WEST turned from Alexandria with the good All the sisters here are sending you news of his well being and safety, as all their best wishes and prayers and well as that of the friends. desire that you will pray for their suc My wife and family all remember you cess. and send you their sincere love and Dear sister, if we are backward in greetings. service compared to you, it is because in With Bahai love and greetings, your our childhood we had not the benefit of brother in His Abha Cause, a good education. Now we hope that our daughters may do better. Mohammed Said Adham. Yours very humbly, Dowlat.

Bombay, India, Dec. 4, 1915. Dearest spiritual sister: Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 5, 1915. I have received two letters from you My dear Bahai sister: each dearer than a world to me. Oh, Your good letters, of October 9th and you do not know how we all here re 30th, were truly welcome and I have member you. It was indeed very kind passed them around among the friends of you to send us the Carnegie tablet. and read them to others. All were glad We have in India two newspapers the to hear from you and receive your words editors of which are very pro-Bahais of love and remembrance. . . . All and a magazine whose editor is a Bahai. that you wrote was interesting, concern One of the pro-Bahai editors is Mr. B. ing- your visits to the different assem Temple of London, now editor of “ The blies. Daily Gazette” at Karachi. You must have read his lecture at the Royal So This autumn I have especially been working for the education of girls. . . . ciety of Arts, London, on the Movement, My Bahai meetings continue with inter in 1910. est and devotion, and we feel the power The other who is a Bahai, is the edi of the Spirit with us. The chief thing tor of a magazine in Madras. It is called is to keep close to God and to be con “ The New Reformer.” His full name stant in prayer, then He will be sure to is D. Gopal Chetty. use us in His service, and always there Now I am sure that the Carnegie tab is something to do everywhere. It is let shall come back to you from India blessed to be used by Him to uplift souls. like an echo. Mrs. Getsinger is at present stopping It was indeed a pleasure to read of in Cairo, so we are joining our forces the many interesting things about the in our work here and it is good to have friends in America, and of Carl Han- her here and the young Bahais are very nen, who, I think, is the son of the dear glad to meet her and hear her speak. Joseph Hannen. I shall copy your ex Mrs. Stannard left Cairo in the early ample in future and tell you of little or summer and went to Port Said, where great events here. she has been living ever since. She Our brother M. R. Shirazi, who is at seems to prefer it to Cairo or Alexandria. Karachi, has come down for a month to The friends all speak of you often and Bombay. He missed the opportunity of all have such a sweet loving remembrance meeting you, simply because Karachi is of you. They would be so happy to see a little out of the way. . . . you here again. Hasmatullah has now nearly gathered Yours ever, in El-Abha, an assembly in Karachi. Elmore Hiscox. STAR OF THE WEST “We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”— B a h a ’o ’l l a h .

Vol. VI Ola 1, 71 (March 2, 1916) No. 19

The late Arthur Pillsbury Dodge with Abdul-Baha and group of Persian Bahais, taken along Riverside Drive, New York, during Abdul-Baha’s notable visit to America in 1912

3m iHrmnnaut ARTHUR PILLSBURY DODGE 1849 1915

N October 12th, 1915, shortly after though suffering untold misery from a seven o’clock in the morning, dread disease from which there was no O Arthur Pillsbury Dodge, servant cure or even temporary relief, he hap of Abdul-Baha and of God, was called pily held fast to the one great solace of by the Most Glorious One to enter the his life and that which filled his heart Kingdom after a life of searching for with unbounded joy despite his terrible the truth and of sincere and devoted earthly affliction. The very last thing service in the glorious Cause. And, al- that this good soul did on earth was to 162 STAR OF T li E WES T

When my dear father passed out of this life into the greater one beyond, this notice, in the envelope addressed to the local newspaper, lay on top of a lit tle note book in which he kept a record of his Bahai meetings held in Freeport; and the note book was beside the Holy Bible, Browne’s “ A Traveller’s Narra tive, or The Episode of the Bah,” and several Utterances of Baha’o’llah and of Abdul-Baha, which were close by my father at all times. The Sunday before he died, October The home of the late Arthur Pillsbury Dodge at Free port, Long Island, N.Y., where he held Bahai meetings. 10th, 1915, when I saw him for the last In this picture with Mr. Dodge, taken when he first time and heard him with difficulty, be became ill, are Mrs. Dodge, R. Paul Dodge, and Mr. O sb o rn e . cause of a tube in his throat, read one of typewrite on a plain little piece of paper the blessed tablets, my father conducted a simple notice of the next Sunday’s a well-atterded meeting of the friends. Bahai meeting which he had hoped to The subject was, “ The Covenants of God live long enough to give in his modest with His creatures, through His Seven little home in Freeport, Long Island, great F rophets and Messengers, from New York. This notice was written the Adam, the first recorded Prophet, down night before he was called into the to the present time, as proven from the greater world that lies beyond, and lie Bible and other sacred Books.” At this had addressed an envelope that was to meeting Andrew Fleming and Frank D. carry the notice of the Bahai meeting, Clark assisted. that was never held except in the spirit, One of the oldest, best-known and be to a local newspaper. The envelope loved of Bahais, who was greatly be read: “ Editor Pearsall, Nassau County loved by Abdul-Baha, and who was af Review, Freeport, N. Y. ” And here fol fectionately spoken of throughout the lows the notice: world, and especially all through Persia and the orient1 as “ Mr. Dodge,” a short SUNDAY SERVICES sketch of my father’s work in the Cause Talks on the Bahai Revelation by may be of interest to the friends. Al Arthur P. Dodge, at 64 Jay Avenue, ways, ever since he was a young man Freeport, N. Y., Sunday afternoons before his marriage to my mother in at 3:30 o’clock. 1870, my father was given to seeking the Subject for October 17, 1915: divine truth. He successfully investi ‘ ‘ The obvious reasons for contem gated and followed pretty nearly every plating Jesus Christ equal with cult and ism before he finally heard what God the Father, and by many even he instantly recognized as the truth. greater than God, while Christ Plim- During all this time he was a close and self in all His Divine Utterances, earnest student of religion and it was declared He was only the Son, the only natural that he should have known Servant and the Door of the Will the Bible and other religious books as of God, whom He persistently held but few men, not excepting the most ‘W as Only God!’ Assisted by learned theologians, ever understand the Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fleming and sacred and historical works of religion. Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Clark. All That he got more than the letter out of cordially welcome. Free; no his early studies was evidenced from his charge or collection.” ever desire for more and more and a STAR OF TII E WES T 163 continual seeking after that which he obliged to go to New York before he had had not attained. investigated very far in t'he “ Teach My father first heard of the glorious ings,” as they were termed—and it was Cause when we were living in Chicago more than a year before he returned to right after the "World’s Fair. Just be Chicago. Then he had only a few days fore the loss of my sister Anna in the and prevailed upon the teacher to give winter of 1895 my father had been told him the glad tidings all in one day. At something of the Cause by Dr. Sarah J. that time, it was the method to give the Burgess in Chicago, but not very much. Message of the Coming of the Kingdom He knew just enough about the great in some twenty or more lessons, once or Bahai Revelation then to be interested twice a week, before reaching the “ pith” in it, and to have renewed hope that at —that is, telling of the appearance of the last he had found the truth! In fact, Bah, BahaVllah and the Center of the if he had not felt keenly about it he Covenant, Abdul-Baha. This was in the might never have outlived the terrible early fall of 1897. shock to him of Anna’s death, for my Leaving my brother William and me mother said the only thing that seemed in Chicago to finish out the last year in to keep him up at that time was what our respective schools, he and my motL- Dr. Burgess had told him of the Cause. er, with my brother Paul, moved to New Dr. Burgess had received the Message York whither my father was to spend from a “ Doctor” Ibrahim G-. Kheiralla, the balance of his life. William and I whom my father and mother met upon then took the “ Teachings,” in a large their return to Chicago from Boston class that met once or twice a week, in after the death of Anna. My father was West Monroe street. That same winter, in January, 1898, my father sent for “ Doctor” and Mrs. Kheiralla to come to New York, to No. 55 West 95th Street', where he and moth er and Paul were boarding, to inaugu rate the Cause in New York. So, as a matter of historic record, it is here set down that the great and wonderful, beautiful Bahai Revelation was first in troduced into New York, and the first, original Bahai Assembly established there by my father in January, 1898. In the first class at the West Ninety- fifth street address was Mrs. Fiske, the wife of Col. Archie Fiske, who was in vited to the class by Mrs. Talbot, who had taken the “ Teachings” in Chicago. My father had asked Mrs. Talbot, who was interested in New Thought, to bring some of the New Thought people to the class. Among the first believers in New York were the Kappes family — Lily and Charles, their mother, brothers and sis The Dodge plot in Lake Side cemetery, Wakefield, ters; Arthur James, wife and daughters; Mass., showing the grave of Arthur Pillsbury Dodge, and monument bearing the Greatest Name inscription. Charles Jones and James D. Brittingham. (Continued on page 165) STAR OF TH E W EST PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A TEAR By the BAHAI NEW S SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IU..U.S.A. ______Entered as second-class matter April 9,1911, at the post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of' March! 3.1879.______Editorial staff: ALBERT R. WIN DUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI ______Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB______T erms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy. N o t e — Until further notice, distribution in the Orient it through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U. S. A. ______To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, 111., U .S. A. TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA. O thou Star of the Westl h e is god! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shah become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form^ is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness! (Signed) A bdul-Baha A bbas.

V oi. V I Ola 1, 71 (March 2, 1916) N o . 19 Words of Abdul-Baha ONCERNING thy question whether all the souls enjoy eternal life: Know thou those souls partake of the Eternal Life in whom the Spirit of Life C is breathed from the Presence of God and all beside them are dead—with out Life, as Christ hath explained in the texts of t'he Gospel. Any person whose insight is opened by God seeth the souls in their stations after the disintegration of the bodies. Verily they are living and are subsisting before their Lord and he seeth also the dead souls submerged in the gulfs of mortality. Then know thou verily all the souls are created according to the nature of God and all are in the state of (unconscious) purity at the time of their births. But afterwards they differ from one another insofar as they acquire excellencies or defects. Nevertheless, the creatures have different degrees in existence inso far as the creation goes, for capacities are different; but all of them are good and pure (in their essence), then afterwards they are polluted and defiled. Although there are different states of creation, yet all of them are beneficial. Glance thou over the temple of man, its members and its parts Among them there are the eye, ear, nose, month, hands and fingers. Notwithstanding the differences between these organs, all of them are useful in their proper spheres. But if one of them is out of order, there is need of a remedy and if the medicine does not heal, then the amputation of that member becomes necessary. __A bdul-Baha

CORRECTION Dear brother Windust:—I have just of my writing I know and I should have been reading No. 18 Stab of th e W est. sent a typed letter. Now there is one word (page 156) which Also on the top of the second column, I feel ought, to he corrected in the next page 157, the word “ visiting” should issue if possible. It is the word “ Bagh have been “ residing,” and on top of dad,” which should have been “ boy page 154, second column, “ wall” should hood”—so as to read, “ they were inti have been ‘ ‘ well. ’ ’ But these latter two mately associated in boyhood.” The Bab errors are not of great importance. was never in Baghdad. This is the fault Charles Mason Remey. STAR OF THE WEST 165 3ht ¿Hemonam — Arthur Pillsbury Dodge (Continued from page 163) A month or so later a class was started at from the “ Doctor” at my father’s rooms the home of Dr. Egbert Guernsey, made in Ninety-fifth street', and still later did up principally of New Thought people. W. Hooper Harris. In this class, among others, were Mrs. Following the Ninety-fifth street Mary MacNutt, Annie Boylan and Mrs. meetings, my father started other Bahai Alice Gibbons. Mrs. MacNutt had been meetings in different studios in Carnegie

“Blessing be upon the spirit who departed from the body purified from the doubts and superstitions of the nations’’ UT concerning that which thou hast asked about the spirit and its everlastingness after its ascension, know that it will B ascend at the time of its departure until it enters the presence of God in a form which, throughout all centuries, times, and throughout' all circumstances and events of the world will remain unchanged. It will be everlasting as the perpetuity of the King dom of God, His Sovereignty, His Power and His Might, and from it will appear the traces of God, His Qualities, Providences and Favors—the Pen cannot move at the mentioning of this Station as it is in its Supremeness and Exaltation ! The hand of the Divine Bounty wall cause it to enter into a station that cannot be compre hended by expression, nor be explained by all the creatures of the existence. Blessing be upon the spirit v?ho departed from the body puri fied from the doubts and superstitions of the nations. Verify, it moves in the atmosphere of God’s desire, and enters into the Su preme Paradise. All the angels of the Supreme Paradise attend and surround it, and it will have fellowship with all the prophets of God and His saints, and speak wdth them and tell them what happened to it in the Cause of God, the Lord of the Universe. If anyone could realize what hath been assigned for it in the Kingdoms of God, the Lord of the Throne and the dust, he would immediately yearn with a great longing for the Unmovable, Exalted, Holy and Abha station ! —B a h a ’o ’l l a h .

studying the Vedanta philosophy, and a Hall, New York. At this time Abdul swami was staying at the MacNut't home Karim and Mirza Serim Moses Raffi at 731 St. Nicholas avenue, New York. came from Cairo—the first Persians to Later Howard MacNutt, who rendered come to America to teach the Cause. An a most beautiful Bahai service at my ton Haddad, a Syrian, had come to father’s funeral, received the Message America on business, and was in evi- 166 STAR OF THE WEST

In Beyrout father, mother and Mrs. Ploar were beautifully entertained by Mohammad Mustapha Bagdadi, father of Dr. Zia Bagdadi, and in Acca by the Turkish Governor of the Province. Like wise by various good friends in Cairo, Port Said, Alexandria, and all along the way. Returning from Acca my father gave the Message on board ship in t'he Medi terranean, and in London he gave the glad tidings to Canon Wilberforce of Westminster Abbey, among others. In London he had long talks about the Bahai Revelation with Prof. Edward G. Browne of Cambridge University—the great authority on Persian and other ori Arthur Pillsbury Dodge and Elizabeth A. Dodge at the time they first received the Bahai Message in Chicago, ental languages and history; and with the early fall of 1897. Prof. E. Denison Ross, also a Persian scholar and historian. dence at the Ninety-fifth street meetings before this time. He was greatly be loved by my father, and was of great assistance with his Arabic translations of the Holy Utterances. In August, 1900, my father and moth er, and Mrs. William H. Hoar, set sail for Acca, and were met at the pier in Haifa by forty of the Persian believers. Often did my father comment upon the great spiritual light in their faces, mak ing it easy to distinguish the believers from the other natives in the street or anywhere one passed or came upon them! They remained in the Holy Household in Acca for nine days with Abdul-Baha, and my father spent nearly all of the time with him, receiving the blessed in structions straight from the fountain head. He also studied much during his stay at Acca with Mirza Abul Fazl, the great Persian historian, and became One of the latest pictures taken of Mr. Dodge, thoroughly conversant with the history and a very good likeness. of the Bahai Revelation in Persia and elsewhere. While in London, the guest of Mrs. Sailing away from Haifa on the same Thornburgh Cropper, Prof. Browne ship that brought my father, mother made a masterly translation of perhaps and Mrs. Hoar, bound for America, were the most wonderful of all of the blessed Mirza Assad’Ullah, Hadji Hassan Khor- tablets that Abdul-Baha had written in osani and Rhoui Effendi, who reached his own hand for my father and in his New York while father was in the East. presence in Acca, explaining the three STAR OF THE WEST 167 great questions of Vicarious Atonement, of Freeport, N. Y., on March 14th, 19Í5, the Trinity and the Immortality of the my father wrote the following statement Soul, with which tablet every friend is that was subscribed to and signed by the familiar. names which follow: On his return to New York from Acca “We, whose signatures and ad my father started meetings for the dresses are written below, hereby as Cause in various places and took a large sociate ourselves as Founder-members house at No. 261 West 139th street, of the First Bahai Assembly of Hemp which soon became known as the Bahai stead, in the County of Nassau and Home. Here meetings were held, and State of New York, and located at believers from all parts of the world Freeport in said Township. were welcomed and received at all times. “ It is our desire and intention to “ Open house” always prevailed here, labor as humble, faithful and stead and it was the first place that the Per fast servants of and for the Incom sians and other friends coming to Amer parable Cause of God.” ica and to New York would seek out. My father also started a highly suc Signatures: Arthur Pillsbury Dodge, cessful series of meetings in the big as E. A. Dodge, Josephine Falley Clark, sembly hall of the Stephen Merritt Un Frank Durbon Clark, Wendell Phillips dertaking Establishment at Eighth ave Dodge, Beatrice M. Dodge, Richard nue and Nineteenth street, New York, William Dodge, Wendell Phillips where four and five hundred persons Dodge, Jr., Richard Paul Dodge, Clara would1 listen to talks on the Cause at Louise Osborne, Mrs. Otis I. Hathon, every meeting. Irene C. Holmes, William Copeland Among the many things he did for the Dodge and Lavinia Evelyn Dodge. Cause was to send lamps over to Haifa Whereas he had been bitter against for the blessed tomb of the Bab; and to the church for its bigotry and supersti Acca for the holy tomb of the Blessed tion, the last two years of his life my Perfection (BahaVllah). father had so mellowed his feelings that My father had the honor to receive the he was not even antagonistic to an un first tablet ever sent to America, which believer, but rather pitied and tried to ■was written in Arabic by Abdul-Baha’s help everyone who had not been able to own hand, and translated by Anton “ see the light.” The Bahai Revelation Haddad. He also received the first had made of him a sweet-tempered soul “ Greatest Name” stone, sent from Acca. and had given him an unlimited reserve My father received many tablets and and compassion. He seemed not to mind communications from Abdul-Baha, more his terrible suffering during the last year perhaps than any other believer, and all of his life, and expressed himself as only over the orient the name, “ Mr. Dodge” regretting that he could not live long was known among the friends. enough to complete his work for the He was president of the First Bahai Blessed Cause, to serve God and man as Assembly of New York, and served on he never had been able to do ! the Board of Council for several years. In forming the First Bahai Assembly Wendell Phillips Dodge.

MADAME CHERON

To the Star of th e W est, Greeting: for the Bahai year of the Star of the I recall in former years yon have W est. made it a custom to announce the de- Now as the end of our present year is partures of the friends in the last issue drawing near I am in receipt of the 168 STAR OF THE WEST announcement of the passing of one of MRS. THOMAS PETERSON our friends Madame Cheron on January 1838-1916 20th last, in Paris. During Abdul-Baha’s visits in Paris, Mrs. Thomas Peterson, who died at souls became attracted to the Cause, and the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jensen, the principles of his teachings became Burling ton, known-and produced an effect upon Wis., February many. Then out from these people there 13, 1916, at the arose a few who recognized the Covenant age of seventy- of God and realized that in Abdul-Baha seven years, was was the living spiritual Center of this one of the pio new life in the world. Madame Cheron neers of the Ba was of these few. The spiritual atmos hai Cause in phere of her home was to the hungry Wisconsin. She and seeking soul as an oasis in the desert received th e to the tired traveller seeking refreshment message in 1899. and rest. It was her desire that the Bahais During the weeks prior to the outbreak Mrs. Thomas Peterson of the war, which George Latimer and I conduct the fu spent in Paris, we went often to the neral service. Mr. Albert R. Windust of apartment of Madame Cheron, overlook Chicago and Mr. Andrew Nelson of Ra ing the Seine. At times when sur cine responded to this request. The se rounded by discouragements we went lections from the utterances of Baha’o’- there to talk about The Center of The llah and Abdul-Baha which were read, Covenant and thus revive our spiritual made all realize that the promised age forces; and at other times we went there had indeed come, when ‘ ‘ God shall wipe to meet groups of friends and seekers away all tears from their eyes.” whom our kind hostess had gathered to hear the wonderful story of The Cause of God. It will interest the friends in HERBERT ANDERSON this country to know that the first of the 1886-1915 ninth-day Mashrak-el-Azkar meetings On October 22, 1915, George Herbert held in Paris, was at Madame Cheron’s Anderson passed into the life beyond. He home. was well known Only a few weeks before her death among the Bahai Madame Cheron wrote from the Ameri young people of can Hospital in Paris, saying that she Chicago. Afflicted had but a few more weeks here with us. with a disease of She had suffered much, but was happy the throat, he went and contented. My first thought was first to Muskogee, that she might be spared for more spir Okla., then to Den itual service here, but such was not ver, Colo., where God’s will. We cannot say that her he died. Herbert, work is finished, for to those of us who as everyone called knew her, her faith in and devotion to George Herbert Anderson Jffm W a S Well Abdul-Baha continues to inspire us—it known for his sincere convictions and will always stand out as a spiritual light earnest religious work. From Mr. Arthur of brilliancy amid the surroundings of S. Agnew, he heard the glad tidings of darkness of material Paris. the coming of Baha’o’llah, and was the Faithfully yours in El-Abha, recipient of a beautiful tablet from Charles Mason Uemey. Abdul-Baha.