Not formatted or fully proofread. See http://bahai-library.com/usnsa_bahai_world_8 ---------- [p1] THE BAHA'I WORLD 95 AND 96 OF THE BAHA'I ERA 19381940 A.D. [p2] [p3] The Purest Branch. [p4] [p5] The Monuments Erected on the Graves of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha. [p6] [p7] Letter Addressed to Shoghi Effendi by the Late Queen Marie of Rumania. vii [p8] VIII [p9] [p10] [p11] THE BAHA'I WORLD A Biennial International Record Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada with the approval of Shoghi Effendi Volume VIII 95 AND 96 OF THE BAHA'I ERA APRIL 19381940 A.D. BAHA! BAHA'I PUBLISHING TRUST Wilmette, Illinois [p12] Copyright, 1942, by National Spiritual Assembly of the ]lahA'is of the United States and Canada. Reprinted 1981 N 0 T F: The spelling of the Oriental words and proper names used in this issue of THE BAHA'I WORLD is according to the system of transliteration established at one of the International Oriental Congresses. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA [p13] SHOGHI EFFENDI Guardian of the Baha'i Faith this work is dedicated in the hope that it will assist his efforts to promote that spiritual unity underlying and anticipating the "Most Great Peace" of B AHA U LA H [p14] [p15] CONTENTS PART ONE PAGE I. Aims and Purposes of the Baha'i Faith 1 A Worldwide Spiritual Community 1 The Renewal of Faith 3 The Basis of Unity 6 The Spirit of the New Day 9 A Background of Heroic Sacrifice 13 II.Survey of Current Baha'i Activities in the East and West 15 International 1 5 Pioneer Teachers in the Seven Year Plan 55 Martha Root's Travels in India, Burma, and Australia, Her Death in Honolulu 60 The Baha'i Faith in Iran 73 The Passing of May Maxwell 79 The Baha Faith in the British Isles 81 Consolidation of the Faith in Egypt 85 Baha'i Activities in 'IrAq 86 Persecution and Deportation of the Baha of Caucasus and Turkistan 87 The Baha'i Faith in Australia and New Zealand 90 Baha'i Activities in India and Burma 92 Important Developments in the Baha'i Community of North America 96 Baha'i Summer Schools 117 The International Baha'i Bureau 124 Donation of Land in Southern Palestine 125 The Worldwide Baha'i Community 125 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada Ñ Annual report, 19381939 127 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of the United States and Canada. Supplementary report, 193 81939138 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. Annual report, 19391940 139 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. Supplementary report, 19391940 157 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles. Annual report, 19381939 160 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles. Annual report, 19391940 165 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of ir4n. Annual report, 19381939 172 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Ir4n. Annual report, 19391940 191 [p16] xvi CONTENTS PAGE National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of 'Ir&q. Annual report, 19381940 194 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and Burma. Annual report, 19381940 196 National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand. Annual report, 19381940 201 III. Excerpts from Baha'i Sacred Writings 205 Words of the B~b 205 Words of Baha'u'llah 212 Cited in The Advent of Divine Justice 212 Prayers and Meditations 2 1 8 Excerpts from Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah 222 Words of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Bab 230 The Manifestations of God 230 Explanation of the Rebukes Addressed by God to the Prophets 230 Explanation of the Verse of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. "There Is No Associate for the Dawning-Place of Command in the Supreme Sinlessness" 232 Perfections Are Without Limit 234 The Evolution of Man in the Other World235 The State of Man and His Progress After Death 235 Explanation of a Verse in the Kitab-i-Aqdas 236 The Existence of the Rational Soul After the Death of the Body 236 Eternal Life and Entrance into the Kingdom of God 237 Industrial Justice 238 The Unity of Religion 240 The Image of 243 IV. Transfer of the Remains of the Brother and Mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha to Mt. Carmel 245 The Spiritual Potencies of that Consecrated Spot 245 The Burial of the Purest Branch and the Mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha 253 V. The Passing of Munirih KhAnum the Holy Mother259 Episodes in the Life of Munirih KMnum 259 In Memory of Munirih KMnum 263 A Loving Tribute from Australia 266 VI. The Passing of Queen Marie of Rumania 269 Queen Marie of Rumania and the Baha'i Faith271 Treasured Memories by Lilian McNeil 276 Queen Marie of Rumania by Martha L. Root 278 PART TWO I. The World Order of Baha'u'llah 285 1.Present-Day Administration of the Baha'i Faith 285 Introductory Statement 285 A Procedure for the Conduct of the Local Spiritual Assembly 294 The Annual Baha'i Convention 299 [p17] CONTENTS xvii PAGE The NonPolitical Character of the Baha'i Faith 301 Concerning Membership in Non-Bah&'i keligious Organizations 303 Baha'is and War 307 The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha 309 Interpretations of The Will and Testament 309 Excerpts from The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha 310 Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi 316 Messages from the Guardian 344 2. The Spirit and Form of the Baha'i Administrative Order 361 Certificate of Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada 362 Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada 363 Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of tr~n 377 Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria 383 Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and Burma 391 Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of 'IrAq 392 Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt and SudAn 399 Facsimile of Document related to the Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt and S~d~n 401 Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles 405 Memorandum and Articles of Association of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles 406 Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand 419 ByLaws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of New York, N. Y., U. S. A 420 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of New York, N. Y., U. S. A 424 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of Sydney, Australia 429 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of Vancouver, B. C., Canada 431 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cincinnati, Ohio, U. S. A 433 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of San Francisco, California, U. S. A 435 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Lima, Ohio, U. S. A 443 Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U. S. A 447 [p18] xviii CONTENTS PACE Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Columbus, Ohio, U. S. A 452 Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Babi'is of Phoenix, Arizona, U. S. A 454 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Portland, Oregon, U. S. A 461 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Jersey City, New Jersey, U. S. A 463 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Wilmette, Illinois, U. S. A 467 Corporation Declaration by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Peoria, Illinois, U. S. A 470 Corporation Declaration of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Winnetka, Illinois, U. S. A 472 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of Seattle, Washington, U. S. A 475 Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Boston, Massachusetts, U. S. A 480 Certificate of Formation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mexico City, Mexico 484 Membership card used in enrolling new believers in the Baha'i Faith in the City of Mexico 485 Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the Government of the Commonwealth th of Australia covering the Name CCBah4~i~~ and the Symbol of the Greatest Name 486 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iran 487 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt and S6d~n 488 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of 'Ir&q 489 Baha Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iran 490 Baha'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt and Sriid&n 491 Marriage License issued by the State of Illinois authorizing the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Chicago, Ill., to solemnize Baha'i Marriages, with explanatory letter 492 Text in fr~nian of the Outline of Baha'i Laws regarding Matters of Personal Status submitted for recognition to the Egyptian Government by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt and SiidTh 493 Map of Baha'i holdings showing extension of properties surrounding ing and dedicated to the Shrihe of the B~b on Mt. Carmel 500 3. The Institution of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar 503 Foreword 503 The Spiritual Significance of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar 505 Baha'i Texts for the Nine Outer Doors of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar 516 The Baha'i Temple used as design for Cachet selected by the Postal Authorities of Wilmette, Illinois 517 [p19] CONTENTS xix PAGE Envelope and Article related to the Cachet used by the Postal Authorities of 'XTilmette, Illinois 517 Letter of the Postmaster of Wilmette, Illinois, to the 'National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada 518 The Temples of the Ages 519 Une Institution B6haie 525 Two Articles on the Baha'i Temple published in Finland 533 4. Baha'i Calendar and Festivals 536 Foreword 536 Baha'i Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting 536 Babi'i Holy Days on which work should be suspended 537 Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. II) regarding the Baha'i Calendar 537 Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. II) regarding ing Baha'u'llah 540 5. Youth Activities Throughout the Bat Li World 344 Introductory Statement 544 Baha'i Youth Activities in the Americas547 Louhelen Youth Sessions Ñ 1939 552 Geyserville Youth Session 554 Green Acre Youth Session 555 Many Youth Are Pioneer Teachers 556 Other Activities of Baha'i Youth Groups557 Ba1A'i Youth Activities in Europe and Asia 560 Excerpts from "Baha'i Youth" Magazine, 1938 to 1939 568 IT. References to the Baha'i Faith 595 1. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania 595 2. Prof. E. G. Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge University 598 3. Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Manchester College, Oxford 600 4. Rev. T. K. Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford University, Fellow of British Academy 600 5. Prof. Arminius Varnb&ry, Hungarian Academy of Pesth 601 6. Sir Valentine Chirol 602 7. Harry Charles Lukach 603 8. Prof. Jowett, Oxford University 603 9. Alfred W. Martin, Society for Ethical Culture, New York 603 10. Prof. James Darmesteter, tcole des Hautes f,tudes, Paris 604 11. Charles Baudouin 604 12. Dr. Henry H. Jessup, D.D 606 13. Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of Kedleston 607 14. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I.; K.C.I.E 607 15. The Christian Commonwealth, Anonymous 609 16. Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, WA 609 17. Herbert Putnam, Congressional Library, Washington, D. C 610 18. Leo Tolstoy 610 [p20] xx CONTENTS PACE 19. Dr. Edmund Privat, University of Geneva611 20. Dr. Auguste Ford, University of Zurich 612 21. General Renato Piola Casdlli 612 22. Rev. Frederick W. Oakes 612 23. Renwick J. G. Millar, Editor of John O'Groat Journal, Wick, Scotland 612 24. Charles H. Prisk 613 25. Prof. Han Prasad Shastri, D.Litt 613 26. Shri Purohit Swami 614 27. Prof. Herbert A. Miller, Bryn Mawr College 614 28. Viscount Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., MY 614 29. Rev. K. T. Chung 615 30. Prof. Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia 616 31. Rev. Griffith J. Sparham 616 32. Ernest Renan 617 33. The Hon. Lilian Helen Montague, J.P., D.H.L 618 34. Prof. Norman Bentwich, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 619 35. tmile Schreiber, Publicist 619 36. Miss Helen Keller 621 37. Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Jurisprudence of Japan 622 38. Sir Flinders Petrie, Archaeologist 622 39. Former President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia 622 40. Archduchess Anton of Austria 622 41. Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons 622 42. H.R.H. Princess Olga of Jugoslavia 622 43. Eugen Relgis 623 44. Arthur Henderson 623 45. Prof. Dr. V. Lesny 623 46. Princess Marie Antoinette de BrogUe Aussenac 623 47. Late President David Starr Jordan, Leland Stanford University 624 48. Prof. Bogdan Popovitch, University of Belgrade, Jugoslavia 624 49. Ex-Governor William Suizer 624 50. Luther Burbank 624 51. Prof. Yone Noguchi 624 52. Prof. Raymond Frank Piper 624 53. Angela Morgan 624 54. Arthur Moore 624 55. Prof. Dr. Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia 625 56. A. L. M. Nicholas 62$ 57. President Eduard Bene~ of Czechoslovakia625 58. Sir Ronald Storrs, N.y.C., M.G., C.B.E 626 59. Coi. Raja Jai Prithvi Bahadur Singh, Raja of Bajang (Nepal) 626 60. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland 627 61. Rt. Hon. M. R. Jayakar 628 [p21] CONTENTS xxi PAGE III. In Memoriam 631 1. May Ellis Maxwell 631 2. A Tribute to Lua Getsinger 642 3. Martha L. Root 643 4. Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper 649 5. Lady Blomfield 651 6. Rahmatu'114h 'A1~'i 655 7. Grace Robarts Ober 656 8. HAji GhuUm-Ridi, Amin-Amin 659 9. Pauline Knobloch Hannen 660 10. Louise R. Waite (Sh&hnaz Kbinum) 661 11. Isabel Fraser Chamberlain (Soraya) 664 12. Marie B. Moore 666 13. Robert S. Abbott 666 14. Mrs. Margaret Campbell 668 15. Howard M. Kinney 670 16. Margaret Kiebs 670 17. Joseph G. Bray 672 18. Georgie Brown Wiles 673 19. Grace Krug 675 676 20. William M. Miller 21. Abu'1-Q~simGulastAnib 678 679 22. Habib Miskar 23. Muhammad Su1aym~n 680 24. Ismi'il-Aq4 680 681 25. 'Abdu'1 Ñ ~usayn IqbM 26. In Memoriam. List from Baha'i News 682 PART THREE I. Baha'i Directory, 19391940 687 1. Baha'i National Spiritual Assemblies 687 2. Countries where Baha'is are resident 688 Abyssinia 688 Afghanistan 688 Albania 688 Argentina 688 Australia 688 Austria 688 688 Belgium 688 Bolivia Brazil 688 Bulgaria 688 Burma 688 Canada 688 [p22] PAGE 688 688 689 689 689 689 689 689 689 689 689 689 689 690 690 690 690 690 690 6~ 0 690 691 691 691 691 691 691 691 691 691 691 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 692 xxii CONTENTS Caucasus Chile. China Costa Rica Cuba Czechoslovakia Denmark Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Finland France Germany Great Britain and Ireland Guatemala Haiti Holland Honduras Hungary Iceland India and Burma Idn 'Iraq Italy Japan Jugoslavia Mexico New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Palestine and Transjordania Panama Peru Poland Rumania Russia San Domingo South Africa %d~n Sweden Switzerland Syria Tunisia Turkey Turkist~n United States and Canada Uruguay Venezuela West Indies, British [p23] CONTENTS nui PAGE 3. Officers and Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada 694 4. Local Baha'i Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers in the United States and Canada 699 5. Baha'i Administrative Divisions inirAn 708 6. Directory of Leading Assemblies in Baha'i Administrative Divisions df IrTh 712 7. Alphabetical List of Baha'u'llah's BestKnown Writings 713 8. List of the BTh's BestKnown Works 714 LI. Baha'i Bibliography 715 1. Baha'i Publications of America 715 Books About the Baha'i Faith 715 Writings of the Mb 718 Writings of Baha'u'llah 718 Writings of 'Abdu'1 Ñ BaM 719 Writings of Shoghi Effendi 721 Prayers 722 Baha'i Literature in Pamphlet Form 722 Compilations 726 Outlines and Guides for Baha'i Study Classes 726 2. Baha'i Publications of England 727 3. Baha'i Publications of India and Burma 729 4. Baha'i Publications in French 729 5. Baha'i Publications in Italian 730 6. Baha'i Publications in Dutch 730 7. Baha'i Publications in Danish 730 8. Baha'i Publications in Swedish 730 9. Baha'i Publications in Portuguese 731 10. Baha'i Publications in Albanian 731 11. Baha'i Publications in Esperanto 731 12. Baha'i Publications in Russian 732 13. Baha'i Publications in German 732 14. Baha'i Publications in Bulgarian 735 15. Baha'i Publications in Rumanian 735 16. Baha'i Publications in Czech 735 17. Baha'i Publications in Serbian 735 18. Baha Publications in Hungarian 735 19. Baha Publications in Greek 735 20. Baha'i Publications in Maori 735 21. Baha'i Publications in Spanish 736 22. Baha'i Publications in Norwegian 736 23. Baha Publications in Croatian 736 24. Ba1A'i Publications in Polish 736 25. Baha'i Publications in Icelandic 736 [p24] xxiv CONTENTS 26. Baha'i Publications in Oriental Languages. IrAnian Urdu Arabic Turkish Burmese Chinese .... Hebrew Tartar Gujrati Japanese Armenian Tamil Kurdish Sindhi Bengali Hindi Abyssinian ... 27. Baha'i Literature America France Czechoslovakia Japan 28. Baha'i Periodicals 29. References to the Baha'i Faith under NonBahA'i Auspices PAGE 736 736 737 738 738 738 738 738 738 738 738 748 748 748 748 748 748 748 748 748 749 749 749 749 in Braille (for the Blind) in Books and Pamphlets Published 30. References to the Baha Faith in Magazines by Non-Bahi'i Writers. 31. References to the Baha'i Faith by Baha'is in Non-BaM'i Publications 32. References to the Baha'i Faith in Specialized Reference Works III. Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Baha'i Literature Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of tr4nian Alphabet and Notes on the Pronunciation of IrAnian Words LV. Definition of Oriental Terms used in Baha'i Literature PART FOUR I. Articles and Reviews 1. Constructive Religion, by George Townshend 2. Truth and World Unity, by Horace IrTolley 3. Baha'u'llah, by H. M. BMyuzi 4. International Baha'i Congress Day at the Panama-Pacific International tional Exposition 5. Baha'i Message to the Universities of Northern India, by Martha L. Root 6. Essai sur les Diff6rentes Formes de Pri&es, by Lucienne L. Migette. 7. Crisis of the World Psyche, by Wilf rid Barton 749 756 759 759 760 762 764 769 769 776 779 797 809 819 825 [p25] CONTENTS Xxv PAGE 8. The New Citizenship, by Beatrice Irwin 831 9. The Oneness of Religion, by Doris McKay835 10. The Well of Happiness, by George Townshend 847 11. Baha'is and War, by David Hofman 856 12. Conf&ence dans un cercie Baha'i a Paris, le 19 Mars, 1939, by Madame J. Montefiore 859 13. Rejoice, 0 Israel, by Alice Simmons Cox869 14. Pioneer Introduction of the Baha'i Faith to the Netherlands, by Louise Drake Wright 877 IS. An Interview with A. L. M. Nicolas of Paris, by Edith Sanderson 885 16. Yucatan 1939, by Loulie A. Mathews 888 17. The Scriptures of Different Faiths, by Pritam Singh 892 18. Faith and the Man, by Louis G. Gregory 901 19. Appreciations by Leaders of Thought, by Ru1~Aniyyih Moffett 904 20. A Journey to the Arctic, by Nellie S. French 915 21. TAhirih's Message to the Modern World, by Martha L. Root 918 A Brief Commentary, by Marian Little 921 22. A Brief Survey of the Literature of the Baha'i Faith in English, by William Kenneth Christian 925 23. John Ebenezer Esslemont, His Life and Service, by Jessie E. Revell 929 24. A Letter from Finland, by Viiin6 Rissanen936 25. Radio-Nations Calling, by Ethel M. Dawe937 26. Le Martyre, par Dr. A. Mesbali 940 II. Song Offerings 945 HI.Echoes from the Spheres 967 IV. Contents of The Baha'i World Vol. LVII 1009 V. Maps of Teaching Regions of the United States and Canada, of Central and South America, and of the Baha'i World 1033 [p26] [p27] ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE The Purest Branch in The Monuments Erected on the Graves of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha Letter Addressed to Shoghi Effendi by the Late Queen Marie of Rumania vii, viii, ix A Gift of the Guardian to the Baha'is of North America. Some locks of the hair of Baha'u'llah arranged by His daughter, Baha'i Kh6num, The Greatest Holy Leaf Twilight view of the grave of Baha'i Khuinum on Mount Carmel 8 Descriptive Card for Baha Exhibit Prepared by Directors of Temple of Religion 16 Section of the ornamentation of the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Ill., presented by the American Baha'is to be placed in the gardens surrounding the tomb of the Bib on Mt. Carmel 20 Two Views of the Hlaziratu'1-Quds. The recently inaugurated headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, adjacent to the Baha'i Temple, Wilmette, Illinois 24 The Baha'i exhibit held during the 1938 Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto, Canada 33 Members of the newly formed Spiritual Assembly of St. Lambert, Province of Quebec 33 The Baha'i Exhibit at the Wisconsin State rair of 1939 showing the Temple model prominently displayed 38 The Baha'i booth in the Communications building of the 1939 New York World's Fair. Behind the Temple model is shown a detail of the design for the dome ornamentation 46 Three exhibitions of the model of the Baha'i Temple: Exposed in a florist shop at Binghamton, N. Y., display at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque, N. M., and exhibited in a florist shop window in Port Huron, Mich 50 Official post cards of the 1939 San Francisco World's Fair and the 1939 New York World's Fair showing the different Baha'i exhibits 56 The exhibit of the Baha'i Temple model in the Homes and Gardens section of the San Francisco World's Fair in 1939 Facsimile of part of a letter addressed to 'Abdu'l-Baha by Professor Vambery.A display of the Baha'i Temple model in a window in Philadelphia, PennThe exhibit held at the Sacramento Flower Show in California, 1939 70 Facsimile of two letters written by Professor E. G. Browne, of Cambridge University, , concerning the Baha'i Faith 74 The house of Siyyid Y4iy& D6Abi, surnamed Valiid, which has recently been acquired by the Baha'is of Iran as an historical site in the town of Nayriz. 80 Recently purchased site of the prospective Ija4ratu'1-Quds to be erected in Cairo, Egypt 93 xxvii [p28] xxvii' ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Recently completed portion of the Ua~iratu'1-Quds of 'Idq, situated in Baghdad 95 Display at the Illinois State Fair, Springfield, Ill 100 Display in the Temple of Religions at the San Francisco World's Fair, 1939 100 Temple Model Exhibited at Big Bear Lake, California 106 Book Exhibit near the Baha'i Temple Arranged During Convention 106 Baha'i Exhibit, New York State Fair, Syracuse, 1939 114 Temple Model on Display at a Florist's Shop, San Francisco, California 114 Exhibit in Public Library, Yonkers, N. Y 120 The Souvenir Commemorating The Feast of Unity of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha observed annually at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey 122 Temple Model Displayed in Window of Red Bank Register, the Local Paper of Red Bank, N. J., 1939 126 Temple Model Displayed by Louhelen Summer School at the Flint, Michigan, Flower Show 126 Temple Model on Exhibition in a store in Albuquerque, New Mexico 126 Some of the Baha'is attending the annual convention of the Baha'is of the British Isles, London, 1939 128 The shop which was used by the Bab during his days in B~shihr 130 The bath of Uramiyyih where the Bab bathed during His visit to that town 136 Recently purchased historical site where the four Baha martyrs of 'Idq, I lie buried 144 The house of HAji Mirza J~tni in K~shAn which the Baha'is of Pin have recently purchased to be preserved as an historical site 154 The well used by the RAb is in the fortress of Shaykh Taharsi in M~zindar&n, I rkn 159 The interior of the fortress of Shaykh Tabarsi in M~zindar4n. The X marks the spot where MullA Husayn is buried 169 The weapon used by Mu11A ~usayn in the fortress of Shaykh Tabarsi. The Persian inscription reads: "The sword of his honor the BThu'1-BAb" 177 The house of the King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs, the famous Baha'i brothers of IsfAhAn, which has recently been purchased by the Baha'is of IrAn to be preserved as an historical site in that city 192 An early picture of the body of a Baha'i martyr of fr&n 198 Study Class, BaghdAd, for training of children 202 Detail of the monument marking the resting place of Baha'i KhAnum on Mt. Carmel, Haifa 206 'Abdu'l-Baha and His brother the Purest Branch. (The Purest Branch is seated on the left) 246 Tablet revealed by Baha'u'llah at the time when the Purest Branch was being prepared ared for the grave in His presence 246 Persian script with translation 248 A glimpse, between the trees of the garden, of the shrines of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha on Mt. Garmel, Haifa250 The newiy made graves of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha showing the flowers still in place before work on the erection of their monuments was begun 252 [p29] ILLUSTRATIONS xxix PAGE Detail of one of the twin monuments marking the graves of the Mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha BaM and of His Brother, on Mt. Carmel, Haifa252 The burial-ground on Mount Carmel in which are laid to rest the immediate family of 'Abdu'1-I3ah4. On the right is the shrine of Baha'i KMnum His sister. On the left the twin monuments marking the resting-places of His mother and brother. Below them can be seen the dome of the monument of his wife, Munirili KlAnum 254 The Holy Mother, Munirib Kbinum wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha 260 Monument erected on the site of the grave of Munirih Kh6num, the wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha, on Mt. Carmel, and beneath the shadow of the resting place of Baha'i Kh&num, The Greatest Holy Leaf 264 Her Late Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania 268 A Floral Tribute to Her Majesty the Late Queen Marie of Rumania. Offered by the Baha'is of the United States and Canada on the occasion of the service held in Washington, D. C., July 25, 1938, to commemorate the first anniversary sary of her death 281 The Baha'i Community of Cincinnati, Ohio 288 The ncwiy constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Maywood, Illinois, in 1938 288 Spiritual Assembly of Helena, Montana, Newly Constituted, April 21, 1939 318 Spiritual Assembly of East Cleveland, Ohio, Newly Constituted, April 21, 1939, with members of the Baha'i Community 318 Sacramento California. Members of the Spiritual Assembly newly established on April 21, 1938. Photograph shows tree under which 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha stood in 1912 340 Spiritual Assembly of Richmond Highlands, Washington, Newly Constituted April 21, 1939 340 Newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1938 353 Recently constituted Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Arizona 356 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vancouver, B. C 430 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cincinnati, Ohio 434 Members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of San Francisco, California 434 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bali S'is of Lima, Ohio 446 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of Philadelphia, Pa. Taken at the Nineteen Day Feast, Jan. 19, 1939 446 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Columbus, Ohio 453 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Phoenix, Arizona 453 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Portland, Oregon 460 Spiritual Assembly of the IBahA'is of Wilmette, Illinois 469 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Peoria, Illinois 469 Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Seattle, Washington 474 The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Boston, Massachusetts 479 Baha'is of the newly established community of Mexico City, Mexico 485 Membership card used in enrolling new believers in the Baha'i Faith in the City of Mexico 485 [p30] xxx ILLUSTRATIONS PACB Trade mark certificate obtained from the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia covering the name "Baha'i' and the symbol of the Greatest Name 486 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly bly of the Baha'is of Idn 487 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assem-My My of the Baha'is of Egypt and S~d&n 488 Baha'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spirittial Assembly bly of the Baha'is of 'Tr~q 489 Baha'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly bly of the Baha'is of Inn 490 Baha'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual Assembly bly of the Baha'is of Egypt and SAd4n 491 Marriage License Issued by the State of Illinois authorizing the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Chicago, Illinois, to solemnize Baha'i marriages, with explanatory letter 492 Map of Baha'i holdings showing extension of properties surrounding and dedicated to the Shrine of the Bab on Mt. Carmel 500 The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar or Baha'i Temple, showing ornamentation of second story in process, 1938 504 Sculptor carving central panel over doorway 506 Model for detail of First Story of Temple, in Process at Earley Studios 506 An early picture of Louis Bourgeois, the French Canadian architect whose design for a Baha'i Temple is now being constructed at Wilmette, Illinois 507 Carving an Original Model 508 Completing the clay model of a unit to go on the first story 508 Design for the Baha'i Temple by Mr. L. S. Bufiington, architect, of Minneapolis, Minnesota 509 Design for the Ba1A'i Temple by Mr. F. J. Woodward, architect, of Washington, D.C 510 One of the designs submitted by Mr. Charles Mason Remey, architect, of Wash ington, D. C., for the Baha'i Temple competition held in New York, 1919 511 Design submitted by Mr. W. S. Maxwell, architect, of Montreal, Canada, for the competition for the Baha'i Temple, held in New York, 1919 512 The site of the first Baha'i Temple of the western world as it appeared on Sept. 24th, 1920 when excavation for the foundation was begun, in Wilmette, Illinois 513 Baha'is and workmen gathered on Sept. 24th, 1920, when the first drilling for bedrock was begun at the site of the Baha'i Temple, Wilmette, Illinois. The man holding a photograph of the design for the Temple is Louis Bourgeois, the architect of the building 514 The "Mother Temple of the West" reflected in the still waters of Lake Michigan 515 The Baha'i Temple used as design for Cachet selected by the Postal authorities of Wilmette, Illinois and used on all outgoing mail during National Air Mail Week May 1521, 1938 517 Letter of the Postmaster of Wilmette, Illinois, to The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada 518 [p31] ILLUSTRATIONS xxxi PAGE Front Elevation of the Church of St. John Lateran, Rome 520 Church of Notre Dame in Paris 520 Amiens Cathedral, France, Interior 520 The Mosque of Omar, Jerusalem 520 Hall of Ablutions, Mosque of Su1v~n lilasan, Cairo, Egypt. (Interior View) 522 The Parthenon, Athens, Greece 522 The Church of Santa Sofia, Istanbul 522 Article from Soumen Nainen, 1938. Published in Finland 533 Article from Naisten AA!ni, 1938. Published in Finland 534 Two views of the land recently purchased by the Baha'is of I r~n and destined to be the site of the first Baha'i Temple of that country 535 The Baha'i children's class of Milwaukee, SMisconsin, taken with their teachers, 1938 545 John Eichenauer, the youngest pioneer of the Baha'i Faith, who in 1939, at the age of seventeen, went to San Salvador to establish a center 547 The Baha Youth Group of Alexandria, Egypt 549 Baha'i youth attending the seventh annual Baha'i Youth luncheon held in conjunction tion with the Baha'i convention, Evanston, Illinois, 1939 551 Teacher and class at the Baha'i Summer School, Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, gan, during the 1939 Youth Session 553 Attendants at the Youth session of the Baha'i Summer School at Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan 555 Group attending the Baha'i Youth session of the Geyserville Baha'i Summer School, California, 1939 559 A meeting of the young Baha'is from five neighboring centers held at Jamestown, New York, 1939 561 The Midwest Regional Baha'i Youth conference held January 8th and 9th, 1938, at 'Wilmette, Illinois 563 The Youth Groups of Pasadena and adjacent Baha'i Communities. Pasadena, California, October, 1939 565 The Baha'i Youth Group of Karachi, India, 1938 569 Some of the Baha'i Youth of TihrTh celebrating international Baha'i Youth Day 573 The I3aM'i Youth Committee of Bombay, India, taken with Martha Root on the occasion of her tour of India and Burma during 1938 575 Midwest Baha'i Youth Conference held at Wilmette, Illinois, January 67, 1940 577 The Baha'i Youth Group of Los Angeles, California, February, 1939 578 The North Shore Youth Group composed of Babi'is from communities in the vicinity of the Baha'i Temple, Wilmette, Illinois, taken in 1939 583 May Ellis Maxwell 632 Friends gathered for burial service of May Ellis Maxwell 633 Miss Martha L. Root, Famous International IBaM'i Teacher 644 Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper, One of the First Baha'is of the West 649 Lady Blomfield, "Sit~rih KMnum," Pioneer Baha of England 652 Rahmatu'11&h 'AIS'i of Iran 655 [p32] xxxii ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE The coffin bearing the remains of Rabmatu'll&h 'AU'i of Tihr~n being borne to the Baha cemetery. December 3rd, 1939 C55 Grace Robarts Ober 657 H~ji GhulAm-RidA 659 The body of Ijiji Ghu1&m-Ri4~, surnamed Amin-Amin, being removed from his home in Tihdn, December 23rd, 1939 659 Leroy loas and Sh&hnaz Waite 662 Soraya Fraser Chamberlain 665 Robert S. Abbott 667 Mrs. Margaret Campbell 668 Howard M. Kinney 669 The last resting place of Margaret Kiebs, Sunset Cemetery, North Augusta, S. C 671 Joseph G. Bray 672 Georgie Brown Wiles 674 Grace Krug 675 William M. Miller, Pioneer Baha'i, Perth, Australia. Ascended to AbM Kingdom, Oct. 23, 1939 677 Abu'1-QAsim GulastThih, Died in Cairo, July 10th, 1939 678 Habib Miskar, Killed in Haifa, March 6th. 1939679 Muhammad Sulaym&n 680 Tsmi'il-AqA. The Gardener of 'Abdu'l-Baha 681 'Abdu'I-Ijusayn IqbM 682 Thirty-first Annual Convention, United States and Canada 693 Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, for the years 19391940 698 Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma and of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Bombay bidding farewell to Martha Root after her lengthy tour of India and Burma 709 Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles, 19391940 710 The Baha'i Community of Adelaide, South Australia, with the local Baha'i Youth Group 711 Baha'i friends gathered to bid farewell to Mr. Nabili on the occasion of his departure ture for Kkbul, AfghinistAn, on a teaching trip 718 Views of the first Baha Summer School of IrAn held in the vicinity of Tihr~n in 1939 728 Reproductions of the title pages of Baha'u'llah and the New Era in the thirtyfive five languages in which it has been printed73 9747 Baha'is of Hobart, Tasmania 754 Miss Martha Root with some of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of Australia and New Zealand, 1939 754 Inter-Assembly Teaching Conference. Held in Los Angeles, California, February 26th, 1939, at the time of the visit of the National Spiritual Assembly. 770 Library and reading room of the recently inaugurated Baha'i Center in Mexico City, Mexico, 1939 780 [p33] ILLUSTRATIONS xxxin PACE Lecture room of the recently inaugurated Baha'i Center in Mexico City, Mexico, 1939 781 The Invitation issued by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mexico City, Mexico, to be present at the inauguration of the Baha'i Center. 782 The first Mexican Baha to visit their American coworkers 793 Festival Hall, Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915. Scene of Ceremonies Honoring the First International Baha'i Congress 798 Bronze Medallion Presented to the First International Baha Congress 80 1 Frederick W. D'Evelyn, M.B.C.M. (Edin.), Member of the Ways and Means Committee ttee of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. President of the First International Baha'i Congress 805 The tenth annual convention of the Baha'is of India and Burma held in Karachi, 1938. Miss Martha Root is seated in the center 810 Annual gathering of Baha'is at the commemoration service for Thornton Chase, the first believer of America. Inglewood, California, September 3 0th, 1939 820 The feast of the New Year being celebrated by the Baha'is of Miami, Florida, on CCNaw~R~z~~ March 2 1st, 1939 832 A Group of South American Baha'i Pioneers 833 Book Exhibit. An exhibit of Baha'i books placed on view at the Dean Hobbs Blanchard Memorial Library in Santa Paula, California 845 Mine. Draga Illic with a group of friends in Belgrade, Jugoslavia taken in June, 1939 853 A group of country Baha'is. Booleroo Centre, So. Australia 854 Mine. Jeanne Monrefiore 860 The members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Karachi, India, bidding farewell to Miss Martha Root on the occasion of her departure for Australia and New Zealand 868 Some of the Baha'is of Bombay, India gathered to bid farewell to their indefatigable fellow-worker, Miss Martha Root on the occasion of her departure for Aus tralia and New Zealand. (Miss Root holds a bouquet of flowers.) 876 The Baha'i Summer School of Australia and New Zealand. Community Picnic held during the 1939 session at ttBolton Place," Yerrinbool, New South Wales 883 The "Rose Garden" children's class held during the 1939 session of the Baha'i Summer School at ttBolton Place," Yerrinbool, New South Wales, Australia 884 A. L. M. Nicolas 886 The First Baha'i Summer School of India held at Simla. In the center is Martha Root, beloved teacher of the Faith throughout East and West, who was touring India and Burma 887 Attendants and friends at the Baha'i Summer School of Australia held at Yer-rinbool, ool, S.W. Australia, in January, 1939 891 The recently inaugurated Baha'i Fellowship House in Coxrington, Louisiana 897 Property in Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, which has recently been presented to the Faith as a training school for Baha'is in the Inter-America teaching work 898 Exterior of Henderson Business College, Memphis, Tennessee 900 The Founder, President Henderson, at his desk 900 The Baha'is of Khartoum, S~d~n 911 [p34] xxxiv ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Baha'i Group of Tunis 912 Amity Banquet held under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Pasadena, California, December 3rd, 1938914 The Feast of the Baha'i New Year being celebrated by the New York Baha'is on March 21st, 1939 923 The Baha'i Summer School of the British Isles. The upper picture is a group attend ing the 193 8 session. The center and lower pictures are of the 1939 session 93 0 Pastor V~iin6 Rissanen. First to have accepted the Baha'i Faith in Finland. 1938 935 Map of Central America Teaching Region 1035 Map of South American Republics Teaching Region1037 Map of Teaching Regions of the WorldInside back cover Map of Teaching Regions of the United States and Canada Inside back cover [p35] INTRODUCTION DURING the past fourteen years the Baha'i community of East and West has learned to anticipate each successive volume of Tnr BAHA'I WORLD (the first number was entitled "Baha'i Year Book") as the best means by which the individual believer may keep abreast of the steady development of the Faith throughout the world. This work, in its illustrations as well as in its text, has recorded as completely as possible the progress of current Baha'i events and activities over an area now embracing forty countries. In addition, each volume has presented those ~~historica1 facts and fundamental principles that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of Baha'u'llah to this age." The existence of so many evidences of a newly revealed Faith and Gospel for a humanity arrived at a turning point in its spiritual and social evolution has likewise a profound significance for the non-BaM'i student and scholar who desires to investigate the world religion founded by the B~b and Baha'u'llah. For in these pages the reader encounters both the revealed Word in its spiritual power, and the response which that utterance has evoked during the first ninety years of the Baha'i era. He will find what is unparalleled in religious history Ñ the unbroken continuity of a divine Faith from the Manifestation onward through three generations of human experience, and will be able to apprehend what impregnable foundations the Baha'i World Order rests upon in the life and teachings of the B~b and Baha'u'llah, the life and interpretation of 'Abdu'l-Baha, , and (since the year 1921) in the development of an administrative order under the direction of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. It is the avowed faith of Baha'is that this Revelation has established upon earth the spiritual impulse and the definite principles necessary for social regeneration and the attainment of one true religion and social order throughout the world. In THE BAHA'I WORLD, therefore, those-who seek a higher will and wisdom than man possesses may learn how, amid the trials and tribulations of a decadent society, a new age has begun to emerge from the world of the spirit to the realm of human action and belief. xxxv [p36] [p37] STAFF OF EDITORS AMERICA Ñ Mrs. Stuart W. French, Chairman, 786 Chester Ave., San Marino, California. Mrs. Ruth Brandt, 9313 Olympic Blvd., Beverley Hills, California. Mrs. Mariam Haney, 1763 Columbia Road, Washington, D. C. Mrs. Charles Bishop, Geyserville, California. Mrs. Marzieh Nabil Gail, 1207 Montgomery St., San Francisco, California. Miss Florence Mattoon, 105 Sixth St., "XTilmette, Illinois. Mr. Louis Gregory, Eliot, Maine. Mr. Kenneth Christian, State College of Agriculture, Morrisville, New York. Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Photograph Editor, Box 179, Montclair, New Jersey. SWITZERLAND Ñ Mrs. Anna Lynch, 19 a-Ave. de Champel, Geneva. FRANCE Ñ Mine. Elizabeth Hesse, 96 Blvd. Maurice Barr6s, Neuilly s. Seine, Paris, France. GREAT BRITAIN Ñ Mr. David Hofman, 46 Bloomsbury St., W.C. 1, London, England. 'IRAQ Ñ Mr. Jamil Bagbd~di, P. 0. Box 5, BaghdAd. IRAN Ñ Miss Adelaide Sharp, Pahiavi St., Kucheh Bageroff, Tihr~n. INDIA AND BURMA Ñ Mr. Abbassaly Butt, 13 Haig Square, New Delhi, India. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND Ñ Miss Hilda Brooks; 17 Gurney St., Duiwich Road, Adelaide, Australia. EGYPT Ñ Mr. Muhammad Mustaf A, Baha'i Bureau, P. 0. Box 13, Daher, Cairo. CHINA AND JAPAN Ñ Miss Agnes Alexander, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 111. xxxvii [p38] [p39] PART ONE [p40] [p1] THE BAHA'I WORLD I AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH B~ HORACE HOLLEY 1. A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY "The Tabernacle of Unity has been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Of one tree are ye all the fruit and of one bc-ugh the leaves. The world is but one country and mankind its citizens." Ñ BAHA' U LLAH. UP ON the spiritual foundation established by Baha'u'llah during the forty year period of His Mission (18531892), there stands today an independent religion represented by nearly eight hundred local communities of believers. These communities geographically are spread throughout all five continents. In point of race, class, nationality and religious origin, the followers of Baha'u'llah exemplify well-nigh the whole diversity of the modern world. They may be characterized as a true cross section of humanity, a microcosm which, for all its relative littleness, carries within it individual men and women typifying the macrocosm of mankind. None of the historic causes of association served to create this worldwide spiritual community. Neither a common language, a common blood, a common civil government, a common tradition nor a mutual grievance acted upon Baha'is to supply a fixed center of interest or a goal of material advantage. On the contrary, membership in the Baha'i community in the land of its birth even to this day has been a severe disability, and outside of IrAn the motive animating believers has been in direct opposition to the most inveterate prejudices of their environment. The Cause of Baha'u'llah has moved forward without the re~nforcement of wealth, social prestige or other means of public influence. Every local Baha'i community exists by the voluntary association of individuals who consciously overcome the fundamental sanctions evolved throughout the centuries to justify the separations and antagonisms of human society. In America, this association means that white believers accept the spiritual equality of their Negro fellows. In Europe, it means the reconciliation of Protestant and Catholic upon the basis of a new and larger faith. In the Orient, Christian, Jewish and Muhammadan believers must stand apart from the rigid exclusiveness into which each was born. The central fact to be noted concerning the nature of the Baha'i Faith is that it contains a power, fulfilled in the realm of conscience, which can reverse the principle momentum of modern civilization Ñ the drive toward division and strife Ñ and initiate its own momentum moving steadily in the direction of unity and accord. It is in this power, and not in any criterion upheld by the world, that the Faith of Baha'u'llah has special significance. The forms of traditional opposition vested in nationality, race, class and creed are not the only social chasms which the Faith has bridged. There are even more implacable, if less visible differences between types and temperaments, such as flow ineVitably from [p2] THE BAHA'I WORLD 2 the contact of rational and emotional individuals, of active and passive dispositions, undermining capacity for co6peration in every organized society, which attain mutual understanding and harmony in the Baha'i community. For personal congeniality, the selective principle elsewhere continually operative within the field of voluntary action, is an instinct which Baha'is must sacrifice to serve the principle of the oneness of mankind. A Baha'i community, therefore, is a constant and active spiritual victory, an overcoming of tensions which elsewhere come to the point of strife. No mere passive creed nor philosophic gospel which need never be put to the test in daily life has produced this world fellowship devoted to the teachings of Baha'u'llah. The basis of self-sacrifice on which the Baha community stahds has created a religious society in which all human relations are transformed from social to spiritual problems. This fact is the door through which one must pass to arrive at insight of what the Faith of Baha'u'llah means to this age. The social problems of the age are predominantly political and economic. They are problems because human society is divided into nations each of which claims to be an end and a law unto itself and into classes each of which has raised an economic theory to the level of a sovereign and exclusive principle. Nationality has become a condition which overrides the fundamental humanity of all the peoples concerned, asserting the superiority of political considerations over ethical and moral needs. Similarly, economic groups uphold and promote social systems without regard to the quality of human relationships experienced in terms of religion. Tension and oppositions between the different groups are organized for dominance and not ftr reconciliation. Each step toward more complete partisan organization increases the original tension and augments the separation of human beings; as the separation widens, the element of sympathy and fellowship on the human level is eventually denied. In the Baha'i community the same tensions and instinctive antagonisms exist, but the human separation has been made impossible. The same capacity for exclusive doctrines is present, but no doctrine representing one personality or one group can secure a hearing. All believers alike are subject to one spiritually supreme sovereignty in the teachings of Baha'u'llah. Disaffected individuals may withdraw. The community remains. For the Baha'i teachirigs are in themselves principles of life and they assert the supreme value of humanity without doc-trifles which correspond to any particular environment or condition. Thus members of the Baha'i community realize their tensions and oppositions as ethical or spiritual problems, to be faced and overcome in mutual consultation. Their faith has convinced them that the tttruth" or ctright~~ of any possible situation is not derived from partisan victory but from the needs of the community as an organic whole. A Baha'i community endures without disruption because only spiritual problems can be solved. When human relations are held to be political or social problems they are removed from the realm in which rational will has responsibility and influence. The ultimate result of this degradation of human relationships is the frenzy of desperate strife Ñ the outbreak of inhuman war. [p3] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 3 2. THE RENEWAL OF FAITH Theref ore the Lord of Mankind has caused His holy, divine Manifestations to come into the world. He has revealed His heavenly books in order to establish spiritual brotherhood, and through the power of the Holy Spirit has made it possible for perfect fraternity to be realized among lnankind." Ñ 'ABDU'L-BAHA. In stating that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is an independent religion, two essential facts are implied. The first fact is that the Baha'i Cause historically was not an offshoot of any prior social principle or community. The teachings of Baha'u'llah are no artificial synthesis assembled from the modern library of international truth, which might be duplicated from the same sources. Baha'u'llah created a reality in the world of the soui which never before existed and could not exist apart from I-Jim. The second fact is that the Faith of Baha'u'llah is a religion, standing in the line of true religions: Christianity, Mul2arnmadan Ñ ism, Judaism, and other prophetic Faiths. Its existence, like that of early Christianity, marks the return of faith as a direct and personal experience of the will of God. Because the divine will itself has been revealed in terms of human reality, the followers of Baha'u'llah are confident that their personal limitations can be transformed by an inflow of spiritual reinforcement from the higher world. It is for the privilege of access to the source of reality that they forego reliance upon the darkened self within and the unbelieving society without. The religious education of Baha revolutionizes their inherited attitude toward their own as well as other traditional religions. To Baha'is, religion is the life and teachings of the prophet. By identifying religion with its founder, they exclude from its spiritual reality all those accretions of human definition, ceremony and ritualistic practice emanating from followers required from time to time to make compromise with an unbelieving world. Furthermore, in limiting religion to the prophet they are able to perceive the oneness of God in the spiritual oneness of all the prophets. The Baha'i born into Christianity can wholeheartedly enter into fellowship with the Baha'i born into Muhammadanism because both have come to understand that Christ and Muhammad reflected the light of the one God into the darkness of the world. If certain teachings of Christ differ from certain teachings of Moses or Muhammad, the Baha'is know that all prophetic teachings are divided into two parts: one, consisting of the essential and unalterable principles of love, peace, unity and co6peration, renewed as divine commands in every cycle; the other, consisting of external practices (such as diet, marriage and similar ordinances) conforming to the requirements of one time and place. This Baha'i teaching leads to a profounder analysis of the process of history. The followers of Baha'u'llah derive mental integrity from the realization made so clear and vivid by 'Abdu'l-Baha that true insight into history discloses the uninterrupted and irresistible working of a Providence not denied nor made vain by any measure of human ignorance and unfaith. According to this insight, a cycle begins with the appearance of a prophet or manifestation of God, through whom the spirits of men are revivified and reborn. The rise of faith in God produces a religious community, whose power of enthusiasm and devotion releases the creative elements of a new and higher civilization. This civilization comes to its fruitful autumn in culture and mental achievement, to give way eventually to a barren winter of atheism, when strife and discord bring the civilization to an end. Under the burden of immorality, dishonor and cruelty marking this phase of the cycle, humanity lies helpless until the spiritual leader, the prophet, once more returns in the power of the Holy Spirit. Such is the Baha'i reading of the book of the past. Its reading of the present interprets these world troubles, this general chaos and confusion, as the hour when the renewal of religion is no longer a racial experience, a rebirth of one limited area of human society, but the destined unification of human [p4] THE BAHA'I WORLD ity itself in one faith of their material environment. and one order. It is A human society which by the parable of the has substituted creeds vineyard that Baha'is for religion and armies of the Christian 'West for truth, even as all behold their tradition and ancient prophets foretold, their present spiritual must needs come to abandon reality at last in-separablyits instruments of violence joined, their faith and and undergo purification their social outlook identified,until conscious, humble faith their reverence for the powercan be reborn. of God merged with intelligible grasp [p5] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 5 A Gift of the Guardian to the Baha'is of North America. Some locks of the hair of Baha'u'llah arranged by His daughter, Baha'i Khinum, The Greatest Holy Leaf. These with other sacred relics are preserved in the archives of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar or Baha'i Temple, Wilmette, Ill. [p6] C THE BAHA'I WORLD 3. THE BASIS OF UNITY C rThe best beloved of at1 things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee." Ñ BAHA'U'LLAH. Faith alone, no matter how wholehearted and sincere, affords no basis on which the organic unity of a religious fellowship can endure. The faith of the early Christians was complete, but its degree of inner conviction when projected outward upon the field of action soon disclosed a fatal lack of social principle. Whether the outer expression of love implied a democratic or an aristocratic order, a communal or individualistic society, raised fundamental questions after the crucifixion of the prophet which none had authority to solve. The Baha'i teaching has this vital distinction, that it extends from the realm of conscience and faith to the realm of social action. It confirms the substance of faith not merely as a source of individual development but as a definitely ordered relationship to the community. Those who inspect the Baha'i Cause superficially may deny its claim to be a religion for the reason that it lacks most of the visible marks by which religions are recognized. But in place of ritual or other formal worship it contains a social principle linking people to a community, the loyal observance of which makes spiritual faith coterminous with life itself. The Baha'is, having no professional clergy, f or-bidden ever to have a clergy, understand that religion, in this age, consists in an "attitude toward God reflected in life." They are therefore conscious of no division between religious and secular actions. The inherent nature of the community created by Baha'u'llah has great significance at this time, when the relative values of democracy, of constitutional monarchy, of aristocracy and of communism are everywhere in dispute. Of the Baha community it may be declared definitely that its character does not reflect the communal theory. The rights of the individual are fully safeguarded and the fundamental distinctions of personal endowment natural among all people are fully preserved. Individual rights, however, are interpreted in the light of the supreme law of brotherhood and not made a sanction for selfishness, oppression and indifference. On the other hand, the Baha order is not a democracy in the sense that it proceeds from the complete sovereignty of the people, whose representatives are limited to carrying out the popular will. Sovereignty, in the Baha'i community, is attributed to the Divine prophet, and the elected representatives of the believers in their administrative function look to the teachings of Baha'u'llah for their guidance, having faith that the application of His universal principles is the source of order throughout the community. Every Baha'i administrative body feels itself a trustee, and in this capacity stands above the plane of dissension and is free of that pressure exerted by factional groups. The local community on April 21 of each year elects by universal adult suffrage an administrative body of nine members called the Spiritual Assembly. This body, with reference to all Baha'i matters, has sole power of decision. It represents the collective conscience of the community with respect to Baha'i activities. Its capacity and power are supreme within certain definite limitations. The various local communities unite, through delegates elected annually according to the principle of proportionate representation, in the formation of a National Spiritual Assembly for their country or natural geographical area. This National Spiritual Assembly, likewise composed of nine members, administers all national Baha'i affairs and may assume jurisdiction of any local matter felt to be of more than local importance. Spiritual Assemblies, local and national, combine an executive, a legislative and a judicial function, all within the limits set by the Baha'i teachings. They have no resemblance to religious bodies which can adopt articles of faith and regulate the processes of belief and worship. They are primarily responsible for the maintenance of unity within the Baha'i community and for the release of its collective power in service to the Cause. Membership in the [p7] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 7 Baha'i community is granted, on personal declaration of faith, to adults. Nine National Spiritual Assemblies have come into existence since the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha's in 1921. Each National Spiritual Assembly will, in future, constitute an electoral body in the formation of an International Spiritual Assembly, a consummation which will perfect the administrative order of the Faith and create, for the first time in history, an international tribunal representing a worldwide community united in a single Faith. Baha'is maintain their contact with the source of inspiration and knowledge in the sacred writings of the Faith by continuous prayer, study and discussion. No believer can ever have a finished, static faith any more than he can arrive at the end of his capacity for being. The community has but one meeting ordained in the teachings Ñ the general meeting held every nineteen days, on the first day of each month of nineteen days given in the new calendar established by the BTh. This Nineteen Day Feast is conducted simply and informally under a program divided into three parts. The first part consists in the reading of passages from writings of Baha'u'llah, the BTh and 'Abdu'l-Baha Ñ a devotional meeting. Next follows general discussion of Baha'i activities Ñ the business meeting of the local community. After the consultation, the community breaks bread together and enjoys fellowship. The experience which Baha'is receive through participation in their spiritual world order is unique and cannot be paralleled in any other society. Their status of perfect equality as voting members of a constitutional body called upon to deal with matters which reflect, even though in miniature, the whole gamut of human problems and activities; their intense realization of kinship with believers representing so wide a diversity of races, classes and creeds; their assurance that this unity is based upon the highest spiritual sanction and contributes a necessary ethical quality to the world in this age Ñ all these opportunities for deeper and broader experience confer a privilege that is felt to be the fulfillment of life. [p8] 8 THE BAHA'I WORLD Twilight view of the grave of Baha'i KMnum on Mount Carmel. [p9] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 9 4. THE SPIRIT OF THE NEW DAY er11 man is left in his natural state, he will hecoine lower than the animal and continue to grow more ignorant and imperfect. The savage tribes of Central Africa are evidence of this. Left in their natural condition, they have sunk to the lowest depths and degrees of barbarism, dimly groping in a world of mental and moral obscurity. Cod has purposed that the darkness of the world of nature shall be dispelled and the ins perfect attributes of the natal self be effaced in the effulgent reflection of the Sun of Truth." Ñ 'ABDU'L-BAHA. The complete text of the Baha'i sacred writings has not yet been translated into English, but the present generation of believers have the supreme privilege of possessing the fundamental teachings of Baha'u'llah, together with the interpretation and lucid commentary of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and more recently the exposition made by Shoghi Effendi of the teachings concerning the world order which Baha'u'llah caine to establish. Of special significance to Baha'is of Europe and America is the fact that, unlike Christianity, the Cause of Baha'u'llah rests upon the Prophet's own words and not upon a necessarily incomplete rendering of oral tradition. Furthermore, the commentary and explanation of the Baha'i gospel made by 'Abdu'l-Baha preserves the spirtual integrity and essential aim of the revealed text, with-our the inevitable alloy of human personality which historically served to corrupt the gospel of Jesus and Muhammad. The Baha'i, moreover, has this distinctive advantage, that his approach to the teachings is personal and direct, without the veils interposed by any human intermediary. The works which suppiy the Baha'i teachings to English-reading believers are: CtThe KitTh-i-fq~in" (Book of Certitude), in which Baha'u'llah revealed the oneness of the Prophets and the identical foundation of all true religions, the law of cycles according to which the Prophet returns at intervals of approximately one thousand years, and the nature of faith; CCHidden Words," the essence of truths revealed by Prophets in the past; prayers to quicken the soul's life and draw individuals and groups nearer to God; ccTablets of Baha'u'llah" (Tardz6x, The Tablet of the World, Ka1im~r, Tajalli-yAt, Baha'i, Ishriq~t), which establish social and spiritual principles for the new era; ccTlre Tablets of Baha'u'llah" (Tablet of the Branch, KitAb-i-'Ahd, Lawh-i-Aqdas), the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Interpreter of Baha'u'llah's teachings, theTesta-meat of Baha'u'llah, and His message to the Christians; (cEpistle to the Son of the 'Wolf," addressed to the son of a prominent tr~nian who had been a most ruthless oppressor of the believers, a Tablet which recapitulates many teachings Baha'u'llah had revealed in earlier works; "Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah." The significant Tablets addressed to rulers of Europe and the Orient, as well as to the heads of American Republics, about the year 1870, summoning them to undertake measures for the establishment of Universal Peace, constitute a chapter in the compilation entitled CcBahi~i Scriptures." The largest and most authentic body of Baha'u'llah's Writings in the English language consists of the excerpts chosen and translated by Shoghi Effendi, and published under the title of ccGleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah." This work has replaced CC~~~~j'j Scriptures" as source of study and meditation, for the volume includes the Author's words on a great variety of subjects and has the unique value of the English rendering made by the Guardian of the Faith. In "Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah," Shoghi Effendi has similarly given to the Baha'i Community in recent years a wider selection and a superb rendering of devotional passages revealed by Baha'u'llah. The published writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha are: ccSome Answered Questions," dealing with the lives of the Prophets, the interpretation of Bible prophecies, the nature of man, the true principle of evolution and other philosophic subjects; "Mysterious Forces of Civilization," a work addressed to the people of lr~n about forty years ago to show them the way to sound progress and true civilization; !tTablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha," three volumes of excerpts from letters writ [p10] 10 THE BAHA'I WORLD ten to individual believers and Baha'i communities, which illumine a vast range of subjects; cepromulgation of Universal Peace," in two volumes, from stenographic records of the public addresses delivered by the Master to audiences in Canada and the United States during the year 1912; "The Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha," a similar record of His addresses in Paris; 'Abdu'l-Baha in London"; and reprints of a number of individual Tablets, especially that sent to the Committee for a Durable Peace, The Hague, Holland, in 1919, and the Tablet addressed to the late Dr. Ford of Switzerland. The Will and Testament left by 'Abdu'l-Baha has special significance, in that it provided for the future development of Baha'i administrative institutions and the Guardianship. To these writings is now to be added the book entitled ccBahA~i Administration," consisting of the general letters written by Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause since the Master's death in 1921, which explain the details of the administrative order of the Cause, and his letters on World Order, which make clear the social principles imbedcled in Baha'u'llah's Revelation. These latter letters were in 1938 pub-fished in a volume entitled "The World Order of Baha'u'llah." Here the Guardian defines the relation of the Faith to the current social crisis, and sums up the fundamental tenets of the Baha'i Faith. It is a work which gives to each believer access to a clear insight on the significance of the present era, and the outcome of its international perturbations, incomparably more revealing and at the same time more assuring than the works of students and statesmen in our times. The literature has also been enriched by Shoghi Effendi's recent translation of ttT& Dawn-Breakers," Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the Baha'i Revelation, a vivid eyewitness account of the episodes which resulted from the announcement of the B~b on May 23, 1844. "The Traveller's Narrative," translated from a manuscript given by 'Abdu'l-Baha to the late Prof. Edward G. Browne of Cambridge University, is the only other historical record considered authentic from the Baha'i point of view. When it is borne in mind that the term ccreIigious literature" has come to represent a wide diversity of subject matter, ranging from cosmic philosophy to the psychology of personal experience, from efforts to understand the universe plumbed by telescope and microscope to efforts to discipline the passions and desires of disordered human hearts, it is clear that any attempt to summarize the Baha'i teachings would indicate the limitations of the person making the summary rather than offer possession of a body of sacred literature touching the needs of man and society at every point. The study of Baha'i writings does not lead to any simplified program either for the soiu-tion of social problems or for the development of human personality. Rather should it be likened to a clear light which illumines whatever is brought under its rays, or to spiritual nourishment which gives life to the spirit. The believer at first chiefly notes the passages which seem to confirm his own personal beliefs or treat of subjects close to his own previous training. This natural but nevertheless unjustifiable over Ñ simplification of the nature of the Faith must gradually subside and give way to a deeper realization that the teachings of Baha'u'llah are as an ocean, and all personal capacity is but the vessel that must be refilled again and again. The sum and substance of the faith of Baha'is is not a doctrine, not an organization, but their acceptance of Baha'u'llah as Manifestation of God. In this acceptance lies the mystery of a unity that is general, not particular, inclusive, not exclusive, and limited in its gradual extension by no boundaries drawn in the social world nor arbitrary limitations accepted by habits formed during generations lacking a true spiritual culture. What the believer learns reverently to be grateful for is a source of wisdom to which he may turn for continuous mental and moral development Ñ a source of truth revealing a universe in which man's life has valid purpose and assured realization. Human history begins to reflect the working of a beneficent Providence; the sharp outlines of material sciences gradually fade out in the light of one fundamental science of life; a profounder sociology, connected with the inner life, little by little displaces the super [p11] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 11 ficial economic and political beliefs which like waves dash high an instant only to subside into the moveless volume of the sea. "The divine reality," 'Abdu'l-Baha has said, ~ unthinkable, limitless, eternal, irn Ñ mortal and invisible. The world of creation is bound by natural law, finite and mortal. The infinite reality cannot be said to ascend or descend. It is beyond the understanding of men, and cannot be described in terms which apply to the phenomenal sphere of the created world. Man, then, is in extreme need of the oniy power by which he is able to receive help from the divine reality, that power alone bringing him into contact with the source of all life. "An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each other. Riches and poverty, plenty and need: without an intermediary there could be no relation between these pairs of opposites. So we can say that there must be a Mediator between God and man, and this is none other than the Holy Spirit, which brings the created earth into relation with the tUnthink-able One,' the Divine reality. The Divine reality may be likened to the sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light and warmth of the sun to the earth, giving life to all created things, so do the Manifestations bring the power of the Holy Spirit from the Divine Sun of Reality to give light and life to the souls of men." In expounding the teachings of Baha'u'llah to public audiences in the West, 'Abdu'l-Baha frequently encountered the attitude that, while the liberal religionist might well welcome and endorse such tenets, the Baha teachings after all bring nothing new, since the principles of Christianity contain all the essentials of spiritual truth. The believer whose heart has been touched by the Faith so perfectly exemplified by 'Abdu'l-Baha feels no desire for controversy, but must needs point out the vital difference between a living faith and a passive f or-mula or doctrine. What religion in its renewal brings is first of all an energy to translate belief into life. This impulse, received into the profoundest depths of consciousness, requires no startling ccnewness~~ of concept or theory to be appreciated as a gift from the divine world. It carries its own assurance as a renewal of life itself; it is as a candle that has been lighted, and in comparison with the miracle of light the discussion of religion as a form of belief becomes secondary in importance. Were the Baha'i Faith no more than a true revitalization of the revealed truths of former religions, it would by that quickening quality of inner life, that returning to God, still assert itself as the supreme fact of human experience in this age. For religion returns to earth in order to reestablish a standard of spiritual reality. It restores the quality of human existence, its active powers, when that reality has become overlaid with sterile rites and dogmas which substitute empty shadow for substance. In the person of the Manifestation it destroys all those imitations of religion gradually developed through the centuries and summons humanity to the path of sacrifice and devotion. Revelation, moreover, is progressive as well as periodic. Christianity in its original essence not oniy relighted the candle of faith which, in the years since Moses, had become extinguished Ñ it amplified the teachings of Moses with a new dimension which history has seen exemplified in the spread of faith from tribe to nations and peoples. Baha'u'llah has given religion its world dimension, fulfilling the fundamental purpose of every previous Revelation. His Faith stands at the reality within Christianity, within Muhammadanism, within the religion of Moses, the spirit of each, but expressed in teachings which relate to all mankind. The Baha'i Faith, viewed from within, is religion extended from the individual to embrace humanity. It is religion universalized; its teaching for the individual, spiritually identical with the teaching of Christ, supplies the individual with an ethics, a sociology, an ideal of social order, for which humanity in its earlier stages of development was not prepared. Individual fulfillment has been given an objective social standard of reality, balancing the subjective ideal derived from religion in the past. Baha'u'llah has removed the false distinctions between the "spiritual" and "material" aspects of life, due to which religion has become sepa [p12] 12 THE BAHA'I WORLD rate from science, and morality has been divorced from all social activities. The whole arena of human affairs has been brought within the realm of spiritual truth, in the light of the teaching that materialism is not a thing but a motive within the human heart. The Baha'i learns to perceive the universe as a divine creation in which man has his destiny to fulfill under a beneficent Providence whose aims for humanity are made known through Prophets who stand between man and the Creator. He learns his true relation to the degrees and orders of the visible universe; his true relation to God, to himself, to his fellow man, to mankind. The more he studies the Baha'i teachings, the more he becomes imbued with the spirit of unity, the more vividly he perceives the law of unity working in the world today, indirectly manifest in the failure which has overtaken all efforts to organize the principle of separation and competition, directly manifest in the power which has brought together the followers of Baha'u'llah in East and 'West. He has the assurance that the world's turmoil conceals from worldly minds the blessings long foretold, now forgotten, in the sayings which prophesied the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Sacred Literature of the Baha'i Faith conveys enlightenment. It inspires life, It frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For believers, the Word is not a philosophy to be learned, but the sustenance of being throughout the span of mortal existence. "The Baha'i Faith," Shoghi Effendi stated in a recent letter addressed to a public official, ccrecognizes the unity of God and of His Prophets, upholds the principle of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches that the fundamental purpose of religion is to promote concord and harmony, that it must go hand-in-hand with science, and that it constitutes the sole and ultimate basis of a peaceful, an ordered and progressive society. It inculcates the principle of equal opportunity, rights and privileges for both sexes, advocates compulsory education, abolishes extremes of poverty and wealth, recommends the adoption of an auxiliary international language, and provides the necessary agencies for the establishment and safeguarding of a permanent and universal peace. Those who, even courteously, would dismiss a Faith so firmly based, will have to admit that, whether or not by their test the teachings of Baha'u'llah are crnew~~ the world's present plight is unprecedented, came without warning save in the utterances of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, and day by day draws nearer a climax which strikes terror to the responsible student of current affairs. Humanity itself now seems to share the prison and exile which an unbelieving generation inflicted upon the Glory of God. [p13] AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 13 s. A BACKGROUND OF HEROIC SACRIFICE CrQ My belozied friends! You arc the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You have been chosen as the repositories of His mystery. It behooves each one of you to manifest the attribut&s of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, , His power and glory. Ponder the words of Jesus addressed to His disciples, as He sent then; forth to propagate the Cause of God." Ñ THE RiB. The words of Baha'u'llah differ in the minds of believers from the words of philosophers because they have been given substance in the experience of life itself. The history of the Faith stands ever as a guide and commentary upon the meaning and influence of the written text. This history, unfolded contemporaneously with the rise of science and technology in the West, reasserts the providential element of human existence as it was reasserted by the spiritual consecration and personal suffering of the prophets and disciples of former times. The world of Islim one hundred years ago lay in a darkness corresponding to the most degraded epoch of Europe's feudal age. Between the tipper and nether millstones of an absolutist state and a materialistic church, the people of Pin were ground to a condition of extreme poverty and ignorance. The pomp of the civil and religious courts glittered above the general ruin like firedamp on a rotten log. In that world, however, a few devoted souL stood firm in their conviction that the religion of Muhammad was to be purified by the rise of a spiritual hero whose coming was assured in their interpretation of His gospel. This remnant of the faithful one by one became conscious that in 'Au-Muhammad, since known to history as the Bib (the c!Gate~~) their hopes had been realized, and under the Bib's inspiration scattered themselves as His apostles to arouse the people and prepare them for the restoration of IslAm to its original integrity. Against the Bab and His followers the whole force of church and state combined to extinguish a fiery zeal which soon threatened to bring their structure of power to the ground. The ministry of the BAt covered oniy the six years between 1844 and His martyrdom by a military firing squad in the public square at Tabriz on July 9, 1850. In the Bib's own written message He interpreted His mission to be the fulfillment of past religions and the heralding of a world educator and unifier, one who was to come to establish a new cycle. Most of the Bab's chosen disciples, and many thousands of followers, were publicly martyred in towns and villages throughout the country in those years. The seed, however, had been buried too deep in hearts to be extirpated by any physical instrument of oppression. After the BTh's martyrdom, the weight of official wrath fell upon Flusayn-'Ali, around whom the Bab's centered their hopes. Husayn-'Ali was imprisoned in Tihrin, exiled to Baghdid, from Bagkd~d sent to Constantinople under the jurisdiction of the Suit in, exiled by the Turkish government to Adrianople, and at length imprisoned in the desolate barracks at 'Akka. In 1863, while delayed outside of Bagh-d~d for the preparation of the caravan to be dispatched to Constantinople, Husayn-'Au established His Cause among the Bab's who insisted upon sharing His exile. His declaration was the origin of the Baha'i Faith in which the BAt's Cause was fulfilled. The Bab's who accepted Husayn-'Au as Baha'u'llah (the Glory of God) were fully conscious that His mission was not a development of the Bab movement but a new Cause for which the BTh had sacrificed His life as the first of those who recognized the Manifestation or Prophet of the new age. During forty years of exile and imprisonment, Baha'u'llah expounded a gospd which interpreted the spiritual meaning of ancient scriptures, renewed the reality of faith in God and established as the foundation of human society the principle of the oneness of mankind. This gospel came into being in the form of letters addressed to individual believers and to groups in response to questions, in books of religious laws and princi [p14] 14 THE BAHA'I WORLD pies, and in communications transmitted to the kings and rulers calling upon them to establish universal peace. This sacred literature has an authoritative commentary and interpretation in the text of 'Abdu'l-Baha's writings during the years between Baha'u'llah's ascension in 1892 and 'Abdu'l-Baha's departure in 1921, Baha'u'llah having left a testament naming 'Abdu'l-Baha (His eldest son) as the Interpreter of His Book and the Center of His Covenant. The imprisonment of the Baha'i community at 'AklA ended at last in 1908, when the Young Turks party overthrew the existing political r6ginie. For three years prior to the European War, 'Abdu'l-Baha, then nearly seventy years of age, journeyed throughout Europe and America, and broadcast in public addresses and innumerable intimate gatherings the new spirit of brotherhood and world unity penetrating His very being as the consecrated Servant of Bah4. The significance of 'Abdu'l-Baha's commentary and explana-don is that it makes mental and moral connection with the thoughts and social conditions of both East and West. Dealing with matters of religious, philosophical, ethical and sociological nature, 'Abdu'l-Baha expounded all questions in the light of His conviction of the oneness of God and the providential character of human life in this age. The international Baha'i community, grief-stricken and appalled by its loss of the wise and loving "Master" in 1921, learned with profound gratitude that 'Abdu'l-Baha in a will and testament had provided for the continuance and future development of the Faith. This testament made clear the nature of the Spiritual Assemblies established in the text of Baha'u'llah and inaugurated a new center for the widespread community of believers in the appointment of His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as Guardian of the Baha Faith. During the seventeen years of general confusion since 1921, the Baha'i commxrnity has carried forward the work of internal consolidation and administrative order and has become conscious of its collective responsibility for the promotion of the blessed gospel of Baha'u'llah. In addition to the task of establishing the structure of local and national Spiritual Assemblies, the believers have translated Baha'i literature into many languages, have sent teachers to all parts of the world, and have resumed construction of the Baha'i House of Worship on the shore of Lake Michigan, near Chicago, the completion of which will be impressive evidence of the power of this new Faith. In the general letters issued to the Baha'i community by Shoghi Effendi in order to execute the provisions of 'Abdu'l-Baha's testament, believers have been given what they are confident is the most profound and accurate analysis of the prevailing social disorder and its true remedy in the World Order of Baha'u'llah. [p15] III SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES IN THE EAST AND WEST INTERNATIONAL By HORACE HOLLEY THE period from April, 1938, to April, 1940, represented in the present volume, brought humanity to that stage in the destruction of a long historic cycle when inner incompatibility, prejudice, fear and ambition seize upon the instruments of civilization and employ the terms of political and economic policy in order to render to violence its supreme expression. The trend became fixed and irrevocable. Failing to yield itself to the divine Will, human will became victim to that frenzy which is the more sinister because it is no longer primitive excitement but the crystallization of implacable formulas of collective power. The individual consciousness is not scaled to such vast areas of experience. Spiritually little men raise up artificial formulas to serve as substitutes for the essential truths uttered by the Prophet as He walks among men. The condition was defined by these words in a cablegram from the Guardian of the Cause received in America August 30, 1939: ctShades (of) night, descending (upon) imperilled humanity, inexorably deepening." Dark, encircling night, witnessing the setting of all the illumined heavenly bodies which had brought light to mankind in the past, hopeless of any new dawn, the state in which man learns that he must confront his own ignorance and his own evil! What more can the civilized man do for himself and for others when the ends, the issues and the plans of existence have been seized from his grasp by Caesar and his legions? What more can the loyal follower of a sectarian creed accomplish for himself, his church or his neighbors when the ancestral world which the creed might have fitted is utterly abandoned, an empty house fallen to decay? How long can the stronger, cleverer few hope to fish in troubled waters when the hurricane engulfs even the dry land and dashes ships of steel against houses of stone? "(The) long-predicted world-encircling conflagation, essential prerequisite (to) world unification, (is) inetorably moving to its appointed climax," the Guardian cabled a few months later, in 1940. Immersed in such a vast movement of destiny, knowing that in this crisis there is no escape by migration, discovery, even by conquest and seizure, the Baha'i at moments turns back to significant pictures by which human feeling attempts to grasp the meaning of times, peoples and civilizations. One of these pictures reveals the image of an inhuman god, enthroned by a powerful priesthood high above the people, his belly a smoking fire, his worship the sacrifice of children torn from their mothers' arms. Another uncovers the rising waters of the great flood, inch by inch submerging every safety and every stronghold which mankind has built for protection against its foes. One sees, finally, the Figure of the Holy One walking on earth, asserting truth and love against every human argument and condition, the miracle of history, shepherding the lowly and sincere into His Kingdom, judging and condemning the cruel, the truthiess, the deniers. Never in all recorded time has a destined destruction of civilization been stayed by any of the institutions, secular or religious, through which the civilization has developed to the degree of external glory and inner decay. All that has fed upon the civilization 15 [p16] GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION TEMPLE of RELIGION BAHA HOUSE OF WORSHIP WILMETTE. ILL[NOIS DEDICATED TO THE UNITY OF RELIGION AND THE ONENESS OF MANKIND LENT DY THE SPIRiTUAL ASSEMBLY oF THE DAE-IAIS OF SAN FRANCISCO 16 THE BAHA'I WORLD Descriptive Card for Baha'i Exhibit Prepared by Directors of Temple of Religion. [p17] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 17 and exploited the weakness of its peoples, all that has attained influence and power for its own ends, all that depends directly or indirectly upon its injustice, goes down with the collapse of the civilization as parasites go down with the dying tree. For wars and revolutions to come, there must be a succession of awful prior defeats in the world of the soui. There must be abdications of truth and righteousness, there must be prostitutions of public privilege and power, there must be accommodations entered into with despoilers of the people. One by one the mighty walls raised by the people of faith must be undermined by creed, ceremony and policy before the hosts of the destroyers can enter the city gates. The work of evil goes on unchecked and unnoticed when leaders are busy in disputes concerning the priorities of institutional religion. At last the process culminates in necessity to uphold immoral public policy in the guise of programs for crisis. At last, having abandoned voluntary effort to remain true to the Faith of God, it becomes imperative for the multitudes to perform what their faith had originally condemned. Definitions of necessity are a last vain effort of man to remain rational when he has betrayed the true aim and function of reason. No concentration of social force nor combination of moribund institutions can restore the youthful vigor and integrity that have been lost. The spirit creates the social institutions needed for accomplishing tasks concerned with the development of one historic era. When the tool has done its work, and different instruments are needed, the institutions are destroyed by that same spirit, which then is engaged in creating new and more effective tools. But faith is the capacity to live positively in and through conditions which to the denier seem to be utterly irreconcilable and mutually exclusive, The beginnings and the ends of all things on earth are matters of faith. The tenderest love which the Prophet can convey, and the violence of war itself, can to the man of faith be one and the same mystery. The outcome of the trend when the power of destruction is manifest discloses the true nature of the prevalent human qualities and attitudes. Destruction is never merely the expression of one evil party in relation to another innocent party, for the outcome rests upon prior indifference and non-action as much as upon explosive ambition. The passive unwillingness of a great body of cui-tured, humane and civilized people in many countries to exert themselves sufficiently to establish either justice for their own poor or collective security for all nations, weak or powerful, provided the opportunity for the active forces to work. Those who build an anvil may deny having built the hammer, but in action the anvil and the hammer are one instrument and one function. That is why, in a time like the present, there can be so much apparent good and so much innocence, such wonderful virtues and such heroic suffering. Praiseworthy in relation to ethical standards of the past, they nevertheless did not suffice to stay the hand of the great destroyers. The eventual outcome of events is their condemnation. But destruction itself is part of that larger order whose dynamic form is growth. The Baha'is find in their Faith complete assurance that this outer darkness will end and the light of spiritual knowledge cover the earth. By the elimination of the social patterns, which have become agencies of destruction, and the refutation of the human loyalties which serve to organize and perpetuate prejudice of race, creed, class and nation, the creative spirit sent down through Baha'u'llah will gradually disclose its own world pattern and establish it with the authority of truth and discipline in the hearts of men. Thus these passing years have to the Baha'i revealed as never before the constructive nature of the new Dispensation. In his soul and in his religious community he can perceive reflections of world order and justice the essence of which shines brilliantly from the teachings of Baha'u'llah above the clouds of war. The problem of reconciling his relations to the two worlds of past and future the Baha'i has been able to solve by applying the instruction cabled by the Guardian on September 24, 1938: "Lit (to the) world order (of) Baha'u'llah, (the) security (of) its basic institutions, both imperatively demand (that) [p18] 18 THE BAHA'I WORLD all its avowed supporters, particularly its champion builders (on the) American continent, in these days when sinister, uncontrollable forces are deepening (the) cleavage sundering peoples, nations, creeds, (and) classes, resolve, despite (the) pressure (of a) fast crystallizing public opinion, (to) abstain, individually (and) collectively, in word (and) action, informally as well as in all official utterances (and) publications, from assigning blame, (or) taking sides, however indirectly, in (the) recurring political crises now agitating (and) ultimately engulfing human society." And, a few months prior to the outbreak of hostilities, to prepare the believers for the future ordeal: "Fresh, ominous rumblings demonstrate (the) inevitability (and) foreshadow (the) approach (of the) final eruption involving (the) dissolution (of a) lamentably defective international order." The mission of the Baha'is at this crucial time was emphasized again by the Guardian in his letter addressed to the American National Spiritual Assembly on May 22, 1939: "The Edifice of this New World Order, which the Bib has heralded, which the mind of Baha'u'llah has envisioned, and whose features 'Abdu'l-Baha, its Architect, has delineated, we, whatever our capacities, opportunities or position, are now, at so precarious a period in the world history, summoned to found and erect. The community of the Most Great Name in the 'Western Hemisphere is, through the nature of its corporate life and the scope of its exertions, assuming, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a preponderating share in the laying of such a foundation and the erection of such a structure. The eyes of its sister communities are fixed upon it. Their prayers ascend on its behalf. Their hands are outstretched to lend whatever aid lies within their power. I, for my part, am determined to reinforce the impulse that impels its members forward to meet their destiny. The Founders of their Faith survey from the Kingdom on high the range of their achievements, acclaim their progress, and are ever ready to speed their eventual triumph. "Far be it from me to underrate the gi gantic proportions of their task, nor do I for one moment overlook the urgency and gravity of the times in which they are laboring. Nor do I wish to minimize the hazards and trials that surround or lie ahead of them. The grandeur of their task is indeed commensurate with the mortal perils by which their generation is hemmed in. As the dusk creeps over a steadily sinking society the radiant outlines of their redemptive mission become sharper every day. The present world unrest, symptom of a worldwide malady, their world religion has already affirmed, must needs culminate in that world catastrophe out of which the consciousness of world citizenship will be born, a consciousness that can alone provide an adequate basis for the organization of world unity, on which a lasting world peace must necessarily depend, the peace itself inaugurating in turn that world civilization which will mark the coming of age of the entire human race. By such words has the Guardian of a spiritual world community made it evident that capacity for collective action and initiative has for a time been centered in North America, whose believers are, until the present trend has been fulfilled, to feel themselves as trustees for their fellow-workers in other lands, endeavoring, by the reinforcement of this sacred mission, to serve them and to represent them as though the outer association continued to be as close and complete as the association of their spirits. BLESSED REMAINS OF PUREST BRANCH AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S MOTHER TRANSFERRED TO MOUNT CARMEL In the development of the Baha'i world community, the source of spiritual power and guidance, as well as the central institutions, is established at Mount Carmel, Palestine. There beats the heart of the Faith, there is concentrated its mind and there operates its will. 'Whatever makes for the evolution of its World Center becomes an influence felt throughout the Faith. The period under survey has been blessed by a great and mysterious event, the transfer of the remains of the two holy beings, the brother and mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha, to the hallowed precincts of the Shrines on Mount [p19] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 19 Carmel. On Christmas eve, 1939, as the Baha'is were informed by the Guardian in a cabled message, the beloved remains were laid in state in the Mb's Tomb, and on the following day a profoundly moving ceremony was carried out in the presence of believers come from centers of the Near East, when the remains were reinterred near the resting place of the revered Baha'i KhAnum, the Greatest Holy Leaf. Thus was consummated the reuniting at the focal center of Baha'i institutions, of the earthly remains of the three figures who, in the Guardian's words, (ctower above the entire concourse of the faithful." ttThe transfer of the sacred remains," he further stated, "constitute, apart from their historic associations and the tender sentiments they arouse, events of such capital institutional significance as only future happenings, steadily and mysteriously unfolding at the world center of our Faith, can adequately demonstrate.~~ Bitter and determined efforts had been made by enemies within the family of Baha'u'llah, those members who had violated the Center of Baha'u'llah's Covenant, 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha, to prevent the moving of the remains from their original grave. ttThe circumstances attending the consummation of this long, this profoundly cherished hope were no less significant," the Guardian explained in a detailed letter dated December 21, 1939. "The swiftness and suddenness with which so delicate and weighty an undertaking was conducted; the surmounting of various obstacles which the outbreak of war and its inevitable repercussions necessarily engendered; the success of the long-drawn out negotiations which the solution of certain preliminary problems imposed; the execution of the plan in the face of the continued instability and persistent dangers following the fierce riots that so long and so violently rocked the Holy Land and despite the smouldering fire of animosity kindled in the breasts of ecciesiastics and Covenant-breakers alike Ñ all combined to demonstrate, afresh and with compelling power, the invincible might of the Cause of Baha'u'llah." For the American believers, and no doubt for those in other countries as well, these events served to deepen their understanding of certain mysteries attending the coming of the Manifestation to earth. These high matters were unfolded in the letter from Shoghi Effendi already cited. "For it must be clearly understood, nor can it be sufficiently emphasized, that the conjunction of the restingplace of the Greatest Holy Leaf with those of her brother and mother incalculably reinforces the spiritual potencies of that consecrated Spot which, under the wings of the Bib's overshadowing Sepulchre, and in the vicinity of the future Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, which will be reared on its flank, is destined to evolve into the focal center of those world-shaking, world-embracing, world-directing administrative institutions, ordained by Baha'u'llah and anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and which are to function in consonance with the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice." "the association of these three incomparably precious souls in such a potentially powerful spiritual and administrative Center is in itself an event which will release forces that are bound to hasten the emergence in a land which, geographically, spiritually and administratively, constitutes the heart of the entire planet, of some of the brightest gems of that World Order now shaping in the womb of this travailing age." Concerning the loftiness of the beings whose spiritual capacity can release such forces, we have these excerpts from the writings of Baha'u'llah. "Happy art thou in that thou hast been faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament, until thou didst sacrifice thyself before the face of thy Lord, the Almighty, the Unconstrained. Thou, in truth, hast been wronged, and to this testifieth the Beauty of Him, the Self-Subsisting. Thou didst, in the first days of thy life, bear that which caused all things to groan, and made every pillar to tremble. Happy is the one that remembereth thee, and draweth nigh, through thee, unto God, the Creator of the Morn. I have, 0 my Lord, offered up that which Thou hast given Me, that Thy servants may be quickened and all that dwell on earth be united." In such words Baha'u'llah wrote testimony to the Purest Branch, His son, who sacrificed his life that the Baha'is, separated [p20] 20 THE BAHA'I WORLD Section of the ornamentation of the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Ill., presented by the American Baha'is to be placed in the gardens surrounding the tomb of the BTh on Mt. Carmel. [p21] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 21 from Baha'u'llah, might have access to Him in the Prison at 'Akka. Of the mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha, His own wife, the Most Exalted Leaf, Baha'u'llah wrote: ccTho art the one whom God created to arise and serve His own Self, and the Manifestation of His Cause, and the DaySpring of His Revelation, and the Dawning-Place of His signs, and the Source of His commandments; and who so aided thee that thou didst turn with thy whole being unto Him, at a time when His servants and handmaidens had turned away from His Face...."" 0 NavyTh! 0 Leaf that hath sprung from My Tree, and been My corn-panion! My glory be upon thee, and My lovingkindness, and My mercy that hath surpassed all beings. 'Abdu'l-Baha added these words: CCAS to thy question concerning the 34th chapter of Isaiah. This chapter refers to the Most Exalted Leaf, the mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha. As a proof of this it is said: tFor more are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife.' Reflect upon this statement, and then upon the following: CAd thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.' And truly the humiliation and reproach which she suffered in the path of God is a fact which no one can refute. For the calamities and afflictions mentioned in the whole chapter are such afflictions which she suffered in the path of God, all of which she endured with patience and thanked God therefor and praised Him, because He had enabled her to endure afflictions for the sake of Bah~." THE PASSING OF MUNIRJH KHANUM During the annual Convention of 1938, on April 30, the American Baha'is received this message from the Guardian: CCHOLY Mother, Munirih KMnum, ascended (to) AbM Kingdom. With sorrowful hearts (the) Baha'is (the) world over recall divers phases (of) her rich, eventful life marked by unique services which by virtue (of) her exalted position she rendered during (the) darkest days (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha's life." In reverent honor to this noble spirit, the Baha'is devoted a session of the Convention to a special gathering in the auditorium of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar devoted to medita-don and prayer. They were conscious that a link with the Apostolic days of their Faith had broken, a generation of mighty believers in her had passed away, and that it is now for those serving in the days of the first Guardianship to labor in deeper consecration because such souis as this have lived and marked the path of sacrifice, of devotion and of fidelity for those who have come after them. Munirih Kknum was given burial tinder the shadow of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf. In Memories of My Life, published fifteen years ago, the believers have her own exquisite story of her unique experiences. PROGRESS OF THE TEACHING PLAN IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA Upon the believers of North America destiny has laid a special task and to them entrusted a special mission during these years of international turmoil when religious groups in so many countries are denied freedom of action. This mission has been strongly emphasized and precisely defined by the Guardian of the Faith in successive letters and cablegrams since 1936. Sot-ne of those references written during the period devoted to THE BAHA'I WORLD, VII are repeated here in order to give more complete development to this crucial subject. (The) Dawn-Breakers (in) previous age have on Persian soil signalized by their acts (the) birth (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah. Might not American believers, their spiritual descendants, prove themselves in turn capable (of) ushering in on world scale the civilization of which that Faith is (the) direct source and sole begetter." Ñ Ñ October 29, 1936. "The promulgation of the Divine Plan, unveiled by our departed Master in the darkest days of one of the severest ordeals which humanity has ever experienced, is the key which Providence has placed in the hands of the American believers whereby to unlock the doors leading them to fulfil thoir unimaginably glorious Destiny. As the proclamation of the Message reverberates throughout the land, as its resistless march gathers momentum, as the field of its operation [p22] 22 THE BAHA'I WORLD widens, and the numbers of its upholders and champions multiply, its potentialities will correspondingly unfold, exerting a most beneficent influence not oniy on every community throughout the Baha'i world, but on the immediate fortunes of a travailing society." Ñ November 14, 1936. "Dual gift Providentially conferred (upon) American Baha'i community invests recipients with dual responsibility fulfil historic mission. First, prosecute uninterruptedly teaching campaign inaugurated (at) last Convention in accordance (with) Divine Plan. Second, resume with inflexible determination exterior ornamentation (of) entire structure (of) Temple. Advise ponder message conveyed (to) delegates (through) esteemed coworker, Fred Schopflocher. No triumph can more befittingly signalize termination (of) first century (of) Baha'i era than accomplishment (of) this twofold task." Ñ May 1, 1937. etBiest and honored as none among its sister communities has been in recent years, preserved through the inscrutable dispensations of Divine Providence for a destiny which no mind can yet imagine, such a community cannot for a moment afford to be content with or rest on the laurels it has so deservedly won. It must go on, continually go on, exploring fresh fields, scaling nobler heights, laying firmer foundations, shedding added splendor and achieving added renown in the service and for the glory of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. The seven year plan which it has sponsored and with which its destiny is so closely interwoven, must at all costs be prosecuted wiith increasing force and added consecration. All should arise and participate." Ñ November 25, 1937. "The outposts of a Faith, already persecuted in both Europe and Asia, are in the American continent steadily advancing, the visible symbols of its undoubted sovereignty are receiving fresh luster every day and its manifold institutions are driving their Toots deeper and deeper into its soil. "For no less than six consecutive years this twofold and stupendous enterprise, which has been set in operation, must, if the American believers are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling, be wisely conducted, continually reinforced and energeti caHy prosecuted to its very end. Severe and unprecedented as may be the internal tests and ordeals which the members of this Community may yet experience, however tragic and momentous the external happenings which might well disrupt the fabric of the society in which they live, they must not throughout these six remaining years, allow themselves to be deflected from the course they are now steadily pursuing. Nay, rather, as the impelling forces which have set in motion this mighty undertaking acquire added momentum and its potentialities are more fully manifested, they who are responsible for its success must as time goes on evince a more burning enthusiasm, demonstrate a higher sense of solidarity, reveal greater depths of consecration to their task, and display a more unyielding determination to achieve its purpose. Then, and oniy then, will the pleas, the hopes and wishes of 'Abdu'l-Baha, eternally enshrined in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, be worthily acknowledged and fulfilled. crLet your exertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold" is the earnest appeal voiced by Him in those Tablets. Crsummon the people," He exhorts them, er~~ these countries, capitals, islands, assemblies and churches, to enter the Abhd Kingdom. The scofte of yoitr exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range the more striking will be the evidences of Divine assistance." Cf The moment," He solemnly affirms, Crthis Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australasia this corn-nn.rnity will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. ... Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness." The Seven Year Plan, to which every American believer is fully and irrevocably pledged, during the closing years of the First Century of the Baha'i Era, is in itself but an initial stage in the unfoldment of 'Abdu'l-Baha's vision of America's spiritual destiny Ñ a destiny which oniy those who will have successfully accomplished this preliminary task can enable the rising generation who will labor after them to fulfil in the course of the succeeding century." Ñ April 14, 1938. [p23] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 23 "The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must leaven the lump, the chosen remnant that must survive the rolling up of the old, discredited, tottering order, and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute. The American believers, standard-bearers of this worldwide community and torchbearers of an as yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners and stepped into the arena of service. Their Plan has been formulated. Their forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal. The hosts of the Abbas Kingdom are rushing forth, as promised, to direct their steps and reinforce their power. Through their initial victories they have provided the impulse that must now surge and, with relentless force sweep over their sister-communities and eventually overpower the entire human race. The generality of mankind, blind and enslaved, is wholly unaware of the healing power with which this community has been endowed, nor can it as yet suspect the role which this same community is destined to play in its redemption." Ñ July 5, 1938. CcTh marked deterioration in world affairs, the steadily deepening gloom that envelops the storm-tossed peoples and nations of the Old World, invest the Seven-year Plan, now operating in both the northern and southern American continents, with a significance and urgency that cannot be overestimated. Conceived as the supreme agency for the establishment, in the opening century of the Baha'i Era, of what is but the initial stage in the progressive realization of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Plan for the American believers, this enterprise, as it extends its ramifications throughout the entire New World, is demonstrating its power to command all the resources and utilize all the facilities which the machinery of a labori-ousiy evolved Administrative Order can place at its disposal. However we view its aspects, it offers in its functioning a sharp contrast to the workings of the moribund and obsolescent institutions to which a perverse generation is desperately clinging. Tempestuous are the winds that buffet and will, as the days go by, fiercely assail the very structure of the Order through the agency of which this twofold task is being performed. The potentialities with which an almighty Providence has endowed it will no doubt enable its promoters to achieve their purpose. Much, however, will depend upon the spirit and manner in which that task will be conducted. Through the clearness and steadiness of their vision, through the unvitiated vitality of their belief, through the incorruptibility of their character, through the adamantine force of their resolve, the matchless superiority of their aims and purpose, and the unsurpassed range of their accomplishments, they who labor for the glory of the Most Great Name throughout both Americas can best demonstrate to the visionless, faithless and restless society to which they belong their power to proffer a haven of refuge to its members in the hour of their realized doom. Then and oniy then will this tender sapling, embedded in the fertile soil of a Divinely appointed Administrative Order, and energized by the dynamic processes of its institutions, yield its richest and destined fruit." Ñ September 10, 1938. "Recent swift progress (of) Temple ornamentation prompts me entreat American Community (to) focus immediate attention (and) center energies (upon) corresponding acceleration (in the) Teaching enterprise formulated (in) Seven Year Plan. Final phase (in) construction (of) Mashriqu'l-Adhkar already entered. Initial stage (in the) inaugurated Teaching Campaign still untraversed. End (of) First Century rapidly approaching. Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Manitoba (and) Nova Scotia still unsettled. Universal, prolonged intensification (in) pioneer activity (is the) crying need (of this) fateful hour. (The) establishment (of) one resident believer (in) each virgin territory (is the) precondition (to the) full launching (of the) subsequent, eagerly-anticipated stage aiming (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) Southern Half (of the) Western Hemisphere. (The) Concourse on high expectantly await, ready (to) assist (and) acclaim (the) nine holy souls who, independently or as deputies, will promptly, fearlessly volunteer (to) forsake (their) homes, cast away (their) attachments (and) definitely settle (in) these territories (to) [p24] Two Views of the Haziratu'1 Ñ Quds The recently inaugurated headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, adjacent to the Baha'i Temple, Wilmette, Illinois. 24 [p25] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 25 lay firm anchorage (of the) Administrative Order (of this) undefeatable Faith." Ñ January 26, 1939. (cNllhed Central American campaign marks official inauguration (of) long-deferred World Mission constituting 'Abdu'l-Baha's distinctive legacy (to the) Baha'i Community (of) North America. Chosen Community broadening its basis, gaining (in) stature, deepening (in) consecration. Its vanguard now entering arena nionopo-lized (by) entrenched forces (of) Christendom's mightiest ecclesiastical institutions. Laboring amidst race foreign in language, custom, temperament embracing vast proportion (of) New World's ethnic elements. American believers' isolated oversea teaching enterprises hitherto tentative, intermittent, now at end. New epoch opening, demanding exertions incomparably more strenuous, unflinchingly sustained, centrally directed, systematically organized, efficiently conducted. Upon alacrity, tenacity, fearlessness (of) present prosecutors (of the) unfolding mission depend speedy (and) fullest revelation, in the First (and) Second Centuries, (of the) potentialities (of the) birthright conferred (upon) American believers." Ñ May 28, 1939. CtThe association of the First Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the West with the hallowed memories of the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother, recently re-interred under the shadow of the BTh's holy Shrine, inaugurates a new, and at long last the final phase of an enterprise which, thirty years ago, was providentially launched on the very day the remains of the Forerunner of our Faith were laid to rest by our beloved Master in the sepulchre specifically erected for that purpose on Mt. Carmel. The birth of this holy enterprise, pregnant with such rich, such infinite possibilities, synchronized with, and was consecrated through, this historic event which, as 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself has affirmed, constitutes the most signal act of the triple mission He had been prompted to perform. The site of the Temple itself was honored by the presence of Him Who, ever since this enterprise was initiated, had, through His messages and Tablets, bestowed upon it His special attention and care, and surrounded it with the marks of His unfail ing solicitude. Its foundation-stone was laid by His own loving hands, on an occasion so moving that it has come to be regarded as one of the most stirring episodes of His historic visit to the North American continent. Its superstructure was raised as a direct consequence of the pent-up energies which surged from the breasts of 'Abdu'l-Baha's lovers at a time when His sudden removal from their midst had plunged them into consternation, bewilderment and sorrow. Its external ornamentation was initiated and accelerated through the energizing influences which the rising and continually consolidating institutions of a divinely established Administrative Order had released in the midst of a community that had identified its vital interests with that Temple's destiny. The measures devised to hasten its completion were incorporated in a Plan which derives its inspiration from those destiny-shaping Tablets wherein, in bold relief, stands outlined the world mission entrusted by their Author to the American Baha' i community. And finally, the Fund, designed to receive and dispose of the resources amassed for its prosecution, was linked with the memory and bore the name of her whose ebbing life was brightened and cheered by those tidings that unmistakably revealed to her the depth of devotion and the tenacity of purpose which animate the American believers in the cause of their beloved Temple. And now, while the Baha'i world vibrates with emotion at the news of the transfer of the precious remains of both the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother to a spot which, watched over by the Twin Holy Shrines and in the close neighborhood of the rcsting Ñ place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, is to become the focus of the administrative institutions of the Faith at its world center, the mere act of linking the destiny of so far-reaching an undertaking with so significant an event in the Formative Period of our Faith will assuredly set the seal of complete triumph upon, and enhance the spiritual potentialities of, a work so significantly started and so magnificently executed by the followers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent." Ñ December 30, 1939. (The) stupendous struggle now convulsing (the) major part (of the) European [p26] 26 THE BAHA'I WORLD continent (is) progressively revealing (the) ominous features, (and) increasingly assuin-ing (the) proportions, (of the) titanic upheaval foreshadowed seventy years ago (by the) prophetic pen (of) Baha'u'llah. (The) disruptive forces associated (with) humanity's world-shaking ordeal (are) cioseiy interrelated (with the) constructive potentialities inherent (in the) American believers' Divinely-ordained Plan. Both (are) directly hastening (the) emergence (of the) spiritual World Order stirring (in the) womb (of a) travailing age. (I) entreat (the) American Baha'i Community, whatever (the) immediate or distant repercussions (of the) present turmoil on their own continent, however violent its impact (upon the) World Center (of) their Faith, (to) pledge themselves anew, before (the) Throne (of) Baha'u'llah, (to) discharge, with unswerving aim, unfailing courage, invincible vigor, exemplary fidelity (and) ever-deepening consecration, (the) dual responsibility soi-emnly undertaken under (the) Seven Year Plan. (I) implore them (to) accelerate (their) efforts, increase (their) vigilance, deepen (their) unity, multiply (their) heroic feats, maintain (their) distant outposts (in the) teaching field (of) Latin America, (and) expedite (the) termination (of the) last stage (in the) ornamentation (of the) Temple. (I am) praying continually (with) redoubled fervor." Ñ June 13, 1940. (The) long-predicted world-encircling conflagration, essential prerequisite (to) world unification, (is) inexorably moving (to its) appointed climax. Its fires, first lit (in the) Far East, subsequently ravaging Europe (and) enveloping Africa, now threaten devastation both (in) Near East (and) Far 'West, respectively enshrining (the) World Center and (the) chief remaining Citadel (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah. (The) Divinely-appointed Plan must (and) will likewise pursue undeflected (its) predestined course. Time (is) pressing. (The) settlement (of the) two remaining Latin Republics, (the) sounder consolidation through formation (of) firmly-knit groups in newly-opened territories, (the) provision (of) adequate means (for the) ornamentation (of) last six faces (of) first story (of) Temple, stand out (as) vital requirements (of) approaching supremely challenging hour." Ñ July 21, 1940. Finally, in The Advent of Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi has given a more extensive exposition to the theme. The following excerpts are taken from that work: !cSuperb and irresistible as is the beauty of the First Mashriqu'1 Adlikir of the West •it should be regarded as no more than an instrument for the more effective propagation of the Cause "In this respect it should be viewed in the same light as the administrative institutions of the Faith which are designed as vehicles for the proper dissemination of its ideals, its tenets, and its verities. "It is to the teaching requirements of the Seven Year Plan that the community •must henceforth direct their careful and sustained attention. (CT teach should at no time be regarded as the exclusive concern or sole privilege of Baha'i administrative institutions. CtHO often have the lowliest adherents been capable of winning victories for their Cause. teThe field so immense, the period so critical, the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short, the privilege so priceless, that no follower can afford a moment's hesitation. "So precious an opportunity may never again recur. Now is the time, the appointed time, for the American believers to proclaim, through the agencies and channels of a specially designed Administrative Order, their capacity and readiness to rescue a fallen and sore-tried generation. CtThe teaching campaign acquires an importance that can not be overestimated. (CLaunched through the creative energies released by the Will of 'Abdu'l-Baha it must be carried out in conformity with certain principles. "Those who participate must thoroughly familiarize themselves with the • history and teachings study the literature delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit [p27] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 27 to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration keep abreast of its current affairs. "They must obtain a sound knowledge of IslAm. "They must, whenever they contemplate any specific mission in the countries of Latin America acquire a certain proficiency in the languages of those countries. "NO participator of this inter-American campaign must feel that the initiative must rest solely with those agencies, whether Assemblies or committees, whose concern is this vital objective. t~It is the bounden duty of every American believer to initiate, promote and consolidate, within the limits fixed by the administrative principles any activity he or she deems fit to undertake. "Neither should the threatening world situation, nor lack of material resources, of mental equipment, of knowledge, or of experience deter any prospective pioneer teacher. CtHaving on his own initiative resolved to arise let him carefully consider every avenue of approach survey the possibilities devise such methods as association with clubs or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations. "Let him preserve its dignity, and station safeguard the integrity of its laws and principles decide the suitability of either the direct or indirect method of teaching. ttLet him shower kindness upon the seeker refrain at the outset from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain Let him, as soon as that stage (maturity of faith) has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its (the Baha'i community's) life. CCLet every participator bear in mind the necessity of keeping in close and constant touch with those responsible agencies designed to direct, coordinate, and facilitate the teaching activities of the entire community. ttThey should, through constant interchange of ideas, through letters, circulars, reports, bulletins insure the smooth and speedy functioning of the teaching machinery of their Administrative Order. CCUPOn every participator rests the spiritual obligation to make of the mandate of teaching the all-pervading concern of his life. "If he be member of any Spiritual Assembly let him encourage his Assembly to consecrate a certain part of its time to. consideration of such ways and means as may foster the campaign of teaching. tcIf he attends his summer school let him consider such an occasion as a precious opportunity to enrich his knowledge. tcLet him seek through inter-community visits to stimulate the zeal for teaching. ~cLet any one who feels the urge direct in particular the attention of the Negro, the Indian, the Eskimo, and Jewish races to his Faith. "Let those holding administrative positions bear in mind the vital and urgent necessity of insuring the formation of groups and enable these nuclei to evolve into properly functioning Assemblies. "To implant the banner of Baha'u'llah in the heart of these virgin territories, to erect the structural basis of His Administrative Order in their cities and villages constitute the first and most significant step. "These undertakings require on the part of the National Spiritual Assembly and of both the National Teaching and Inter-America Committees, painstaking investigations preparatory to the sending of settlers and itinerant teachers ttThe number of Baha'i teachers, be they settlers or travelers, must be substantially increased. "The material resources to be placed at their disposal must be multiplied, and efficiently administered. "The literature with which they should be equipped must be vastly augmented. "The publicity that should aid them in the distribution of such literature should be [p28] 28 THE BAHA'I WORLD extended, centrally organized, and vigorously conducted. (CThe possibilities latent in these countries should be diligently exploited, and systematically developed. ttThe various obstacles raised by the widely-varying political and social conditions should be closely surveyed and determinedly surmounted. ~tThe careful translation of such important Baha'i writings as are related to the history, the teachings, or the Administrative Order of the Faith, and their wide and systematic dissemination would appear to be the chief and most urgent measures to be taken simultaneously with the arrival of the pioneer workers in those fields. ttln countries where no objections can be raised by the civil authorities or any influential circles, this measure should be reinforced by the publication, in various organs of the Press, of carefully worded articles and letters, designed to impress upon the general public certain features of the stirring history of the Faith, and the range and character of its teachings. c(Every laborer in those fields, whether as traveling teacher or settler, should make it his chief and constant concern to mix, in a friendly manner, with all sections of the population study the approach best suited to them, to concentrate on a few and to endeavor to implant such iove, zeal and devotion in their hearts as to enable them to become in turn self-sufficient and independent promoters of the Faith in their respective localities. C(An effort can and should be made, not oniy by representative Baha'i bodies, but also by prospective teachers, as well as by other individual believers to seize every opportunity to make the ac-quaintence, and awaken the genuine interest, of such people who are either citizens of these countries, or are in any way connected with them "C should be exercised lest in their eagerness to further the international interests of the Faith they frustrate their purpose, and turn away, through any act that might be misconstrued as an attempt to proselytize and bring undue pressure upon them, those whom they wish to win over to their Cause. CCJ would particularly direct my appeal to those American believers who may find it possible, whatever be their calling or employment to establish permanently their residence in such countries as may offer them a reasonable prospect of earning the means of livelihood. t~Shou1d they find it impossible to take advantage of so rare and sacred a privilege, let them determine to appoint a deputy who, on that believer's behalf, will arise and carry out so noble an enterprise. CCA to those who have been able to leave their homes and country a special duty • devolves upon them to keep in constant touch with the National Committee specifically entrusted with the promotion of their work, and to cooperate with their fellow-believers in those countries. For the reports of the actions taken in carrying out the teaching plans adopted in the light of the mission conferred upon the American Baha'is we turn to the admirable reports prepared by the Inter-America and Teaching Committees for the year 193 81939 and the year 19391940. INTER-AMERICA TEACHING 193 81939 CCA brief account of the several journeys that have been made during the Baha'i year by various believers are herein outlined. Many details must be omitted which we would like to give if space allowed, but it is hoped that their example may be tripled in the near future, and that the record of pioneers, following Shoghi Effendi's ~tAdvent of Divine Justice," will be by next year a volume. ~A1though Mr. and Mrs. Ward Caihoon' visit to Cuba was made before the Convention of 1938, the account of it did not reach the Inter-America Chairman in time to include it last year, but because of its interest and value to us all it is included now. was the intention of our Baha'i friends to visit the West Indies, but when they arrived in Florida and realized the length of time such a trip would take, they [p29] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 29 gave it up and decided on Cuba instead. They knew no one there and applied to a travel agency, but were not led to accept their offer; feeling that guidance was necessary, they waited until they felt drawn toward a particular agency. Here they met Dr. Margolis, President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, who all unasked answered their fervent prayer by giving them letters of introduction to people in position to assist the Cause. One of these letters was to the editor of the only English newspaper printed on the island. And the immediate response of the Editor was to run a splendid article, with photographs as well as an account of the Baha'i Faith, in ~tThe Havana Post," the Spanish "ci Mundo" copied it so that it reached both the English and Spanish people of Cuba. Another letter was to Sr. Enrico Berenguer, often called the good will Ambassador of Cuba. He invited the Caihoons to his famous estate Rio Crystal Gardens in company with Signor Gornez. After admiring the gardens and the grounds Mr. Caihoon drew him aside and told him of the new day and the new message. t~Signor Berenguer at once became interested and listened with great attention. Finally he said, tYo have been sent here by some Divine Agent. Although I was brought tip in the Roman Catholic Church, I long ago decided to search for truth by myself, and I feel that this is the truth.' Mr. Caihoon took colored pictures of the gardens and fountains. I can do no better than to quote from the letter received from Mr. Caihoon to show the lovely spirit that actuated these friends. ccThe most significant feature of our experience was the manner in which we were led to influential people in Cuba. Especially in having the opportunity to meet Signor Berenguer. He is a born leader and has a winning personality and a deep consciousness of spiritual truth. We are, indeed, grateful to Baha'u'llah for the privilege of doing His Work and in gaining publicity and newspaper articles in both English and Spanish in this land where we knew no one. Through the medium of speaking in public aided by colored pictures and slides, we hope to make further trips of this same kind." ttFollowing Mr. Caihoon's visit of last year, Mr. Phillip Marangella of New York City made a journey to Cuba this year, and though the visit was short, splendid contacts were established. Through the influence of Dr. Arango, president of the Lions Club, a full sized picture with an account of the Faith was printed in CEl Mundo,' followed by an article on the New World Order in the tHavana Post.' Dr. Ramos, associate director of the National Library finally consented to place a copy of Baha'u'llah and the New Era in circulation. Joachirn Sant'Anna, a cuhivated Spaniard, promised an introduction to his circle upon Mr. Marangella's next visit. Signor Wiener, president of Centro Isarelita (Jewish Youth Group) promised to arrange a lecture on the Cause for his three hundred members. Mr. Stone, a student at the Flavana University was deeply interested in Baha'i principles. Signor Castellani, of the Hospital Calixto Garcia, also received the Message with deep interest. Signor Estrada, a deputy for the detective force and delegate of the Liberal party, will upon a return visit, call a group of students for discussion. Signor Dorninges, program director 0f the radio station, offered to include Mr. Marangella in his published booklet when lie returned to Cuba, while the announcer promised him a full hour over the station C.M.W., called the voice of the Antilles, because it is heard through the West Indies and South America. At the Royal Palms Hotel, where Mr. Marengella stayed, he interested the proprietor, Pascual Mirza and made friends with and gave the Message to the desk clerk, night clerk, dining room employcs, page boys and musicians. Among the latter he found two highly spiritual and open-minded men, Manual Gornez and Luis Blanco, who Mr. Maren Ñ gella believes would be the leaders of study groups and could be depended upon for foundation work. We may well congratulate Mr. Marengella upon his splendid accomplishment in so short a time. our beloved teacher, Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart, was entrusted the important and difficult task of opening the doors of South America. When one pictures that vast continent, with its many days' journeys between cities, its varied races within these [p30] 30 THE BAHA'I WORLD cities, it becomes evident that only the power which is tfar from the ken of men and angels' could direct this gigantic labor. "Frances Stewart set sail from New York on a Norwegian freighter in September, and in twenty days landed in Buenos Aires, the center of the Argentine. Spanish is her native tongue. This is an important factor in explaining delicate points of the Revelation that might fail to be clear otherwise. Whether on sea or land she gave messages to all with whom she came in contact. Her first words written from Buenos Aires were, tTruly my cup runneth over with certainty and joy,' for many, many doors are open to this Message. Whenever I speak of the coming of a new Prophet, the response is, tSurely it is wonderful that in the midst of this bewildering chaos, a new manifestation of God's is sent to humanity' " Ñ And she continues, "One of the great families of the Argentine is named Roggio. Many hospitals and schools bear the name, and a member of this important family has become attached to me because of the Baha Message, and has invited to her palatial house, the foremost scientists and professors, to hear of the Cause of Baha'u'llah." Before long Mrs. Stewart had gathered together a group of eighteen men and women desirous of Baha'i study, though greatly hampered by the lack of adequate Spanish translations, a lack that we are working to overcome day and night. She found this group sincere and eager to form themselves into a definite part of the Baha'i world. "Mrs. Stewart had been specially urged by the National Spiritual Assembly to pay a visit to Montevideo, Uruguay, if possible. So leaving the study group under the leadership of Dr. Luis M. Di Cristofoso, she crossed into this small and very beautiful state. Bringing letters from important people she was guided anew and able to choose those whom she felt were sincere seekers, and before long she stablished a group of nine souTh and placed it under the leadership of Sr. Simon Rosenzweig, a Russian engineer. He had lived in many parts of the world and knew 'Akka and Haifa well. Mrs. Stewart describes him as having a brilliant mind combined with a radiant spirit. CCHaving received word from the Inter-America America Committee that the N.S.A. favored a journey into Chile, her own land, she set forth on this arduous and long trek. Crossing the Andes is harder and slower than any trip of which I know. Martha Root, the first of the believers to visit South America, made part of her memorable journey on mule back. Today means of transportation are immeasurably easier. tComing over the wonderful Andes was a great experience, one I shall never forget,' writes Mrs. Stewart, from Valparaiso, Chile, January 16th. Bringing with her letters from her connections in Montevideo and Buenos Aires, opportunity was at hand. She gave four lectures before the Women's Federation. Had dinner with, and afterwards addressed, the Masons; spoke on the Baha'i Peace Plan before two hundred people, among whom she found a few who had studied by correspondence with persons in North America, and she adds, ~I am inviting these students to my hotel for a special conference.' To a chosen number she spoke on the Administration and from this number formed a group that will, like those of the Argentine and Uruguay, study with a view to forming the first Chilean Assembly. She placed this group under the leadership of Sitra Sara Luzg Bravo, who has studied Theosophy for many years, and has been looking for a religion with a practical application. In the Baha'i teaching she found that application of Spiritual Law for which she had so long sought. She has a large following. ccOutside Valparaiso is a lovely suburb named Vina del Mar. in winter (which is our summer) the sea breaks constantly in immense rollers along the beaches and sea walls, but in summer the water is calm and bathing good, so that people come here from all over South America. It is a strategic point in which to establish a Baha'i center, because people have leisure to think and to study, so that it was extremely wise of our teacher to find a person here with whom she could place the fundamentals of the New World Order. Sitra Margaret Rodier is organizing a class, which, I feel, will spread the teachings far and wide through this vast land. "Mrs. Stewart then went to Santiago, Chile, which is oniy a short bus ride from [p31] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 31 Valparaiso. She had no sooner arrived in this city than the great earthquake took place in and around Concepci6n. It was she who spoke over the wires on that fateful night. To quote from the letter in which she described the disaster: tThe air was cleared, a short wave hookup that could reach both the U. S. A. and Europe was made. I described for the first time from Chile the tremendous catacyism that had occurred, and I appealed for help. I think this has been the greatest experience in my life. I had arrived oniy the day before, Tuesday night, a severe and long tremor shook the earth Ñ the Greatest Name was my spontaneous call, for the quake was of fearful force, and well I knew that not far off something terrible had happened. Surely the vision 'Abdu'l-Baha had of coming cataclysms of which He said, cIt is not meet to tell,' had come to pass in Chile. As I lived as a child in Concepci6n, I knew every road and building and the churches. Many ancient Roman Catholic cathedrals are now piles of dust Ñ even as the ancient Temples of Thebes on the Nile! Surely God purposes some good to come out of such a great sacrifice.' The sorrow and grief that is widespread in this land will bind together human hearts." ccMrs. Stewart is at this writing still in Chile, and in all probability will return to her two study groups across the Andes. She has rendered immortal service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and should be remembered in our prayers, sustained in her labors by our love, and greeted upon her return with expressions of heartfelt thanks. "During the Baha year, Mr. William de Forge, a member of our National Publishing Committee, made an important voyage into the virgin territory of Porto Rico and the Dominion Republic. His success in these two countries was phenominal. He interviewed the Librarians of the cities of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Trujillo, Dominican Republic, and in both instances they said they would be happy to receive and put in circulation both Spanish and English Baha'i literature, as well as to have on their reading table the World Order Magazine. Sr. Luis O'Neil, who is director of the Carnegie Library, is a highly cultured man, and though a Catholic, told Mr. de Forge that these teachings were badly needed by his people and that he would do everything in his power to spread the teachings and advise his people to read our books. Mr. de Forge had the great pleasure of meeting the President of Puerto Rico, Sr. Jose Ramfrez Santefanez. He, in turn, was thrilled with the Message and asked to have the literature sent personally to him. In one of the articles that appeared in the papers Mr. de Forge was hailed as an agent of peace. Among the key people of Latin America is Sr. Enriqu Linares, editor of the largest and most important t'blication of Latin America, called Alma Latina, which circulates and influences South America as well as Central America. He offered, if after study of the Divine Writing he approved, to put an article in this periodical on the "New 'World Order." Another remarkable contact was that of the Editor of "El Mundo" a newspaper printed in San Juan, who received the Baha'i Principles with marked enthusiasm. Mr. de Forge's list of contacts was so numerous that the Inter-America Committee was obliged to place them in its Baha Bulletin, where it is hoped everyone of the believers will read and note their names and occupations. CcThi is one of the wonderful demonstrations of spiritual power that such a reception should have-been accorded one of our teachers in an unknown land, strongly Catholic, and entirely Latin in feeling, and from the President down, eagerness for teachings, and facilities for spreading them, was accorded Mr. de Forge on every hand. CCAt the Convention of 1938 Mr. Antonio Roca of 226 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin formulated a plan to visit Mexico and to teach there. Accordingly having closed his business affairs, he set out upon his journey reaching Laredo, Texas on the 16th of September. As he crossed the Rio Grande River into Mexico he found that the entire populace were celebrating Independence Day, corresponding to our Fourth of July. He waited over a day at Monterrey in order to approach the editor of "El Porvenir," the leading paper of the town. In this he was successful, a fine [p32] THE BAHA'I WORLD article outlining the principles of Baha'u'llah appearing forthwith. "Arriving in Mexico City Mr. Roca joined his forces with those of our Mexican Spiritual Assembly and remained in close contact with them during his two and a half months visit. Finding great need of Spanish Baha'i literature he printed and presented two pamphlets to the Assembly: What Is the Baha'i Faith and Principles of Baha'i Faith. He also contributed generously to the work of translation being undertaken by Pedro Espinosa and Madame Olia both of the Spiritual Assembly, thus accelerating this important work. ccHe was able to gain publicity through two of the leading newspapers Le Prenan and El Excelsior. Before leaving Mexico he sent a copy of Esslemont to the President through one of his aides, and on his return journey achieved splendid newspaper publicity all along the line. He is an enthusiastic and generous believer and will in the future render valuable service to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. (CTh Chairman and Edward Mathews visited Yucatan this winter. In Merid~, once a handsome and prosperous city, now desperately poor and shabby was found, on one hand, politicians not in the least interested in spiritual things, and on the other, men whose fortunes were failing, eager for something to hold on to. The editor of the one Liberal paper, The Yucatan, received us with enthusiasm. He told us that twice his office had been attacked, once burned, because of his liberal views. The Baha'i Principles, he thought, were too good to be true, but we assured him that under a definite administration, they were being practiced. He promised to read the literature and publish extracts if we sent him Spanish editions, as he speaks no English. We gained an interview with the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, but his reiterated statement was that he was interestd in business affairs and not in religious ideas. However, he promised to read the literature that we promised to send him. We found broadminded and sympathetic hearers at the Mayaland Tours. Here English is spoken and they were eager to hear of the remedies for their sick and impoverished land. Two of them accompanied us into the jungle on 12th night to a Catholic celebration among the Mayan peasants. Outside heavy dew dripped like rain from the trees, the Mayan women were passing to and fro, the men singing in the tiny court yard close to us, as we sat before an altar dressed in tissue paper and small pictures of the Madonna. We had to whisper but when I spoke of a new Manifestation, they leaned forward and asked, where? and when? and between long pauses, they pressed my hand murmuring ~Yes we understand and the Divine News will never leave our hearts.' ttF Yucatan we traveled to Mexico City, the long trip from Vera Cruz of 12 hours elongated by four hours delay, so we arrived in a state bordering on collapse, but on the platform waiting through the hours stood the whole group of Baha'is about eighteen in number. In their hands they carried flowers and they greeted us with the spirit of true fraternity. From then on we were as one body and it was hard to believe that this was not oniy a Latin Assembly but a very new one. The subject nearest our hearts was the same, our work was on the same plane of action, we had everything in common since we had come to talk of translations and publications Ñ something our Guardian is constantly occupied with. In every letter he has urged this Committee to take up this all important matter and work of translating Baha'i books into Spanish until it is accomplished. We discussed the subject for many hours and as the National Spiritual Assembly has invited Pedro Espinosa, the chairman, to the Convention, we may feel that the way is clear to the accomplishment of the Guardian's wishes. ccIn the Philippine Islands a class of eighty is being taught by correspondence. Efforts to bring the books to this island have so far been ineffectual, but in accordance with Shoghi Effendi's instructions we shall continue to send them for the Guardian writes: tTh copy of Sr. Maddela's communication was read with genuine satisfaction by our beloved Guardian. He is rejoiced to witness the evidences of the steady penetration of the Cause of the Northern Islands of the Philippines, and will pray that in spite of the [p33] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 33 The Baha'i exhibit held during the 1938 Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto, Canada. Members of the newly formed Spiritual Assembly of St. Lambert, Province of Quebec. [p34] 34 THE BAHA'I WORLD vehement and insidious opposition of the Catholic Clergy, the Faith may continue to advance, and make such a headway as to pave the ground for the formation of an Assembly in the near future. You should, he feels, renew your efforts once more, and through every possible endeavor try to introduce the literature of the Cause into these Islands.' "TO facilitate an understanding of the work in Latin America the committee has compiled a bulletin that every Assembly throughout the country, each teacher or prospective settler, should be able to find the areas that have already been covered, the accomplishment therein and what is still needed, which states or countries are still to be visited for the first time." INTER-AMERICA TEACHING 193 91940 ~tThe National Spiritual Assembly had invited the Chairman of our first Latin-America Assembly, Sefior Pedro Espinosa from Mexico City, to attend the Convention. He brought with him his mother, Seiiora Refugio Ochoa, who was the first to accept the Faith, and Sejiora Maria Louisa Jurado, the able Secretary, also Sefiorita Zenaida Jurado, a member of the Spiritual Assembly and the head of the Nursery Public School throughout Mexico. Their high enthusiasm, their sweetness and charm permeated the occasion. Afterwards, they visited the New York and Washington Communities. "Upon their return to Mexico City, they incorporated their Assembly and opened commodious headquarters at 65 Calle de Bucareli, Bajos 4. The Baha'i World Corn Ñ munity was delighted with their first Newsletter, in Spanish, the initial copy distributed in November of 1939. ttAt the suggestion of the N.S.A., the Assembly undertook to create interest in the Faith beyond the capital. Doctora Luz Guinchard was given an appointment to a pioneer post at Guadalajara, Jalisco, where she is now working for the Cause. "Passing through Mexico during the current year were the following friends: Mr. Antonio Roca, en route to Honduras, Mrs. Amelia Collins, member of the N.S.A., Clarence Iverson, en route to El Salvador, Mr. Gerrard Sluter, going to Guatemala City, Dr. and Mrs. Martin G. Carter, and in December, Mrs. Ernest Meyer of the Geyserville Community. tCF volumes have been translated and are expected momentarily. They are: Some Answered Questions, Foundations of World Unity, lY7isdc#m of Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i Procedure. Pedro's admired translation of the Prayers is circulated widely." CENTRAL AMERICA Panama: cclmmediately after the Convention, Mathew Kaszab left for Panama, where he initiated the Baha'i work which is being carried on there. This first pioneer brought in the first resident believer, Joseph Mantuk, whose acceptance marks the birth of the Cause in this country to which 'Abdu'l-Baha has attributed paramount importance in the Divine Plan. CCA radio broadcast was given by Mathew over the Star and Herald Radio Theatre on the occasion of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the opening of the Canal. The subject was Spiritual Changes for Panama. A second broadcast and lectures followed. Also, his essay quoting 'Abdu'l-Baha, written in the form of an open letter to the Editor, appeared in one of the principal papers. The approach and style made a model bit of publicity. His lectures were before the Theosophical Society and the Training School he attended. "In October, just before Mathew went on to Nicaragua, Mrs. Louise Caswell and Mrs. Cora Hitt Oliver, the first resident teachers and the second pioneers, arrived. John Eichenauer was present, and with Joseph, the first declared Baha'i, the five shared a historic moment. ttBy taking courses at the University, Mrs. Caswell and Mrs. Oliver have met many persons of liberal outlook and capacity to understand the New World Order. Some of those who are interested in the Teachings are professors at the University, or teachers in the schools of the Canal Zone. A lecture on the Temple with illustrated slides was presented at the University. Other lectures have been given before the Jamaican Women Life's Problems Club, the Army and Navy [p35] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 35 Y.M.C.A. Articles appeared in The Tribune, the Star and Herald, the Panama American. The President of the Republic gave them a cordial interview and welcome. In every way the work in Panama is promising a great future. El Salvador: (cJohn Eichenauer, Jr., is our youngest pioneer, chosen for the post of San Salvador, El Salvador, Ñ and his appointment was ratified by the Guardian. Coming from Phoenix, Arizona, by way of Panama, he gave the Teachings and leaflets to other travelers, who inquired the purpose of his journey. At present he is at school in San Salvador with other boys of his own age. "John has been joined by his relative, Clarence Iverson, a young man also from Phoenix. This modern ttroubadour of God' went on the economy plan with his own motor Ñ strapped, at times, to the freight car Ñ while he played the accordion and accepted gratuities from the crowd. tCBoth lads have been granted considerable publicity by the press, which seems to have found in the Cause a definite news value. The earnest ones among the many who have heard the Message are forming a study group, which the boys will carry on towards complete acceptance of the Faith. "In the latter part of February, Mrs. Lord Schopilocher and Mr. Gerrard Sluter visited San Salvador, and the former sent a glowing account of the work and spirit of our youthful pioneers. Honduras: "The first pioneer teacher to this country is Mr. Antonio Roca from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He traveled by way of Mexico, stopping at Baha'i Headquarters there. Now this teacher is settled in the beautiful city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where, through his untiring zeal eight believers have signed the Spanish registration cards. Without doubt, an Assembly will be formed soon. ttAmong those who are supporting his efforts is the distinguished poctess, Angela Ochoa VeUsquez, who wrote a telling article for the local press on the beauty and nobility of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. With the insight of the true mystic, the poetess has grasped the significance of the Message and made testimony as praise. Guatemala: "Guatemala City, reached through a panorama of wild beauty, is the seat of the Baha'i labors of Gerrard Sluter from Toronto, Canada. He has had unprecedented obstacles to overcome both in the field of his teaching and in the barbed wire restrictions that surround aliens searching for employment. ctNotwithstanding, Mr. Sluter has taught the requisite number of informed believers for an Assembly, and even wrested from the Government a permit to take employment. In February and March, Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher spent some days there, lending her zeal to the sustained endeavor of our pioneer. "To the Theosophical Society we are indebted for the hospitality shown to Mr. Sluter in the use of their platform. The Theosophical journal ~Simiente' has published articles on the Baha'i Principles and Faith. Nicaragua: ccMth Kaszab has been sent to Nicaragua, the most backward and unhealthy country in Central America. Yet cheerfully he left Panama and arrived at Managua, which he described as a land of grinning monkeys, Ñ the people are illiterate, unclothed and unhealthy. Mathew made his way across the narrow isthmus to Bluefields, near his birthplace, oniy to wander over a field of stones and mud; for an earthquake had destroyed the banana plantation, once belonging to his family. CrAmid this unhappy people, Mathew has found a scarce audience to listen to his continued recital of the principles of the great and New World Order; but, at the least, the daily sacrifice which he is offering to Baha'u'llah will not be forgotten. Costa Rica: ~cMrs Amelia Ford of Berkeley, California, a lady born in Mexico, responded to the Guardian's call for pioneers. She has the priceless gift to offer of an intimate and profound knowledge of Spanish Ñ her native tongue Ñ and has proved already her usefulness with the translations. [p36] 36 THE BAHA'I WORLD ttCapable Mrs. Gayle Woolson of St. Paul, Minnesota, has offered herself for life in foreign lands, and, with Mrs. Amelia Ford is leaving for settlement in Costa Rica. At this moment they are en route for San Jose, where, together they will fill the last required quota of the Guardian's Central America campaign. Jamaica, British West Indies: "Although the English Colonies are closed to American citizens on account of the war, still we had the privilege of entering Jamaica through the reentry of Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw, who are natives of this island. They left their home in San Francisco with the love and admiration of the Community and the visiting Ba1A'is, who had known them actively during their years on the Pacific Coast. c!They write that the island is sadly in need of the Teachings, and that they arc working daily to bring the truth to the people of many races that are gathered in Kingston and its neighborhood. We hope for the increase of the small yet earnest study group which they are holding at intervals. Cuba: ttHavana, so directly in the line of both Mexican and Central American steamers, has bad many Baha'i visitors from time to time; however, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Maran-gella are the first resident pioneers. They are working towards the realization of a study group; and we are watching the post for their recent news. Republic of Domingo: ttMiss Margaret Lentz, who gave a long term of devoted service at the International Baha Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, asked to go to one of the republics, where she could teach among both Negro and white folk. Accordingly, she was given an appointment to San Domingo, where she is settled in Cuidad Trujillo. "Margaret has entered into her new life with a true pioneer's spirit, and has found among those to whom she has spoken one who has made complete acceptance with an enthusiasm to match her own. Sefiora Maria Teresa Martin, the first believer, is celebrating the Feast Days with Margaret, and striving with her towards the future activities of Baha'i teaching. Already these coworkers are planning a Baha'i School to instruct some of the many illiterate natives. Puerto Rico: ccMrs Katharine Disdier has already taught school in Puerto Rico, and now, in order to take part in the present campaign, she has applied for a post there during the coming season. Rouhieh Musette Jones has applied for a similar position. Together these staunch believers will be in close contact with children and their parents, and have thereby, opportunity for spreading the Baha'i Teachings in a most unique way. Trinidad: ttAt Port of Spain we have a friend to remember, Miss Anne Murdock, who is in the office of the Pan-American Airways. She is reading the Bah? literature and has offered to work for the Faith in every possible way. Thus, even here, where we may not visit, ttie Baha'i Spirit is kept alive. THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS "For more than two years, Sefior Felix Maddela, leader of a large group of people in a small island, has been corresponding with us. Although their knowledge is slight, Spanish literature scarce and the distance great, yet their enthusiasm for the Cause parallels all difficulties. They have evolved their slogan: "'The Baha'i Faith is renewing the life of a dead world." Only a few pamphlets have reached them, which they read and reread. And they wear an emblem on their coats! CcWWhen the Spanish registration cards reached them, they were filled out to the number of seventeen, with members of the Spiritual Assembly differentiated from the Community. Their plea for paper with letterheads for use in writing to interested students thoughout the Islands has been answered by the Chairman. ~tIt is our earnest hope that opportunity will bring this group a teacher before long. These Islands so dominated by the Church, so geographically remote, yet have evinced a spirit of search after truth, an eagerness to be united to the New World Order that should be a lesson to every believer. [p37] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 37 SOUTH AMERICA Uruguay: cit in the summer Wilf rid Barton set out for South America, and finding that Ivan Fillipac, a member of the New York Community, is steward on the S. S. Ar~tbic, he sailed on that ship. Upon their arrival at the port of Santos, Brazil, they were met by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Worley of Rio de Janeiro, and Leonora Holsapple, the earliest of Baha'i settlers. She had come from Baha for this celebration of the Nineteen Day Feast of 'Tim. "Since then, Mr. Barton has been teaching in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Inasmuch as the former group is by far the most advanced, he is settled in Montevideo, where Mr. Simon Rosenzweiz has valiantly championed the Cause. Argentina: ctThroughout all reports on South America, the name and service of Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart persists. The friends in South America are overjoyed at the news that she will return to them. In Buenos Aires, the group she founded have continued their studies unceasingly under the direction of Sefior Salvador Tormo. An index of his thought and culture is the essay which was published in World Order Magazine for March, 1940. Great expectations from the entire Baha'i world attend the labors for the Cause put forth in Argentine. On this third voyage which Mrs. Stewart will undertake, she will visit Central as well as South America, carrying forward the mission which Shoghi Effendi has described as tthe most outstanding teaching service.' "To Chile, where Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Laws of Seattle, Washington, will go to make their home, a bounty was given: it was to Chile that 'Abdu'l-Baha sent the oniy Tablet posted directly to South America. From this circumstance we ascribe the importance of Chile in the Divine Plan. t~A11 of us are grateful to Sefiora Espinosa, who followed Mrs. Stewart to the Argentine to understand more of the Baha'i Teachings, then returned to Santiago, where she has kept alive the faith of the group taught by Mrs. Stewart. Venezuela: "Good news comes from the New York Assembly that Miss Priscilla Rhoads has accepted a two year position with a South American family to look after their young child. This means we have an isolated believer in Miranda. "With the arrival of the Salas, there will be a foundation for the Community of the future. in an exemplary manner, Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala have been arranging their affairs in order to go out to Venezuela as settlers. Not in any way daunted by the refusal of the authorities to enter Colombia and engage in business there, they have persisted in their determination to make their way in the pioneer area, serving in both a material and spiritual way. Ecuador: ccMr. John Stearns is journeying, at present, towards Ecuador. He will take up his residence in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and the oldest city of South America. His grasp of the Faith and treatment of Baha'i responsibility in this country leads us to hopes of great accomplishment. Brazil: "Miss Leonora Holsapple has been able to leave her home in Baha, Brazil, to visit two cities, Macejo and Pern~mbuco, for a first approach to the Cause. Her gift to the Cause is the revised translation and publication of the Portuguese Baha'u'llah and the New Era, which she placed in seven bookshops, carrying them to Santos and Santa Paula besides." NORTH AMERICA TEACHING 193 81939 ttThe first two-year period of the Seven Year Plan now drawing to a close, marks the happy conclusion of the initial step of the campaign to establish the Faith in each of the states of the United States, the provinces of Canada and the republics of Central and South America. The new hope and goal now set for the American Baha'i by the beloved Guardian is the Advent of Divine Justice which can come oniy through the spiritualization of the believers themselves and the diffusion of the Divine Teachings throughout the world. [p38] 38 THE BAHA'I WORLD The Baha'i Exhibit at the Wisconsin State Fair of 1939 showing the Temple model prominently displayed. "The first year of this stupendous campaign was marked both by a general deepening in our consciousness of the great responsibility devolving upon us, and the beginning of the movement of Baha pioneers into new areas. t'The second year has been marked by a vigorous translation of this appreciation of increasing responsibility into action Ñ action on the part of each and every individual, action on the part of Baha'i Groups, and action on the part of all Assemblies. Under this wave of renewed activity, the Faith has surged forward on all fronts, and in no case was there any recession. The doors of Guidance have opened wider than ever before and the confirmations from on High have often been well nigh staggering. Every individual, every Group and every Assembly has testified to the manner in which divine blessings have descended on every effort, no matter how small. No wonder the Guardian in a recent message stated: CLet the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such asSertIons.' "This new surge of service, which was marked both by the gallant attack against the forces of darkness and a more rounded-out presentation of Baha'i standards, expressed itself in three directions: Ñ "First, there was the consolidation of the pioneer work started in the first year of the Seven Year Plan, and the extension of this work into the remaining virgin areas, new Groups and Assemblies themselves assuming much of the responsibility of spreading the Message to other parts of their regions. "Second, there was the intensification of extension work by the Assemblies. Almost every Assembly found that its efforts to introduce the Faith into adjacent cities and even virgin areas met with unexpected success. It has been abundantly demonstrated that this field of service is the means of the steady growth of the Assemblies themselves and causes them to become power houses of spiritual energy in ever-enlarging spheres. "Third, there was the recent dynamic call of the Guardian for prompt settlement of the remaining states and provinces of North America. The immediate response of forty-four intrepid volunteers to fulfill the divine command indicates the manner in which the friends are arising to the pioneer spirit of the Faith. Three of the areas were immediately settled; Alaska, Nevada and Vermont. At this time the National Teaching Committee is in correspondence with all these selfless souls and it is expected that by Convention time, arrangements will have been made for the settlement of every state in [p39] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 39 the United States and every province of Canada. PIONEER TEACHING "At this early stage in the unfoldment of Baha'u'llah's all-encompassing World Order, the greatest need is for pioneer teachers. Indeed, the whole spirit of the Faith today is a pioneer spirit, and its fields of opportunity are for the most part virgin ones. As Shoghi Effendi has recently pointed out, the measures and plans devised ~can never yield any satisfactory results uniess a sufficient number of pioneers have determined to make the necessary sacrifices, and to voiun-teer to carry these projects into effect.' "During the last two years the attention of the American community has been increasingly focussed upon this requirement, but only in the months just past have we come face to face with the overwhelming fact that not until the initial stage of the Seven Year Plan has been accomplished, tin. volving as it does the formation of at least one nucleus in each of these virgin states and provinces in the North American continent,' shall we be prepared and released for the far more difficult stages of advance into Central and South America. That we face in all earnestness a crisis in our affairs is the inescapable conclusion based on knowledge that these Southern regions 'embrace no less than twenty independent nations, constituting approximately one-third of the entire number of the world's sovereign states. ccThe National Teaching Committee would remind the friends that every one may share in the pioneering to which our lives must henceforth be consecrated. In !The Advent of Divine Justice' the Guardian explains that this privilege and responsibility may be carried out in four ways: "First, by settlement in new areas (and this teaching by settlement in indubitably the most fruitful course) ; second, by travel in unsettled parts; third, deputies may be sent; and fourth, through contributions to the general fund after the example of our Guardian who has placed tat the disposal of any pioneer willing to dedicate himself to the task of the present hour such modest resources as would facilitate the discharge of so enviable a duty.' tcIt will be remembered that the first of our seven years called forth forty-eight Baha pioneers, twenty of whom chose the settlement plan. This year, in addition to the many whose work has continued, there have been fifteen new settlers and nineteen traveling pioneers. "The state of Texas has again this year drawn more Baha'i settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Ward Caihoon moved to Houston, and with the aid of Mrs. Kathryn Frankland ahd Mr. A. Kiuss, are conducting a study class of nineteen students. Two members have already enrolled as believers and intensive fireside meetings are preparing others for the important step. "Miss Myriam Grabler has settled in El Paso, Texas, where she is carrying on without the aid of any other believer. ttMrs Lorrol 0. Jackson, of Seattle, who last year aided the isolated believers of Helena, Montana, has moved to another city in that state and is diligently cooperating with the believers there in developing a study class in Butte. "West Virginia became the home of Mr. Harold Hunt, of Washington, D. C., and of Mrs. Orcella Rexford and Dr. Gayne V. Gregory for several months. Many new contacts were made for the Faith but unfortunately none of these friends was able to remain in the state until these contacts could be developed into Baha students. "Nevada is now the home of Miss Helen Grilling whose arrival in Reno as a permanent resident followed closely upon a ten-day teaching trip of Mrs. Mamie L. Seto to that city. ccArkansas has been the scene of much Baha'i activity during the past year. Miss Rezsi Sunshine has established herself in business in Hot Springs and already one individual in that city considers herself a believer. Miss Sunshine pays regular weekly visits to Little Rock and in both cities many are studying the Baha'i literature. ~tPine Bluff, also in Arkansas, is now the home of Miss Lydia Martin who is carrying on intensive study classes for the students attracted to the Teachings through the work of Mr. Louis G. Gregory. Approximately twelve members of the group are about ready to enroll as believers. [p40] 40 THE BAHA'! WORLD CCVt has become the home of Miss Neysa Grace Bissell, one of the first to respond to the Guardian's call for pioneers. Some teaching work has been done in that state from time to time in the past and it is Miss Bissell's objective to follow it through until the ctt is teeming with Baha'is.' CCThe Khan family has settled temporarily in Newport, Rhode Island, where teaching opportunities are being constantly pursued. "Mrs Olga Mills has recently moved from Florida to Tryon, North Carolina, where she is cooperating with the other isolated Baha of the state in making new contacts for the Faith. '~Tbose who have carried forward pioneer teaching work by extended or repeated visits are as follows: "Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Ruth H. Brandt, Mr. Louis C. Gregory, Miss Nayan Hartfield, Miss Doris Lohse; Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews, Miss Maude Mickle, Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Mr. Harlan Ober, Mrs. Marguerite Reimer Sears, Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Mrs. Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto, Mrs. Gertrude Struven, Miss Virginia Taylor, Miss Louise Thompson, Miss Alta Wheeler, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Mrs. Sylvia Matteson King. "Mr. Gregory has again given unique service in the South. Two months were spent in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where his teaching campaign was initiated by a tReligi-ous Emphasis Week' at the State College, the first time in the history of this country when such a week has been under the direction of Baha. ccMrs Ruth Moffett, in addition to her continuous work in the other central states, opened up the city of Independence, Iowa, where a flourishing study class has been in progress since early summer. ccMrs. Gayle Woolson assisted Mrs. Gertrude Struven in furthering the teaching work already started in Davenport, Iowa, and subsequently spent several weeks in Cedar Rapids where many new people have begun to study the Teachings. t~Mrs. Sylvia Matteson King made two teaching trips to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she found many receptive souls waiting for the Message. Various clubs freely offered their platforms and the newspapers gave generous space to publicity. Many are reading the Baha'i books and several are already very near the Cause. "Miss Maude Mickle and Miss ALa Wheeler who spent the winter in South Carolina found many teaching opportunities among individuals in Columbia and other cities, while Miss Louise Thompson followed up the interest which had been established by previous travelers in Charleston. Mr. Charles Mason Rerney, also, macic a teaching trip through this state in February and March. ~CMiss Nayan Hartfleld has carried on active teaching work in the state of Mississippi where she was established in her business for some months, and Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews gave unique assistance to Mrs. Marion Little in her work in Louisiana. CCMiss Virginia Taylor has carried forward the teaching work initiated by Mrs. Grace Ober last year in Louisville, Kentucky, and further interest has been stimulated there by visits from Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Mr. Harlan Ober. ccMrs. Ruth H. Brandt spent several weeks in Boise, Idaho, with the Baha'i Group there, and Miss Doris Lohse devoted three weeks last summer to teaching work in Wilmington, Delaware. C!M other teachers have made short trips into new states both to make new contacts and to assist with the work already under way. CCWhile commending our pioneers, let us never minimize their task nor forget for a moment that their services are performed, as a rule, in regions whose spiritual darkness is only equalled by a material backwardness surely rooted in this very deprivation from the Word. tTh effort required is prodigious, the conditions under which these preliminary establishments are to be made are often unattractive and unfavorable, the workers who are in a position to undertake such tasks limited, and the resources they can command meagre and inadequate.' Is it not plain, then, why every assistance at our command must be extended, why our prayers must continually center on these fields, and our faith pour out unfailingly to cheer and support our beloved friends? [p41] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 41 ttThe year 1939 will ever be remembered in the record of pioneer teaching because of the Guardian's cablegram of January 2 6th, bearing the fateful pronouncement that the cinitial stage (in the) inaugurated Teaching Campaign (is) still untraversed,' and calling for tnine holy souis who, independently or as deputies, will promptly, fearlessly volun Ñ teer (to) forsake (their) barnes. .' 'Within ten days, projects for three of the nine areas were approved by the National Spiritual Assembly for three dauntless believers who, for some time, had been consulting with the Teaching Committee to this end. At this writing Miss Helen Griffin is already settled in Nevada and Miss Neysa Bissell in Vermont, while Miss Honor Kempton's plans to enter Alaska wait only upon certain final arrangements. How speedily the confirmations encircled them (and we may all share their feelings), when on February 22nd the Guardian cabled this priceless reward: cHeart flooded joyous gratitude realization American believers rising magnificently challenge unutterably precious hour. Convey Alaska, Nevada and Vermont pioneers immense appreciation (of) marvelous, instantaneous, exemplary response. Prayers continually accompany them.' CCTh have been forty-one other responses to Shoghi Effendi's call, and negotiations are being pressed in the hope of a speedy climax to this initial task. Yet in our enthusiasm let us be constantly reminded that the settlement of one Baha'i in every state and province is but the immediate goal. The real intention of the Seven Year Plan, enjoined alike upon isolated believers and Groups, is to establish Spiritual Assemblies, that every region of the United States and Canada may share in the benefits of the Administrative Order and be fully prepared, at the close of the first century, to push forward into vaster realms, as yet undisclosed, in the fulfillment of the Divine Plan. LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES "The responsibility for ceaseless teaching upon every front has devolved, during 193839, upon the seventy-eight American Assemblies with an urgency never before equalled. Charged by the Guardian to C tilt the infusion of fresh blood' into each community, and by the National Spiritual Assembly cto extend their efforts to adjoining areas,' they have attained heights of endeavor and success which far surpass all previous accomplishments. CtOn April 21st their ranks will be strengthened by the election of nine new Spiritual Assemblies. Five will be formed from the Groups of Helena, Mont.; Scranton, Pa.; Jamestown, N. Y.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Eagle River, Wis. The remaining four have grown out of existing Assemblies and include Huntington Park, Calif.; East Cleveland, Ohio; Wauwatosa, Wis., and Richmond Heights, Wash. The facts, stated thus simply, fail to disclose the real heroism surrounding each such victory, nor can they impart the sentiments which stir in every believer's heart as he contemplates the steady progress of his beloved Faith. C~NOW as we face the prospect of the third year of this all-too-brief Seven Year Plan, are there not certain principles underlying the Administrative framework, which, if reestablished and reinforced would give wings to our historic enterprise? ccThe prime essential, the National Teaching Committee believes, is the integrity in strength and unity of each local Assembly, for it is such integrity alone which guarantees a channel for the confirmations of Baha'u'llah. With unity as a base, tthe administrative institutions of the Faith, which are designed as vehicles for the proper dissemination of its ideals, its tenets, and its verities,' are equipped to throw their full weight behind the common Plan; without unity, they are powerless even to cooperate. ttThe second principle, elaborated by the Guardian a year ago, will guarantee that constant expansion which is the clearest sign of health. tUpon the local Assemblies, whose special function and high privilege is to facilitate the admission of new believers into the community,' rests the duty ~ desist from insisting too rigidly on the minor observances and beliefs, which might prove a stumbling block in the way of any sincere applicant, whose eager desire is to enlist under the banner of Baha'u'llah.' In this connection it is interesting to note that, [p42] 42 THE BAHA'! WORLD among sixty-two Assemblies reporting, two hundred sixty-three new Baha'is have been enrolled. The work of certain Assemblies appears especially remarkable, i.e., Seattle with thirteen registrants, Los Angeles with forty-four, New York with forty-three, Chicago with twenty-nine and Lima with twenty-one (to March 15, 1939). CCA third principle, and one which supplements the foregoing paragraph, is recognition of the fireside group as a teaching method which should be recommended to every community member. For there is ample proof that the spirit and compelling influence of the Faith is perhaps more effectively transmitted through this medium of an informal group of friends, than in any other way. Moreover, it permits everyone to become a teacher and to fulfill, in relation to those souls whom he has attracted, the continuing spiritual support to which the Guardian has but recently alluded. The sixty-two Assemblies above reported a total of one hundred thirty-one fireside meetings and all are also conducting study classes for new believers. ttTh principle which truly distinguishes the achievements of this year from all past records is that of extension teacbing, Ñ the choice by a local Assembly of nearby cities in which it is pledged to promulgate the Faith. This has been one of the chief goals held out for all Assemblies by the National Spiritual Assembly, and we are therefore happy to report that of the sixty-two Assemblies reporting, sixteen have opened fifty-nine new cities with regular study classes established in thirty-two of them. Highest praise is due all participating communities, only a few of which can be mentioned in this restricted space. C(Lima appointed an Extension Committee of thirteen, whose members consistently worked in six surrounding towns, relying upon prayer and well-devised tactics, which resulted in three memberships and three study classes. Binghamton lent most generous assistance to Scranton through frequent visits of teachers and large groups of the friends, and has also developed contacts in three other cities. The Los Angeles Extension Committee built its work around a six-lecture series which has been scheduled in several nearby towns and in Bakersfield, one hundred and twenty-five miles distant. Eliot sponsored extension teaching in five cities of New Hampshire and Maine, with a weekly study group in Portland formed by a member who moved there. "Examples could be endlessly multiplied, but these are sufficient to demonstrate what an adventurous Assembly may accomplish in pioneer r6le. One factor of vital importance must not be overlooked, namely, the need to formulate followup plans and to carry on without interruption until the permanent establishment of the Cause. "This review would be incomplete without mention of the use of radio by more and more communities. The recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly in Los Angeles was preceded by seven related broadcasts. Lima has conducted a daily morning program entitled tBah4'i School of the Air,' Vancouver, for the second time, organized a series of fireside groups in various homes with discussions centered about a radio presentation of the Faith. A definite result of the Springfield radio work was the registration as a Baha'i of one whose first knowledge of Baha'u'llah came through this channel. It would be impossible to estimate the accruing benefits which wider use of radio must bring. 'COne very important aspect of teaching work to which Assemblies must devote themselves more diligently is the development and training of teachers. We are rapidly approaching the time prophesied by 'Abdu'l-Baha when we will not have suflici-ent teachers to meet the demands from the multitudes cwho are dying to be led to unity.' Classes should be instituted for teacher training and every assistance and encouragement should be given to those new souis who are eager to develop their capacities along this line. "The Summer Schools, carrying as they do, various courses to deepen the knowledge of the Faith and train the student in the proper presentation of the Teachings, have become an important teacher training institution and in the words of the Guardian, everyone without exception is urged to take advantage of attending it (the Summer School).' [p43] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 43 REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES "The twelve Regional Committees appointed this year have, under the instructions of the National Spiritual Assembly, directed their particular attention to the stimulation and assistance of isolated believers, Baha'i Groups, and study groups; while the extension of the Faith into new cities has become a major responsibility of local Assemblies. Although the jurisdiction of these respective agencies is thus clearly defined, a high degree of cooperation has, in certain areas, strengthened teaching programs and led to a greater efficiency and enthusiasm. "At the same time, the Regional Committees have functioned as valued agents of the National Teaching Committee, dealing with local situations upon request, amplifying the national viewpoint, sending in suggestions, and in general making possible an immediate contact with the diverse teaching needs of this vast continent. "That the work of the Regional Committees has been most efficient and constructive, no one who has followed the reports in BANAl NEWS can doubt, and the National Teaching Committee feels both pride in and gratitude for their devoted services. Although limited as to space, two or three of their most striking achievements warrant notice. ~'The Committee of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia used its weekend meetings as opportunities to confer with the believers and assist in pioneer teaching. Each such meeting was scheduled in a different locality, and included a regional conference for Baha'is and a public or fireside meeting in a nearby city which lacked an Assembly. This Committee undertook to coordinate, route, and maintain up-to-date information on available teachers. It sent out bulletins to isolated believers. It cooperated with the Vancouver Assembly in broadcasting for ten weeks on a station strong enough to reach regional fireside groups. As a result of its wide and persistent interests, the scope of Baha'i influence in the Northwest has been notably increased. "The Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois Regional Committee successfully organized teaching circuits in Michigan and Illinois, based upon the volunteer services of four teachers who were available to all Groups and study classes. One of the year's most outstanding projects was carried on in this Region, when Mrs. Marziah Nabil Carpenter gave forty-three lectures in thirteen towns surrounding the Louhelen Summer School, all to non-Bah4'i organizations upon Baha'i subjects. "The Committee for New England has experimented with radio, in cooperation with the Radio Committee, to bring aid to small study classes in remote areas. ttRegional work this year has confirmed the opinion that there are endless opportunities for growth in those localities where the Faith has been firmly rooted through the residence of one or a few believers. Even more ingenuity must be used, however, in the future; more personal contact with isolated Baha'is is urgently required; and the harvest of newly-established Assemblies may well be greatly increased by next April through sustained and well-planned aid to our rapidly expanding Groups. BAHA'I GROUPS "Starting the year with twenty-seven groups, we have seen the organization of fourteen more in the following localities: Tuskegee, Ala.; Atascadero, Calif.; Three Rivers, Mass.; Marysville, Mich.; Atlantic City, N. J.; Jamestown, N. Y.; Scranton, Pa.; San Antonio, Texas; Knoxville, Tenn.; Hinsdale, N. H.; Arlington, Va.; Bexley and Circieville, Ohio; and Eagle River, Wis. Of the total, six have attained their goal and will elect Spiritual Assemblies on April 2 1st. CCA remarkable vitality has been demonstrated by most of the Groups, together with a new understanding of their responsibilities in the Administrative Order. Teaching activities, contributions to the National Fund, and Baha'i registrations have all alike been increased. ccCertain examples come to mind most forcibly. The Duluth friends, assisted by Miss Josephine Kruka, sponsored a three-weeks' campaign for Mr. Philip Marangella, including five public talks and several engagements with clubs. The Group in Albuquerque arranged an exhibit of the Temple model at the New Mexico State Fair and another at a local store, and in addition has [p44] 44 THE BAHA'I WORLD held regular study and social meetings. The Marysyille Group sponsored four radio broadcasts and three exhibits of the Temple model in excellent business locations. Two radio talks were scheduled by the Madison believers, who have also been active in other fields of teaching. The Knoxville Group was very active on the occasion of the meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly in that city, gaining a remarkable impetus therefrom. It has observed all Feasts and Anniversaries, held several regular classes, presented various outstanding Baha'i speakers, and is now organizing an Assembly. tCflQ~e cannot, as American Baha'is, enter the new year without real hopefulness at the thought of our thirty-two existing Groups, and a keen desire to consolidate them speedily into thriving Spiritual Assemblies. ISOLATED BELIEVERS CtJsolated believers, of whom there are three hundred and forty-three registered in two hundred and twenty-seven cities of forty-two states and five provinces, are truly the frontiersmen of the Cause. They share, with those strong spirits who have chosen to pioneer, the inestimable privilege of laying the foundations, and establishing a nucleus from which a thriving Group and, in due course, a local Assembly may arise. Surely the bounties and confirmations, promised to all pioneers, go with them as support for every lonely or discouraging hour. To each of them is specialized the opportunity to write, with his own hands, the unfolding history of this all-conquering Faith, and to exhibit such qualities of steadfastness and spiritual fortitude as are well-nigh impossible to the believer in more settled parts. ttSome of the year's most valued work has developed through the efforts of isolated friends. Miss Lydia J. Martin, a teacher of the A. M. and N. College of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was able to schedule Mr. Louis G. Gregory as speaker and advisor for that school's Religious Emphasis Week. Mrs. Horace Tillyer and Mr. Lloyd Byars of Bakersfield, California, completed a major share of the arrangements for a Regional Conference, public meeting, and two radio talks, which were supported by eighty-eight Baha'is from sixteen communities. Mrs. Marion Little of Covington, Louisiana, spon sored study groups during the visit of Mrs. Loulic A. Mathews, and was elected chairman of the Fellowship House donated to the city by Mrs. Mathews, at a dedication attended by sixty leading citizens. ccThere have been fifty-nine new registrations during the year, thus enormously strengthening the outposts of our Cause. Not one of these, nor of the other isolated Baha'is, can fail to contribute a unique and precious service to the Seven Year Plan, if each will but labor with confidence and energy. In the words of Shoghi Effendi, let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions.' EXHIBITS OF TEMPLE MODELS ccThe Temple is the great silent teacher. in an early Tablet, the Master stated that some material things have spiritual significance and that the Temple is one of these material objects having great spiritual effect. Symbolizing as it does the highest ideals of Baha'i devotion, as well as the social principles of the Faith, none but can be affected by this visible evidence of the rise of the Faith throughout the land. CtEhibit of the beautiful model of the Temple give the teaching work great impetus in any area. Being tangible, it is something that can be easily grasped and discussed and it thus provides unending opportunity to present the Teachings through publicity and directly to large groups. CCThe results of these exhibits at fairs, conferences, and congresses cannot be measured or overemphasized, and the Teaching Committee would urge all Assemblies, teachers, and Regional Committees not to overlook any opportunity to arrange for a display of a Temple model. The National Spiritual Assembly has made five models available to the Teaching Committee for this purpose and it is important that they be kept in constant use. ttDuring the past year exhibits of the Temple model were arranged at Cornell University, at Vassar College, during the World Youth Congress at Toronto during the Canadian National Exposition, at Albuquerque at the New Mexico State Fair, at Urbana on the occasion of the meetings [p45] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 45 of the National Spiritual Assembly in that city, at Port Huron, Flint, and Marysville in Michigan, at Santa Barbara, California, Wichita, Kansas, at the Temple of Religion and in the Baha'i booth at the World's Fair in San Francisco. "Various Assemblies throughout the country have purchased models and use them most effectively in local and extension teaching activities. ccstressing the great importance of these exhibits, the following is quoted from a recent letter from the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly: cc C"fj~ Guardian is delighted at the steps which the N.S.A. has taken to arrange for a Baha'i exhibit at the World's Fair to be held in San Francisco next spring, and also at the New York World's Fair; on both of which occasions, he hopes, the Faith will be befittingly represented and given effective and widespread publicity. He would urge your Assembly never to miss such opportunities of presenting the Cause to the general public, and would in particular recommend that such Baha'i exhibits should in future be frequently and regularly held in various parts of the country, as they can be of far-reaching benefit to the teaching work in America.' THE BAHA'I TEMPLE AIR MAIL CACHET "The friends throughout the country received encouragement in their teaching work when they received through the air, shortly after the Convention of 1938, an air mail letter dispatched from 'X~iimette, carrying as the cachet a picture of the Baha'i Temple. Airmailed from that center, this message of love, bearing the testimony of the city of W~ilmette, marked an interesting milepost in the progress of the Faith. In the early days the people of Wilmette were apprehensive and some were even opposed to the construction of the Baha'i House of Worship. Now they not oniy refer to it as tour Temple' but they use its replica to attract attention to their city. The Postmaster, writing to the National Assembly concerning the use of the Temple for this air mail cachet, said: tWe felt that in choosing this (Temple) for our design, we were taking the outstanding building, not oniy of Wilmette, but of the world, seeing that there is no other to coin-pare with it in architecture.' NORTH AMERICA TEACHING 19391940 "The third year of the Seven Year Plan has witnessed, not only the settlement of tHoly Souls' in every State and Province, but a tremendous movement of pioneers into all parts of the country. ccThe new spirit released by the Guardian, three years ago, in inaugurating the Seven Year Plan, has during this, the third year of the Phn, brought such energy and enthusiastic service, that the entire Baha Community has arisen as one unit to spread over the entire country, the celixir that is life itself.' This year has found isolated believers becoming veritable Light Houses in the surrounding darkness; groups are growing in numbers, and assuming more and more administrative activity; Assemblies have intensified the creative aspect of their functions by increasingly successful teaching efforts and extension of their benign influence into surrounding cities; and above all, the spirit of zeal and daring of our pioneers has been an unending example of Baha fortitude and sacrificial service. Throughout the entire country the spiritual victories which have been achieved, and the divine confirmations which have descended in such torrents, have astonished even the participants themselves. Has the third year of the Divine Plan laid the foundation for the rearing of the divine edifice in America, contemplated by the Master in the Divine Plan? C! cNow strive ye that the Collective Center of the sacred religions Ñ for the inculcation of which all the Prophets were manifested and which is no other than the spirit of the Divine Teachings Ñ be spread in all parts of America, so that each one of you may shine forth from the horizon of Reality Like unto the morning star, divine illumination may overcome the darkness of nature, and the world of humanity may become enlightened. This is the most great work! Should you become confirmed therein, this world will become another world, the surface of the earth will become the delectable Paradise, and eternal Institutions be founded.' ttThe teaching work during the third year [p46] The Baha'i booth in the Communications building of the 1939 New York World's Fair. Behind the Temple model is shown a detail of the design for the dome ornamentation. [p47] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 47 of the Seven Year Plan developed in every direction and from every standpoint. Most outstanding of the fields of accomplishment, were the collective efforts in the following types of service: r~First: The development of pioneer services in virgin areas. Not only early in the year were the nine remaining States and Provinces settled with Baha'i, but a total of 44 souls moved into virgin areas on the North American continent. erSecond: The growth in numbers and activity of the groups. This year has witnessed groups taking on the responsibilities of Community Life, including fireside teaching; extension teaching work, active support of the National Fund; and active local teaching. The number of groups has increased to 63 at this writing, at least ten of which will become Assemblies April 2 1st. Third: The intensification of teaching by Assemblies. The creative or teaching aspect of our Assembly life has been greatly augmented, resulting in more Fireside Gatherings than previously; more public teaching campaigns, more study classes, and more extension work than ever before. The pioneer spirit has caught the imagination of the Friends and in Assembly life is manifesting itself in the ciPioneer at Home' movement. This bids fair to become one of the most important of our Assembly teaching activities. Fourth: The increasingly important services of our Regional Committees. So excellent have the activities of these teaching arms of the Faith become, that the National Assembly has authorized a section of the BAHA'I NEWS to report their work, designated tAfield with our Regionals.' The Regional Committees are corresponding individually with the 363 Isolated Believers, encouraging and assisting the 63 groups; and particularly serving the pioneers. repifth. The exhibits of the models of the Temple, particularly at the 'World's Fairs in San Francisco and New York, and the Canadian International Exposition at Toronto. The importance of these exhibits may be understood when we learn that at the two World's Fairs alone, some 300,000 pieces of literature were distributed. Sixth: The great spirit of loving and unified service which the Seven Year Plan is developing. Perhaps for the first time the Administrative channels of the Faith, can successfully canalize the spin and achievements of the Friends, for the welfare of the Faith as a whole. The attitude of the tGood Shepherd,' in dealing with all problems brings healing and spiritual strength and carries the realization that all the Institutions of the Faith at this time are to intensify the teaching services of the friends. PIONEER TEACHING "The spirit of pioneering, almost without our notice, has penetrated more and more the heart of each believer, and the activities of every local and national administrative agency. Almost the entire emphasis of teaching work during the past twelve months has been pioneer; the reports which have appeared in BAHA'I NEWS have been vitalized by the words and achievements of our fellow-workers who have ventured into untouched territories, there to discover that the promises so long given by the Master are now literally fulfilled; the deliberations of the National and Regional Teaching Committees have centered about the extension and consolidation of work in these areas newly-claimed for the Cause; even in local communities, where circumstances have prevented many valiant souL from hastening to answer the pioneer call, the friends have found means to turn their thoughts and plans to pioneering goals. The whole American Community throbs with this new energy, propelled by the dynamic messages of the Guardian into the initial stage of a World Mission, the harvest of which is tfore-ordained, incalculably rich, everlastingly glorious.' ccThe conquest of North America moves through successive waves of effort and sacrifice. First, in every State and Province yet unsettled, by Convention time of 1939 a preliminary line of defense had been established. After them throughout the year fob lowed a larger number of valiant soldiers to strengthen every outpost area. The attached summary indicates the positions held by these forty-four settlers and the victories already won. In six of the ten original pioneer territories Ñ Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Manitoba Ñ be [p48] 48 THE BAHA'I WORLD lievers have been enrolled and three Ba1~'i groups are added. Twelve States and Provinces besides have become the centers of function for Baha'i settlers. ttThe third aspect of this mighty motion is the ceaseless activity of traveling teachers, some twenty-five of whom have labored in these areas without Assemblies. "Perhaps the most phenomenal advance has been gained in the Southern States, Canada, and Alaska. In 1936 the South had not as yet fulfilled the expectations of the Master as set forth in the Divine Plan. Vhs words written in 1917 still, in large degree, described the condition of the Cause in that region: tno adequate and befitting motion has been realized and no great acclamation and acceleration has been witnessed.' In sixteen States there existed otidy eight Assemblies, two groups and forty-six isolated believers, while six of the States possessed no Baha'is at all. In three years those statistics have been vastly altered, until today there are nine Assemblies, twelve groups, ninety isolated friends, and no States without a believer. Last year new and intensive teaching was carried on in Miami, New Orleans, Charleston, W. Va., Huntington, Louisville, and other cities. Twenty-five of the year's pioneers have permanently settled in the South, and thus tthe fragrance of holiness (is) diffused with swiftness and rapidity.' t~The achievement in Canada has been equally notable. Tn 1936 there were Assemblies in Montreal and Vancouver alone, with no groups listed and oniy four isolated believers. In 193 8 the Assemblies of Toronto, St. Lambert, and Moncton were organized. But in the year just past the Faith swept iike a fire across the Prairie Provinces, in public campaigns in such cities as Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, and Calgary; and in the settlement of three Vancouver Baha'is in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Meanwhile on the Atlantic Coast, Nova Scotia was settled by three believers; in Toronto the numbers were rapidly increased, youth work prospered, and the meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly brought wide recognition; while in Hamilton extension teaching from Toronto, together with the concentrated efforts of such workers as Mabel Ives and Doris McKay, raised this Baha'i group almost to Assembly status. April, 1940, will find believers in every Province, four Assemblies, two groups, and nineteen isolated Baha'is. (CA third dramatic episode was the winning of Alaska, conquered last April by Honor Kempton's move to Anchorage. The work was further strengthened by Betty Becker who followed in Juneau; by the enrollment of Janet Whiteneck, in Fairbanks, the first Alaskan believer; and now by the residence of Joy Allen. ttlt is not our purpose in this summary to recount the experiences of our pioneers, heroes everyone, possessing such equalities 0f renunciation, tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor' as to carry them through every testing and cheer them in every lonely hour. Theirs has been the high privilege to tbrave the dangers and sweep away the obstacles,' that the Name of Baha'u'llah might be established throughout these lands. They have won the first victories. Ours now to insure the security and provide for the steady expansion of the work initiated in those territories so recently set alight from the torch of an inextinguishable Faith.' BAHA'I GROUPS CCPh the scene of greatest teaching development this year has been among the Baha groups. Whereas there were 32 groups a year ago, there are at this date 63, of which ten have already been authorized to elect Local Spiritual Assemblies on April 2 1st. Among the ten is Omaha which will become the first Baha'i Community in the State of Nebraska. c(Of the 63 Baha'i groups functioning at this time, twenty were organized for the first time this year, and it is worthy of note that of this number nine are offsprings of established communities, having conformed with the principle that where there are two or more Baha'is representing more than one family in a given locality, they should form a group and work toward the establishment of an Assembly in that locality. Of these nine, two Groups (Beverly Hills and Burbank, California) are becoming Local Spiritual Assemblies this year. Five of the twenty are in cities where no Baha'is were living [p49] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 49 prior to this year; namely, Wilmington, Delaware; Independence, Iowa; New Orleans, Louisiana; Providence, Rhode Island; and Bristol, Wisconsin. tcTwenty~seven Baha'i groups sent in annual reports and of this number fifteen indicated that fireside meetings constitute their most successful teaching effort. A few are holding more or less regular meetings, the speakers being supplied through the Regional Teaching Committee or nearby Assemblies. Very effective exhibitions of the Temple Models were arranged by eight Groups during the year and several of them were productive of unusually fine publicity in the local newspapers and on the radio. ttJn addition to their greatly accelerated teaching work this year, all Baha'i groups have demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility for the progress of the Faith as a whole. This has been reflected particularly in their increased support of the Baha'i Fund, their greater use of the services of all national Baha'i committees, and their wholehearted cooperation with the National and Regional Teaching Committees as well as their willingness to extend teaching assistance to neighboring groups and isolated Baha'is. LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES "The resistless appeal of Shoghi Effendi has again stirred our hearts and caused in our midst that restlessness and urgent desire which are the propulsive forces of our Faith. Again we are to break the limitations that bind us, achieve a new goal which shall be the foundation of a yet more glorious stage. For the Guardian has called for one hundred Local Spiritual Assemblies by April 2 1st! At this hour we can name but ten of the required tnewly-fledged Assemblies'; yet we await the date with hopefulness, knowing well that the capacity resides in the American community if this challenge but release it. CtWhen we contemplate that these Cvar1~ ous Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the bedrock upon the strength of which the Universal House is in future to be firmly established and raised,' we can appreciate with clearer vision the absolute necessity of this expansion, and must derive fresh hope from the quickening vitality which our Assemblies have so strikingly exhibited this year. Both at home and afield, tthrough all the resources at their disposal they are promoting the growth and consolidation of that pioneer movement for which the entire machinery of their Administrative Order has been primarily designed and erected.' ttThe concept of pioneering at home is a development of the past few months, a channel through which those unable to leave their homes and responsibilities may yet share in the glorious World Mission. A definition of this form of pioneering was carried in BAnA 'i NEWS for October, 1939, based upon a plan originated by the Milwaukee Spiritual Assembly. We quote: tThe suggestion is that each Assembly, alive to its responsibility within its own city limits and in nearby communities, should survey these areas which so literally depend upon its resourcefulness and conscientious administration of the teaching program for that news which is the priceless introduction to God's guidance and Word. Through the use of a map, mounted on cardboard and displayed for all to see, the soldiers of the campaign could be charted, just as we chart the centers of Baha'i life throughout the continent. Based on the position of each believer, as well as upon those factors which determine normal regions of activity in any city, the Assembly could then outline its pioneer plan. Contacts could be made, neighborhood newspapers utilized, firesides established, teaching dr-cuits arranged; in fact, all the techniques of our national and international work could be locally applied. Such a program, comprehensive in scope, effective in method, aimed to cut down and eventually to obliterate the blank spaces of our Baha'i maps, could well rally and direct the energies of every individual. Thus each Spiritual Assembly, at the head of its own "army of life," might join the heroic campaign in which our valiant brothers are already engaged.' CtwWe are advised that twenty-four Assemblies adapted the plan to their own communities and sixteen have reported fine re-suits, particularly in the growth of fireside groups in new sections of their cities. tcThe ingenuity of the friends in discovering opportunities for pioneering is perhaps the most cheerful part of this program. [p50] 50 TITLE BAFIA.'1 WORLD Three exhibitions of the model of the Baha'i Temple which is in its final stage of construction at Wil-mete, , Illinois. Above: Exposed in a florist shop at Binghamton, N. Y. Below, left: Display at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque, N. M. Below, right: Exhibited in a florist shop window in Port Huron, Mich. [p51] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 51 Berkeley wrote: tWe tried to imagine what could happen if all of us who have worked here so long were removed and one fresh pioneer Baha'i arrived .' The result was a series of nineteen firesides in both Baha'i and non-Bah~i'i homes, with a total attendance of 393, of whom 225 were not believers. In Los Angeles the city was divided into nine sections with a plan for firesides in each, conducted by cteachers of experience, preferably the newer ones, accompanied by a relatively inexperienced assistant,' and stressing 'hospitality and warmth.' Thirty Baha'i registrations were the outcome, the highest number achieved by any Local Assembly. New Haven based its efforts upon tThe Advent of Divine Justice,' with ta deliberate attempt to attract the negro race in this city.' It also pioneered among the blind by placing Baha Braille books with the State Board of Education for the Blind. Chicago experimented with a group of 150 contacts, visitors to the Temple exhibits at Treasure Island and the Wisconsin State Fair, and through a series of entertainments and meetings, gradually transmuted their curiosity into genuine interest and a desire to study. t'We are greatly encouraged with the result of this continuity of effort .' New York reached a wide audience of strangers by providing speakers for churches, clubs, museums, and Latin American groups, as did twenty-nine other Assemblies. It also sponsored a teaching campaign within the Polish population. That these and many other methods of pioneering at home attained success is evidenced by the fact that sixty-five Assemblies enrolled 249 new members within the year. ttThere is almost unanimous agreement that the fireside meeting is the heart of teaching vitality and the source of future growth. Through these informal groups which any believer may start, with his own friends and contacts as nucleus, inquirers are imbued with the desire for study classes. Such classes, as a rule, are conducted under the direction of the Local Assemblies; through consistent and intensive lessons they provide the basis for Baha'i membership and expand the knowledge of those who are already supporters of the Faith. Sixty Assemblies sponsored such study classes, while more than 175 individuals held regular fireside meetings in fifty-seven communities. "Local Spiritual Assemblies have also exerted great influence through extension teaching work. Here again various methods have been followed. Sixteen Assemblies have opened twenty-seven new cities to the Faith, with the help of over fifty Baha teachers. In addition, seventy-nine other individuals became isolated believers, and of these thirty-eight moved to cities without Baha'is. There were, moreover, another 161 believers representing forty-two Assemblies who made teaching trips. (cThi motion of communities outward to other centers has in some cases involved real sacrifice. The loss of capable individuals to the pioneer field has meant redoubled effort at home, and the necessity to train fresh workers to replace them. Vancouver and Miami are examples of Assemblies which have contributed most remarkably to pioneer settlement. Through the establishment of Baha'i Groups, Assembly rolls have also been diminished, as in the case of Detroit with twelve members, five of whom withdrew to form a Group in Grosse Pointe, five in Dearborn, and two in Lincoln Park. This ~meant reelection to the Spiritual Assembly and reorganizing of committees.' Still another method was the removal of believers to a given center to create a Baha'i Group where none had existed. Thus the Los Angeles community, having some membership in Beverly Hills, sufficiently increased the numbers in that city to organize a Local Assembly this year. CCDifficult as this process may be, the rewards of extension teaching are high, for through these very sacrifices the Faith is broadcast, finds root, and firmly establishes itself in untouched regions; while at home latent capacity is aroused and a surpassing goal set and achieved. ~'At this time the Local Spiritual Assemblies face a tremendous challenge and opportunity. Their eighty-five Baha'i communities actually embrace 250 cities! When will the Faith be independently secured in each? ISOLATED BELIEVERS CCWith three hundred and sixty-three isolated Ba1A'is in the United States and [p52] 52 THE BAHA'I WORLD Canada, the outposts of the Faith are penetrating all regions. When we consider that the tpioneers~ who have forsaken home ties and Baha'i associations, become active isolated believers in difficult areas, we can appreciate the value of the services of the isolated believers, who have kept the Light of the Faith burning, in less difficult areas, for these many years. With the assistance of the Regional Committees, these isolated believers can so enrich the Faith by their persistent teaching efforts, that the future is very bright for the building up of new groups, and finally Spiritual Assemblies. Perhaps the isolated Baha'is do not realize the great bounty that can be theirs if they redouble their efforts, as without breaking ties of home and friends, they have the possibility of achieving the same victories for the Faith, as the pioneer. In addition to this they can secure immediate assistance from nearby Assemblies or groups, or the Regional Committee. (cT1~e isolated Baha'is during the past year have shown renewed devotion, and have achieved new goals, in their paths of service. The pulsating life of ~pioneering' has reached them in full force, and has produced a deepening of understanding, and a greater appreciation of responsibility, and the attending glorious opportunity it affords. REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES "The National Teaching Committee feels particular pride in the vigorous functioning of the thirteen Regional Committees, to whose consistent and able administration the National Assembly has entrusted the development of Baha'i groups and isolated believers. Mindful of the Guardian's words, these Committees have truly felt tthe vital and urgent necessity of insuring, within as short a time as possible, the formation of groups, however small and rudimentary, and of providing every facility within their power to enable these newly-formed nuclei to evolve, swiftly and along sound lines, into properly functioning, self-sufficient, and recognized Assemblies.' Not only have they, as responsible agents, relieved the National Committee of a vast burden of work, but through their own initiative they have originated valued methods, undertaken wider interests, terests, trained and utilized a growing army of teachers, and helped to produce the Local Spiritual Assemblies for which the Guardian has called. "In an attempt to portray their manifold activities, a monthly column, tAfield with Our RegionaL,' was instituted in BAHAI Nrws. The present account can hope to mention oniy a few of the more striking accomplishments. "The Committee f or California, Arizona, and Nevada succeeded this year in contacting personally almost every group and iso-hted friend in California, This involved travel on the part of the Secretary from San Diego to Lakeport, a distance one way of eight hundred miles. During this ambitious teaching iourney, in which she was joined at various points by local Baha'is, Mrs. Valeria Thornton visited 10 groups, 50 isolated believers, and several additional towns where interested persons were reported; she spoke in firesides, distributed literature, enlisted support for teaching plans, modernized the concepts of many Baha who had been out of touch with the main stream of the Cause for years, and was able to determine which areas would best respond to intensive work. The National Committee followed her course with deep interest, for it has long been apparent that some such survey should be made in every part of the United States and Canada. "Another heroic journey was accomplished in the South last June by the Committee for Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Four dauntless teachers, Ñ the Secretary, Miss Nellie Roche, Mrs. Georgia Wiles, Mrs. Louise Caswell, and Mrs. Terah Smith Ñ organizing themselves as a Baha Institute, carried the benefits of Summer School to the Baha'i communities of Knoxville, Atlanta, and Augusta. They traveled twelve hundred miles, finding everywhere tthe greatest spirit of enthusiasm and dedication to the Cause of Baha'u'llah CCAble planning and execution has been the keynote of success of the Committee for Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. Each member accepted responsibility for a section of the region and frequent meetings were scheduled in all of the responsive Groups. The teachers were prepared with a series of [p53] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES ¶3 at least five talks, ~ be given as intensive campaigns in these cities, attracting a few people who might be developed into study groups.' Special emphasis was given the work in Waukcgan, Madison, and Batavia, as well as in Ann Arbor, Marysville, and several other groups. Concrete results were the preparation for Assemblies in Waukegan and Madison. Two exhibits of the Temple model were arranged, with the help of Local Baha'i Assemblies, at the Illinois and Wisconsin State Fairs. CcTh Committee for Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island achieved a remarkable success in several fields. The circuit of the Temple model for exhibits in Providence, West Haven, Rutland, Keene, Springfield, Boston, Portsmouth, Dover, Portland, and (possibly) Bangor was unparalleled throughout the country. Its intercommunity conferences and library placements of Baha'i books; its spontaneous cooperation with the two Baha'i pioneers of Vermont and Rhode Island; its sustained assistance to groups through a series of four lectures, together with radio broadcasting; these and other activities gave high distinction to the year's work. "Space will not permit the mention of all of our Committees. Yet the prospect of these diverse undertakings must redouble our faith in Cthe invincible army of Baha'u'llah which, however insignificantly small and poorly equipped materially it may appear, is endowed nevertheless with such celestial strength as will undoubtedly enable it to break down one by one every barrier it may encounter in its spiritual conquest for the redemption and guidance of human souls.' TFMrLE MODEL EXHIBITS ccThe most outstanding methods of publicizing the Faith, and teaching both directly and indirectly, was the exhibit of the model of the Temple. Indeed, we have found, that even before the completion of the Temple, the Master's promises that tth Temple would become the first and most important teacher' has become fulfilled. "At the World's Fair in New York, a Baha Booth was arranged displaying a model of the Temple and Baha'i literature. Attendants were present at all times, to explain the significance of the Temple, and the distinguishing features of the Faith, as well as distribute teaching literature. Millions of people were attracted to the beauty of the Temple, and thousands inquired concerning the Faith. Free teaching literature was distributed to the extent of some 200,000 pieces. CCAt the World's Fair in San Francisco, a Baha'i Booth was arranged, uniquely displaying a model of the Temple. Attendants were present at all times and unending opportunity permitted tconveying the message' to thousands. Over 60,000 pieces of free literature were distributed. "A second exhibit of the Temple model was arranged in the World's Fair in San Francisco, in the exhibit rooms of the Temple of Religion and Tower of Peace. It was not possible to distribute literature at this exhibit; but inasmuch as the Temple occupied a very conspicuous position, practically everyone who entered the exhibit rooms, viewed the Temple model. The Temple of Religion Officers estimate over 600,000 people viewed the exhibits. "The Baha'i Booth at the Canadian International Exposition attracted thousands, giving the attendant opportunity to teach, and resulting in many fine contacts. Over 15,000 pieces of free literature were distributed. ccPerhaps the outstanding exhibit of the Temple model at State Fairs, was the one arranged by the Milwaukee Assembly, at the Wisconsin State Fair. Attendants were present at the Booth responding to the many teaching opportunities presented. There were some 18,000 visitors at the Booth, and about 2500 pieces of literature were distributed. "Another outstanding exhibit, was that in Sacramento, Calif., at the annual flower show. This exhibit, prepared by the Junior Garden Clubs of Sacramento, under Baha'i direction, portrayed the Temple in a garden with flowers from all countries of the world. It was especially mentioned by the Management, and won one of the first prizes. (CAt Newark, New Jersey, the model was displayed at the ~ model of the New York World's Fair in miniature. [p54] 54 THE BAHA'I WORLD There were about 4000 visitors daily. The Management conceded that the Temple Model display was the outstanding single exhibit. ttLil(cwise requiring special mention, is the exhibit arranged in Butte, Montana, at the WPA Art Center. Groups were brought in from all parts of the county to view it. One Photography Group made a special study of methods of photographing it. Inquiry has been received as to whether we could permit this Model to be sent from Art center to Art center, throughout the State. CCAt all exhibits where a Baha'i Booth was maintained, an attendant was present at all times. Those interested were asked to register in guest books. These names and addresses were sent to the nearest Assembly, group, or Regional Committee for active followup. The Chicago Assembly report that one of its outstanding teaching successes of the year, was the followup contacts made at the various Fairs. One hundred fifty of these people responded to an invitation to a musicale and reception, planned by the Assembly to establish a friendly contact, as a foundation for more direct presentation of the Faith. ccThe records of the Teaching Committee show that there were thirty-seven displays of the Temple model this year; over 300,000 pieces of teaching literature were distributed, and the ~Message' given to thousands of people. Undoubtedly, other exhibits were arranged by Assemblies owning Temple models, which were not reported to the Committee. The Teaching Committee, with the 6 models assigned to it for teaching purposes, has not been able to meet the demands, and it is hoped more models can be made available before the coming Fall. STATISTICAL REVIEW OF TEACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS tcWhil statistics do not and cannot convey anything of the reality of service, yet they do indicate to a small extent, the effort put forth, and the immediate tangible re-following summary will suits. Thus the prove of interest: MARCH 15, 1940 Assemblies85 New Assemblies to be formed Baha groups53 New groups formed28 Isolated Bah&is363 Cities where Faith established576 States and Provinces with no Groups or Assemblies28 States and Provinces with no Baha'is None '~Authorized as of March 15, 1940. MARCH 15, 1939 78 343 MARCH 15, 1937 73 246 259 ccTh Baha'i Faith now established in 576 cities in this country, is brought about by 85 Assemblies having a total of 250 cities represented in their rolls, while the 63 groups have a total of 72 cities represented. The 363 isolated believers represent 244 cities. CCThe number of pioneers entering virgin areas for settlement during the year was 42, as against 15 during the second year of the Plan, and 20 during the first year. CCA total of 202 Fireside Gatherings are being held regularly throughout the country. CCDuring the year 27 new cities have been opened to the Faith. tc56 Assemblies report 425 adults and youth attended Summer Schools last year from their respective communities." [p55] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 55 PIONEER TEACHERS IN THE SEVEN YEAR PLAN A statement prepared by Miss Marion Holley for the Teaching Committee describes clearly and graphically the tart played by the pioneer in the larger teaching plans of the current years. F. cerpts from this statement follow: lo GRASP the scope and development of pioneer teaching in the first years of the Seven-Year Plan, it is needful to survey the evolution of the Faith in America through a much longer period, gaining thereby a perspective by which events and accomplishments may be related both causally and in just proportion. As one steps back for this long view, the first recognition is that for fifteen years an instrument was being forged Ñ the Administrative Order Ñ its full use unguessed until, at the moment of climax, the Guardian directed it to the fulfillment of America's spiritual mission. Thus the whole movement of the Cause in this continent, since the unfoldment of the COMPARATIVE FIGURES 193 51936 Baha'i Groups 22 New Groups formed 2 Total Isolated Baha'is 268 Cities where Faith established 259 New Cities opened 33 No Groups or Assemblies in 24 No Groups or Assemblies in 7 No registered Baha'is in 12 No registered Baha'is in 3 "During the two and a half years of the Seven-Year Plan, there were twenty Assern-blies organized and forty Groups, with 190 cities newly opened to the Faith. And by the end of the second year, the initial phase had been traversed, with the settlement of pioneers in every State and Province of North America, including Alaska. CCDespite the enthusiasm aroused, or such examples as that of the Entzminger family, who early in 1937 moved from California to Oklahoma City to establish the Faith, no full realization of their responsibility to f or-sake home and attachments had come to the body of the American Baha'is. Again in August, 1937, a heartfelt appeal was voiced by the Guardian: cWho among its stalwart defenders will arise, untrammelled (and) unafraid, to implant its banner in those Divine Plan by 'Abdu'l-Baha, has been a mighty groundwork, a preparation for that day when the theme of pioneer endeavor, first declared in the deeds of those who responded to His immediate call, might be repeated, but in a style immeasurably more powerful and complex, in the Seven-Year Plan, this Plan itself a prelude oniy to the destined glorious, worldwide achievement of the American Baha Community. "To appreciate the phenomenal advance of the American community, in response to this and the Guardian's successive life-im-parting messages, it is well to compare the status of teaching work as of May 1, 1936, and November 15, 1939. 193 91940 349 347 States Provinces States Provinces (April, 1939) 63 (1938 Ñ 39) 16 States 5 Provinces o States o Provinces States, Provinces (and) Countries where its standard is still unhoisted?' "From this period there seemed to enter into the Faith an unmistakable momentum which henceforth mounted steadily, appearing ever more vigorously in the activities of pioneer settlers, travelling teachers, Regional Committees, Assemblies in their extension teaching, Groups, and isolated believers. Through the medium of fireside and public meetings, teaching circuits, inter-community conferences, exhibits of the Temple model, newspaper and radio publicity, and an infinite variety of contacts, the limits of the Faith were steadily expanded. More and more all work tended to be pioneering, if not afield or in undeveloped areas, then at home among widening groups of inquirers. Monthly the columns of BAHA'I NEWS re [p56] THE ~AHA'i WORLD 2 L Official post cards of the 1939 San Francisco World's Fair and the 1939 New York World's Fair showing the different Baha'i exhibits. [p57] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 57 corded the story of cooperative achievement, proving by a wealth of detail beyond the capacity of this survey to recapture, the indispensability of every individual and organized effort in the spiritual conquest of the continent. CCJ~ sixteen States of the South there existed only eight Assemblies, two Groups, and forty-six isolated believers in 1936, while six of the States possessed no Baha'is at all. It was to one of these, Oklahoma, that the Entzminger family of four members moved in January, 1937, settling in Oklahoma City. Although some work had been done there previously by Orcella Rexford and Edwinna Powell, there were but few contacts left and none of these Baha'is. Despite almost insurmountable odds of ill health, long unemployment and rapidly-dwindling resources, Alice and Albert Entzminger so faithfully exemplified the life of the Cause that within one year's time a Spiritual Assembly had been gathered, holding its first election in April, 1938. ttAnother remarkable example of consistent effort through settlement was that of Louise Caswell in Knoxville, Tennessee, who established residence in the summer of 1937 and saw the fruit of her constancy in the organization of a Spiritual Assembly, April, 1939. This region was greatly assisted by the pioneering of the National Spiritual Assembly which met in Nashville in January, 1937, and in Knoxville in February, 1939. Through firsthand experience the members were enabled to grasp the problems and opportunities of the South as never before, and a teaching policy was de. veloped which was the basis for all subsequent work. C(In Texas study groups were formed in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Dallas through the labors of such teachers as Mrs. Katherine Frankland, Mr. A. Kiuss, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Caihoon, Mine. Gita Orlova, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, and Mr. H. R. Huribut. Other cities opened to the Faith by various believers included Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Winterhaven, Denton, and El Paso. ctArkansas which had been numbered among the States deprived of the influence of the Teachings, became the seat of great activity in 193 839. Miss Rezsi Sunshine opened a business in Hot Springs, carrying on regular meetings in this city and in Little Rock. In Pine Bluff Miss Lydia Martin became Dean of Women at the State Teachers College. She was able to arrange a month of intensive teaching by Louis Gregory, who also conducted the school's Religious Emphasis Week, and a study group has continued. Marvin Newport spoke before service clubs and churches in Little Rock. ~'Covington, Louisiana, received the gift of a Fellowship House from Mrs. Loulie Mathews which, under the direction of Mrs. Marion Little, has become a community center. New Orleans was settled by three pioneers, Mrs. Dorothy Logelin and Frederick Bab, and Miss Pearl Berk. ccwwest Virginia, another virgin area, became the home of Harold Hunt in Huntington and Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Dali in Charleston. Other teaching was done by Marion Holley, who visited six cities, and by Orcella Rexford, Dr. Gregory, and Miss Eire Nicklin. A Group was formed in Arlington, Virginia, while in Richmond Mrs. Ethel Murray and Mrs. Louise Boyle established residence for some months. As the outcome of two months spent by Mrs. Grace Ober in Louisville, Kentucky, a study group was carried forward by Miss Virginia Tay-br. A large group resulted in Tuskegee, Alabama, from a four-months' visit by Louis Gregory, who also taught in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Normal. Walter Blakely pioneered in Birmingham in 19373 8 and in 1939 Miss Martha Fettig continued the development of this area. Another project of Mr. Gregory's brought several Baha registrations in Memphis, Tennessee, to which city< Mrs. Mabel Ives was 1at~r sent as a pioneer, together with Mr. Ives and Mrs. Mary Barton. Miss Nayan Flartfield furthered the Cause for some time in Mississippi. "Nth Carolina was visited for two months by Mrs. Terah Smith and Marguerite Reimer, while Mrs. Olga Mills moved to Tryon and Mrs. Sarah Eason to Raleigh. In South Carolina extended teaching was carried on by Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, Mrs. Amelia Bodmer, Miss Agnes O'Neill, and Miss Louise Thompson in Charleston; by Miss Mmdc Mickle and Miss AIIm Wheeler [p58] 58 THE BAHA'I WORLD in Columbia; by Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Bid-well at Chick Springs; while the Augusta, Georgia, Assembly reached its membership into this State. Atlanta, Georgia, was settled by Dorris Ebbert, Olga Finke, and Terali Smith. Good work was also done in Bristol, Florida, by Edward Young and many groups in Florida and Georgia were stimu-lared by visits of Alma and Fanny Knob-loch. Delaware was opened to the Faith through the work of Orcella Rexford in Wilmington, her contacts being consolidated by the Regional Committee and Doris Lohse. Mr. and Mrs. Allah Kalantar were later sent to the city as resident pioneers. ~~S cli a hasty review of a vast territory must of necessity neglect many projects and teachers. The extensive travels of Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Mr. Mason Remey, Mrs. Terah Smith, and Orcella Rexford; the faithful service of the three Regional Committees; and the endeavors of many unnamed believers Ñ all contributed to one of the most remarkable chapters in the unfoldment of the Seven-Year Plan. As of November, 1939, the Southern States could number ten Assemblies, seven organized Groups, eighty-six isolated believers, no States without Baha'is, and a network of contacts for that promised future when Cthe darkness of the world of nature may become entirely dispelled and driven away CCH brilliant the achievements of the American Baha'i Community during the first months of the Seven-Year Plan, they were by no means adequate to the vision of the Guardian. Little did the believers guess the capacity latent within them! Determined to accomplish the initial phase of the Teaching Campaign by the end of the second year, Shoghi Effendi cabled on January 26, 1939, a message so compelling as to penetrate each heart with longing to respond. Within three months eighty-one volunteers had arisen to tforsake homes, cast away attachments (and) definitely settle these territories (to) lay firm anchorage (of the) Administrative Order .' No doubt was left as to the urgency of their task: tEstab-lishment (of) one resident believer (in) each virgin territory (is the) precondition (to the) full launching (of the) subsequent, eagerly-anticipated stage aiming (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) Southern Half (of the) 'Western Hemisphere.' CCSO it was that by Convention time arrangements had been consummated for the settlement of each State and Province named in the cable, as follows: ALASKA Ñ Miss Honor Kempton, Anchorage; Miss Betty Becker, Jueneau. DELAWARE Ñ Mr. and Mrs. Allah K. Kalan-tar, Wilmington. NEVADA Ñ Miss Helen Griffing, Reno. SOUTH CAROLINA Ñ Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Bidwell, Chick Springs; Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, Charleston. UTAH Ñ Mrs. Marguerite Reimer Sears, Salt Lake City. VERMONT Ñ Miss Neysa Bissell, Rutland. WEST VIRGINIA Ñ Mr. and Mrs. Hubert DaM, Charleston; Mr. Harold Hunt, Huntington. MANITOBA Ñ Mr. Rowland Estall, Winnipeg. NOVA SCOTIA Ñ Mrs. Beulah Proctor, Halifax. ttln addition, projects to strengthen undeveloped areas were planned for the following pioneer teachers, all of whom were in residence before the end of 1939: RHODE ISLAND Ñ Mr. and Mrs. Don T. McNally, Providence. ALBERTA Ñ Miss Doris Skinner, Calgary. SASKATCHEWAN Ñ Mrs. Katherine Moscrop, Regina. ALABAMA Ñ Miss Martha Fettig, Birmingham. MISSOURI Ñ Miss Nayan Hartfield, St. Louis. NORTH DAKOTA Ñ Mrs. Marguerite Breug-ger, Bismarck. LOUISIANA Ñ Mrs. Dorothy Logelin, Frederick Bab, and Miss Pearl Berk, New Orleans. TENNES&EE Ñ MrS. Mabel Ives,, Mr. Howard Ives, Mrs. Mary Barton, Memphis. TEXAS Ñ Mrs. Katherine Frankland, San Antonio. IOWA Ñ Mrs. Ruth Moffett (travelling teacher). rcAlthough no specific mention has been made of Canada, the reader will perhaps have noted the spectacular growth of the Faith throughout that country. In 1936 there were Assemblies in Montreal and Vancouver alone, with no Groups listed and [p59] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 59 The exhibit of the Baha'i Temple model in the Homes and Gardens section of the San Francisco World's Fair in 1939. An identical model was exhibited at the same time in the Temple of Religions. oniy four isolated believers. Two years later, April, 1938, the Assemblies of Toronto, St. Lambert, and Moncton were organized. The story of Mrs. Mabel Ives' teaching journey to Moncton, N. B., in 1937, is one of the most illustrious chapteirs of pioneer history. Later she moved to Toronto and, with the cooperation of many other believers, helped to strengthen this new Assembly and to extend its work to Hamilton, where a Baha'i Group was formed in 1939. In this same year, the pioneers of the Seven-Year Plan swept across the Prairie Provinces. Three Vancouver Baha'is, Rowland Estall, Doris Skinner, and Katherine Moscrop moved to Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan respectively, and an active public campaign was carried on in such cities as Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, and Alberta, through their efforts and those of Mrs. Leonard King and Emeric Sala. Meantime on the Atlantic Coast, Halifax, Nova Scotia, was settled by Mrs. Beulali Proctor and Mr. and Mrs. Grenville Wade. ~tNO one could for a moment suppose this to be a comprehensive survey of the teaching activities carried on in North America during the initial stage of the Seven-Year Plan. Numberless servants of the Cause must go unrnentioned, Ñ those on the one hand who, possessing cqualities of renunciation, tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor' which the Guardian prescribed, did cbrave the dangers and sweep away the obstacles' to bring the news of Baha'u'llah to the remotest corners of our land; and on the other, the many cwise, resourceful and judicious administrators' whose patient work, whether national, regional, or local, sustained each new advance. ttUon the threshold of the third year, then, the American Baha'is saw with grateful hearts the fulfillment of the first phase of their mighty task. Yet even as they [p60] 60 THE BAHA'I WORLD reached out to vast fields still unconquered to the South, reinforced by the Guardian words to the Convention of 1939 that the upsurge of Baha'u'llah's impelling Spirit cannot, will not be stemmed (nor) impeded,' they were fully mindful of their responsibilities at home. The goal of extension and consolidation, from isolated believ-MARTHA ROOT'S TRAV AND AUSTRALIA Ñ HER FIRST of the Baha'is to arise for service in response to the Master's Tablets revealing America's Spiritual Mission in 1916 and 1917, Martha L. Root in her very last days continued to consume the candle of her mortal life as teacher and valiant herald of the Baha'i Faith. Death overtook this great and renowned servant of Baha'u'llah at Honolulu on September 28, 1939, extending her career into higher worlds. When the frail body could endure its burden no more, death cut short her intention of returning to America in order to devote herself to assisting the Inter-America Committee in its task of establishing the Faith in Latin American lands. It was in South America that Miss Root began her international teaching mission in 1919. The example of her life and the influence of her self-sacri-ficing spirit have, however, proved an invaluable influence and stimulant to all the workers in this field. Perhaps in death she can accomplish even more than in life. Previous volumes of THE BAHA'I WORLD have traced the steps of this unique Baha'i career. In the present work we ciose the noble record with an account of her teaching activities in India, Burma, Australia and New Zealand. First, however, we should follow the broad outlines of her successive journeys as they were summarized in the memorial tribute prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly and published in BAHA'I NEWS of November, 1939, following the national gathering held in her honor in the Foundation Hall of the Baha'i House of Worship on October 29 of that year. cdt would be impossible for the Babi'i world to trace in its full and rich detail her ers and small groups into organized Baha communities, demanded the continued exertion of their best powers. All together they were resolved to tinsure the security and provide for the steady expansion of the work initiated in those territories so recently set alight from the torch of an inextinguishable Faith.' (Shoghi Effendi, April 17, 1939)." ELS IN INDIA, BURMA DEATH IN HONOLULU untiring services. In 1919, we find her visiting every important South American city. Possessing no Spanish or Portuguese literature, and without speaking knowledge of these languages, she was, with the help of translators, heard and read by thousands, and because of her, the first Baha booklet in Portuguese was prepared by Brazilians for publication. cnn Europe and Asia, thousands heard her message, from the humblest firesides, to the palaces of royalty. To Thomas Masaryk, first president of the Republic of Czechoslovakia, Martha gave the Baha'i Teachings; and to King Faisal of 'Iriq; to Y. S. Tsao, president of the Tsing Hua University, who tans-lated many Baha'i writings into Chinese; to Prince Paul and Princess Olga of Yugoslavia; to Nishuama, head of the Board of Religions of Japan; and to Queen Marie of Rumania, of whose interview the Guardian himself wrote: TOne of the visible and potent effects which this historic interview proved capable of achieving was the remarkable appeal in the form of open letters which Her Majesty freely and spontaneously caused to be published to the world at large, testifying in a language of exquisite beauty to the power and sublimity of the Message of Baha'u'llah.' ~Wth what tenderness our hearts follow her on her journey of October, 1933, to Adrianople, where the Blessed Perfection had cplanted a seed under every stone.' Through her we are welcomed by the Governor and Mayor. With her we kneel reverently in the Muradiyyih Mosque and sense chow far Baha'u'llah had come to meet our Western World!' Through her eyes, many times tear-dimmed in that city, we see the gentle [p61] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 61 Mu~;aft Big, who had been in the Presence of the Beloved and was able to tell us of His gardens, His house, His great generosity, and of the reverent esteem of His fellow citizens. Between the lines of Martha's gen-. tie pen appears the persuasion of her own indelible impression upon Adrianople. C ~Martha even traveled to the outposts of civilization. In 1935, she journeyed to Iceland, where a radio station turned over its News Hour to her dynamic message, and whcre newspapers printed for the first time Baha'i utterances in Icelandic. C(A last touching tribute comes to us from the Baha'is of India and Burma, who, unaware of her approaching departure from this life, wrote in their Convention report the news of her spiritual victories in the present year. The most outstanding feature in the year under report has been the teaching activities of our beloved sister, Miss Martha L. Root. This star servant of Baha'u'llah toured from Bombay to Mandalay, and from Srinagar to Colombo. Wherever she went, she delivered the message of Baha'u'llah in her own convincing way, and published the divine Cause amongst almost all of the educated people of this great continent In Sindh, she visited Karachi and Hyderabad. In Karachi she attended the tenth Convention of the Baha'is of India and Burma, and probably did the greatest service of her life. She stayed in that town for three months and got the book Tdloi rib the Pure printed and mailed the world over. It was here in this city that she met Sadaq Viswani and made a deep impression on the mind of that saintly man. In Simla she graced the first Baha'i Summer School of India and Burma with her presence and drew down the blessings of God on this institution. In Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Amritsar, Jullundur, Ludhiama, Delhi, Patiala, Aligarh, Lucknow, Allahabad, Benares, and Patna, she visited colleges and universities, and delivered the Message of Baha'u'llah to students, professors, and intelligensia of the universities of India. Miss Martha Root has opened the whole of India for us, and it now devolves upon us to so utilize these openings as to produce the best of results.' The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and Burma published extensive reports of Martha Root's public activities in those countries. The following excerpts will indicate the scope of the mission she undertook at an advanced age, and its results in promoting the Cause of Baha'-. u'lhih. CtMiss Martha Root arrived in India from Ceylon on October 13th. The believers of Bombay accorded her a right royal reception. The National Spiritual Assembly had also fixed their half-yearly meeting to be held in Bombay in order to meet the beloved sister. Miss Root stayed in Bombay for 5 days and these 5 days were gala days for the believers of the place. While the Bombay friends held meetings and arranged for lectures, which were fully reported by the press, the N. S. A. in consultation with Miss Root, chalked out a program for her. c!After attending the public meeting on the Birthday of the Bib, which was presided over by an ex-Mayor of the Town, Miss Root left for Surat. ccsURAT~During her two days' stay here Miss Root met lawyers, judges and other notables of the town at the home of Mr. Vakil and delivered a public lecture in the Arya Samaj Hall. This was attended by 250 to 300 people Ñ students, lawyers and other notables. The press published elaborate articles and thus a good publicity was achieved for the Divine Faith. ttPooNA Ñ Owing to her brief stay here no public lecture was arranged; but she met press representatives and the believers of the place. She visited the Baha'i School and the Baha'i Cemetery. To the friends she delivered a talk on teaching. Miss Root will visit Poona again when she returns from her tour in South India. ctRANGooN~Leavi1~g Poona on October 26 she stayed one day at Bombay and then left for Burma where she arrived on November 2. The believers of Rangoon had chalked out a busy and elaborate program for her. She spoke at the Y. M. C. A. (Town Branch), Arya Samaj (Central), Theosophical Society, Brahmo Samaj, Malabar Club and Rotary Club. Press publicity had preceded her arrival and when she arrived all the leading dailies of Rangoon published glowing articles about her and about the [p62] 62 THE BAHA'I WORLD Cause she had come to teach. Rangoon Times, widely circulated English daily, pub Ñ lished an interview with her about Baha'i work in Shanghai. Rangoon Times has been devoting weekly two to three column space to Baha'i articles for the last 11 months. Rangoon Gazette, another English daily, had an equally fine interview of more than a column and in addition there was an editorial about the history of the Baha'i Faith. Her lectures attracted large numbers of hearers and were presided over by religiously inclined public men. In fact, Miss Martha Root created a stir in the religious circles of that great city of 500 thousand souls comprised of almost all civilized nations of the world. ttMiss Root had two meetings with the Baha'is of Rangoon in the I-Iaziratu'l-Quds (Baha'i Hall). The meeting with the children was very interesting. She started a children's class and gave the first iesson to youngsters. This class, the Rangoon Spiritual Assembly is determined to continue, in remembrance of the visit of our beloved sister. ttMANDALAY Ñ MiSS Root arrived in this ancient city of Upper Burma on November 10. She was received at the station by the believers led by our revered Baha'i teacher Syyid Mu~af& Roumie. She delivered a public lecture in Mandalay Municipal Library. The attendance was the largest of any public Bab&'i lecture given up to this time in Mandalay. The Headmaster of the Normal School U. Thet Swe, ThA., EL. was the Chairman. Some of the hearers came later on to see Miss Root and asked questions. Baha'is who live in towns near Mandalay came all the way to see their beloved guest. CCTOUNGOOOn leaving Mandalay Miss Root detrained at this town of about 23,000 inhabitants. No Baha'i teacher has ever before visited this place. It was through the efforts of Dr. M. A. Latiff, that the town was opened. He had gone to the place and had arranged for a lecture in the Jubilee Library. Dr. Baha, Civil Surgeon of the district presided. He also gave a dinner in his home after the lecture and four interested people came to meet the Baha'i teacher. Miss Root took the train that same night and nine people who had attended the lecture were on the station to see her off. It is a great thing for our Faith that Toungoo is opened and we have our dear brother Dr. M. A. Latiff to thank for it. C(DATDANAW (Kungyangoon) Ñ Accompanied by Syyid tAbclu'1 Uussain Sherazi and Mr. Siyyid Ghulam Murtaza 'Au, Miss Root reached this Baha'i village of 800 believers on November 20. The believers of the place had made elaborate preparations for recep-don of their beloved guest. A special roadway was cut through the grass from the main road to the Assembly Hall, which was tastefully decorated. The Assembly Compound was full of believers when Miss Root's car arrived. Mrs. Kahn garlanded her amidst the acciamations of Y4-Bahi'u'1--Abhi. She met these friends and they chanted holy songs and prayers. Miss Root writes: tWhat a royal welcome we received! Never shall I forget their chanting and the reverence and iove in their kind faces.' C!At 4 p. m. Miss Root drove to Kun-gyangoon, an important town of 6,000 people situated about 3 miles from the Baha'i Village. The lecture was held in the National School under the. Chairmanship of Dr. Gurbaksh Singh. It was translated into Burmese by U. Sein, the headmaster of the School. There were about 150 people present including the Township judge, the staffs of the National and Board Girls' High Schools. The lecture was well received. Dr. and Mrs. Gurbaksh Singli called on Miss Root that evening and had a long talk with her. ttNext day the friends again met in the Assembly Hall. After the usual prayers; Mr. M. I. Kahn read a beautiful address of welcome to which Miss Root replied in suitable words and the meeting closed in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and happiness. Mr. Murtaza 'Au describes the scene of Daida-naw as follows: cc C~j~ friends of Daidanaw gave a right royal reception to our sister Miss Martha Root, She was deeply moved.'" The remaining reports were prepared by Miss Root herself for the National Assembly of India and Burma. "CALCUTTA Ñ A great scholar, Professor M. H. Hidayat Hosain of the Royal Asiatic Society Library of Calcutta, a leading Orientalist of the world, has written about [p63] CURRENT BAHA'! ACTIVITIES 63 Qurratu'1-Ayn. Perhaps he is one of the first great Indian scholars to write about the Faith. He said that he had met the fine I r~nian Baha'i teacher, Jbn Asdaq, who came to India about 1902 or 03. tHe was so charming, so spiritual, so cultured' said Professor Hosain, tand we read the iqAn together in Persian!' (cTbe Baha'i Cause has made remarkable strides in Calcutta since I visited that city in 1930. They have a good hail, fine meetings and the membership seems to have increased five times its number in 1930. CCSHANTINLKETAN India, at the International University of Dr. Rabindra Nath Tagore. ttMr 1sf andiar Bakhtiari of Karachi, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma, and I visited Shantinike-tan on February 13, 14, 1938. We were guests in the School Guest House. It was a great privilege to meet Dr. Tagore and to hear him talk with deep love and appreciation of 'Abdu'l-Baha whom he had met in Chicago in 1912. I am writing the interview for THE BAHA'I WORLD, volume VII. Dr. Tagore said that the Baha'i Faith is a great ideal to establish and that they in Shantiniketan welcome all the great religious aims and will be most glad if a Baha'i Chair of Religion can be arranged in their school. C(HC and Mr. Bakhtiari spoke of IrAn (Mr. Bakhtiari is an I ninian, he came from Yazd to India about twenty years ago), and of Dr. Tagore's trip to Iran. The Poet asked particularly about the progress of the Baha'i Faith in the Land of Its Birth, and praised the tolerance and fineness of the Baha'is. "Dr. Tagore's School has a very excellent selection of Baha'i books in the Library and they take great interest to have it as complete and up-to-date as possible. t~A lecture was given in the hail before the whole student body and the professors. Questions were asked and answered. They brought all the Baha'i books for an exhibition in the hail, and near the close of the lecture I explained the books, one by one. Mr. Bakhtiari was invited and chanted some Baha'i prayers in Persian. (Many of the cultured people of India know Persian, and the Urud language, which is used by several millions of people, is akin to Persian.) ccThe Associated Press and the United Press used interviews and one professor whom I had known in Marburg University and who knows the Cause well wrote an article about the lectures for the Associated Press of India. t~MDSM Bakhtiari and I worked in Madras, December 25-January 3, 1938. 'Mc met the few friends and talked about how to promote the Faith, and had the Feast. 'X'e visited all the large libraries to see what Baha'i books they have. The University of Madras Library has an excellent collection and the Librarian, Mr. S. R. Ranganathan, is keenly interested to build up the department of Baha books. He is in correspondence with American Baha, the N. S. A., but up to this time he had never met a Baha. His face is full of light. He said the Baha'i books are drawn out and much read. (We later found many who have been reading the books.) ttAdyar Theosophical Library, at Adyar, Madras, has also a good collection of Baha'i books, and we found that many university students living in that section have been reading these books. We visited editors of all the leading newspapers of Madras and all used interviews followed by other articles about the Faith and resum& of our lectures later. Over two hundred articles about the Baha'i Faith have appeared in the newspapers of Ceylon and India from September 13 to February 13, 1938. CCA large public lecture was given in Ranade Hall, a cultural center whose directors are connected with the university and some newspapers. Dewan Bahadur K. S. Rarnaswami Sastri, retired District Sessions Judge and one of the brilliant scholars of Madras presided; the lecture was under the auspices of the South Indian Cultural Association. In introducing us he spoke concisely about the Cause, quoted The Dawn-Breakers and Words of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha Ñ has since presided again and has written for me to use in the West, two short articles, which were really his introductions; these are most interesting because they show the Baha Faith in its relation to Hinduism. He is a great Hindu Indian scholar who has arisen to write about the Faith. I lectured in the Y. M. C. A. in Madras, Mr. Bakhtiari [p64] 64 THE BAHA'I WORLD chanted and we both spoke before the Brali-mo-Samaj Society of Madras. Bralimo-Samaj is a very quickened spiritual movement of India, a little like our Unitarianism of the 'West, its members are always friendly and very sympathetic to the Baha'i Teachings. The Madras Brahmo-Samaj has since translated into Telegu language, What is the Baha'i Movement? booklet and one thousand copies are being distributed. This is the first booklet, I think, that has ever been published in Telegu, and it is a fruit of the visit to Madras. ttAlso, two thousand booklets, The Dawn of the New Day, translated into Tamil language are being published (were to be finished by February 15), Mr. Ishaq Pahia-van, a devoted faithful Baha'i in Madras helped with this. The Tamil newspaper that published the booklet used the history and principles in a nearly three column article that has a circulation of twenty thousand. We felt very happy about these booklets because Tamil is much used in Southern India, Ceylon, Straits Settlements and a large colony in Durhan, South Africa. "Mr. Bakhtiari, Mr. PahIav~n and II went out to Adyar to three sessions of the International Theosophical Convention held December 26 to January 3, 1938; we met many friends. The Vice-President of the International Theosophical Society, Mr. Dana, said to me that the Babi'i Teachings are the highest essence of Hinduism. Mr. Bakhtiari who did such great work returned to Karachi the evening of January 3rd. "As Madras is such an important spiritual and cultural center in Southern India, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar and I came to Madras when we were returning from Colombo and stayed for six days, January 18 to 23, met the press, lectured in Pachaippa College of Madras University, also gave a public lecture in the P. S. High School, Mylapore Section, to several hundred students; lectured at an annual meeting of the Brahmo Ñ Samaj ladies, and Shirin spoke at an evening meeting of the Brahmo-Samaj and broadcast. "Some of the young men who had been interested in the Cause when Shirin went to Madras in March of last year, arranged a meeting in their school where we spoke and they said they would form a study class. Mr. Pahiavin has a meeting sometimes for a little group of fine young men who before had been Muslims. A group had been formed last year, may an Assembly soon be started. ~tCOLOMBO CEYLON Ñ Dr. and Mrs. Foz-dar and I went to Colombo, Ceylon, for ten days, January 5 to 16, 1938. It was my second trip to Colombo since September 13. The press used many favorable and long articles about the Baha'i Faith, the editors and journalists were our true friends. A newspaper in Tamil language also published the history and principles translated into Tamil. I spoke before the Rotary Club of Colombo and the speech was broadcast from the luncheon table. Shirin spoke over the radio about Qurratu'I-'Ayn and sang one of the latter's poems. A gramophone record was made of this song. Both broadcast speeches were printed in full in the Colombo papers. One public lecture was given in Colombo University under the auspices of the University College Economics Society, and another public lecture took place at the Ramakrishna Mission School. We spoke before the teachers of a Buddhist school for girls, and Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar spoke at the Parsi Club. Some very fine Muslim people invited us to their homes, so also did some Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. We invited a number of friends to our hotel. The Mayor of Colombo called. Shirin spoke before the 'Women's International Club. It was all a most worthwhile visit to Colombo. Dr. Fozdar after helping us much, returned from Colombo to his hospital work at Ajrner. C(BANGALoRE~~Mrs. Fozdar and I came via Madras to Bangalore and Mysore where she had been ten months before. Three Baha'i lectures were scheduled for the three days of our stay, January 24, 25, 26, at the Mythic Society, a high Cultural Society in Bangalore, in Daly Memorial Hall, a building given by the Maharaja of Mysore. The Secretary of the Mythic Society, a lawyer, Mr. S. Srikantaya, ably presided at the three lectures; all were reported in the Ban galore Post. Questions were asked and answered and each day the audience increased. Teachers from the Fort High School present invited us to come over to their school and speak to seven hundred boys. The Dewan of Mysore, an fr6nian, a Muslim, is so fine in [p65] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 65 his character that Baha'is could well say he is tBahi'i' in spirit, in the sense that he seems to have 'all the human perfections in activity.' He received us and did everything to help us Ñ he helps the Muslims, the Hindus, the Jews, the Christians. He invited us to a great garden party where he was the guest of honor and introduced us to some friends as Baha. The Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University and his wife were in BangMore and invited us to their home; he was most kind and helpful both times Mrs. Fozdar came. One of the Magazines in Bangalore promises to publish three articles about the Cause. One man in Bangalore said in fun: tThe people swarm like locusts to eat the BaUM Teachings!' It was not quite like that, but certainly people were interested and you can see from this account that we found friends everywhere who helped us to spread the Fragrances of the Teachings. "MYSORE CITY Ñ The next days, January 27, 28, 29, were spent in Mysore City. Mrs. Fozdar and I each gave two lectures in the University and she spoke to an Educational Association. One Professor who presided at my lecture said that he had read seven or eight Baha'i books carefully, and that when a distinguished Ramakrishna Swami spoke in that same University Hall on Modern Religions and did not mention about the Baha'i Faith, this Professor who was acting as Chairman said that one of the most important modern religions had been left out and he gave the history of the Baha'i Movement. I told the audience it was like that in our country; at the World's Parliament of Religions, in Chicago, Exposition, in 1893, a Professor, founder of Beirut University, has spoken about the Baha'i Faith and now we have thousands of Baha'is in America. "One Professor said: tW'hat we professors and students need is a great quickening of religion iii our inner life. If the Baha'i Faith brings that, we will study it. ttflW met one Professor who is a relative of Qurratu'1-'Ayn and he has made a deep study of the Baha'i Teachings. "The Mysore University Library in the past year has gathered quite a good selection of Bab&'i books and these are being read by the students. The librarian and the former librarian are most friendly to our Cause. I believe that great scholars from Mysore will write about the Teachings. "One Professor in the University is the Director of Broadcasting and Mrs. Fozdar and I both gave radio talks which were sent out to six newspapers and magazines in India. A young private secretary from a neighboring state told us that when he visited the Hill Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore in 1933, there was a book on the table, the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha, which he carefully studied. The Mysore University Library will have pictures of 'Abdu'l-Baha and a picture of the Baha Temple at Wilmette to hang on the Library wall. "Mrs. Fozdar, as I said, had been to Bangalore and Mysore ten months earlier and made many friends and this helped us very much. May she go again and many times to Southern India! She is not oniy a very fluent speaker but they called her the Baha'i nightingale of India when she sang the Qurratu'1-'Ayn songs! "HYDERABAD DECCAN Ñ Then we came to Hyderabad, Deccan, where we were the guests of the State and stayed in the State Guest House. We arrived at 5 p.m., and at 6:30 o'clock I broadcast. This radio talk was published in full in their newspapers. ~ broadcast again and Mrs. Fozdar gave a radio speech about Qurratu'1-'Ayn and sang. A gramophone record was made of her speech and song and the talk was published. We gave a public lecture the second evening under the auspices of the Writers' Association of Hyderabad. We spoke before the Hyderabad Ladies' Association to two hundred and fifty members and the wife of the second son of the Nizam presided. This beautiful young Princess is a grandniece of the late Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey. Lady Akbar Hydari, wife of the Prime Minister, is President of this Association. I spoke in Osmania University and at the same hour Shirin spoke at the Nizam's College. Excellent articles appeared in the newspapers. The Secretary of the Prime Minister, a Cornell man, had attended a Baha'i Conference in Geneva, N. Y., where he had been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay. There he had met Miss Mary Maxwe11;~ he said he felt even then she had a very high destiny *Ruhiyyih KhAnuncx. [p66] 66 THE BAHA'I WORLD Facsimile of part of a letter addressed to 'Abdu'l-Baha by Professor Vambery. and that she was the most radiant girl he had ever met. We were invited to the home of the Prime Minister and to the home of Sir Amin Jung; the latter had received Mrs. Schopflocher, later myself, then Keith and then Mr. Schopflocher. He loves the Teachings and says they do not take away from any other Faiths. Says if he would be able, he would go to the Baha'i Convention in Karachi in April, but he is quite ill. The Baha'is of Hyderabad met us at the train, helped us, and came with us to the station when we left. They came to the public lectures and brought booklets for distribution. Mrs. Fozdar spoke to a large group in a private home the last evening and I broadcast. We were in Hyderabad only three days, evening of January 31 to early morning of February 4. "POONA Ñ We left on an early train for Poona and arrived there in the night. Poona is a Baha'i paradise and one of the high spiritual lights in India. The first morning, February fifth, we had a beautiful program of welcome in the Baha'i Hall in the National tional Hotel. The pupils from the Baha'i school marched to the hail. All Baha'is were present, and after the program tea was served. cfTh entire stay was so well arranged that even New York and Tihr~n would say tBravo!' I think the plan could with profit be carried out in other cities. At 7 p.m. that first day, the President of the Local Spiritual Assembly gave a tea in the Baha'i Hall for twenty-four journalists of India. I had prepared my speech (the resum6) to journalists very carefully and made carbon copies. I spoke on Journalism and the Cause and then read to them my interview and distributed it to them. Shirin spoke and there was a resum6 of her talk. Questions were asked and some of the journalists came each day afterwards and were very interested. (If it had been a big reception we could not have spoken intimately of journalism and the Cause and what Baha'u'llah said about the press.) "The next forenoon, Sunday, at ten o'clock, a great lecture was staged in the [p67] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 67 cinema theatre, tDeccan Talkies' to more than a thousand people, 99 per cent of whom were university and college students. Many came who could not get into the hail. We had the loudspeaker. Mr. K. r. Nariman, one of the very popular men in India, was the Chairman, and he was sympathetic to the Faith. Fourteen copies of the resumes of our speeches were given to the journalists whose papers represented several different languages. A number of students and journalists came to the hotel afterwards to ask further. "In the afternoon we visited the Baha'i School to meet the pupils. "The following morning, Monday, the Baha'i school presented a Peace Play and Baha'i Songs for us. In the afternoon a tea was given in the Baha'i Hall by the Local Spiritual Assembly President to the educators of Poona. I spoke to these professors about the Baha'i Faith in various universities of the world and what great scholars have said and written about it. At each tea there was a fine and beautifully arranged exhibition of Baha'i books and we explained the books for they were interested. Shirin spoke on Qurratu'1-'Ayn and sang, and we both gave resum6s to the reporters. The professors said they would gladly arrange lectures in their schools when we come again. ttThe third afternoon the tea by the President was for the lawyers of Poona. We had a talk and discussion followed; they, too, said they would arrange lectures when we return, for most of them belong to clubs. "One lawyer said in fun: 3 belong to Brahmo-Samaj but we are a little lazy in working; but I say "it is all right, for the Baha'is are promoting all the ideals for which we stand!" ccThat night the Baha'is gave a farewell party for us. In the times in between lectures and interviews we had a number of heart to heart talks about Haifa and about promoting the Cause. "The Baha'i School in Poona is a model and I believe great Baha'i spiritual teachers for the Cause will come out from that school. They are getting a marvelous training there. "The Secret of the very wonderful Baha'i work in Poona is mobilized Unity for service! The Holy Spirit is with them, attracted by their unity. The Baha'i world over the five continents has been gripped at times by Poona's work, and travelling over India three times as I have; I have met a number of fine people who said they first heard of the Teachings when staying for a few days in the National Hotel of Poona. I must give tribute to Poona because since 1915, when I first met them, I feel they are living the life' up there. (CBoMnAY~Ear1y the morning of February ninth we entrained down to Bombay. Bombay is the tMother City' of all the Baha'i work in India. Many dear Baha friends met us at the station with smiles and garlands of sweet jasmines and roses and fragrant bouquets. Such a great program was planned, but alas, as all the chairmen and most of the journalists of Bombay were in Haripura for two weeks at the fifty-first Congress of India, it was thought best by all of us that we postpone the intensive campaign in Bombay until March twenty-first. However, in these three or four days there we had a glorious welcome reception in the Baha Hall and they asked us to tell about the tour. We lectured in C. L. High School, Dadar, Bombay, to more than five hundred students and met with the Baha'i friends who are arranging our program. We spoke Sunday in Baha'i Mall to a large audience. We were so happy to see all the friends. There are nearly eight hundred Baha'is in Bombay. came from Surat to Bombay March 15. '~ Wrote a radio speech and broadcast it over The All-India Radio, March 17. Finished some writing for BAHA'I WORLD Volume VII. Beginning March 21, NAWRUZ, the Baha'is of Bombay had arranged a markable program. We had a Feast in Baha'i Hall in the forenoon and another Feast for several hundred in the evening. The youth gave a Baha'i play and original poems to welcome me. March 22, the former Mayor presided at a large gathering where I spoke under the auspices of the Social Workers' Society of Bombay. "Mrs. Shirin Fozdar arrived in Bombay March 23, and we spoke together on every program in that city. March 23, the L. S. A. of Bombay gave a reception in Baha'i Hall 193 8 [p68] 68 THE BAHA'I WORLD for two hundred guests Ñ journalists, educators, statesmen and others. The Mayor of Bombay came and he acted as Chairman for our short talks. The press took photographs and used good articles. Lectures were given before Theosophical Societies, Brahmo-Samaj, Buddhist Society, Arya Samaj, and an Oriental Institute, High Schools and a number of public lectures were given in the large Baha'i Hall, centrally located. The Baha'i community in Bombay is the tmother~ group, the largest, the oldest, and all the friends did glorious work. "April 5, I came with Mrs. Shirin Fozdar to her home in Ajmer for one week's visit. Dr. Eozdar had arranged everything so well. They have interested many friends. We spoke at the Ajmer Women's Club, and I lectured in Government College, Ajmer. (Mrs. Foz-dar had spoken there a short time before.) Every day friends came or we went to their homes. In Ajmer I wrote my speech, What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty, for the Indore Conference. "April 14, I arrived in Indore to take part in the All-Faiths' League Convention. The Poona friends had so kindly mimeographed five hundred copies of my speech and f or-warded them to Indore. The United Press in Indore sent out two hundred copies of my speech with advance interview to newspapers throughout India. It is still appearing in newspapers; oniy yesterday I received The Rangoon Times, with the entire speech, four columns, printed in the July 1, edition. In the first two weeks it came out in newspapers aggregating 300,000 copies altogether. In Indore I also published seven thousand copies for distribution, and Bombay gave us two thousand Dawn of the New Day for distribution at the Conference. Mrs. Fozdar arrived in Indore April 17. She is Honorary Secretzry of this League. Interviews and her speech were sent out that day all over India. "We both spoke at the opening of the Convention, April 18, more than fifteen hundred people were present. I read the following cablegram from our beloved Guardian: tMartha Root, Care of Postmaster, In-dore. Convey All-Faiths' League Convention expression my best wishes for success deliberation. May divine Guidance enable assembled representatives achieve their high pur pose and extend range their meritorious activities. Ñ Shog/aL' Baha'i literature was given out at every session during the four days. All religions were represented in the audiences, delegates coming from all parts of India; the thinkers of India were there! 1,500 people were present at every evening session and often more than 1,000 at the day session. There were 1,500 present when Shirin spoke and when I spoke on April 20. "The Dewan (like a Prime Minister) of Indore who opened the Convention, Sir S. M. Bapna, invited Shirin and me to his home to tea. For twenty years he has tried to interest the people of Indore in establishing courses in the study of Comparative Religions in all the schools of Indore. He has had a textbook written and published for the children and another is being written for the boys and girls, and a third textbook on Comparative Religions for the College students. How we hope the Baha'i Faith will be included in those textbooks! If you have any Baha'i books that you think would help him, please send them. Thanks. His address is just Indore, India. He belongs to one of the foremost families of Rajputana and Central India. His ideals are most lofty and he has set his heart on having these textbooks as perfect as possible Ñ and representative of all the religions. ccOur Baha'i Faith was criticised by one ultra-orthodox group at the Convention. I answered it, Shirin answered it another time, and non-BaM'is championed our Faith! Really the criticism did no harm! "One man had a paper on the need of a great universal religion, and explained what it ought to inculcate. A great Hindu professor arose and said: t?rln Baha'i Faith we have been hearing so much about in this Convention is a universal religion and it inculcates all your suggestions and more. The Baha'i Faith is ready, why not accept it for a universal religion?' The man who had prepared this paper had not heard of the Baha'i Teachings until he came to this Convention; he was very much impressed by the Message. It is remarkable how many Religious Conventions are being held in different parts of India, and the N. S. A. of India and Burma are invited to send, and do send, Baha'i speakers to every one of them. The N. S. A. [p69] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 69 is very efficient and very, very spiritual; they work almost beyond human endurance and they are as united as one soui in nine bodies. cTrom Indore, Shirin and I came to Kara-clii, arriving April 25. Here the N. S. A. of India and Burma held their annual Baha'i Convention during Ridvan. There was a stir throughout Karachi that week, every one was talking about the Baha'i Faith. Everything was so well planned in advance both by the N. S. A. and the L. S. A. of Karachi. We had a tea for the journalists and our chairmen the day after our arrival. The Convention opened the following day, April 27. A great meeting was held in the largest hail in Karachi, Khalikdina Hall, that same evening. The man who became Mayor of Karachi a few days later was our Chairman. Mr. Abbas 'Au Butt of Simla, Prof. Pritam Singh of Lahore and I spoke. April 28, the Mayor presided and Shirin Fozdar and I spoke at a public lecture in Theosophical Hall. Mr. H. Manji of Bombay also spoke. April 29, the L. S. A. of Karachi gave a great garden party, inviting 350 guests to Baha'i Hall Gardens. It was a beautiful event and almost all religions were represented. Here, too, Abbas 'Au Butt and I spoke. April 30, another public lecture was held in Theosophical Hall. Mr. Jamshed Mehta, Mayor, who had been my Chairman when I was in Karachi in 1930, acted as Chairman. Prof. Pritam Singli and I were the speakers. Sunday, May 1, we spoke in a Jam Temple at 8.30 an. and in Sharda Mirza, a large school, at 6 p.m., and a great public meeting was held in Baha'i Hall in the evening when the speakers were Abbas 'Au Butt, Mrs. Hashmatullali of Delhi and myself. May 2 we were invited to speak at a public lecture arranged by the Parsis and held at Katrak Hall. The Managing Editor of The Daily Gazette presided. Mrs. Fozdar and I spoke. Some of the N. S. A. members and Mr. Manii spoke in a school at 6 p.m. These were oniy some of the events. Mr. Momen-zadili gave tea for the delegates to meet the Ir&nian Consul and his wife. The L. S. A. rented a large bungalow next to Baha'i Gardens as the home for all delegates during that week. The Baha'is had breakfasts and teas and dinners for the Baha'i friends to meet one another and several people of Karachi had dinners or teas where we spoke informally. During the eight days the N. S. A. held their sessions. ccThen the N. S. A. members left, and I began the task of printing my book Ta!hirih the Pure, Irdn's Greatest Woman. Mr. Isfandiar Bakhriari helped me every day, always going with me to the printer. It was so difficult to get the accent marks, etc., and it has taken three months, but patiently at last it is finished, three thousand copies. It is announced in Appendix III that some of the copies have gold leaf letters Ñ we couldn't get the gold leaf, and I could not delay my scheduled tour any longer, so they are printed in two styles only, red with gold-dust letters and in blue paper covers. One thousand copies have just been mailed out. ctDLtring the three months here in Karachi, besides the book, I have spoken several times each week, or met people in small groups. In Baha'i Hall there were two public meetings each week and one Youth Group meeting. I was invited to speak again in several societies and to some new organizations. Some of the Baha'is had groups in their homes, and I invited people to my place. The Mayor came and he invited us to his home and to several events where he was the guest of honor. He is a Muslim, a liberal Muslim, and he has read a number of our books. He asked me to speak in the discussions at the meeting in Municipal Corporation Court Hall which he called to form a Universal Peace Brigade in Karachi." On May 23, 1939, Martha Root drafted a report of her work in New Zealand which was later reprinted and distributed throughout the Baha'i world by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Haifa, Palestine. We cite the following passages: ~ arrived in Auckland, April 26. tcThe beloved Baha'i friends met me at the pier; dear Mrs. Charlotte Moflitt of Sydney (I had known her in London) came with me for two weeks, so it was like a tgroup' coming to Auckland. The friends were so happy to meet her, and she is so radiant and happy, it was indeed ~pr%ual skylarking' for us all during the heavenly days working together. ~ had been in New Zealand in Seprember, 1924, and Margaret Stevenson, Ethel blun [p70] 70 THE BAHA'I WORLD Above: A display of the Baha'i Temple model in a window in Philadelphia, Penna. The sign on the right reads: "Non Sectarian Temple." Below: The exhibit held at the Sacramento Flower Show in California, 1939. [p71] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 71 deli and Hugh Blundell and their mother had been with me in Haifa, in March, 1925; these three, with the other believers, gave us such a sweet and glorious welcome! When you come to New Zealand you will be in love with every one of them! "Just as on my first visit here the first meeting was in the home of the dear Stevenson sisters, so this time, too, our first gathering Ñ the Feast Ñ was in the same house of dear Margaret and Lilias. Keith Ransom-Kehier (she came here in 1931) her spiritual children were present and their spiritual children, Keith's spiritual grandchildren, all so illumined and capable, how proud she must be of them! And the pioneer Baha'is here, saints of God every one of them, have interested other new souls, so that the Baha'i Faith in Auckland has developed in the sixteen years in a manner as thrilling as any romance, the greatest romance of all, because this is the romance of religion. (cSuch a program! Such an intensive spiritual drive during the past month! The next day, April 28, I spoke in the morning to the Travel Club, which has a membership of 750 and 200 in the waiting list. I used the microphone. It was a great opportunity and people from this lecture and from many others continued to come to other Baha'i gatherings. That same afternoon I spoke before the Pen Women's Club, about 150 being present. Some of these friends later presided at other lectures. The Press had interviewed me at the ship, and every public lecture was reported; Auckland was most generous and discerning in publicity. Most pub Ñ lic lectures were followed by questions and answers, and at nearly all, tea was served. New Zealand and Australia are most hospitable nations; their peoples are altruistic and honestly work for the good of all; they are interested in Truth. "It would take too long to tell you about the 25 public lectures Ñ the Fabian Club; the People's University; the Unitarian Church (and this pastor first heard of the Baha'i Faith at the great lecture of 600 people which I arranged for the Jenabe Fazi in Rabbi Wise's Church in St. Louis, in 1920) ; the Esperantists' Club; the Business Girls' Luncheon (for 400) ; the Quest Club; the Optimists' Club, Y. M. C. A.; United Women's Peace Movement; Overseas Club; Sunday evening lecture in the Strand Theatre before the Rationalists and Sunday Freedom League (more than 1,200 present Ñ used microphone); Women's Crusade for World Peace and Brotherhood; out-of-town lecture in the Manurewa Town Hall; Crusade for Social Justice Society; public lecture in the Lewis Eady Hall; the New Women's Club; Theosophical Society; Better Health Society; lecture arranged by Mrs. Leighton in her home, for 60 friends; public lecture in Chinese Church. ttAmong the public lectures arranged in Baha'i Hall was one on Baha'i Scientific Proofs of Life After Decst/o Ñ perhaps I could never give it like that again, but it thrilled me. The Teachings, the proofs, are such a spiritual security; I think I love that lecture most of all. The Baha Hall was crowded; many stood, some even standing in the outer hail, where they could hear but could not see. Many of them had lost loved ones and they came to find truth and comfort. One evening at Baha'i Hall was a cSocial Contact Evening' when people from other organizations came to hear more and to ask questions. Another evening in Baha'i Hall, the Theosophical Youth Group members were guests, and it too was a happy question and answer time. There is cordial friendship between the Baha'i Youth Group and the Theosophical Youth Group. The Life of the Radiant Bab is the subject of the public lecture tonight in Baha'i Hall. On May 28, I shall speak in the evening in the Chinese Church. "Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Bolton arrived on the tMariposa' at 7.15 a.m., May 29. The Baha'is will give a luncheon in their honor at 1 p.m. in Baha'i Hall. We shall meet the friends there all day, after the interviews with the Press on board ship. Our ship sails at 5 p.m. that day. "Miss Florence de Lisle and her mother, Mrs. de Lisle, gave a Saturday afternoon party just for the Baha'is, and I spoke on CHOW to Teach the Baha'i Faith.' Also on another Saturday afternoon I gave a little tat Home' just for the Baha'is, and we had questions and answers. At other times I invited in a few friends in little groups, but I could not do as much as I wished, because [p72] 72 THE BAHA WORLD the program was so full; and when one is going to give a lecture, it is important to study, concentrate, meditate. For example, the day I was to speak in the big Theatre I kept with my subject all day; I read, I thought, and I sent my Cmind~ once through a lecture of 45 minutes; at 5 p.m. I jotted down an outline of five points. When I spoke that night, I did not look at the outline, and 1 did not say exactly what I had thought out in the day Ñ we have to see our audience hefore we know what we are going to say! I came out very strong for religion, and in the first five minutes the top gallery shouted, ~No! No!' The main floor applauded, Yes! Yes!' (They do not have many religious lectures in that Rationalist Society!) But they very soon settled down and listened, and everything ended most happily. (Some of those people later came to the lectures.) Just as Colonel Lindbergh always prepared, we as Baha'is should prepare and be ready. Sometimes, I know, we cannot, because we are so interrupted, and then Baha'u'llah helps us just the same; but we should study and know well all the Teachings. CCOne broadcast, Tdhirih, Irdit's Greatest Woman, was given from the National Broadcasting Studio in Auckland. The T~-hirih book was presented to several Public Libraries in New Zealand. The World Order magazine is in the Auckland Public Library and also in the University Library. The IBahi'is are giving out many hundreds of pamphlets at the lectures. ~tAt the public lecture this evening, dedicated to the Life of the BTh, there will be a little after-meeting, when the Baha'is will hear the Voice of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the voice of Keith on the phonograph. "There has been a great quickening in all Auckland; new splendid souls are seeking, and there is new ardor in the Baha'i Study Class and in the Baha'i Youth Group and surely in many of these fine organizations of which I have spoken; other Baha'is here can later go and give followup lectures. Two of the Baha'i Spiritual Assembly members say they will go to Wellington later on and give some lectures there. I have great hopes of two young people of very great capacity who first heard of the Teaching's with the deepest interest. I believe lieve they will become confirmed believers. A visit of a Baha'i teacher is oniy a beginning." Regarding her stay in New Zealand, the National Spiritual Assembly published the following comment: ~When she arrived in Perth in January it was only too evident she was in very poor health, which was ineteas Ñ ingly obvious to the friends as her tour progressed. Her labours were lightened as much as was humanly possible, but her indomitable spirit carried her through and she victoriously accomplished the major part of the program of lectures arranged for her. She was very ill when she boarded the Mad-posa at Auckland en route for Geyserville. By a merciful provision Stanley and Mariette Boiron of Sydney were travelling on the same ship to America, so were able to minister to her needs as far as Honolulu, where she was taken to the home of Mrs. Kathrine Baldwin. ft was here she ended her earthly career to tassurne her seat in the supreme concourse.' The last ounce of her strength was given to Au~tralia and New Zealand. In a letter to the American believers written on the eve of her departure from Auckland she wrote: Among the public lectures in the Baha'i Hall was one on Scientific Proofs of Life After Death Ñ perhaps I could never give it like that again; but it thrilled me. The Teachings, the proofs, are such a spiritual security. I think I bye that lecture most of all. The hail was crowded, many stood, some even standing in the outer hail where they could hear but could not see. Many of them had lost loved ones, and they came to find truth and comfort.' At the end of her letter she wrote, And now that I am leaving, May 29th on the ccMariposa~~ it will be very difficult to say farewell, but, if nor in New Zealand, we shall again do "spiritual sky Ñ larking" together in the Heavenly Realms.' That last sentence reveals something of the spiritual radiance that was Martha." A few months later, after weeks of loving care by the devoted Baha'is of Honolulu, Martha Root reached the goal of her earthly journey. Holding aloft the light of truth, this intrepid traveler entered palaces, universities, broadcasting stations, churches, halls and synagogues in all parts of the world, like the apostles of old. [p73] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES In Honolulu is her last resting place. As this statement is being prepared, the Baha'is of that city, acting for all the American believers, are preparing a beautiful monument to be the Memorial of the t~foremost Hand which the Will of 'Abdu'l-Baha has raised up in the first Baha'i century," as the Guardian described Miss Root in his message to the American Baha'is immediately after her death. THE BAHA'I FAITH IN IRAN CIVIL PERSECUTION IN the land consecrated by its association with the birth of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah, the progress of the Baha'i community has special significance. For there, as has been pointed out in previous issues of Tar BAHA'I WORLD, exists a most extreme contrast between Baha'u'llah's teachings and the social environment in which those teachings are to be applied. The medievalism of IrAn, indeed, with its union of civil authoritarianism and a social philosophy ignoring the doctrine of individual right Ñ the residue of a once vigorous faith in which self-sacrifice exalted and did not suppress human personality Ñ Ñ resembles the type of society always produced after the mainspring of ethics has been broken in a people and they become victim to the great exploiters who arise among them like bats in the night. Persecution is the path by which a new faith advances under such conditions, and persecution remains for the Persian believers their heroic hold on the true spirit of religion. During the current period, the impact of civil persecution has taken the form of the imposition of fines and punishments for refusal to conform to regulations concerning the marriage service which would make it necessary for Baha'is to deny or betray their faith. A conflict arises between the Baha'i law or principle and the arbitrary code maintained by the state. A Baha'i who does not marry according to Baha'i procedure and under Baha'i auspices is deprived of his voting status in the Baha'i community. To regain it, in fAn, the believer annuls the nonBahA'i marriage and remarries in accordance with the Baha'i law. Four different marriage bureaus are provided by the state, but the Baha'is cannot use them to obtain a license ~~since each of these," as their National Spiritual Assembly states in its report, "is set apart for one of the four officially recognized religions; recourse to them would thus be a denial of that truthfulness which is the basis of the Baha'i Faith." Fines and imprisonment have been imposed for infraction of these regulations even in the case of Baha'is who married before the code was adopted, which proves that the license bureaus are not simply for purposes of civil registration but for controlling belief. The pictures presented by the Assembly are graphic: "Up to some months ago, persons contracting Baha'i marriage were oniy rarely interfered with by the Department of Justice, and such marriages were tacitly permitted. Then, in Tilinin and the provinces as well, the severest penalties were suddenly imposed, and even those Baha'is who had married in previous years were summoned for trial; not oniy the men, but the women, too, were prosecuted, and according to our present information, in Tihr~n alone over three hundred and fifty cases are in process of being tried. "The questions usually asked by the authorities are these: "Who performed your marriage ceremony? "Who read the marriage sermon? What person drew up your marriage certificate? Why did you not appear at one of the four marriage license bureaus to contract your marriage? The rriends answer: In Baha'i marriage no one is ap pointed to perform the ceremony; the couple themselves perform the marriage by repeating the two marriage verses. As for the marriage sermon, a chant is used to bless the occasion, but it is not a requirement to marriage and no special person is appointed to chant it. Persons attending the marriage are witnesses and nothing more Ñ the presence of witnesses being a requirement. The Baha'is cannot use the license bureaus since each of these is set apart for one of the four offi [p74] .~ ~ Ñ ,ue FIRWOOD. TRUMPINOTON Ro&o. CAMe AltO C. A') ;e] it' jtr' 1JL , Ñ C,' ct4~jk~~t saS~aP 4~, Ñ ~ •1 It J2L~ ~ (K" A .x"~' '~~' ~2 S4 ~ - -9Ay11.L' .L' o•,,-Ly.J,f A4 £s&jtnt'¾ fLnrKc f~. ArV jt~'~ , 34f4L-42 ? 3'"' ~ t~3 c)t ~ (tY'9 Cs~ ~ - CtkA % 74 THE BAHA'I WORLD Facsimile of two letters written by Professor F. G. Browne, of Cambridge University, concerning the Baha Faith. cially recognized religions; recourse to them would thus be a denial of that truthfulness which is the basis of the Baha'i Faith. After being questioned, the Friends are released on bail. ttTh Baha'is are summoned in an unusual way; they are almost always called in on Thursday; since Thursday afternoon and Friday all offices are closed, they are thus imprisoned two days and two nights. From 200 to 400 riimins bail is required of each person contracting marriage. Since other Baha'is almost always furnish the bail and thus few persons are imprisoned for long, the authorities now ask for cash bail. The Assembly has appointed a commission to take charge of all such cases, and these persons with great self sacrifice stand ready to help at all times, personally attending court and smoothing every difficulty. The Assembly has likewise called a second commission to supply the cash bail. Besides the sums pledged by this second commission, its mem bers have also offered funds for the aid of couples who have been imprisoned or dismissed from jobs as a result of the marriage. The National Assembly has directed that all Assemblies throughout Inn reserve a special fund for this purpose, so that imprisonment, and the suffering of families of contracting parties, will not result. "On occasion some of the authorities are brutal, and some use obscene expressions in addressing Baha'is, even the women; but others admit that the Baha'is are innocent and say they are taking action oniy because they are obliged to. Some of the questioners and judges say they know the Baha'is are trying to achieve official recognition by this means, but will never succeed; the Baha'is answer that they are not trying to break the laws, as proved by the fact that they officially register and notify the authorities of all marriages, but that they cannot in conscience use the provided legal channels. CtThe Friends, and especially the women, [p75] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 75 although they have never undergone such experiences before, have stood up wonderfully in the courts, demonstrating their sincerity and their knowledge of the teachings. In some cases the officials have been remarkably moved, and astonished that even peasants could respond as they have. Some of the Baha'is have said they would be proud to go to prison for the Cause, and others, fully realizing the severe penalties, have not hesitated to contract Baha'i marriages. Daily the authorities see that their persecutions, far from frightening the Baha'is have increased the number of marriages, and the Department of Justice is being filled with talk of Baha'i principles because Baha'i married coupies are constantly summoned for questioning. c(From eight days to six months' imprisonment has been the penalty so far imposed; even women have been sentenced to imprisonment for some days. The Friends usually appeal the case; a fine can be substituted for a sentence of two months or less. Oddly, although the act is the same, the penalty always varies according to the degree of fanaticism of the judge. ccVictims of this law constantly petition the Department of Justice, the Cabinet and His Majesty. Recently when one of the Baha'is presented a petition to the Royal Office, an order was sent (to Qazvin) saying that since the petitioner had broken the law and had further had the effrontery to tell his crime to the Sh4h, he was to be severely punished. CCTil individual cases follow: In KishAn, Hasan Nisih, 'Abbas Bay~14'i, and Ahmad Yazd~ini, were sentenced to from three to four months' imprisonment. In Najaf-ibid, 'Abdu'1-}jusayn Jini freely chose a month's imprisonment rather than pay the fine. In Yazd, Aqiy-i-Bay~ni, in Tihr4n Mu~addiqi TMiq~ni, have been sentenced to four months in prison. In Bandar-i-Jaz, for contracting Baha'i marriage, Muhammad Sangi was sentenced to six months imprisonment. Mashliad reports that among Baha'is contracting marriage who have been persecuted recently is .AqAy-i-Yazd6n-Parast, who was questioned, sent to prison, and after some days released on 200 t6m~ns bail. Brought to trial, he was sentenced to two months and five days in jail but has appealed the case. Than~i'u'1hh FurM of Sabziv6x, was likewise imprisoned, then released on 200 tiim4ns bail, pending trial. Aqiy Ñ i-T4hiri was sentenced to seventy days in jail and has appealed the case. In Birj and, Muhammad-Ri44 Majidi wrote the Registry Office: ~I have married Layli Kh4num Majidi according to the procedure of my religion, ttBahA'i" I request that you designate the manner of registering this marriage.' Following further correspondence he awaits trial. "General reports show that whenever the Friends list their religion in a Government bureau as Baha'i, the bureaus refuse to em-pioy them; those previously employed, when renewing their registration papers, are subjected to all sorts of difficulties if they describe themselves as Baha'is. If, however, they leave the religions column blank, the officials fill it in themselves with the word 'Muslim' and discharge anyone who protests." The more detailed report of persecution inflicted upon the Baha'is by the government of Reza ShTh Pahiavi follows this survey of international Baha activity. PROGRESS OF TEACHING The constructive teaching work of the Baha'is of IrAn, on the other hand, has intensified during this period. "A great wave of teaching activity, resulting from the Guardian's stirring and repeated messages to the Baha'is of tr~n," we learn from the report already cited, "is now sweeping over the country, the teaching work, carried on by women as well as by men, is winning new recruits of every type, even from the ranks of the clergy, and the fire and consecration of the new believers recalls the earliest heroes of the Cause. Meanwhile the consolidation of the Administrative Order continues in full force despite every obstacle "Not a moment's neglect is permissible. Slackness and carelessness would result in the retrogression of the community, and the increased boldness and audacity of that heedless, tyrannical group." This the Guardian pointed out to the Baha'is of IrAn in a message sent after the election of their National Spiritual Assembly in 1938. [p76] 76 THE BAHA'I WORLD Only a few brief citations can be made from the extensive material available on this engrossing subject; 'tThere are twenty-two Baha'i administrative districts in Inn. Each of these has an appointed center, known as the District Spiritual Assembly, which serves to coordinate all Assemblies in its area with the National Spiritual Assembly. These District Assemblies are numbered as follows, their districts being given in parentheses: 1. 1sf i-Mn (IsfAbin). 2. Tabriz (Adhirbiyj~n). 3. AMdih (Abidih). 4. Bandar-i-Jaz (Ban-dar-i-Jaz). 5. BAbul (BAbul). 6. Maslihad (Khur6sin). 7. Ahv4z (Khiizist~n). 8. Zd-hid&n (Z6hid&n). 9. Sangsar (Sangsar). 'tr&q ('Iraq). 13. Shir~z (F6xs). 14. Bir-land, (QA'init). 15. Quazvin (Quazvin and Zanj~n). 16. K~sh&n (K~sMn). 17. Kirmin (Kirmin). 18. KirmThsh6h (Kir-minshAMn). 19. Rasht (Gum). 20. Nay-riz (Nayriz). 21. HamacI~n (Hamatn). 22. Yazd (Yazd). "During the year 95 the following were formally-appointed teachers in the given areas: tcSamandari Hamad4n, Kirminsh&hin; 'Alavi, IsfAh6n, Yazd; Adhir-Munir, AdhirMyj~n; Tshriq-i-Kh5vari, G il&n; H~shimi-Z~dih, M~zindar4n, (Bandar-i-Jaz, Sin, B6bul); Muvlaq, Tihr6n (because of illness) ; Nabil-Z4dih Khur6sin; NusMMdi, FArs; Kidil-i-Yazdi, Kirm~in; Adhari, Qaz Ñ yin, AdhirMy~ in; UskCi, Adhirb4j in. "Rd teachers were: ttMilmiri, Yazd; F4dil-i-Tihr6ni, K&sMn; Thibit-Sharqi, Isfihin; ZA'ir, Yazd; Sa'id-i-Radavi, Hamad~n; H4'i, K~sMn; Baq6N, Gil6n; N&i, IsfThin; Shayd~in-Shaydi, Kirmin. CeAmong those who instantly responded to the Guardian's message was the distinguished poet and scholar, Jinab~i~iAzizu'11Sh Misbih, who, not content with his teaching services in Tihr4n, and although ill and almost blind, left the capital with Aq4y-i-Nahavi, a young, newly-declared believer, and went on a teaching circuit to KAshin IsfAh~n, Najaf-Ab6xi, Ab&dih and Shir~z. He spent five months on this journey, and besides teaching the Friends, he gave the Cause to twenty-four seekers, of whom seven, including one of the 'ulamA of K~sMn have thus far accepted the Faith. EcLeaving Tibrin for KhurAsin, Aq6y-i-N&-i-Din MumtAzi spent three months visiting thirtyfive Baha'i centers, mostly rural communities. He went some of the way by automobile, much of it on donkey-back, and many miles on foot, and brought back to Tihr~n the spiritual refreshment of these meetings. 'Abdu'llAh }kidi1-Z~dih, son of the late, wellknown teacher, fldil-i-Shir6zi, made a nineteen-day journey to Qazvin and Hamad4n and their environs; he discussed the Faith with thirty inquirers and had many meetings with the Friends. Javid-i-Mahbfibi, member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hamadin, and Sa'id-i-Radavi went from Hamad~n to every neighboring village in which there were Baha'is, greatly stimulating the teaching work in this area. ccobeying the Guardian's message, Lut-fu'lUh Mawhibat determined to serve as a pioneer; he and his wife therefore transferred their residence to the historic city of Zanj~n, where, in the course of a few months, they have held meetings and study-classes, entertained travelers, assisted the Local Friends and brought five people into the Faith. Hishim-i-Ashrafi traveled from Tihr~n to Kashih 1sf 6ihin, Najaf-AMd and Shir~z, meeting with numbers of Friends and inquirers. The entire Spiritual Assembly of Jsf~hAn together with several committee members went out to Bur6jin, Kh6iinj6n, Shayd~n Shah-Rida, Jaz and Miisiy-Abid, communities in their district, and conferred with the Friends as to new teaching activities. As'adu'1-Hukam~ went to Khur~sTh, and JinTh-i-'Ubtidiyyat to south tr~n on teaching trips." "The Tihnin Teaching Committee has likewise provided for teachers to spread the Faith throughout this area. Aq&y-i-Husayn YigAnih went to Karaj and established the Spiritual Assembly there; Aqiyin Rahmini-y~in and 'Uhddiyyat have also taught in Karaj. Aq~y-i--Mumt~zi, member of this Committee, took a three months' trip through Khuris~n. Aq&y-i-Rahminiy~n, appointed by the Spiritual Assembly as circuit teacher for TihrAn, was sent out to ~MiqAn Fashandak and other neighboring localities to teach and meet the Friends. [p77] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 77 ccThc following are at present conducting the teaching classes throughout Tihr4n (others, not listed, are likewise teaching in this city) The men: "Mahm6xIi KhSdim-i-Mithiq, Mustawfi, Furiitan, Dr. QAsimi, Sini-Zidih, Avirig~n, Vahid, F6dil-i-Mizindar5ni, KayvAn, Dan-gliArn, Akhtar-i-Khivari, 'At&'u'llih Baha, Jshr~q, 'Abdu'lUh F6dil, NCr-i-Din Mum-tizi, Shari'at-Mu&ryin. "The women: ttKhushbin Sini-Z4dih, Mihr-A'in, Baha'u'llah izadi Baha'u'llah, Ishr~qiyyih Dhabih." "Some flavor of all this work comes to us in the following extracts from a few of the teachers' reports. Tar~zu'11Ah Samandari writes: cLeaving TihrAn I spent few days in Qazvin and gave the teachings to several inquirers Ñ then came to Harnadin, and was sent by the Local Assembly to neighboring towns, including Baha, Amzijird, and L4lih-Jin, meeting Baha'is and seekers. In Sarqurnish the devoted believer, JinAb-i--N&d-'Ali, invited five prominent men to his home, where I addressed them for about six hours in the course of their day's visit. The result was that they became much attracted to the teachings, and were given the Book of I q~n. In AmzAjird I visited and spoke with one of the town supervisors in his home. In Hamad~n the Nineteen Day Feasts, teaching meetings and Character-Building classes are regularly held, and the Friends continually bring new inquirers to be taught. In Qurvili on the way to Kurdis-tin I spent nine days, meeting fifteen new persons, and having sowed the seed here I went on to Sanandal. Here the Friends are very active, and in twenty-seven days I taught thirty-six persons of every type: Jews, Christians, Muslims both Shi'ih and Siinni, even some of the Im~m-Jum'ih 'ulami and the Sons of mujtahids, and also a number of military people. The believers were anxious that I should stay on, but since enemies had begun to make a disturbance, I left, promising to return, and went to Kirm~nshih. Here in this spiritual city I found great receptivity, and through the efforts of the Friends I met and instructed a great number of people. Again, to follow up the work in Kurdistin, I returned there, remaining nineteen days. In Kirm~nshTh once more, I fell ill with influenza and the Local Assembly directed me to stay in the city and teach. In the course of a few months I gave the teachings to about ninety persons of every class, till the beginning of the year 96.' ~cOutstanding is the work of Mirza Nabil-Z6dih and his wife, who spent eight months around Birjand and gave the teachings to one hundred and seventy-six persons, forty of whom have thus far become believers. They then went on to GunAb6d, center of the Ni'matu'lhhi SMis and home of their leader; here they found a new Spiritual Assembly and the believers active. They left for Firdaws, called by Baha'u'llah Firm (i.e. P6rin) where there were, and are today, great Baha'is, and from there by way of Khayru'1-Qur~, Bushrii'iyyih, and Turbat, they came to Mashhad. Here with the help of the Assembly they talked with forty inquirers, nineteen of whom accepted the Faith." "In his letter dated 28718, Aq~y-i-NAshib~di reports that in the course of twenty-eight meetings held in Shir4z he met sixty-two new persons, some of whom have already accepted the Faith and started teaching activity. A discussion group mci a study-class to further instruct the newcomers have been formed in addition to the teaching meetings, and all are cooperating in the work." t~During a four-months' stay in Hindij~n (in the beginning of 1817) Fidil-i--Yazdi met and instructed many inquirers, afterward at the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly proceeding to Rafsinjin and Kirmin; in the former place he taught eight persons and in the latter also found the Cause flourishing, with three teaching meetings a week, in the homes of IbrThim BiHin, Muhammad K¾im and Jalil HakimiyTh, son of the late Dr. Sidiq-i-}{akimi. "Siyyid Hasan Hishimi-ZAdib Mutavaj jib writes (6917) cSome time ago I returned to Gurg4n. Since the Friends here were all visitors from elsewhere, and had established meetings which ceased to function as soon as they would leave town, I made an effort to interest local people, and at present some five or six of these, most of them with their wives and families, have accepted the Faith.' [p78] 78 THE BAHA'I WORLD "In 95 the National Youth Committee directed that Baha'i Youth Day (February 24) be held all over IrAn. An account of the TihrTh youth activities on that day follows: cCTh Baha'i youth gathered in seventeen different meeting places and carried out the following program: opening chant; brief history of International Baha'i Youth Day and its importance as stated by the Guardian; duties of youth in this turbulent age, and their need of unity to attract Divine confirmations; brief biographies of Baha'i youth who died as martyrs to the Faith; music by the Youth Orchestra; consultation on youth activities; taking of pictures and signatures of those present. Pictures, suggestions and related documents were sent to the American Baha'i Youth Committee. t~BahA'i child training is going forward satisfactorily throughout the country despite current restrictions. In Tihr~n every Friday seventy-five children's and youth classes in character building and other Baha'i teachings, for boys and girls both in separate and mixed groups, are held, 1,586 pupils attending. Throughout IrAn likewise several thousand Baha'i children are receiving Baha'i teachings and character building lessons. Twelve Divisions report 2,500 students in 263 classes, and classes also meet in the remaining Divisions. The children thus sacrifice their one free day to study the lessons in character building and other phases of the Cause, with praiseworthy results." BAnAl SUMMER SCHOOL Tn 1939 the Baha'is of Iran through their National Spiritual Assembly instituted a Baha'i Summer School at the estate of a believer near Tihr4n. The sessions conducted that year brought to the status of a formal school a series of annual teaching conferences and discussions which had previously been held for and by the Baha'i youth. The News Letter issued by the East and West Committee following the sessions described this activity as follows: "An item which we would like to dwell on at some length is the institution for the first time of a Baha'i Summer School in Tihr~n which proved a remarkable success. The place chosen was the estate of a distin guished Tihr4n friend, not far from the city. The School consisted of three periods of ten days each beginning on July 6 and ending on August 6. Those who registered their names for these periods in advance were termed regular members, and of these there were 76 for the first period, 58 for the second period and 80 for the third. But apart from these members a large number of friends visited the School during holidays and weekends, The objects of the School were: to bring the various friends together in an atmosphere of great fellowship, to discuss religious and scientific matters, and to consult as to the progress of teaching activities. Mr. Azizullah Misbah, distinguished for his high learning and culture, supervised the discussions and gave most valuable assistance. The daily program included prayers, conferences, reading and entertainments. You may be interested in knowing of some of the subjects actually discussed and so we give you the following summary: The importance of the Summer School; Baha'i Organization; the essential purpose of each separate Religion; the comparison of the Cause with other Religions; the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha; accounts of journeys made by certain friends to Europe and America to visit the Baha in those parts; the history of the building of the Temple at Ishqib id; as well as many other similar topics. At the end of the School a telegram was sent to the Guardian, who replied, saying: 'Deepest joy (at this) historic achievement. Urge perseverance. Supplicating richest (and) continued blessings.' As has been so frequently evidenced in these biennial records, the Baha'i community is a living organism which, developing from stage to stage under the guidance of Baha'u'llah, continually produces new facilities and institutions required for the furtherance of a unified mankind. SACRED BAHA'I HISTORIC SITES In its capacity as heir and trustee of the sacred history of the Dispensation of the Bib, and the early years of the Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, the Assembly of Ir6n began some years ago, under the Guardian's direction, to acquire, restore and maintain properties associated with the Persons of the [p79] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 79 Faith and its important historical events. This subject receives due emphasis in the Assembly's report covering the present period. "Of especial interest is the steady acquisition by the Baha'is of places sacred in the history of the Cause. A letter from the Guardian (dated 1927) defines these sacred areas as follows: tAll places which were adorned by the footsteps of the BTh, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha. The burial-places of companions and saints; the places where martyrs met their death; prisons and places of banishment of the heroes of the Cause; fortresses which in the early days of the Manifestation were the refuge and center of the defense measures of the companions; buildings and places which were the sanctuary of prisoners and exiles; and the homes and birthplaces of the great and the renowned of the companions in the dispensation of the Bay~n and the day of the Baha'is.' The sites acquired since the previous issue of THE BANAl WORLD appeared include: Public bath in the Street of the Sword-Maker, Shiniz. Caravansary of the Maymandis in BAshihr. Nineteen burial places of martyrs at MansMd. All Baha'i historic properties at Kirm6n. Three of the gardens of Badasht. House of the Beloved of Martyrs, 1sf ibm. House of H4j Mirza JAni, K4sh~in. Burial place of ~Iiji 'Arab, tIr~q. House of Mirza Husayn-'Ali NCr, Tihdn. House of IjAj Ahmad-i-MilAni, Mil4n. House of the mayor of 7ihdn. Burial place of Quddfls, Bibul. House in Najaf ibid. House of MuIU Nasru'llih Shahmirz~d. "Exact restoration of the House of Baha'u'llah in TAkur, as directed by the Guardian some years ago is, through the devoted efforts of Siyyid Mulisin As&si, almost completed; the exterior and interior ornamentation is soon to be done. Aq&y-i-As~si has also had a well-constructed dam built across the village watercourse and the Hiz&r River, to protect the building against threatened floods." THE PASSING OF MAY MAXWELL "'A Li BDU'L-BAHA'S beloved handmaid, (the) distinguished disciple, May Maxwell, (is) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abh~ Kingdom" the Baha'is learned in a cablegram received from Shoghi EfTendi on March 3, 1940. Mrs. Maxwell passed from this life while engaged in teaching in the great new field of Latin America. She died at Buenos Aires. A monument commemorating this Baha'i martyr is to be placed at the grave in that city. "Southern outpost (of) Faith," the cable continued, U (has been) greatly enriched through association (with) her historic resting place, (which is) destined (to) remain (a) poignant reminder (of the) resistless march (of the) triumphant army (of) Baha'u'llah." Baha'is throughout North and South America loined in memorial gatherings on Friday evening, April 26, the largest meeting being held at Temple Foundation Hall, Wilmette, Illinois, during the Annual Convention of that year. The believers of both the Americas thus united for the first time in one action, the observance of gratitude and reverence for the sacrifice consecrating their mutual effort to serve the Cause. The events of her rich and varied career as a Baha'i are set forth in the tribute paid her by Marion Holley elsewhere in the present volume. Here we may recall certain events and accomplishments in her life which combined to make her such a distinguished figure in the community. Mrs. Maxwell accompanied the first party of pilgrims who traveled from North America to visit 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha in 'Akka and learn of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. She was a pioneer believer and teacher of the Cause in Canada, in many cities of the United States and in the city of Paris. She made pilgrimage to the Holy Land a few years after the Ascension of 'Abdu'1 Ñ BaM to visit the Guardian. Mrs. Maxwell served also in the capacity of member of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Her daughter, ne6 Miss Mary Maxwell, is Ruhiyyih [p80] The house of Siyyid Yahy~ DirThi, surnamed Vahid, which has recently been acquired by the Baha'is of Ir~n as an historical site in the town of Nayriz. [p81] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 81 Kh4num, the Guardian's wife. Despite illness and arising above the burden of advancing years, May Maxwell responded immediately and wholeheartedly to the call for pioneer teachers resounded by Shoghi Effendi in launching the Seven Year Plan as climax to the first Baha'i Century. In publishing the Guardian's cablegram, the National Spiritual Assembly added a few words, some of which are cited here: "There are events in a spiritual Cause which have the special characteristic that they seem luminous with the light of inner significance. They shine through the twilight of our ignorance and incapacity. They are revealing of the vital importance of intention as well as of truth. t!Such an event has now transpired in the Baha'i community of America. Let us endeavor to rise above the inevitable human feeling of grief and seek to apprehend it through the higher understanding that comes to us from the Manifestation and from those whose mission was created by Him. tcconcerning those who leave their country to teach in foreign lands, Baha'u'llah has said: tThey that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause Ñ these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power How great the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving the Almighty.' CtAgain, we have these gemlike words from 'Abdu'l-Baha: tlf you plant a seed in the ground a tree will become manifest from that seed. The seed sacrifices itself to the tree that will come from it.' " The culmination of her unusual gifts, capacities and blessings, martyrdom in the city which must constitute a strong pillar of the future Baha'i community of South America, has been the planting of the seed, and from this sacrifice the souis of the believers have been inspired for more ardent service. THE BAHA'I FAITH IN THE BRITISH ISLES THE BRITISH Baha'is in the period 193 81940, were the oniy Baha'i community possessing administrative institutions and permitted to function by the civil authorities which has endured the psychological and material damage of war. Baha'is there were in other warring countries but lacking the institutions of the Baha'i community or prevented by the state from exercising the duties of their religion. Their collective experience has thus been deeply significant of the power of the Baha'i Faith to maintain confidence of spirit and endow a community with social attitudes which open doors to a future be Ñ yond the onslaught of any human conqueror. Four items appear to stand out as most important in the available records and reports. First, the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles. This notable document is reproduced elsewhere in the present volume. Concerning the nature of the legal status acquired, the British Assembly itself writes as follows: "The effect of this document will be to give the National SPiritual Assembly legal personality and rights. It may enter contracts, receive bequests, hold property under certain restrictions, and exercise all the rights and privileges accorded by law. In addition its constitution has been defined exactly according to Baha'i Administration; the principles governing its operation according to the explicit commands of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha have been written into the memorandum; and its powers in relation to local Spiritual Assemblies and to the Faith in the British Isles have been defined. The method of Baha'i elections has been preserved and provision made for the annual Convention. The enterprise is nonprofit making and has no share capital. Liability is accepted by the individual members of the N. S. A. in equal proportions, and provision has been made for the transferring of this liability when new members are elected. "This is undoubtedly one of the most important steps in the history of the Faith in the British Isles, and in spite of the primary disappointment, will, we know, delight the heart of our beloved Guardian, whose con [p82] 82 THE BAHA'! WORLD tinual encouragement has lightened the task." Second, the establishing of a Publishing Trust as a powerful organ of teaching. Its record of activity, as reported by the British Assembly, has been impressive: "The Publishing Trust is now established as the chief subsidiary of the N. S. A. and its right hand in teaching. It was started with the sum of £234 Os. Sd. specially contributed for that purpose, and in addition has taken possession of all books and literature previously held by the N. S. A. It acts as distributor for all Baha'i literature, and publishes whatever the N. S. A. requires. The chief publications this year have been a revised edition of Dr. Esslemont's pamphlet Baha'u'llah and His Message and a brief life of Baha'u'llah by H. M. Baha'i. Both these publications have been purchased abroad and have made a good impression. In addition a small calendar, showing the Baha'i Feasts and Anniversaries, has been printed." "The establishment of the Publishing Trust has proven to be a sound and invaluable undertaking. It must surely be included in Cthe unassailable foundation' of which the Guardian speaks. With the incorporation of the N. S. A., the three original Trustees resigned their office, and the N. S. A. became Trustee. The chief work this year has been the following pub Ñ lications: "A new edition of Baha'u'llah and the New Era, Dr. Esslemont's standard work on the Faith. With the permission of Mrs. Esslemont a few alterations and some slight additions were made. "Tioc Heart of the Gospel. A brilliant and scholarly work by the author of The Promise of AU Ages. 'tA Jjahd'i Prayer Book, published in a complete and abridged form. The abridged copy has been found very acceptable by non-Bah6'is. "The Baha'i Faith. Five thousand more copies of the penny pamphlet, which every Baha'i needs frequently. c~New World Order. A reproduction, with a few alterations, of the December number of the N. S. A.'s periodical New World Order. "In addition the publication of Lady Blomfield's book, The Chosen Highway, is well advanced and copies should be available by the end of June." TEACHING WORK CCFit and foremost of our activities has been Teaching. At the last Convention it was recommended that we should concentrate on five cities with a view to establishing communities there whenever possible. The National Spiritual Assembly adopted this plan but only two of the cities mentioned by the delegates, Leeds and Bourne Ñ mouth, were included in the list. Other places, Nottingham and Brighton, presented better opportunities through the presence of resident believers, so these were included. One city, Newcastle, where there are no Baha'is at all, has been given special attention. tCIn Leeds the Bradford Spiritual Assembly has continued teaching work throughout the year, and there is every prospect of success here. Mr. and Mrs. Peter 'Wilkinson have made their home there, bringing the number of resident believers up to four. Meetings have been held, and the Military Tribunal there granted the application of a Baha'i for exemption from combatant service, which resulted in some publicity. (cThr believers have moved to Bournemouth and the Group there now numbers ten. The Feasts and Anniversaries are observed and it is hoped to have a Center as the chief aid to a teaching campaign. "In Nottingham excellent work has been done through the efforts of the resident believer, Esther Richardson. She has arranged meetings with the Esperantists and the Theosophists which have been addressed by visiting teachers, and has gathered together a number of her friends and aroused their keen interest. It is expected that a few of them will come to Summer School." ccNew ground has been broken in Newcastle and much interest aroused. A teacher spent five weeks there before Christmas, and three months after Christmas. Many clubs and societies were addressed, and a series of public lectures given from the platform of the Theosophical Society. Contacts were made in the University, a number of study meetings were held, a good deal of literature [p83] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 83 has been purchased by interested inquirers and it is hoped that some of them will come to Summer School." "At its first meeting the National Spiritual Assembly considered this matter and pledged itself to carry out the Guardian's wish, determining that all activities should be considered in the light of teaching. Bradford and Torquay were selected as the two most promising places for the establishment of new Assemblies. The believers in those centers were consulted and plans of campaign mapped out. We are happy to report that owing to the persistent efforts of the resident believers, to the work of visiting teachers, to the sacrifices of all who have contributed to the Fund, and to the unfailing assistance of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Assemblies were elected in both places on April 21st. Both communities are represented by delegates at this Convention. We take this opportunity of conveying, through them, our welcome and sincere congratulations. t~Th local communities have maintained fireside and other teaching meetings. A series of regular study meetings was held in Altrincharn during the summer by the Manchester Spiritual Assembly, and a successful meeting was arranged with the Rover Scout Crew by Miss Ada Williams, when the interest of about twenty young men was aroused. The first extension work of the Torquay Spiritual Assembly was in Exeter when Mrs. Stevens addressed the Psychology Club." ~ Baha'i Summer School is the most important institution in England for teaching the Cause of Baha'u'llah. More ambitious in every way than the three previous ones, the fourth Summer School brought correspondingly greater and more encouraging results. More than a hundred people visited it, indicating its steadily increasing interest to both believers and enquirers. The spirit of real friendship, sympathy, and understanding engendered amongst such a widely diverse group of individuals, was convincing proof of the unifying power of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. "The School was opened by Lady Blom-field, who, as always, brought the spirit of the Master close to each one of us by her vivid and beautiful &scriptions of many of the precious incidents which occurred during His stay in her house in London. A cable was then sent to our beloved Guardian, to which he sent an inspiring reply. ccThe lectures were of high standard and though comprehensive, followed an orderly course, beginning with a survey of the nature of the present world struggle, then tracing the growth and development of man as an individual and mankind as a collective body, presenting the main problems confronting the world today and offering the solutions of Baha'u'llah, outlining the Baha'i vision of a New World Order and culminating in the presentation of the Word of Baha'u'llah as the focus of all power. CCBhP~~11~h and 'Abdu'l-Baha have emphasised the importance of art in the Life of man. Baha'u'llah tells us that the sancti-fled and detached souis titt the animating force through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest," and 'Abdu'l-Baha tells us that the Sun of Truth, shining on the mind of the artist, is mirrored forth in great works of art. Therefore an experiment was made this year in inviting a larger number of non-Bah4'i speakers than previously, to lecture on their own specialized branches of art Ñ the dance, drama, music and the crafts. The result was strikingly significant. At least four different lecturers came to the conclusion that in their particular field art had reached a standstill owing to the poverty of human creativeness Ñ a convincing proof that the artistic spirit needs the new creative impulse of Baha'u'llah. ccThe peak of Summer School was reached at bank holiday weekend, August 57, when the greatest attendance was recorded and the radiance of the gathering was so apparent as to arouse comment. It was during this weekend that the National Spiritual Assembly received its Incorporation Certificate. Archdeacon Townshend's challenging book The Heart of the Gospel appeared at this time and the author himself was present. Dr. Mi, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and Burma, Mr. W. J. Grant, late editor of the Rangoon Times and a proven friend [p84] 84 THE BAHA'I WORLD of the Faith, Chief Jono Kenyatta of Kenya, the eminent anthropologist, were among the distinguished visitors. Mr. Kenneth Christian and Miss Virginia Setz were welcome visitors from America. Mr. Christian gave an interesting description of the Summer Schools in America. "The setting of School was most delightful. Beautiful spacious grounds, with ample facilities for games, in the heart of a lovely countryside; an ideal place for relaxation and for study. "Most of those present must have been conscious of the nearness of the final stages of the world struggle. They must have had too, intimations of the greatness of the privilege, and of the responsibility, of being identified with a nascent world faith in an age of doubt and fear. Summer School is a growing, consolidating institution, becoming established in a rapidly crumbling world. It has provided once again an incentive to activity and cooperation among the Baha'i communities. We shall make efforts to maintain it." EXEMPTION FROM COMBATANT SERVICE ttlncreasing tension in world affairs made it necessary for the N. S. A. to define the attitude of Baha'is to the various military measures being undertaken by the country. The Guardian's instruction was obtained and published in Baha'i Journal. It was to the effect that while we should do everything to obtain exemption from active combatant service, we should volunteer for all services of a humanitarian nature, such as Red Cross, A. R. P., stretcher-bearing, etc. Within the last three days Conscription has been introduced by the Government, and it is recommended that the incoming N. S. A. should consider the position of Baha Youth in relation to this." ttShortly after the outbreak of war, a young believer from Bradford, Philip Hams-worth, having registered in accordance with the N. S. A/s request, was summoned to appear before a tribunal in Leeds. The following is an account of the proceedings as accurately as I remember them; it was written down shortly after leaving the Court. ttPetr Wilkinson and Mr. Hurst were there and we heard the proceedings in about a dozen cases. Hardly any of the applicants were clear or definite as to what their consciences demanded, and certainly had very little conception of their relationship to society. When Philip was called the Judge asked me to step up, and who and what I was. I said secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles. A minute or two were spent in writing it down correctly and spelling tBahi'i.' They had never heard of it. "To me: CWht is Baha'i CIt~s a world religion sir. tls it Christian? cng believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. tThen it is Christian? cw•e believe that all the revealed religions are the Word of God. tWhat do you think of Buddha? tHis Revelation is the Word of God. tConfucius? CA very wise man. CMhd? CHC is the Prophet of God. CJt~s a sort of comprehensive omnibus. (slightly amused but kindly). tNo sir. An independent world religion. Its central theme is the oneness of mankind. When was it founded? tThe original declaration was made in 1844. cis this name Indian? tNo sir; Persian. tls it a Persian religion? CNO sir, it's a world religion for all mankind. tThe Founder was Persian? tYe sir. CCTO Philip: CWhat do you object to? tJ seek exemption from combatant military service, as it is inconsistent with the teaching of Baha'u'llah to kill my fellow men. To you recognize any duty to the State? tYes of course. We are commanded to obey our governments. tWell this seems an opportunity of obeying by accepting military service. tI'm obeying the government by registering as a conscientious objector. [p85] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 85 tSupposing you were in Germany? cThere are Baha'is in Germany. They are suppressed and some of them are in the army. ~There you are then. cThe Government allows me to apply for exemption. "To me: tHavc you a branch in Bradford? CY sir. tHow many members? CAbout seventeen. cYour Faith recognizes civil authority? 'Yes. tlt asks you to obey the law? ~Ye tlt does not ask you to refuse military service? tlt asks us to uphold certain principles. tNtll tOne of these is to refrain from killing our fellow men by seeking exemption from combatant military service. We are ready to serve in any noncombatant capacity. cSuppose exemption is refused? cTh we are in the same position as anyone else. CONSOLIDATION OF OVER a number of years the Baha'i community of Egypt has been the instrument through which the independent status of the Baha'i Faith has been established in relation to the prevailing and official religion of IslAm. In previous volumes the origin and development of this remarkable historic process has been described. Between 1938 and 1940 the irresistible power of the Faith of Baha'u'llah has been further demonstrated. Lands were purchased for the construction of a I-Taziratu'1-Quds, a national Baha'i center for administrative activities and meeting place for Baha'i gatherings. In a number of countries during recent years the National and local Assemblies have taken steps to provide such centers, which strengthen and coordinate the direction of activities and symbolize the existence of the Faith as community and not merely as doctrine. "The N. S. A. has finally decided to buy a CDO you believe in transrnigration? ~No sir. "To Philip: tAre your parents of the same religion as you? cNot yet. tYou hope they will be. 'Yes, they are very interested. 'I-low long have you known about this? tJust over a year. 'What have you done about it? 'I investigated the teachings, declared myself a Baha'i, and am trying to propagate the Faith. I was an absolute pacifist before. tYou were absolute?' (with some astonishment) CYCS. I had to give up many of my ideas to conform with Baha'i teaching.' "The tribunal were unanimous in granting exemption from combatant service, and made the applicant liable for noncombatant service. "The local newspapers contained various accounts, one having a large headline which read: Persian Religion Modifies Man's Paci-finn." Ñ Report by DAVID HOFMAN. THE FAITH IN EGYPT plot of land in one of the most important quarters of Cairo quite near Maleka Nazli Street," it was reported in the Egyptian Baha'i News of March-April, 1940, after consideration had been given to the fact that on account of war conditions it might be preferable to purchase a house rather than construct one. A fund was then instituted for the cost of construction, contributions to which have been made by Baha Assemblies in other countries. After further difficulty with the Muslim clergy, the National Spiritual Assembly obtained authorization from the government to establish a Baha'i cemetery in Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said. A Eatwa (a judgment made by a Muslim judge in a religious matter on the basis of doctrine or custom derived from the Qur'an) issued by a Grand Mufti decreed that Baha'is could no longer be permitted burial in a Muslim cemetery. After submit [p86] 86 THE BAHA'I WORLD ting full information to the government, the Baha'i authorities were granted the necessary permission to proceed with their own independent burial places and the observance of their own burial rites. Since cemeteries in Egypt are public property not subject to sale or transfer, the government set aside a plot of land just outside Cairo for use as a Baha'i place of burial. Such an episode has great significance in a Muslim country, where the lack of a civil code surrounds every religious transaction with an official atmosphere and a ceremonial importance not felt in western lands since feudal days. Indeed, public violence has been manifested against the Baha'is in Egypt in connection with their effort to give proper Baha'i burial to their own dead. The publication of the government's action in the public press made a powerful impression. A notable service to the entire Arabic-speaking world has been rendered by the Baha'is of Egypt through their action in translating The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the Baha'i Revelation into the Arabic language. The translation was made by Judge Abdul Jalil Saad, and the printed work contains over six hundred pages, with many illustrations. The Assembly itself has made only modest references to the teaching work carried on in Egypt during the current period, feeling that most of its energies have been expended in carrying out the important matters already mentioned. In the Sudan, however, the progress of the teaching work has been very satisfactory, and this area has become an important part of the Baha'i community whose affairs are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly. BAHA'I ACTIVITIES IN 'IRAQ THE services rendered by the Baha'is of 'Iriq during this period are not to be measured by the information available in the form of bulletins and reports. We know, however, that their achievement has been great from the fact that the National Spiritual Assembly of the believers of that country was able to construct a large Hazi ratu'1-Quds, or headquarters, in a modern suburb of Bagiyhid. Behind efforts of such scope stand a great many contributing factors, unity and sacrifice for the Cause, coordination of effort, vigorous teaching work and administrative efficiency. From reports on hand the following citations are of particular interest: eCTh most vital activity of the 'Ir4q Baha'is during these two years has been the construction of the new Haziratu'1-Quds. Where the former center was located in the dark, winding alleys of old Baglidid, the new edifice stands in its own beautiful gardens in a modern suburb. Total expenditures on the building alone have amounted to 3,500 pounds, while the whole property, that is, the building and the site of land (40 m. x 60 in.), is now estimated at 6,000 pounds." "It is with great pleasure and overflowing joy that we report the completion of building ing operations on the new Ijaziratu'1-Quds of Baghd~id, which have been proceeding during the last thirteen months. The meeting for the inauguration of this edifice took place on Saturday afternoon, September 23, 1939, and was attended by believers representing almost every Baha'i community in this country. Deeply impressed by the imposing grandeur, and with hearts cherishing the fondest hopes for the future of our beloved Faith in this blessed land the friends ioyously offered thanks and praise to Baha'u'llah, Who has graciously confirmed and assisted them in the discharge of their glorious task. "The meeting opened with the chanting of a Tablet. Then Mirza Wakil, chairman of the N. S. A., delivered the opening speech in which he summarized the various stages and developments that accompanied the construction of the edifice, and made a brief statement showing roughly the total expenditures, the debts incurred, and the contributions received to date. "At the close of the inaugural meeting, which ended with the chanting of another Tablet of Baha'u'llah, the N. S. A. met and approved the sending immediately of the following telegram to the Beloved Guardian: [p87] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 87 "tBah~'is assembled now occasion inauguration Haziratu'1-Quds express deepest gratitude divine confirmation completion building. Supplicate continuation prayers. "Much as has already been done, there still remains as much to be achieved. The spacious assembly hail together with the adjoining guesthouse, which constitute no less essential parts of the plan already approved by the Guardian, now await construction. In fact, the full beauty of this Baha'i Center and the effective functioning of the various Baha administrative bodies cannot reach their climax and reveal their full beneficent effect until the two remaining component parts are built and completed. The Guardian, lovingly assuring us of his cferyent unceasing prayers,' now directs and urges us to make tsustained, united, unremitting efforts' so that tthis vitally-urgent, divinely-appointed task' may be successfully carried forward to a glorious consumma-hon. "It is worthy to note that this noble undertaking has not oniy been responsible for enhancing the dignity and the good reputation of the Cause in 'IrAq but has proved a powerful factor in reinforcing the spiritu al ties and genuine love uniting the members of the Baha'i community. In fact, this Ila4ratu'1-Quds can rightly be regarded as the sign of our unity and the center of our cooperation and sacrifice in our attempt to carry out the guiding instructions of our beloved Guardian." "From Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, the following message was received: cc ~ region of 'Jriq will be an arena where lights will shine, and the first connecting link between Idn, which is the cradle of the Faith, and the Holy Land, the Point of Adoration of the people of Baha. This momentous institution, therefore, is to be regarded as the first of the great preliminaries and glorious institutions which will be established in that blessed land, culminating in the recovery of the House of God, the hoisting of the Banner of His Faith, and the proclamation of His Dispensation in that region. It is, therefore, incumbent upon you to double your perseverance, steadfastness, vigor, tenacity, cooperation and mutual assistance, that thereby may become manifest what our Lord has, both in secret and openly, promised us in His wondrous Book.'" PERSECUTION AND DEPORTATION OF THE BAHA'IS OF CAUCASUS AND TURKISTAN THE construction of the first Baha'i House of Worship in 'Ishqabad, Southern Russia, nearly forty years ago, may be realized as the first portentous symbol of the power of Baha'u'llah's Dispensation in Europe. Its spiritual meaning and implication could not but present a challenge to the forces of darkness existing in that land. It was not until after 1930, however, that the flourishing Baha'i community centered around the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in Ishqabad felt the weight of official persecution. In previous issues of THE BAHA'I WORLD successive chapters of this tragic but glorious story have been told. Now there remains to recount the final chapter of dispersal, deportation and internment of the Baha'is by the Soviet authorities, and their seizure of the holy House of Worship as the extreme actions of a materialistic civiliza tion approaching the hour of its own destined punishment. The available information no longer comes to us from the Baha'i community of Southern Russia but from their fellow-believers of Ir6n with whom the survivors of persecution found refuge. The full report will be found in the Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of train published at the end of this international review. Excerpts from that Report follow: CCOn the eve of February 5, 1938, all the members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of 'Ishqabad, and a great number of the Friends were arrested by order of the authorities and that same night the houses of the Friends were searched, and all Tablets, Baha'i records and other articles were confiscated. Some of the women, more active than the rest in [p88] 88 THE BAHA'I WORLD Baha'i administrative affairs, were also led away to prison. 'tAccording to those who have been freed from prison and have emigrated to mm, the officials treated the prisoners with extreme harshness, and all Baha'is were condemned by the Government on political grounds, it being openly said to them: COn Soviet land you are, and have been, working to the advantage of foreigners.' A written charge to this effect was made out for each prisoner and each was ordered to sign it. When the Friends, innocent, denied the charge, they were sublected to every type of persecution. Some were even obliged, more than once, to dig graves for themselves, it being told them that they were to be killed on the spot; then, hoping to acquire the signed document, the authorities would defer their sentence. "Wives and children of the captives lived meanwhile in the greatest wretchedness. A woman believer wrote to her sister from 'Ishqabad: tHere many young men believers die in the prison. No one knows of what sickness they died, or what they asked for in their last agony, or in what place their bodies are laid. One of the women believers, because of her grieving and anguish and the sight of her orphaned children, set fire to herself and after sixteen days in the hospital she passed away.' "At first over five hundred men believers were imprisoned but a great number of these have died. The wives and children of the victims have gradually been exiled to I An, and dispatched by the lrThian Government to their various birthplaces, but here, too, most of them cannot find peace. The women grieve over their husbands and sons, the children sorrow for their fathers and brothers. Many of the younger ones, well educated and trained, for lack of recommen-. dations and other reasons, are refused work in Government offices and elsewhere, and pass their days miserably in the little towns where they have been sent. ttThis Assembly has, through the efforts of the Friends, given to these sufferers whatever financial aid was possible and up to now a sun-i has been collected for their urgent daily needs. in response to the Guardian's emphatic directions we have done all in our power to succor these oppressed persons; nevertheless, their lot has not improved, although they continue thankful, since they are suffering in the path of God. According to recent information the prisoners have been freed and exiled in small groups to remote corners of Russia. Fortunately they are permitted to write to their relatives and at times word comes from them. This Assembly has applied to the Imperial Government seeking their return to Ir&n, and God willing, the desired aim will be realized. "From a recent communication as to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of 'Ishqabad: ~F the day when the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar became part of the Government properties, it was rented free to the Baha'i community for five year periods; every five years the lease was renewed, and according to separate documents drawn up by the city, necessary repairs were specified to be made during the allotted period. The Local Assembly would always carry out these repairs and improvements with dispatch, to give the authorities no pretext for complaint, also regularly renewing the insurance and paying the taxes. In 1933, however, although the specified period had not run out, certain repairs which were not urgent nor important, and which were very expensive Ñ amounting to some 20,000 man4t Ñ were imposed, and the Government broke the contract and forced the Assembly to renew it and make the repairs. A year had not elapsed when the Government officials renewed their complaints and it became obvious that their purpose was to create difficulties and oblige the Friends to relinquish the Temple and give it over to them. Fearing that the holy edifice wouid be lost, the Assembly communicated the whole matter to the Guardian. Shortly thereafter, through the fr4nian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the tr~nian Embassy in Moscow, the frinian Consulate-General in 'Isliqibid made an inquiry as to the status and tenants of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. This investigation proved beneficial, and for some time the complaints and faultfinding of the authorities were modified. Then, in 1936, the Government stirred up further diflicul-ties, and imposed heavy and unnecessary repairs, thinking the Baha'i community would be utterly unable to compLy with the requirements and a legal means would thus be [p89] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 89 furnished to take the Temple away from the Baha'is. The Assembly, however, asked for aid from the believers throughout Turkistin and the Caucasus, and as a result of their self-sacrifice the repairs were made.' C(The authorities then tried another plan, as follows: Surrounding the Temple, the Friends had established schools for boys and girls, a library, an office, and Haziratu'l-Quds; and a long time since, the authorities had taken over the schools and the library building. Now, with the excuse that the children had no playground, they sought to appropriate the main section of the Temple gardens, build a wall around the Temple and leave to the Friends oniy the Temple building itself and the Haziratu'1-Quds; and they planned to close the garden gate, which faces the main thoroughfare of the city and has always been opened to believer and nonbeliever alike, and oblige all those desiring entry to the Temple to go around by a side street. The Local Assembly remonstrated with the authorities and after considerable effort persuaded them to abandon their plan and continue on the same basis as before. Finally in 1936 after all sorts of pretexts and complaints, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar was given over to the Friends for an unspecified period, on condition that they make repairs as required by the city and pay the taxes and insurance. During the past six or seven years the Assembly has been constantly negotiating with the authorities as to the Temple, and through Divine Confirmations has been able to protect it in every way. When the Friends were imprisoned it became clear to what extent the authorities were displeased with us." "According to Soviet law, every religious community which numbers fifty members of both sexes over eighteen years of age, can petition the authorities for recognition, that is, for the right to have a place of worship and administration. Now, if the number of Baha'is in 'Ishqabad should fall below fifty, the Government can take over the Temple. At present only a few Baha'is are left, women and children and a few old men; and even if there are as many as fifty women left there and two or three old men, yet because of their helplessness and ignorance of the law they will be unable to protect the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar." ~~According to recently received information, the Soviet Government has taken over the Temple, has turned it into an art gallery, and is keeping it in its original condition. For there are no longer any Baha in "As to the Caucasus, recent news is that throughout all that region Spiritual Assemblies and all administrative institutions have, as a result of terrific pressure from the Government, been done away with, and the Haziratu'1-Quds has been taken over. Only in B~ki~ is there a Spiritual Assembly, and the Haziratu'1-Quds there is in the hands of the Friends. The membership of the Biki~ Assembly has in two years been elected three times, for this reason, that the first members were all arrested and exiled to Siberia, whereupon the Friends elected nine more believers and these too were seized and exiled. The third group to be elected, now serving on the Assembly, are mostly women. The Friends there are suffering terribly from lack of the means of livelihood and every sort of hardship, and they assist one another like members of one household. "The persecuted Baha'is of 'Ishqabad and elsewhere who at the Guardian's direction and in spite of every affliction stood firm in 'Tshq4bid to protect the Baha'i world's first Temple, were before the first of the year 95, by the Soviet Government's refusal to give them residence permits, gradually exiled to Ir&n. In February, 1938, that government imprisoned at least five hundred Baha'i men throughout Turkistin, most of whom have been in prison over fifteen months in 'Ishqabad, Mary, etc., under terrible conditions. Some have died under torture, from starvation and other effects of prison life. No recent news has reached us and we do not know what future awaits the survivors. tcSix hundred refugees Ñ women, girls, children and a few old men Ñ have successfully reached I ran. Most of these are now in Mash-had, while others have dispersed throughout the country. Those who had to travel were given their expenses and a letter of introduction to the LocalAssembly at their destination. ccTheir state is pitiful beyond description. All were substantial citizens in their own country. Then the men were taken prisoner and they had to sell all they had Ñ houses, [p90] 90 THE BAHA'I WORLD rugs, furniture. Then, obliged to emigrate, they brought in their last trifling possessions and sold them here for bread, and are now The American Baha'is made a special contribution for the relief of these unfortunate believers. The friends of Persia, however, assumed the real burden of relief. THE BAHA'I FAITH IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN the lifetime of many still active Baha'is the entire course of the development of the Cause in Europe, America and Australia and New Zealand has unrolled. They have witnessed, and contributed to, its growth from the first pioneer teacher or family through the stages of groups, local communities and finally that of the unified national community with its National Spiritual Assembly. Those who first set forth carried in their souls the fiery conviction that the B&b had come to this age as a Manifestation to summon the peoples for acceptance of the Promised One of all religions; that Baha'u'llah had come in that mighty Station to unify the races, the nations, the classes and the sects of mankind. Under the guidance and protection of 'Abdu'l-Baha they achieved oneness in their devotion to Him as the Center of Baha'u'llah's Covenant. Their kind Shepherd led them along the path of unity as rapidly as they could advance. His Will and Testament, however, disclosed the whole path and its consummation in world institutions, the Guardian and the House of Justice. Since 1922 the Baha'is have achieved one of the greatest social adjustments in human history by their cooperation in the establishment of the pattern of the 'World Order of Baha'u'llah. Nothing short of a miracle could have raised up such strong foundations for this order in Australia and New Zealand as the result of the labors of two Baha'is, themselves Americans and therefore of the generation of those who had learned the Message far from its Source. Wholly new social attitudes and a new quality of human relationships had to be established before a Baha'i community could come into being. Some background of understanding is necessary before one can perceive in every report of Baha'i activity a sustained victory for the spirit working through the lives of ordinary men and women. The following excerpts will convey an outline at least of what has been accomplished in this great 'Western Continent geographically located in the East: (CTh second convention which was held in Sydney, New South Wales, in April, 1937, marked the beginning of a new stage of development in the history of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand; so illuminating and instructive were the addresses given by the delegates and so powerful was the spirit of dedication animating those present, from that time a deeper realization of the responsibility and mission of the Australian and New Zealand Baha community as a component part of the world wide Baha'i community destined in the fullness of time to expand into a glorious new civilization, the Baha'i Commonwealth of nations, intensified the zeal and determination of the believers and lent an impetus to their efforts which has produced gratifying results. "The teaching field is steadily widening; in all the centers advertised lectures are given regularly; large fireside meetings are held by the believers in their homes; opportunities to give the Baha'i Message on other platforms are courted and a wider circulation for our literature is being obtained. ~~In all the centers, increased efforts are being made to gain the attention of the press, and in this we were greatly helped by Miss Martha Root on the occasion of her teaching tour of Australia and New Zealand during the first half of 1939. Miss Root obtained more press publicity for the Cause than we had bad previously; indeed, she gave a much needed stimulus to our efforts in this direction and we learned much from her methods. "The famous Baha'i teacher arrived in Perth, Western Australia, on January 1 0th, and was given a warm welcome by the believers there. The Perth Spiritual Assembly had arranged a fine program and from the first the work went with a swing; many new [p91] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 91 contacts were made and a great deal of interest was aroused; the Perth believers themselves being greatly stimulated and uplifted by this soui refreshing season of activity and by Miss Root's inspiring influence. ttFrom Perth, Miss Root went to Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney. In Adelaide, in addition to the radio broadcasts and tile lectures arranged for and widely advertised by the Spiritual Assembly, Miss Root spoke to the piritual Mission Church, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Radiant Health Club, the Theosophical Society, at many informal gatherings and at a reception held at the Hotel Grosvenor. "Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne and Miss Hilda Brooks of Adelaide accompanied Miss Root to Tasmania and Melbourne, and the little group of four traveling to promote the Baha'i Faith, awakened considerable interest and gained publicity and press notices for the Cause. Miss Gretta Lamprill, sole be. liever in Tasmania at that time, and Miss Eloise Jensen, who became enrolled during the visit, were overjoyed to see them, as never before had there been such a number of Baha'is together in Tasmania. Miss Jensen was enrolled at a little meeting of the Baha'is held at the hotel where the party was accommodated. The occasion was celebrated with prayers and joyous thanksgiving; this, it was felt, would be the turning point of the Cause in Tasmania and the first of many enrollments. That hopes were justi-fled was proved by the enrollment some weeks later of Miss Kitty Crowder. Now these three capable workers have commenced teaching activities which are gradually gathering momentum. CCMiss Lamprill had arranged for Miss Root to give several broadcasts and to speak at three High Schools, the Spiritualistic Church, the Workers' Education Association, the Lyceum Club, the Theosophical Society, the Esperantist Association, the Rotary Club, the Bellerive, Sandford Country Women's Association, and two public meetings in Hobart and one in Launceston. Great interest was evinced by all who heard the addresses and the little group of believers was delighted with the result of the teaching campaign in Tasmania. "In Melbourne, through the efforts of the indefatigable Secretary, Mrs. Wheeler, doors were magically opened and warm invitations for Miss Root to address meetings were received. In addition to broadcasts and informal talks, Miss Root lectured to the 'Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the Australian Church, the Writers' Cultural Club, Trinity Grammar School, Chinese Women's Society, Esperanto Club, Women's League of Health, Journalists' Luncheon, Kilvington Girls' School and the Unitarian Church. "The Sydney friends had been eagerly preparing for Miss Root's visit and had arranged for broadcasts, receptions, interviews and public meetings. In addition, Miss Root delivered addresses at the Millions Club, the United Association, the English Speaking Union, the Board of Social Study and Training, the Women's League of Health, the Quota Club, Australian League of Nations, Esperanto Society, the Rotary Club, Journalists' tea, the Newport W.E.A. Summer School, the Feminist Club, the Y.M.C.A., the Women's League of Health, and the Fellow Ñ ship of Australian 'Writers. CtI1~ Adelaide, South Australia, a Baha'i youth group has been formed and steady development maintained, the members are enthusiastic and bring their friends to the meetings to hear the Baha'i Message. Australian youth are excellent material for Baha'i teachers to work upon, for on the whole they are singularly unprejudiced in their outlook and the Baha'i teachings make instant appeal to them. "The Summer School held at tBolton Place,' Yerrinbool, New South Wales, the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bolton of Sydney and lent and dedicated by them for the school sessions, is becoming a source of pride and joy and high hopes are entertained for its future development and usefulness. c~Arrangements are under the direction of a committee and two successful sessions have already been held, the first in January, 1938, the second in January, 1939." [p92] 92 THE BAHA'I WORLD BAHA'I ACTIVITIES IN INDIA AND BURMA THE National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and Burma has adopted a Six-Year Teaching Plan in order to intensify and direct the expansion of the Cause in those countries throughout the remainder of the first century of the Baha'i Era. Indeed, the whole Baha'i world has become profoundly conscious of the need to enlarge the scope of its teaching work and deepen its understanding of the importance of the mission entrusted to the followers of Baha'u'llah if the believers are to fulfil their collective responsibility to God. The inspiration emanating from the Guardian, as given instruments in such works as The Unfoldment of World Civilization and The Advent of Divine Justice, has stimulated the Baha'is and given them clearer realization of the significance of the year 1944 in the evolution of a Dispensation that is to have effect through successive cycles of future Manifestations for more than four hundred thousand years. Moreover, the Baha'is have come to realize that there must be growth in all parts of the worldwide community, since the future central institutions of the Faith are to rest upon the pillars of the National Spiritual Assemblies of East and 'West. The dear friends of India and Burma are associated with both the East and the 'West, and from this fact they seem destined to play a great rOle in the drama of human unity and universal peace. To cite some of the important passages in their bulletins and reports: "It was one year after our American brothers and sisters have launched their Seven-Year Plan of Teaching that the N. S. A. of India and Burma on a recommendation by the 10th Annual Convention, adopted a Six-Year Plan of Teaching. It at first aimed at making each local Assembly responsible to establish another Assembly in a nearby town; but later our beloved Guardian suggested that the chief aim of the Plan should be to find volunteer teachers for settlement in places where the Divine Faith has not yet been established. These teachers will make these places either their permanent places of business or they will stay so long as to form a local Spiritual Assembly or at least a group of confirmed believers who will evolve themselves into an Assembly in due course. In the 11th Convention therefore the two chief aims of the Plan were clearly defined and a Committee was formed to concentrate their whole energy towards the successful prosecution of the Plan. "Ever since the inauguration of the Six-Year Plan of Teaching the band of the Baha'is of India and Burma concentrated their efforts to carry out the wishes of their beloved Guardian expressed in almost all his epistles. They have been directing all their energy to the successful accomplishment of this vital issue. Both the local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers have been trying their utmost, and we are sure that in a short time many of the faithful servants of Baha'u'llah will leave their homes and go to live in places where the light of the Beloved Faith has not yet penetrated. The number of such souls no doubt is small but we have full belief in the might of Baha'u'llah, and as the Divine Faith from its very inception has penetrated the world without any material aid, so will it now give far greater results than the efforts of the friends would vouchsafe. We are giving below some of the efforts that the friends are making in this connection. "BOMBAY Ñ An important public meeting was held in the Municipal Hall, Kalyan (an important town in the vicinity), when Mr. Ganesh Krishna Phadke, B.A., Member Legislative Assembly, presided. The hail was overflowing, the audience including among others Mr. M. P. Oka, President of the Kal-yan Municipality, members of the Legislative Assembly, school teachers, professors and notables of the town. tcAfter the opening prayers by Mr. Ilmi and Miss Penn Roman, Mr. H. M. Manji spoke on the New History. He was followed by Prof. N. K. Bhagwant, M.A., who spoke on Essentials of a Universal Religion. Mr. M. H. Ilmi gave an explanation of Salvation or Mukti or Nijat. Mrs. Shirin Foz-dar spoke on The Need of the Present Day. She said that although many progressive movements have sprung up, Baha'u'llah stands first to initiate the principles of life. [p93] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 93 Recently purchased site of the prospective Ua4ratu'1-Quds to be erected in Cairo, Egypt. The X in the upper right side indicates the actual site. CNo progressive movement,' she said, Chad come into existence before the rise of the Baha'i Faith in 1844 AiX' "The Chairman thanked the speakers and summed up the proceedings, saying that the Baha'i teachings were really beautiful and worth practicing though very difficult to adopt. "The meeting, on the whole, was successful and it is hoped that the town will be opened to the Faith in the near future. t~LAHoRr Ñ Prof. Pritam Singh was invited to be present at the Jubilee Celebra tions of the head of the Qadian Movement, Moulvi 'Abdu'lUh Vakil of Srinagar, who was also in Lahore, accompanied Prof. Pritam Singh. Both of them were treated as the honored guests of the Khalif a and met many to whom they gave the Baha Message. "M. 'Abdu'lUh is engaged in teaching the Faith in Lahore. He may visit some Mofassil towns also. t~During January Prof. Pritarn Singh visited Hoshiarpur at the invitation of one of the professors of that place. Hoshiarpur is about four hours' train journey from [p94] 94 THE BAHA'I WORLD Lahore and has two colleges. To the students of one of the colleges he gave a talk in English on Religion of the Future. An interesting discussion followed. A copy of Baha'u'llah and the New Era in Hindi was presented to the College Library. "At the request of Principal Muhammad Ibrahim M. A., of the Multan Government College Prof. Pritam Singh addressed the College on the subject of rReligion and Youth.' A public lecture was also given at the Theosophical Lodge on February 29, with the President of the Lodge in the Chair. About 200 persons were present. The subject of the talk was eReligion of the Future.' The talk theme developed by the Professor was that all the links in the long chain of Prophets Ñ Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad Ñ were equally important and no one could break the chain by presenting one of these Prophets to the exclusion of others. This point of view was given to prepare every one to receive the Message of Baha'u'llah which was suited to the requirements of this age and was therefore universal. "Prof. Pritam Singli was invited by the Literary Circle of the Prince of Wales's College, Jammu, to address a public meeting, the subject being ~Religion of the Future.' About 350 people attended. ctThe Baha'is of Lahore have been meeting regularly for the study of comparative religion. Mr. 'Abdu'llih of Kashmir enlightened the group on the teachings of Tshm in the light of the Baha'i Faith. Many Hindu Friends have become interested." TRAVELS OF MARTHA L. ROOT "The teaching tour undertaken by our beloved sister Miss Martha L. Root from October, 1937, to December, 1938, has partly been described in the BAHA'I WORLD Vol. VII, and her visit to Northern India universities and colleges is being reproduced elsewhere in this volume. She traveled from Colombo in the South to Srinagar in the North, and from Peshawar, the outpost city of the British Empire in the West, to Calcutta and Burma in the East. All the big towns in India were visited by her and in colleges and universities and in conferences and societies such as the Theosophical Society, the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj and before Muslim Institutes, the Message of Baha'u'llah was proclaimed and illuminating lectures on subjects like Culture and World Peace and What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty were delivered. In Indian States like Hyderabad (Deccan), Travancore, Jammu and Kashmir, Rampur, Patiala and Indore were visited and almost every university center such as Lahore, Delhi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Benares, Aigra, Patna, Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, Mysore and Shantineketan (Tagore's University) was visited and at some of the lectures Judges of the High Court, distinguished publicists, Vice-Chancellors of universities, eminent professors, and heads of religious organizations presided and thousands of students received the Teachings with a sense of joy and gratefulness. The whole of the intelligentsia of this country heard the Teachings through these lectures and through pamphlet literature and through the leading daily newspapers (English as well as vernacular) of India and Burma which reached millions of literate people in our country. Thus a great publicity was given to the Cause during these two years all over India and Burma and well written articles were contributed by able writers to the wellknown Indian Magazines like the Hindustan Review, the Aryan Path, the Tn-veni, the Twentieth Century, the Viswab-harati, the Rangoon Times, the Advance, the Bombay Sainachar, the Karachi Daily News, etc., etc. tcSimilar work was done by Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar. She toured South India, that is, Madras, Hyderabad (Deccan) and Mysore and then went to Burma where she did splendid work. In her second tour she was accompanied by her husband Dr. K. M. Fozdar and they both joined Miss Martha Root at Madras and traveled with her to Ceylon and Travancore. Dr. Fozdar returned after some time and the two sisters continued their splendid work in these parts of India as the Guardian had wished that the N. S. A. of India and Burma should give their attention to the South where there is as yet no Assembly. ccProf. Pritam Singli made his usual tours of the university towns and delivered lectures and answered questions. He is a well [p95] CURRENT BAHA'! ACTIVITIES 95 Recently completed portion of the Ua;iratu'1-Quds of 'Jdq, situated in Baghdad. known figure in these circles and his lectures make good impression upon his hearers. He also toured to Kashmir to follow up the work of another teacher who had preceded him to that State. "For the first time in the history of the Cause in India, the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir was opened up at first by Mr. 1sf andiar K. B. Bakhtiari of Karachi in 1937, followed by a visit by Miss Martha L. Root in 1938 and the followup work was done by Prof. Pritam Singh. This valley is visited every summer by thousands of people from all parts of the world and some Baha'i friends are going to settle there, in connection with the Six-Year Plan of Teaching, to continue the teaching work. We have already a good group of firm believers here which we hope will evolve into an Assembly in the near future. "During her tour of more than one year, wherever Miss Martha Root went, she enlisted the aid of the Press. She met everywhere the journalists and editors of newspapers who very willingly published long and glowing articles about the Divine Teachings. In India, Burma, and Ceylon there was not a single paper of note that did not devote some considerable space for the Baha'i articles. It was the same with the tours of Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Prof. Pritam Singh and Mr. Isfandiar Bakhtiari. "Miss Martha L. Root rendered a great service to the Cause by publishing that wonderful book in Karachi (India) namely, Tdbirih the Pure, Irdn's Greatest Woman which was presented to all the libraries in India and Burma and also to some distinguished personages whom she met in her teaching tours. This book has been very well received all over the country and read with the deepest interest. It has made indelible impression on some minds as is evidenced from letters that are received from those who have read it. BAnAl SUMMER SCHOOL (Cone of the forward steps that the believers of these parts took during the years under review was the starting of the Summer [p96] 96 THE BAHA'I WORLD School. As India is a vast country and it was not possible to have more than one such school, it was decided by the N. S. A. to hold it yearly at different places. The first school was held at Simla during September, 1938. It was blessed with the presence of our beloved sister Miss Martha L. Root. The school was a grand all-round success far beyond the expectations of its promoters. A full program of study of the Holy Books was carried out. Evening lectures were held in public halls and a day was set apart for an outing. The presence of beloved Miss Root inspired the youth who had joined the school and they were greatly benefited. A full report of the school will be found elsewhere in this volume. "The second Baha summer school opened in Karachi during September, 1939, for ten days. Owing to disturbed international situation the attendance from other Assemblies was very poor but the friends of Karachi, especially the youth of the place, evinced great interest and were greatly benefited. They asked intelligent questions and the discussion that followed each lesson was greatly illuminating. The Laws of the Aqdas, the Baha'i Administration and other Baha'i literature was studied. A course of lectures on comparative religion was also delivered. Public lectures were delivered in the Theosophical Hall and at Sarnagati Flail. The school this year was decidedly an improvement on last year's effort and it is hoped that the institution will in time become the Great School Ñ the universal nucleus Ñ which will send out trained Baha'i teachers to spread the Divine Faith of Baha'u'llah throughout the length and breadth of India, Burma and Ceylon." PUBLICATIONS CCJ~ addition to the Baha'i Magazine which is published from Bombay in Urdu and Persian every month we published the translations of some books in the vernaculars of the country. Mandalay Assembly rendered the Obligatory Prayer with some other prayers into Burmese. Hindi and Sindhi versions of Baha'u'llah and the Ne-tv Era were published and extensively presented to the libraries of the province to which the language belonged. The Urdu version of Some Answered Questions was published and was presented to most of the libraries keeping Urdu books. The pamphlet The Dawn of the New Day was published in English, Urdu, Hindi and Tamil and was freely distributed during the teaching tours of Miss Martha Root, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar and other teachers. The pamphlet World Religion was republished in English and was freely distributed. Miss Martha Root published in pamphlet form What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty." There are now six different language editions of Dr. Esslemont's Baha'u'llah and the New Era in print in India and Burma. IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY OF NORTH AMERICA IN June, 1939, the American National Spiritual Assembly decided to establish a National Office, or Haziratu'1-Quds, adjacent to the Baha House of Worship in Wil-mette, Illinois. This action had been under consideration for one or two years, in response to the statement made by the Guardian in The World Order of Baha'u'llah that the administrative activities would be transferred to the site of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar as well as under the pressure of a rapidly increasing schedule of work. The time had come for a National Spiritual Assembly coordinating the affairs of more than ninety local communities, some thirty national committees arid the programs of four schools, as well as the great House of Worship itself, to consolidate its internal functions and symbolize its responsible character by maintaining a suitable headquarters. Through the generous donation of the Wilhelm property in West Englewood the Assembly in recent years had been provided with facilities for its own meetings, the work of its Treasurer and storage for its records. Other facilities were maintained elsewhere in accordance with the residence of its officers. The headquarters available at Wilmette [p97] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 97 consisted of the studio constructed by Mr. Louis Bourgeois, Temple architect, with the consent of the Assembly, on Temple land where he would be most conveniently located for completing the working drawings and supervising the building operations. The architect, however, died before the construction of the superstructure began in September, 1930, and under the terms of the agree~ment the Temple Trustees had the option of purchasing the studio or requesting its removal from the grounds. The studio was purchased from Mrs. Bourgeois, and for some years had been serving the Temple construction and maintenance. On October 1, 1939, the office of the Secretary was transferred from New York to this site, and arrangements were made shortly thereafter for the similar transfer of the Treasurer's office to Wilmette. On January 20, 1940, was held the first meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly in its Ha~iratu'1-Quds, and its members, together with Baha'is attending a regional teaching conference in Foundation Hall, conducted a special gathering for the dedication of the conjunction of the institutions of the Ija;iratu'1-Quds and the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. The intention, communicated to the Guardian when adopted in June, 1939, brought forth a most gratifying approval. On October 3, 1939, the Assembly received the following message by cablegram: "Hail historic act signalizing auspicious conjunction (in) heart (of) North American continent (of the) institutions (of) Ijx4ratu'1-Quds (and) Mashriqu'1 Ñ Adhk6x, (the) twin foci (of) steadily evolving American Baha'i community life. (The) former henceforth regarded (as) national Seat upon which all administrative channels (of) Baha'i activity must increasingly converge. (The) latter permanently recognized (as) ordained Source from which rays (of) spiritual guidance will radiate. Upon (the) vigorous, constant interaction (of the) dynamic forces which these complementary institutions embodying administrative machinery and incarnating (the) Soul (of the) Baha community can release (the) effectual prosecution (of the) Seven Year Plan as well as (the) success (of) ultimate 'World Mission sion unquestionably depends. May (the) community responsible (for the) establishment (of) these nascent institutions progressively contribute (to) acceleration (of) their growth and derive fullest benefit (from) their eventual fruition." Later, through his Secretary, in a letter dated February 27, 1940, the Guardian outlined the functions of the new central office: ttWhule the National Office in Wilmette, designated by the Guardian as Uaziratu'l-Quds, is primarily an administrative center, its use should by no means be confined to purely administrative work, but should include such activities of a social and intellectual character, both local and national, as can best establish its character as the foremost teaching and administrative center of the Faith throughout the States. CCIn the conduct of any social activity at the National Office, however, great care should be taken to maintain strictly the dignity of the place, particularly in view of its proximity to the House of Worship, which makes it doubly essential for all the believers to conform to the standards of conduct, and of social intercourse set up in the Baha'i Teachings. (CAS a teaching center, where Bab6'i lectures, conferences and meetings, whether local, regional or national, could be held, the Ua~iratu'1-Quds can also prove of invaluable help, and the N.S.A. should indeed see to it that the necessary facilities are provided in the building for that purpose. ttBy thus combining these three features, namely teaching, administrative and social, the Haziratu'1-Quds can best fulfil its mission, as the visible symbol of the steadily-growing national Baha'i Community in Northern America, and as the chief rallying center for all its activities and plans throughout that Continent." THE BAETA'i SCHOOLS The enlarged scope and importance of the teaching work in both North and South America has been reflected in the extension of the Baha'i Schools maintained at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine; at Geyserville, California; and at Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan. Moreover, through the munificent gift of [p98] 98 THE BAHA Mrs. Loulie Mathews, the Baha'i community received another Baha School, at Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, Colorado, which Mrs. Mathews dedicated to the special function of training Baha'is for teaching in the international field, especially in Latin America at this time. From the annual reports submitted by the committees supervising the activities of these schools, we glean the following facts: GREEN AcRE Ñ 1938 SEASON ccDuring the season there were 287 students attending the classes and courses. Very diligent study and interest was maintained throughout the summer. We are greatly indebted to the speakers and teachers for their most scholarly presentations which showed deep devotion to the Faith through long hours of research and preparation. The Youth "Week was most successful; its courses very impressive and well attended. The high qual-fry of service rendered by them was a joy to all. (CAn innovation in the presentation of Comparative Religion was introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Williard McKay, in which IslAm occupied the larger part, and was followed each evening with the direct Words from the different Holy Books. The clarity and thoroughness of this Course was remarkable. ~~Another new feature was given by Miss Lidia Zamenhof who conducted classes for the study of Esperanto every morning at 11 from July 11 to 22. The study of the students during several hours each afternoon was closely supervised by Miss Zamenhof. ccThe Tuesday Evening Recitals and Wednesday evening Lectures under the able sponsorship of our Dr. Shook were greatly enjoyed, proven by large audiences sometimes filling the Auditorium in The Inn. Dr. Shook gave two recitals on the Color Organ, exceedingly interesting; Mrs. Schop-flocher gave her moving pictures taken around the world, and in Haifa. Mrs. Rex Ñ ford showed the latest moving pictures of the Temple and was rewarded by a fine audience in the Hall; another evening she presented the pictures of her travels in Mexico and in The Shenandoah National Park. Later Dr. Shook gave a series of lectures on The Scientific Outlook by popular request, covering the laws of attraction and motion, clarifying the position of Science today, which was all new material for Green Acre. The high degree of musical talent he arranged this year was deeply enjoyed by every one. c(Distinctive features added to the program were: Orcella Rexford met with the Regional Committee members during her week and gave a series of talks on public speaking, and about 20 attended these afternoon classes. July 10th, Mrs. Mildred Mot-tahedeh gave a lecture on A Utopia that Works; July 17th, Miss Zamenhof spoke on An International Language; Aug. 7th, Louis Gregory spoke on Religion and the Modern Man; Aug. 2 1st, Fred Schopflocher spoke on Communities. ttOn Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons, the Library of the Hall was opened by Mrs. Bowman, the Librarian, for reference, study, or reading, but the privilege was enjoyed by a very small number. Mr. Holley brought the entire World Unity Library of scholars' works to add to the collection, which makes a valuable research library, including all the Baha'i Books. Also a large list of Baha'i Books was kept here and $175.00 worth was sold after the lectures and Classes. There was a reiterated call for a Loan Library, and it is hoped another room at a small sible to of all." year it may be arranged in some The Inn for the use of guests, with charge for use, to make it pos-gather a larger library for the use July 2, 3, 4 Ñ The Future World Common wealth, Horace Holley. 5 Ñ 9 Ñ Round Tables; Discussion Groups; Social Activities Inaugurated. 11 Ñ 16 Ñ Education for the New Hu-inanity, Dr. Glenn A. Shook. 18 Ñ 23 Ñ Art of Growing Up, Orcella Rexford. 24 Ñ 31 Ñ Youth Week. Youth Week 9:00 A. M. Ñ Devotions. 9:15 A.M. Ñ The Baha'i Life, Dorothy Baker. [p99] CURR 10:00 A.M. Ñ Talks by youth on Baha'i books: Gleanings, Elizabeth Shook; Mysterious Forces of Civilization, Ida Noyes; fqin, Joseph Noyes; Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Marvin Newport; The Dawn-Break-ers, Mae Graves Dyer. 11:00 A.M. Ñ Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Miss Caroline Rogers. Esperanto From July 11 to 22, Miss Lidia Zamenhof, daughter of the founder of Esperanto, conducted advanced classes to prepare students for qualification as Esperanto teachers. August 1 Ñ 6 Ñ Spiritual Development and Law, Dorothy Baker. 8 Ñ 1 3 Ñ Comparative Religion, Doris and Willard McKay. 1520 Ñ Prayer and Meditation, Lorol Schopflocher. 22 Ñ 27 Ñ The Transformation of Human Society, Horace Holley. 29 Ñ Sept. 3 Ñ Study course conducted by Mamie L. Seto. September 4 Ñ Peace Pageant, arranged by Nancy Bowditch. 5 Ñ (Labor Day) Peace Program: Lidia Zamenhof, Horace Holley, Mamie L. Seto, on Baha'i Principles Ñ World Peace. GREEN ACRE Ñ 1939 SEASON "Our first Laboratory Course was given this year under the direction of Mrs. Helen Bishop, Dr. Glenn Shook, and Mrs. Wendell Bacon. This type of teaching work it is hoped will be continued. There is always discussion after the lectures, but in the laboratory class with all participating, it is a very effective way of developing students, and we encourage the use of this method of teaching as much as possible. The Ba/id'! Administrative Order was the subject presented in this course, with Mrs. Wendell Bacon conducting the work on publicity and radio in the afternoon. Publicity covering the week was written up for the local papers and contacts were made in a nearby town as part of the work of this class. "Mr. Allen McDaniel made a brief outline of each of the World Order Letters of the Guardian giving the highlights of each. The laboratory idea was carried along in this course, the class being given questions to test their knowledge of important facts. A splendid lecture with slides on the Temple was also given by Mr. McDaniel as an evening feature of his week. The study of Isldm was made very interesting by Dr. Stanwood Cobb, and our knowledge of this subject was much extended and deepened. In his course on The Meaning of Life Mr. George Spendlove developed study of: the station of man in this world and the next; the Divine wish and intention for man's life; the search for Reality; the Manifestation of God; and, the world Ñ what it is and what it is not. This course was beautifully complemented by Miss Orcella Rexford's course on Positive Living in which emphasis on practical application of the teachings in a living of the life was stressed. Also several tests were given to help the students determine their Psychological Age.' ttDuring Youth Week Mr. Norman Smith gave talks, based on the Compilation made by the National Youth Committee on Baha'i Life, and Mr. Horace Holley gave his course on The Transformation of Human Society. In the afternoon Dr. Glenn Shook conducted a laboratory course on the Organization and the Systematic Teaching of the Ba/nfl Faith. The Green Acre Committee has endeavored to give the greatest possible freedom and authority to the youth for practice in the matter of personal integrity and living the life, and in working out a program of constructive activity in accordance with Baha'i principles. The session attracts both the serious students and some who have not yet become aware of the opportunity latent in such a youth meeting. The Committee realizes that it is essentially the problem of the real leaders of the youth groups to establish the spirit and the high standard of conduct set by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice Ñ a spirit so strong that it will resist the disintegrating effect of external influences. The problem facing the youth is essentially the problem facing the Spiritual Assemblies and communities. [p100] 100 THE BAHA'I WORLD There are over nine of the Baha Temple models either owned by Local Spiritual Assemblies or available from the Teaching Committee for purposes of exhibition. Above: Display at the Illinois State Fair, Springfield, Ill. Below: Display in the Temple of Religions at the San Francisco World's Fair, 1939. [p101] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 101 "A resum6 of The Dawn Breakers was given by Mr. Rinaldo Quigley; he began with the history of Persia covering that period, giving the background; then the ForeRunners of the Bab; the Revelation of the Bab; stories of the Dawn-Breakers; the Martyrdom of the Bali. His conclusion was: tWe, their spiritual descendants, must contact that Divine Love which pervaded those Dawn-Breakers and carry on the same banner and establish the vision of hope for which they died.' These classes set a beautiful atmosphere for the Prayer and Meditation class given by Doris and Willard McKay in which all experienced a deepening of consciousness which left an indelible impression on the minds and hearts, and resulted in a greater appreciation and understanding of the revealed prayers. CtA course on The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys by Baha'u'llah was given by Mirza 'Au Kuli-KhAn, who first translated this book into English. Dr. Kh4n with his profound knowledge brought a wealth of information. The simplicity and self-efface-ment of the presentation deeply moved his hearers. This course was followed by one on learning how to spread the Teachings Ñ Spreading the News Behind the News by Mrs. Dudley M. Blakely, and was based on the Study Outline on Public Speaking prepared by the Outline Committee. Every morning the entire class had practice in reading the Creative Word, and marked improvement in reading was shown each day. One student served as chairman later at one of the meetings, quoting from the Writings entirely from memory with fine effect. ttSome Answered Questions was presented by Mr. Archie Tichenor and developed some fine discussion clearing up many abstruse points of view on important questions. Mr. Tichenor brought a splendid selection of records to Green Acre with him and gave concerts in the afternoons. An evening concert interspersed with readings from the Sacred Writings was another feature of this week. Dr. Glenn Shook in his course on History in the Making gave the historical background and the steps leading to the final federation of the states in the United States as an example of the process neces sary for the future formation of the Federation of the World. eeBahd~i Administration was given by Horace Holley, and he touched on: an organic World Community; Civilization: a Spiritual Achievement; the Principle of Consultation; and Justice: a New Creation Ñ basing his course upon spiritual principles and the integrity of the individual in relation to truth and to God, and then developing his relationship to society. At the close of this course Mr. Harlan Ober gave the class a practical demonstration of a Baha'i Convention. 'tln Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher's course on Humanity's Corning of Age she showed the development and unfoldment of a World Civilization, marking the highest stage in man s evolution from that of family, tribe, city, state and nation to the unification of all mankind in a World Federation. A forty-page digest of Current Religious and Scientific Writings on The Unfoldment of World Civilization, which she had compiled, was given each student of this course, making a very tangible contribution to their fund of information. "The last week of the season was given over to a course on Esperanto by Miss Roan Orloff, authorized instructor of the Esperanto Association of North America; of the International Cseh Institute of Esperanto in Holland; and of the Massachusetts University Extension. Miss Orloff uses the direct method of conversation which enables the student to speak Esperanto from the first lesson. There was also a Laboratory Teaching course in which the following subjects were discussed: Why a Summer School? Ñ leader, Mrs. Harold M. Bowman; The Group as a Living Organism, by Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher; Creating the Capacity to Serve, by Mr. Horace Holley; Technique of a Discussion Group, by Miss Lorna Tasker; Teaching Practises, by Mrs. Harry Ford; and Pioneer Teaching, by Mr. and Mrs. Tom McNally and Miss Neysa Bissell." GEYSERVILLE Scnoot Ñ 1938 SEASON "The opening session of the twelfth annual Baha'i Summer School at Geyserville was held under the Douglas fir landmark on the Bosch estate Sunday, July 3, 1938. Some [p102] 102 THE BAHA'I WORLD two hundred Baha'is were present to enjoy the Unity Feast and to hear messages from persons, representative of the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. C!This event, under the chairmanship of Mr. L. C. Joas, initiated the extensive program of the Summer School at Geyserville. Responses were given by Mr. Ray Brackett for the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is President. Mr. John Bosch, speaking for hirnself and Mrs. Louise Bosch, expressed the great joy in welcoming the increasing num Ñ ber who partake of the facilities for education each year, and stated that this summer school was rapidly becoming the beacon-light of Baha'i education in the western states. Mrs. Amelia Collins said, tthe peace and calm prevailing at Geyserville instils higher joy and happiness.' She conveyed the message from the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in which he hoped that this school would typify the ideal Baha'i community in all phases of its sessions and life. Mrs. Helen Bishop, in her remarks, mentioned the establishment of summer schools in Germany, 'Iraq, Egypt, England, and Australia. Mr. Mark Tobey explained in detail the founding of the summer school in England. He was impressed with how the program of this summer school was incorporating the practical and cultural phases of the Baha'i teachings. "Greetings were brought by Miss Agnes Alexander from Japan; Mrs. Lorrol Schop-flocher from her world wide travels; and representatives of Pacific Coast Assemblies and Denver. Former members of the Geyser-yule Assembly, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Entz-minger of Oklahoma City, telegraphed their wishes for the success of the 1938 sessions. Messages were read from Shanaz Waite and Mrs. T. C. Smith, who were unable to attend. ccThe schedule of Courses, given during the morning sessions during the two weeks, July 416 inclusively, was developed by experienced speakers, chosen from wide fields of Baha'i experience by the Program Committee of the School. The two courses: I. Unfoldment of World Civilization; and II. Rise and Expansion of Christianity, were presented during the first and second hours each morning. The order of presentation of Course I, was, Ñ The Meaning of Culture; Rise and Fall of Civilization; Forms of Civilization and Culture; The Maturity of the Human Race; Religion as a Basis of World Order; The Ba1A'i Faith; The World Order of Baha'u'llah; Baha'i Procedure; The World Commonwealth. "Course H. entitled, The Rise and Expansion of Christianity was presented in the following sequence : Ñ The Background; Spheres of Influence at the Time of Christ; Establishment of the Church; Development of Theocracy; The Dark Ages; The Influence of Islim; Divisions in the Church; Modern Isms; Mormonism; Christian Science; New Thought, Mystic, and Psychic Movements; The Oxford Movement, etc. CCOh Summer School activities were: the devotionaL, at 9:15 A.M., Teaching Seminars, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 P.M., Youth Round Tables, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 2:00 P.M. with main theme of The Place of Religion in Modern Life. Three public meetings were held at the Baha'i Hall in Geyserville, and one at Scottish Rite Temple in Santa Rosa. One of these public meetings at Geyserville was sponsored by the Youth Group, which presented the Faith with a dignity and intelligence, exemplary of well trained Baha'is. Introduction of a new feature, the Educational Evening, was well received on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 P.M. A bit of culture was given by a lecture on the Fundamentals of Art by Mr. Mark Tobey. Travelogues and personal experiences were the subjects of other speakers during these evenings which were enjoyed by the entire school body and the townspeople. "The response to the school program was evident from the larger number attending in excess of the 1937 sessions. The attendance record follows: Devotionals, maximum 12 5, minimum 40; daily lectures, maximum 130, minimum 50; public meetings, 100 average; teaching seminars, maximum 70, minimum 40; 15 children, under the committee with Mrs. Rhoba Jones as Chairman, were given instruction in the Baha'i principles, and provided with facilities for handicraft and recreation on the Collison place. tlncrease in the Library facilities through gifts, and revenue from discounts of books purchased through Mrs. Emma Smith at the [p103] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 103 sessions, has provided one or more copies of the principal Baha'i books published in English and several non-Bahi'i books for corre1ar~x reading. The growth of this library service, which is housed in the Baha'i Hall annex, has proved indispensable for the reference of teachers and students. (c~xJith the passing of each summer session into history, there has remained a sense of progress in the Faith through the agency jf the summer school. The method of approaching the problems of this world have been made more real because many mdi Ñ viduals render voluntary service on the numerous committees and act as the mouthpieces for the intellectual and spiritual development of the ideals and principles of the Faith. To each is rendered the appreciation of this Committee for contributing their mite for the advancement of the Summer School. To them as with us their joy comes with the satisfaction of the true fellowship of learning which the Summer School has provided." GEYSERVILLE Ñ 1 939 SEASON erDevotions Daily for the three weeks at 9 A.M. fifty different Babi'is were leaders or readers in the presentation of the writings of Baha'u'llah. Eighteen regular devotional periods were arranged, and two special observances were celebrated, one on the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bib, and one in commemoration of those who had departed to the Abh~ Kingdom during the past year. Particularly remembered at the later meeting were Shanaz Waite and Joseph Bray, who were speakers for the school program and frequently students. "Each devotional period was in honor of an attribute of God, namely, Immortality, Steadfastness, Obedience, Unity, et cetera. Since these meetings established the spiritual tone for the activities of the day, the participation of adults, youth, and children became a common bond of communal unity. !rPrO gram of Study. For the remainder of each morning excepting Sundays, three programs were concurrently in session, one for the adult classes, one for youth, and one for the children. "The adult program consisted of two successive lecture-discussion periods of one hour duration each. The first week of lectures was repeated during the third week. The major subject of the lectures was: The Spiritual Unfoldment of Humanity which included by title the following topics: The Source of Civilization, Judaism, Christianity, Jsflm, The Baha'i Faith, A World Civilization, Culture and World Peace. Ten different speakers participated in this program. The second course was entitled: Bridges of Human Relationships, which outlined the points of contact between social and welfare activities of the world and the Baha'i Faith in the following series of lectures: Physical Science, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Race Relations, and Comparative Religions. Fourteen different speakers had prepared the agenda of these subjcts, which was enlarged upon in the discussion which followed. tA maximum number attending the adult sessions was 100 and a minimum of 30 dur Ñ ing the entire session. During the third week the average attendance was 38, which figure was comparable to the 72 average in attendance for the first two weeks. ttThe Youth program was conducted in two sections daily excepting Sundays. The first session was presented under the title: The Young Baha'i in the World Today, with eleven different adult leaders. Discussion of the Baha'i attitudes towards such collective problems as war, nationalism, race and class struggle, and such individual problems as marriage, family relations, character, et cetera, was the means used. The second course every morning was a laboratory section with practical projects in the afternoons such as field contacts, publicity, radio, public speaking, dramatics and the use of Baha'i literature in teaching. This discussion period by the youth was known as The Theory and Practice of Baha'i Teaching. This project included the responsibility of providing the program for the tn-weekly meetings in Baha'i Auditorium for the community. Notable was this contribution to the high standard of entertainment, as evident in the topics presented in the following sequence: Symphony Evening with musical interpretation; Depicting of the Episode of the Bab in a most impressive and solemn stage presenta-don; Travelogues via moving pictures with [p104] 104 THE BAHA'! WORLD accompaniment of experienced narrators; a social evening with dancing; History of Art; and one public meeting. CtTO Marion Holley, Virginia Orbison, and Charlotte Linfoot, who carried the responsibility for the Youth, is due the deepest appreciation for pioneering this activity, which proved most effective in imbuing the 22 youth with an intelligent desire to serve. The hope of the Youth Committee was expressed in their report that this experience was tbut a foretaste of the time when Gey-serville will attract a host of young people, providing for thin the opportunity to mature and grow under the influence, and into the pattern, of true Baha life.' "The early dawn of that integrated life among all age groups in a Baha'i community may be foreshadowed in the brief report of the Children's Committee, which is being added to the Adult and Youth reports. Eighteen children from the age of 2 to 14 years were in attendance at the daily classes. Seven of this number completed one or more lessons in the Outline A Baha'i Life. Seven completed at least one handiwork project. During the afternoon and evenings the parents assumed the responsibility of the chil Ñ dren. Through the voluntary service of ten adults the lessons in their Baha'i studies and handicraft were completed. The coordination of the children's training effort was under the supervision of Mrs. Louise Groger, Mrs. Ethel MacAllaster, and Mrs. Rhoba Jones and their assistants to whom highest praise is due for their excellent work. erGcneral Activity. There were six public meetings in which 32 Baha'is participated as speakers and artists. Five of these meetings were held at Baha'i Auditorium, in Geyser-yule, and one in Santa Rosa in conjunction with the display of the Baha'i Temple model. Attendance ranged from 45 to 100 and enabled an excellent group of Baha'i teachers to effectively inform these growing communities with specific Baha'i teachings. CCPublicity which carried daily programs and personal notes totaling 360 column inches was printed at least once in every major city in California, and in Phoenix, Arizona. Liberal space continued to carry weekly news in the Geyserville, and Clover-dale papers. "Through the fine support of the friends, 157 volumes of the principal Baha'i literature in English are now found in the Library, which is in constant demand during the sessions. These accessions have been catalogued and prepared for reference readings by Mrs. Janet Ward. LOUHELEN ScnooL Ñ 1938 SEASON "During the summer of 1938 the Louhelen Summer School Committee held four sessions at Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, with programs as follows: First Youth Session, June 2630 Mornin a Pro grain a 1. Practice of Mediation and Prayer, Mrs. Marnie Seto. 2. a. The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Urbana Youth Committee. b. Fundamentals of the Baha'i Faith, Mr. Win. Kenneth Christian. 3. Baha'i Character Building, Emeric and Rosemary SaL. Afternoon and Evening Recreation, Sports, Forum and Entertainment. Second Youth Session, July 37 t0T1ne above classes were repeated, except that the course on Character Building was given by Professor Stanwood Cobb instead of by Mr. and Mrs. Sala. In addition, for those who stayed over and had already attended the first session, a class in The Dawn-Breakers was organized and one in an intensive study of some of The World Order Letters by Shoghi Effendi. "The Laboratory Session was something new, an experiment. Urged on by repeated suggestions from the Guardian that we should deepen in the Teachings, that there should be real study and incentive to go home and study more deeply and consistently, the committee planned a program which would be more like a real school and which would include definite practice in opening up new territory, getting publicity and giving radio talks. About 35 were present for five or more days and others for shorter periods. There were five courses: A Frame of Reference for Baha'i Sacred Writings, conducted by Win. Kenneth Christian. [p105] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITI The Three 'Worlds, an Intensive study of the basic Teachings of the Baha'i Faith, conducted by Mrs. II. Emogene Hoagg. Publicity Methods and Writings and Radio Speaking, conducted by Mrs. Alice Bacon. How to make Contacts in New Places, conducted by Miss Marguerite Reimer. Public Speaking, conducted by Mrs. Maude Beagle of the Flint Public Schools. ccTh first named course included a classification of Baha'i Sacred Writings based on their authoritativeness (i.e., whether we have the original manuscript or not) and a brief survey of their contents. Also a comprehensive analysis and tabulation of all the types of teachings included in the Baha writings was made. Assignments were made for outside work which involved research in the different Baha'i books. The work done in this course is being compiled for future reference at the school. ecOf the Frame of Reference made and used in this course the Guardian has written through his secretary, tHe has read the general outline (Frame of Reference) and finds it very comprehensive and of indispensable value to every student of the Teachings.' "Mrs. Hoagg's course was based on a condensation of her outline for study called The Three Worlds. She emphasized a more exact use of Baha'i terminology, exact references, real and deep understanding of all the sacred writings, the need of a more exact presenta Ñ non of the Baha'i teachings. "Miss Marguerite Reimer's course was one of practical contact methods. Always she emphasized prayer combined with action. Members of the class went to nearby towns to make contacts with groups and individuals and to invite them to public lectures at Louhelen auditorium. The result of this field work enabled the class to send Win. Kenneth Christian to three Rotary clubs as speaker, and to make engagements for teachers coming to the August session. Twelve towns were covered by members of the class in contact work, and through this effort and publicity work two most successful public meetings were held at the Louhelen auditorium during the laboratory session. Other visitors came from time to time to spend a day in the class room and some caine from Flint daily to attend the regular lectures. CtThe class in publicity was conducted by Mrs. Bacon, former newspaper woman, and so had the advantage of her practical experience from the newspaper point of view. She gave writing practice in linking excerpts from the Teachings with activities to make "live copy." She also gave suggestions and experiences in radio broadcasting and gave the class opportunity to write a radio broadcast that would be included in an actual broadcast in August. "Mrs. Beagle's course in public speaking included assignments to prepare each day and speechmaking for class work. Individual criticism and instruction from Mrs. Beagle and from the class gave excellent training for future Baha'i teachers and speakers. C(J~ the General Session in August the following program was carried out. August 202 8: Mo rising Pro gram Prayer and Meditation, Miss Pearle Easter-brook. The Laws of Baha'u'llah, Mr. Allen McDaniel. Divine Government, Mrs. Louise Caswell. Afternoon Program Notes and Experiences from Haifa, Mrs. Margery McCormick (4 days). Studies of Muhammad and Islim, teacher not reported. Edward B. Struven (3 days). Studies in Biblical Prophecy, Miss Elizabeth Cheney (3 days). Public talks, Mr. Harlan Ober (daily). Evenin a Program 6 Public lecture or entertainment. c~There was great earnestness and seriousness in deepening in the Teachings, several confirmations. A valuable addition at the end of the course in Administration was a comprehensive examination using the true-false and other modern examination methods. A Baha wedding when Joseph and Caroline Williams of Kansas City received the blessing of the Baha ceremony was one of the happy occasions of the week. There were many new visitors at this session both during the class periods and at the public meetings. [p106] 106 THE BAHA'I WORLD Temple Model Exhibited at Big Bear Lake, California. Book Exhibit near the Baha'i Temple Arranged During Convention. [p107] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 107 "Noticeable gain was made last summer in extending the scope of the influence of the school and in gaining more sympathetic understanding of its aims in nearby communities. This report is therefore not complete without including work done before and after the real sessions of the school. The first of May Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg came to Louhelen Ranch and before the first session conducted a study class two nights a week for the Flint community and also spoke before a number of groups in nearby towns. "Following the Laboratory Session there was a demand for Baha'i speakers so Mr. Carl Scheffler came a week before the opening of the August Session and spoke before Rotary Clubs in Lapeer, Inilay City, and Port Huron, the Caravan Club of Saginaw, and to groups in Flint, Clia and Marysville. ttRobert Gaines of Urbana also gave several informal talks in August to Youth groups. ttDuring the August session Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Ober each spoke before men's clubs in a number of the towns previously contacted and Mr. McDaniel spoke over the radio in Port Huron. During the summer through these many contacts some 850 or more people heard of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The week following the August session Mrs. Caswell and Mr. Ober made contacts and did followup work in Saginaw, Pontiac, Port Huron and Fenton. Mr. Ober gave a talk over the radio in Port Huron. "At the Flint Flower Show in September Louhelen Summer School displayed the Tern-pie model surrounded by flowers. This attracted much attention." LOUHELEN Ñ 1 939 SEASON "The summer of 1939 there were 54 registered at the first youth session and 47 at the August one. These numbers do not include many visitors who came for a day or shorter time nor adults who helped in teaching and other ways. In fact figures do not tell the story, but we keep a record for our own help in followup work and in other ways. The following daily programs were carried out: CcFirst Youth Session, June 2529, inclusive: Morning Program Devotions (before breakfast) 1. Character Building. Miss Flora Hones (Baha'i Standards of Conduct) 2. a.The Promise of All Ages Mr. Win. Kenneth Christian (Baha'i Principles and History) b. The Prophet of Arabia Mr. N. H. Firoozi (Facts about Muhammad and His teachings) Afternoon Program 3.Laws of Baha'u'llah. Mr. Clarence Niss (The present day application of the laws of Baha'u'llah and how they lead to the New World Order) (The above course continued through four days. The fifth day was given over to an all day forum conducted by Mr. Niss on the subject Baha'i citizenship and Building Community munity Life) 4. Recreation, forum, conferences, entertainment. tainment. CCAt the Second Youth Session, August 16 Ñ 20, inclusive, the plan and subjects were the same as for the first session but the courses were conducted by Mrs. Virginia Camelon, Mr. Ralph Garner, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Mr. Carl Scheffler, respectively. An additional feature was Mrs. Marzieh Gail's class in the World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi. ttlt will be noted that the program aims at a balanced life so greatly emphasized in our teachings, Ñ the spiritual, the intellectual, social, physical and recreational. The aim is to have Baha'i life and standards of conduct permeate all activities. Each year we feel we do make progress toward attaining these high standards, but make no claims to perfection. The words of our Guardian urge us to increased effort. In a letter written through his secretary, November, 1932, he expresses the hope that these Baha'i schools cmay become powerful and well-established organizations that will train innumerable young men and women to go out into the world to spread the message of Baha'u'llah.' At another time he wrote, clndeed it is very important for the Faith to extend the teachings of Baha'u'llah amongst the youth, as it is through their [p108] 108 THE BAHA'I WOR activities that the Cause of our beloved Master will in the future spread all over the American continent. They have upon their shoulders the responsibilities for the progress of the Movement; it is our duty to enlighten their hearts with the light of guidance which has been shed before us by the Master.' CCThe young people take their share of responsibility in making these youth sessions vital and dynamic. A group from some one community is chosen to be responsible for activities in entertainment, recreation, sports, and to help in creating a spirit of cooperation in maintaining order together with freedom on the campus and in the dormitories. Last summer the North Shore young people assumed this responsibility and carried out the plans most successfully. This group assigned, in turn, the various evening entertainments to other groups. These youth sessions are truly cooperative enterprises. ~cThi was the second summer in which the committee has planned a special kind of session which we named the laboratory session both because it has been experimental and because it has meant real work and study by those attending. It has aimed to do two things: help those who wish to be guided into a deeper study and understanding of the Teachings and second to work out by practical demonstration under experienced teachers some type of Baha'i teaching or administrative problem. Last summer 35 ardent students and workers from east, west, north and south threw themselves wholeheartedly into seeking a better understanding of the Baha'i Administrative Order and working out some definite problems. The program follows: Devotions (before breakfast) 1. Applied Administration Mr. Harlan Ober (Actual practice in electing a local Assembly, appointed committees which did publicity and contact work in neighboring towns, held a Nineteen Day Feast, arranged a public meeting, etc.) 2. The Three Worlds of Divinity, Prophet-hood and Creation Mrs. Mabel Paine (A survey of Baha'i "Writings and research therein) 3. Public Speaking Ñ Instruction and prac tice Mrs. Maude Stuart Beagle 4. Comprehensive survey of Shoghi U-fendi's 'World Order Letters Mrs. Margaret Luberger ~!MV Ober was most successful in guiding the elected Assemblies to Baha solution of problems and to correct Baha'i procedure. Mrs. Paine helped many into a new understanding of some of the deeper aspects of our Faith. Mrs. Beagle made her class at the same time, inspirational, practical and relaxing and Mrs. Luberger used great skill in giving us a survey of the World Order letters. CCAt the August general session about SO were present and a fine spirit prevailed. There were more strangers and inquirers than ever before. The program follows: General Session, August 613, inclusive: Morning Program Devotions (before breakfast) 1. The Administrative Order of Baha'u'llah l4h Mr. Curtis Kelsey 2. The Culture of Islim Mrs. Helen Bishop 3. The Art of Living. Mrs. Alice Bacon (Baha'i standards of conduct) 4. What is the Baha'i Faith, a series of talks, and forums to introduce the Faith to new seekers, by Baha'is present. 5. Talks on various phases of Baha'i teachings, evening talks by Mrs. Marzieh Carpenter Gail. "Mr. Kelsey's series of lessons was particu-lady inspiring and helpful. In fact the whole Kelsey family brought that real Baha'i spirit of cooperation and understanding that radiated to all. Mrs. Kelsey's help with music was great and the children formed the nucleus of a children's class that was conducted by Miss Frances Bacon. ~cMrs. Bishop opened new vistas for us in the understanding of the sources and forces of all culture and civilization as well as those of IsHrn. Mrs. Bacon inspired us to make new efforts to rise to Baha'i standards of conduct. Her use of some of the Dawn-Breaker stories to illustrate certain characteristics brought the early days of the Cause to mind. The evening talks by Mrs. Marzieh Carpenter Gail were conducted in [p109] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 109 formally. Her method was to draw the listeners unconsciously into the discussion. Her talk on Baha'i marriage was especially acceptable. "As always those who came as learners were among the greatest helpers in planning and carrying out Baha'i forums, panel discussions, other teaching projects and helping with music and in innumerable ways. "One great addition to the physical equipment of the school is the new library building, the gift of two friends augmented by smaller gifts and the labor of Mr. Eggleston and his son Mr. George Eggleston. Many books have been contributed so that now there are some 765 in the library. These include standard secular books on various subjects, fiction, philosophy, science, sociology, history, etc., as well as Baha'i books. People from surrounding communities are invited to use the library and to draw books for home reading. Thus the library becomes a community service and acquaints people with the school. It is hoped that it will be one means of eventually attracting people to the Cause. The library is by no means complete and we invite people to continue to contribute books which are suitable, both new and used, which are in good condition. t~An entirely new project of the Louhelen committee was the winter session held the week after Christmas, December 26, 1939-January 1, 1940. The registration (12) was small since warm accommodations were limited, but all who came considered it entirely worth while. The aim was especially to inform about Latin American conditions and culture as a basis for Baha'i work in those countries. Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart gave most valuable information and inspiration along these lines. Two public meetings were held during the session at which Mrs. Stewart was the speaker. Some 71 different people from twelve towns and four states were present during the week. Mrs. Stewart also remained by special invitation to address the Shrine club in Flint. Other lessons in methods of teaching and study were given by Mrs. Ethel Furbush, Mr. Harry Jay and Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick. A letter from New Zealand inquiring about the winter session at Louhelen makes us realize the worldwide interest in all Baha'i activities." NEW INTERNATIONAL BAnAl SCHOOL On September 4, 1939 Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews executed an Indenture of Trust under which title to property at Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, is to be vested in Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Mathews retaining full use and control of the property during her life. This munificent donation is an important contribution to the facilities of the American Baha'i community for service to the Faith, Mrs. Mathews having plans for developing at Pine Valley a School for the training of Baha'is for international teaching. This plan was welcomed by the Guardian in a letter addressed to Mrs. Mathews on December 14, 1938: "The Guardian feels also deeply appreciative of your generous offering to the N.S.A. of your ranch in Colorado Springs. Your idea to turn this property into a training school for Inter-America teaching work, he feels, is splendid." The first session was not held until after the period covered by the present summary. However, the program announced in advance included two periods daily for prayer and meditation, followed by active discussion. Lectures on Latin American music were to be given by Prof. James Sykes and Prof. Nicolas Slonimsky. Prof. C. W. T. Penland was also announced in connection with an illustrated lecture. Discussion on Inter-America teaching was planned to share the personal experiences of Mrs. Mathews herself, Chairman of the Inter-America Committee for several years, and of Mrs. Louise Caswell, pioneer teacher settled in Panama. A program of public lectures was arranged in Half Way House, Colorado Springs, with talks on the Cause by George 0. Latimer, Raphael Pumpelly, Mrs. Charles Bishop, Marion Holley and Horace Holley. PROGRESS OF TEMPLE ORNAMENTATION Great progress was made in the external ornamentation of the Baha'i House of Worship at 'Wilmette between 1938 and 1940. The facts were presented by George 0. Latimer in his annual reports submitted on behalf of the Temple Trustees, and the hA-lowing excerpts are taken from his reports: Ñ "On July 4, 1937, the Guardian sent an [p110] 110 THE BAHA'I WORLD inspiring cable outlining five successive steps in Temple construction. At the beginning of the current year two of these steps had been completed, and on June 6, 1938 Shoghi Effendi again cabled as follows: tRejoiced thankful initiative resourcefulness newly elected National Assembly prompting them signalize inauguration period stewardship by launching third stage in progressive unf old-ment seven year plan. Such farsighted action evokes in me deepest longing that they will not alone accomplish placing final contract but will have also ere expiry allotted year embarked on concluding stage by insuring uhinterrupted prosecution of closing phase of an enterprise which for no less than thirty years, has engaged attention and challenged resources of entire American Baha'i community.' "Since the receipt of this challenging cablegram the work of the ornamentation of the gallery section has been carried on slightly ahead of schedule with the same excellent craftsmanship that has characterized the Dome ornamentation by the Fancy Studio. When work was discontinued on December 23, 1938, all of the contracted work had been completed except the upper sections of the nine pylons. The remainder of the work of pouring the pylons will start about April 1, or when weather conditions are favorable, and should be finished sometime in June, 1939. Mr. McDaniel has supervised the construction work on behalf of the Trustees and has rendered monthly reports checking all items of expense. To date $111,785.40 has been expended on the contract for the gallery section and there are sufficient funds on hand for the completion of the work, estimated at $125,000.00. CCThe Trustees had been informed by the National Assembly that the Guardian had approved of placing the contract for the ornamentation of the first story when one Ñ half of the estimated cost of $150,000.00 for this work was at hand. In October it was learned that savings in both time and cost could be effected if a contract were placed, before the completion of the gallery section, for the execution of the hand-carved models for the first story, thus dividing the work in successive units. The Guardian approved the placing of an immediate contract tract for the models in a cable on November 29th, and on December 11, 1939, the Trustees signed an agreement with Mr. Earley for making the models at a total estimated cost, including the contractor's service fee, of $21,000.00. CCM McDaniel informed the Trustees in October that a new source of suppiy of quartz needed in the external ornamentation had been located nearer to the Earley Studio and that if Mr. Earley were authorized to purchase the quartz at this time, the cost would be about $8.00 a ton, delivered, thus effecting a saving of several dollars per ton in comparison with the original cost of the former quartz. It was voted to authorize Mr. EarLy to purchase 50 tons of quartz a month, at $8.00 per ton, delivered, until the amount needed for the next contract is obtained. To date of this report 300 tons have been purchased and delivered at Ross-iyn, Virginia, from the Annapolis quarry. ttThe Trustees were further notified of the most generous gift of the Guardian of One Thousand Pounds toward the Temple construction fund and the linking of the memory of Baha'i Kh~num with all future Temple construction. With this glorious start, coupled with another munificent gift of $25,000.00 and payment of some substantial pledges by different Assemblies, the Trustees entered into a second contract, dated February 4, 1940, with Mr. Barley for the making of the molds required for the exterior ornamentation of the first story of the Temple. These two contracts for $21,000 and $29,000 respectively, pius an estimated $5,000 for the necessary quartz, completes one-third of the required amount for the main story, leaving an estimated $95,000 still to be raised for casting and applying the units to the first story. Thus, the fourth of the successive steps outlined by the Guardian has been taken, and the Trustees feel assured that the fifth and final stage will be inaugurated by the friends well within the time allotted by the Seven Year Plan. "Mr. Earley completed his contract for the lower sections of the pylons of the main story of the Temple, and the Trustees have taken steps to assure the continuation of the construction of the main story section [p111] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES ill in the Spring of 1940 by asking for $50,000.00 by April 1st, in order to enter into the final contract for the ornamentation of the Temple. This advance step makes it necessary to provide for the purchase of fill so that the plans for landscaping the grounds may be completed. Arrangements have been made by the chairman of the maintenance committee, Mr. Schefiler, to secure the necessary fill from excavations now being made at Northwestern University. Mr. Allen B. McDaniel has ably supervised the progress of the Temple construction work of the Earley Studios and represented the Trustees in the contractural agreements." INCREASE IN NUMBER or LOCAL ASSEMBLIES A total of twenty-four new Assemblies was established in North America between 1938 and 1940. At the annual election held uniformly throughout the Baha'i world on April 21, 1939, the new Assemblies formed were: Knoxville, Tennessee; Jamestown, New York; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Helena, Montana; Huntington Park, California; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Eagle River, 'Wisconsin; East Cleveland, Ohio; Richmond Highlands, Washington. A year later the Assembly Roll included: Aihambra, Burbank, Big Bear Lake, Beverly Hills and Santa Rosa, California; Hamilton, Ontario; West Haven, Connecticut; Atlanta, Georgia; Oak Park and Waukegan, Illinois; Brookline, Massachusetts; Omaha, Nebraska; Salt Lake City, Utah; North Augusta, South Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin, By April 21, 1940, the American Baha'i community contained one hundred and two local Assemblies. The same period also saw a large increase in the number of the incorporated Assemblies, the newly incorporated bodies being those of Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, Phoenix, Portland, Lima, Columbus, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Boston, Winnetka, Wilmette, Peoria and Helena, By April 21, 1940, there were twenty-seven legally incorporated local Baha'i Assemblies in the United States and Canada. A significant result of this comparatively recent change in the status of the local Baha'i Assembly was the successful applica-don made by the Chicago Assembly for civil recognition of its right to conduct a legal marriage and file a marriage certifibate. The Baha'is have thus made a beginning in their fulfilment of the functions of an independent religion. Under the controlling procedures explained by Shoghi Effendi, the Assembly Chairman or Secretary represents the Assembly in the conduct of the marriage ceremony by the two contracting parties. Furthermore, before the Assembly can officially take part and issue the certificate it must have in writing the consent of all four, or all surviving parents, to the proposed marriage. BAHA'I EXHIBITS The two great world's fairs held during this period, at San Francisco and New York respectively, during two successive summer seasons, afforded the American Baha'is an extraordinary opportunity to present the teachings to the general public. In addition, the local exhibits of the Temple model, Baha'i books and other material greatly increased. As for the local and more informal type of exhibit we have the following data reported by the Teaching Committee: Ñ "Exhibits of the beautiful model of the Temple give the teaching work great impetus in any area. Being tangible, it is something that can be easily grasped and discussed and it thus provides unending opportunity to present the Teachings through publicity and directly to large groups. "The results of these exhibits at fairs, conferences, and congresses cannot be measured or overemphasized, and the Teaching Committee would urge all Assemblies, teachers, and Regional Committees not to overlook any opportunity to arrange for a display of a Temple model. The National Spiritual Assembly has made five models available to the Teaching Committee for this purpose and it is important that they be kept in constant use. ccDuring the past year exhibits of the Temple model were arranged at Cornell University, at Vassar College during the World Youth Congress, at Toronto during the Canadian National Exposition, at Alba [p112] 112 THE BAHA'I WORLD querque at the New Mexico State Fair, at Urbana on the occasion of the meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly in that city, at Port Huron, Flint, and Marysville in Michigan, at Santa Barbara, California, 'Wichita, Kansas, at the Temple of Religion and in the Baha'i booth at the World's Fair in San Francisco. "Various Assemblies throughout the country have purchased models and use them most effectively in local and extension teaching activities. "The Baha'i Booth at the Canadian International Exposition attracted thousands, giving the attendant opportunity to teach, and resulting in many fine contacts. Over 15,000 pieces of free literature were distributed. "Perhaps the outstanding exhibit of the Temple model at State Fairs, was the one arranged by the Milwaukee Assembly, at the Wisconsin State Fair. Attendants were present at the Booth responding to the many teaching opportunities presented. There were some 18,000 visitors at the Booth, and about 2500 pieces of literature were distributed. ccAnother outstanding exhibit, was that in Sacramento, Calif., at the annual flower show. This exhibit, prepared by the Junior Garden Clubs of Sacramento, under Baha'i direction, portrayed the Temple in a garden with flowers from all countries of the world. It was especially mentioned by the Manage-merit, and won one of the first prizes. "At Newark, New Jersey, the model was displayed at the ~ model of the New York World's Fair in miniature. There were about 4000 visitors daily. The management conceded that the Temple Model display was the outstanding single exhibit. '~Likewise requiring special mention, is the exhibit arranged in Butte, Montana, at the WPA Art Center. Groups were brought in from all parts of the county to view it. One Photography Group made a special study of methods of photographing it. Inquiry has been received as to whether we could permit this Model to be sent from Art center to Art center, throughout the State. ttAt all exhibits where a Baha'i Booth was maintained, an attendant was present at all times. Those interested were asked to reg ister in guest books. These names and addresses were sent to the nearest Assembly, group, or Regional Committee for active followup. The Chicago Assembly report that one of its outstanding teaching successes of the year, was the followup contacts made at the various Fairs. One hundred fifty of these people responded to an invitation to a musicale and reception, planned by the Assembly to establish a friendly contact, as a foundation for more direct presentation of the Faith. ccThe records of the Teaching Committee show that there were thirty-seven displays of the Temple model this year; over 300,000 pieces of teaching literature were distributed, and the 'Message' given to thousands of people. Undoubtedly, other exhibits were arranged by Assemblies owning Temple models, which were not reported to the Committee." Concerning the formal Baha'i exhibits at the World's Fairs we have special reports prepared by or for the Committees directly in charge, for the 1939 season. 1. NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR CCFrom ten to ten, for over two months the Baha'i Exhibit has been in operation at the World's Fair. At the opening moment, April 30, 1939, it started work and since that time hundreds of thousands have passed by, some quickly, others stopping for varying periods. It is truly a Visual Teaching, and it is a literal fulfilment of the old prophecy of tWriting on the Wall' so that tHe who runs may read.' The quotations in gold lettering are not only read but often copied, while the Temple model and the booklet furnish the other items of the pictorial message. "The mass of people has been representative of all types of men, women and children, constituting a cross section of humanity, not alone in this country but from all parts of the world. "The small Temple leaflet, with quotations, is given to all, the large one, by Genevieve Coy, to those showing real interest. The illustrated postcard is given sometimes and in special cases additional literature, although our Exhibit is listed as a Book Exhibit and not a Religious Propa [p113] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 113 ganda effort. Also, as seems advisable, information is given regarding other centers and groups, books, magazines, summer schools, youth meetings, lectures at the New York Center, and addresses in other cities and countries. Many repercussions should result from this work. tcThe response has been as varied as the people. Some are interested, others indifferent, a very few openiy antagonistic, scorn-Lul or derisive Ñ a heartening number enthusiastic but often pessimistic about the accomplishment of so beautiful a plan. It seems fair to state that there has been a gratifying response in both interest and sympathy. Hundreds of interviews of varying duration have taken place, lasting from two minutes to two hours, or even longer. Groups have listened intently to descriptions of the Temple and Teachings. Influence has been exerted in many interviews from the case where a man declared that he had decided because of the visit to the Booth not to carry out his intention to destroy himself to those who simply say ~ will take this home and look it over.' ccOur approach, naturally, is from many angles: The Temple; its meaning, structure and beauty; World peace; Unity, Oneness of Mankind; Fulfilment of Prophecies; Comparative Religions; End of an Era; God's plan for the World; World Order; Group Evolution, etc. The most effective statement, possibly, is that this Movement stands for the elimination of all prejudice, national, racial, religious and class, or that the coming struggle will not be between the different religions but between religion and no-religion. cTh volumes of the BAHA'I WORLD have been most useful, references to articles therein being of hourly occurrence, such as on Esperanto Day, Czechoslovakian Day, etc. Also the translations of Dr. Esslemont's book, and others, in the different languages arouse interest. CtFirst in importance and size of the interested groups should, it would seem, be cited the immense number of people who know of or live near the Temple, verifying 'Abdu'l-Baha statement that it would be the Greatest Teacher. Even when the passersby do not stop one often hears: cj have seen that,' ~J live near that,' tIsn~t it lovely?' and such remarks from hour to hour. Many who know the building without being aware of its purpose and meaning have promised to visit it. cCThen there are the many who have met Baha'is and received the Message proving that work and effort are not wasted; vast numbers of interested, keen and vital young people, especially young men, and the eager, bright-faced children who have listened in groups to talks on the Temple promising to write essays about it in school and tell their teachers and parents of the experience. cdt seems just to say that fully as many men, especially young ones, as women, have shown sincere interest. Many of these have been college students, some from Theological Seminaries. These have often said the Baha'i Faith was taught in some of their courses and an attempt was being made to have it included as the ninth great religion. ctCountless questions have been asked and answered to the best of the ability of the attendants. Only a small fraction can be referred to here. These have included enquiries regarding healing, prayer, reincarnation, God and His Prophets, God's reality and divinity, the divinity of Baha'u'llah, if this is the Unity Movement, its relation to the Oxford Group, Christian Science, New Thought, if it is Indian, Jewish, what God we worship, if we believe in Christ, the Bible and that Christ saved us from our sins through His blood, how we pray, what our service is, if we are related to the Sufis, the Zotoastrians, how old the Movement is, how many Baha'is there are, how much the Tern-pie has cost and will cost, when it will-be finished, why religion has to come from the East, if this originated with one of the ten Sons of Abraham or one of his descendants, and many, many others, one of the most curious possibly being: 'How much Mu Ñ liamrnedan Teaching will be included in your Laws and Precepts?' ccOver 70,000 booklets have been given out, to date, quite a number of people have signed the visitors' book and will be followed up, but this is not a thing the average person likes to do. Possibly they fear an annoying pursuit. A daybook is kept of a few of the outstanding items of interest [p114] 114 THE BAHA'I WORLD Baha'i Exhibit, New York State Fair, Syracuse, 1939. Temple Model on Display at a Florist's Shop, San Francisco, California. [p115] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 115 but this is very incomplete; the things happening too rapidly to allow of recording and there occur many duplications, of necessity. 2. GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION "Two exhibits of the model of the Babi'i Temple at the Golden Gate International Exposition held in San Francisco from February 18 to October 29, 1939, created widespread interest in the principles of the Baha'i Faith, and secured far-reaching and excellent publicity. One of the exhibits, in the Baha'i Booth constructed in the Homes and Gardens Building, was viewed by thousands upon thousands of people; approximately 100,000 people stopping to ask questions and over 50,000 pieces of Baha'i literature being distributed. The other exhibit was in the Exhibit Rooms of the Temple of Religion and Tower of Peace. At this exhibit it was permissible to exhibit the model oniy. The Temple of Religion and Tower of Peace officers estimate over 500,000 people viewed the various exhibits of religious objects, ancient and modern, and of practically all living Faiths, presented in the four large exhibit rooms of this unique structure. Baha'i Booth, Homes and Gardens Building ~'The model in the Homes and Gardens Building, was displayed in a special booth constructed and maintained by the Baha of the San Francisco Bay Region. This building was open every day from ten o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock in the evening. Members of the several Baha'i communities acted as attendants at the booth to distribute literature and answer the questions of those interested and desirous of learning more of the Baha'i Faith. For the technically-minded there was conveniently at hand a piece of the ornamental carving of the Temple itself, to show the actual building material and intricate detail of the exterior ornamentation of the Baha'i House of Worship. "The Booth, designed by Phoebe H. Brown, a young architect of San Francisco, is 7%2 x 19 feet. The simplicity of Miss Brown's plan, so skilfully adapted to the space available, has stirred the admiration of every advertising and display expert who has viewed the exhibit; and repeated visits have been made by artists, architects, and artisans of many crafts. The curve of the background and the graceful rise of the sand colored ramp have given to the shallow footage an impression of surprising depth. Enthusiastically a wellknown showman pointed out to his companions: Lee the perfect lines of that ramp sweeping up to the temple! They make it look like a pinnacle upon a mountain top!' This effect is intensi Ñ fled by a starlike spotlight above the model, the luminous whiteness of which is further enhanced by the soft marine blue of the blackground whereon are dimly indicated, in darker blue, the continents of the world. c(The oval curve of the highly polished black composition flooring cleverly accentuates the rhythm of the design. "Identifying the exhibit, on the upper left hand edge of the wall, is the word BAHA'I, in raised letters cut out of wood. These letters are a dull silver, as are also those comprising a quotation from the Tablet of Wisdom by Baha'u'llah: ~ ttf~j~ handful of dust, the world, is one home: Let it be in unity.' tCA glossy-leafed Philodendron set in a corner adds to the whole a touch of living green. "It is impossible to give any idea of the interest aroused by the Temple, nor of the thousands of questions concerning the Faith, and its relation to existing religious movements. In every way was it demonstrated that the Temple is the tgreatest teacher,' as 'Abdu'1 Ñ Bah6 promised it would be, many years ago. ccThough the majority of the visitors to the Exhibit were from local areas, a large proportion were travelers from all the States and Canada and not a few from points around the world such as Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, India, England, Sweden, Jamaica, Argentina. The international contacts included a young Co. lombian who had attended Baha'i meetings in Milwaukee and was soon to return to Colombia. He left his address and took some of the literature. A Chinese gentleman with [p116] 116 THE BAHA'I WORLD his family from Shanghai who knew Martha Root and Roy Wilhelm admired the Exhibit and exchanged greetings. An Egyptian who has visited 'Akka and Haifa was glad to have some of the Teachings explained and said he was greatly enlightened about the Baha'is. ccBah6:i public activities in connection with the Baha'i Booth consisted of a series of lectures in a Lecture Hall in the Homes and Gardens Building, immediately adjoining the Baha'i Booth, on the general subject ~f CJ~f~~p~ Builders,' with slides showing the progress of the construction of the Baha'i Temple. In this same Hall on the afternoon of October 15, a Regional Conference of the Baha'is of the Pacific Coast with the National Spiritual Assembly was held. "The relations established with the officers and emplayes of the Golden Gate International Exposition were most cordial, and in every contact relating to our contract for space, etc., increased friendliness for the Faith was shown. Due to one of the exhibitors building into our original space (9 x 71 2) it was necessary for us to see the Chairman of the Board of the entire Exposition, renewing a Baha'i contact pre-viousiy made; resulting in the Exposition people adjusting our space to a new location, and increasing the size without additional cost to 19 x 712 feet. The Committee in charge were greatly pleased to receive the following letter dated October 20th, 1939, from Director of the Exhibits Department of the Golden Gate International Exposition. "Th idea for the erection of an inter-religious structure to set the spiritual tone of the Exposition was the inspiration of Dr. W. Clyde Smith, Executive Secretary of the San Francisco Presbytery. He first interested a small group which soon expanded into a Committee of One Hundred designed to embrace followers of all faiths; later developing a corporation having direction of all official religious activities of the Exposition. Through the aid of Governor rrank F. Merriam, Honorary President, an appropriation was granted by the State of California, while public-spirited citizens and religious organizations Ñ among them the San Francisco Baha'i Community Ñ contributed the remainder necessary to insure the success of the project. One of the Baha'is of San Francisco cisco was invited to become one of the Directors of the Organization, while another was appointed on the Committee of One Hundred. Rabbi Rudolph I. Coffee was elected President and Mr. 'William Unmack, Managing Director of the organization. It is of more than passing interest to the Baha'is, that when the San Francisco Friends in 1925 conceived the idea of a World Unity Conference, the first to be held, Dr. Coffee cooperated in every way with this Baha activity and served as President of the Committee in Charge, while Mr. Unmack served the Conference by taking charge of publicity, etc. (CThe model rests upon a broad pedestal covered with dark blue velvet, the drape behind it being of the same material. A nickel railing around three sides protects the exhibit from too close encroachment by the visiting public. Half a million people passed through the Hall, which chouses the greatest collection of exhibits having historical and educational religious significance ever assembled under one roof, and emphasizes contributions made by religions to Human Welfare throughout the world.' CCSunday July 16, was assigned to the Baha'is, that date having been designated as Baha'i Day on the official Exposition program. At 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon the Baha'is of the San Francisco Bay Region sponsored a Religious Unity Service, at which Mrs. Ella G. Cooper was Chairman, the speakers being Mr. Willard Hatch of Los Angeles, and Mr. Anthony Y. Seto and Mr. Leroy Joas of San Francisco. A number of the Friends at the Baha'i Summer School at Geyserville made the 75-mile trip to attend the meeting. Before returning to Geyser-yule in the evening they had a hasty glimpse of the Exposition and its wonderful multicolored night lighting. CCSunday October 15, designated again by the Exposition Officers as Baha'i Day, brought the Baha'is together from all Pacific Coast points, when the National Spiritual Assembly conducted the Vesper Services, and held a meeting in the Temple of Religion and Tower of Peace, dedicated to Religion and World Peace. Mrs. Ella G. Cooper served as Chaiman of the Vesper Service, while Mr. Harlan Ober spoke on [p117] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 117 The Need for a Spiritual Renaissance. Mrs. Thomas H. Collins read appropriate excerpts from the Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah. For the Public evening meeting, Mrs. Stuart W. French served as Chairman; while the speakers were Mr. Louis G. Gregory, with the subject The Oneness of Religion, and Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, speaking on the subject World Faith Ñ The Basis for World Peace. BAHA'I SUMMER SCHOOLS T HI S subject has been developed more extensively in reports prepared on the various schools in America, England, Pin, India and Burma, and Australia than could be done in the summarized references already included in this international survey. First we are indebted to Mrs. Helen Bishop for the following presentation of material on the three American Schools: CCThe reprint of formal programs given at the three Baha'i Summer Schools during the seasons of 1938 and 1939 are a record of fact, but do not account for the full events which transformed attitudes. These are forever recorded in the inner history of individuals who participated in such activities. CCSome day the trained observer will attend the sessions of these Summer Schools: by a rare combination of psychology and insight, he will perceive the change of attitudes, which mark the true progress of the individual's relation to the group or the group's reaction to an individual. Analyzing more deeply, the individual's acceptance of the Word of God has changed his relation to himself, and thereby brought about a true relation to others, in turn bringing forth from them a recognition of his life in the life of the group. !~This new type of sociologist will perceive the evidences of a collective spirit that en-forms the activities of each Summer School. A collective spirit, which is able to subdue the self-assertive or habitually aggressive person. The spirit persuades the timid to forget themselves in the happy meeting with others. It is the spirit which discovers new talent by making the unaware conscious of their ability to do old things in a new way, or more rarely, new things in a new way. It is spirit that leads ever onwards, widening or deepening expression of the appeal made by travelling teachers. The all-embracing spirit of Baha'i Faith does not insure that the personal love between individuals be uni formly enjoyed, but it does demonstrate that conflicts between personalities can be resolved by mutual recognition of the relationship that the other sustains, not to oneself, but to Baha'u'llah. If we but allow it, His Spirit can turn all types, temperaments and mentalities to focus upon an impersonal work, which is more far-reaching in its victory than any one of us could be in his success. "Wanting the researches of this as yet unconvinced sociologist, the plain testimony of the friends argues that the Summer School Communities have a growing sense of oneness in the Spirit, and are making increased application of the Baha'i Administrative principles in their form. "As in the permanent Communities, the Administrative Procedure has enabled the Schools to reach a technique of approach to the inevitable problems of group life. The Committees are able to ascertain the type of instruction needed by newcomers and wanted by the Baha'is for themselves; and, in Committee this is done more comprehensively than any single member thereof could dictate or inspire on the basis of his nonacademic calling or even of his academic tradition. "By this method a distinctive type of curriculum has been formulated, distinctive because the findings of history and social science are being related to the Word of God in cycles past and present. Baha'i episto-mology is rooted in divine Revelation: all human knowledge is derived from that original knowledge of God in the Manifestation of His qualities, powers, and relations. The World of Emanation is made apparent as the Cause of the World of Creation to the end that oneness and unity may be recognized and understood. Thus the old strife between Spirit and matter ceases in these courses of study, where science and religion are reconciled. [p118] 118 THE BAHA'I WORLD "To balance the emphasis placed upon the exterior principles of Baha'i Administrative Procedure, the friends have entered into further communion with the Spirit of Baha'i Faith. This they do through the morning devotions practised in all three schools before the classwork; and by courses suggesting the values to be found in meditation and prayer. The recent stir in this direction can be traced to the timely publication of The Prayers and Meditations of Baha'u'llah, translated by Shoghi Effendi, and put into the hands of the friends for the Nineteen-Day Fast of March in 1938. Although individuals essayed to mount this slope of consecration, it was the schools of that summer which gave an opportunity for a shared and communicative experience in the use of this cherished Gift. Ever since, its meanings have become more accessible, while its companionship is an influence which cannot be confined, but must penetrate and chasten the everyday life. "As previous issues of THE BAHA'I WORLD have printed photographs of the three Summer Schools, showing the landscape, properties, and friends in action, this issue carries forward the development in courses of study. GREEN ACRE 1938 AND 1939 CcGreen Acre at Eliot, Maine, is favored with a landscape of quiet yet subtle beauty and is rich in historical associations. Its founder, Miss Sarah Farmer, as early as 1894 gathered the fruits of New England's transcendentalism and offered a large public the opportunity to seek truth and certainty at this liberal center of learning. 'Abdu'l-Baha's presence there in 1912 verified its founder's vision and gave the vista looking towards the university of the future. "Special features of the 1938 season were the advanced classes in Esperanto given by Miss Lidia Zamenhof, daughter of the founder of this international language. Youth Week was an intensive conference from July 2431. A Peace Pageant in the pines, and a Peace Program are rememberable events of the Labor Day festivities. Throughout the season, a variety of subjects were presented at the evening meetings, whenever social activities, games, or a dance were not arranged. "In July and August the following courses were presented: The Future World Commonwealth, Mr. Horace Holley. Education for the New Humanity, Dr. Glenn A. Shook. Internationalism, Path to Peace, Marion Holley. Spiritual Development and Law, Mrs. Dorothy Baker. Comparative Religion, Doris and Willard McKay. Prayer and Meditation, Mine. Orlova and Mrs. Schopflocher. The Baha'i Teachings, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto. "The Transformation of Human Society, a course by Horace Holley, utilized the intellectual resources of the twentieth century, as anticipated by the outline: Man in nature, man in civilization: The religion of primitive man. Nature repeats, society evolves. The culture of the age of territorial isolation. Science displaces the ancient environment. A World in Can flirt: Nationalism and the fallacy of isolation. Class interests disrupt the agricultural nation. The rise of economic nationalism. The meaning of communism, fascism and naziism. The true basis of sociology. Psychology the field of the conflict: The decay of spiritual awareness and the rise of scientific psychology. Development of modern psychology. The existing schools of psychology. The Baha'i doctrine of soui, mind and spirit. Religion and civilization: The rhythm of human existence. Four stages in the life and death of faith. Secular individualism the end of the age. The World an Organism: Baha'u'llah establishes a true human status. The morality of world unity. The League of Nations a human expedient: World Order a divine creation. The source of social transformation. A new stage of human evolution. "The first week in July of 1939, a Laboratory Course was given by Mrs. Wendell Bacon, Mrs. Charles Bishop and Professor Shook. The latter's outline presents the Faith in all its aspects and is available to students by request. Mr. Allen McDaniel's treatment [p119] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 119 of the World Order Letters was helpful; and Professor Stanwood Cobb narrated the history of IslAm, then traced its influence, Ñ in lectures of much content and charm. The third week, spiritual values were set forth by Mr. F. St. George Spendlove in a course aptly named The Meaning of Life; followed by Mrs. Orcella Rexford's practical advices on Positive Living. "From July 2 329, the Youth convened for their session, which is becoming ever more popular. Meanwhile, the special eve-fling meetings engaged the aid of many friends. Stories from The Dawn-Breakers were told by Mr. Louis Gregory. "At the close of the season, classes in E.speranto were given by Miss Roan OrbiT; also, a Laboratory Teaching Course, with psychological method, by Dr. Genevieve Coy. From the end of July to September the program reads: The Dawn-Breakers, Mr. Rinaldo Quigley. Prayer and Meditation, Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay. The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. Dr. 'Ali-Kuli-Khan. Spreading the News Behind the News, Mrs. Dudley M. Blakely. History in the Making, Dr. Glenn A. Shook. Administration, Mr. Horace Holley. Humanity's Coming of Age, Mrs. Schop-flocher. LOtJHELEN 1938 AND 1939 "This fine ranch has been steadily improved by Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Eggleston in order to increase the facilities for the Summer School guests. A Library Building is the new feature of 1939, for which is intended books on a universal art and science besides the complete set of Baha'i literature. "During the General sessions of 1938 many teachers of national standing participated in the classwork, as well as in the public meetings, which were an encouragement to inquirers from the neighboring countryside and the towns. Many of these had first heard of the Baha'i Faith when the Summer School activities were given favorable publicity in the press of nearby towns. Reporters visit the School and share the common tables. In 1939, a notable piece of publicity gave with the writeup a set of pictures showing the students in class, at active sports, and in the dining hail at table. "The live-wire Publicity Committee, the Program Committee, and the Youth Committee have coordinated their effort to consolidate this Baha institution; and the friends throughout the Central States have made it the rallying center wherein their knowledge may deepen and their efforts spread out for the growth of the Cause. ccThe Laboratory Course conducted by Mr. Win. Kenneth Christian for the Youth sessions of 1938 was a stride towards a more thorough concentration, not without influence in the other Schools as well. Under his method, the students became familiar with the Baha bibliography, and learned how to pursue the wanted facts, then to assemble material for presentation in proper form. t~At these same sessions, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto gave the spiritual Teachings in a course which can be anticipated through its key verse from Baha'u'llah: % all that which ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested oniy as the result of your own volition.' ~'Jn 1939, the first Youth Session was held June 2 529, with the following program announced: Character Building, Miss Flora Hottes. The Promise of All Ages, Mr. Wnt Kenneth Christian. The Prophet of Arabia, Mr. N. H. Firoozi. The laws of Baha'u'llah, Mr. Clarence Niss. ~The Laboratory Session of July 211 enjoyed the applied Administration conducted by Mr. Harlan Ober, wherein actual practice was given in electing a Local Assembly, appointed committees of which did publicity work in the nearby towns, and dealt with typical administrative problems. Public speaking instruction was given by professional skill. A survey of Baha'i 'Writings and research therein was presented by Mrs. Mabel Paine. "At the General Session of August 613, 1939, the program was: The Administrative Order, Mr. Curtis Kelsey. The Culture of Jsl4m, Mrs. Charles Bishop. The Art of Living, Mrs. Wendell Bacon. [p120] 120 THE BAHA'I WORLD Exhibit in Public Library, Yonkers, N. Y. "And a series of sketches on assorted themes in the inimitable manner of Mar-zieh Nabil Carpenter (now Mrs. Harold Gail). "At the Second Youth Session, August 1620, 1939, Mrs. Virginia Carnelon gave exceedingly good talks on the Baha'i standards of conduct, Character Building. Mrs. Charles Bishop repeated the course on Islim, but with adaptations. The Laws of Baha'u'llah were treated by Mr. Carl Scheffler; and the World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi by Mrs. Carpenter. GEYSERVILLE 1938 AND 1939 'tThese sessions followed the indicated policy of presenting historical and religious topics in line with Baha'i Faith. This practice seems to bring a large attendance of folk from the valley, which is, in turn, one indication of the fairly widespread recognition given to this center of study. As in the past, public meetings were held at the county seat of Santa Rosa, twenty-five miles away. CCThe session of July 416, 1938, offered two courses, The Unfoldment of World Civilization and The Rise and Expansion of Christianity. The first defines the New, and the second entails an account of the old Dispensation. ctFor the first course, the concepts of civilization and culture were analyzed in an ethnological sense, as well as in the light of 'Abdu'l-Baha's distinction between material and divine civilization. The forms of culture, its laws and institutions were defined; and the evidences of cycles set forth. Our time as the period of maturity for the human race, and the realization by man of mankind's oneness was affirmed as the cardinal message of Baha'i Faith and the spiritual basis of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. ccThe Rise and Expansion of Christianity began with the background of conflict between Judaism and its polytheistic rivals, setting the stage for the divine Manifestation of the Christ. The early spirit of Christianity was accented; the primitive Church was described; the development of theocracy was traced; and the significance of the period known as tThe Dark Ages' was told. At the close of this cycle, the trend is towards the secularization of thought, the rise of an independent science, and the increasing division of Christendom into sectarianism and modernisms. The culmination is the divorce between religion and daily life. [p121] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 121 "Friends from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada, and from as far East as Maine coP laborated on the teaching staff. Among them were Mr. George Latimer, Mrs. Charles Bishop, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Miss May McKenna, Professor Forsyth Ward, Mrs. Rouan Carter, Mr. 'Au Yazdi, Mr. Irvin Somerhalder, Mr. and Mrs. Seto, Mr. and Mrs. Schopilocher, Miss Virginia Orbison, Mrs. Joyce Lyon Dahi, Miss Marion Holley, Mrs. Beulali Lewis. "Miss Agnes Alexander of Honolulu shared her pilgrim's visit with the friends. For years she has been serving the Cause in Japan, and visited the School en route home Ñ the long way around. Another traveler was Mr. Mark Tobey, on leave of absence from Dartington Hall, Devonshire, England. His courses on. art appreciation stressed the relation of beauty to life Ñ which is not new Ñ and of the artist to the community Ñ which is new, necessitating as it does the use of concepts inherent in the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. The theme was continued by Mr. Tobey in his talks of the following summer. ttln 1939, the School gained a week, July 223. The first course, The Spiritual Unfoldment of Humanity, posited religion as the source of mankind's creativeness. Judaism, Christianity, bUm, and the Baha'i Faith were studied as progressive Revelations of one Religion from God, established by His Prophets. To the Baha'i Faith, the last in point of time, it is given to establish God's Kingdom on earth. "The second course, Bridges of Human Relationship, treated the sciences as ways of approaching man and the world. Physical science, political science, sociology, and psychology were searched for their contributions to human welfare, and their points of contact with spiritualized man. Race relations and religion were recreated in the light of Baha'i Faith. "An innovation at Geyserville in 1939 was the specialized activities for the youth, summarized as The Young Baha'i in the World Today, and held in conjunction with the regular session. Under the direction of Marion Holley, with Virginia Orbison and Marzieh Carpenter as colleagues, a group activity was maintained. Its constructive value can be sounded by a letter of those summer days: 'What I really learned is that the human animal responds to environment. We created one in which the young people could work Ñ and they did work! Besides two classes a day, there were afternoon projects daily, resulting in newspaper publicity three times, contacts (about twenty-five), a pageant which was really effective, the best public meeting of all, a symphony night with comments, decorations for the dance, entertainment and a meeting for six or seven visiting youth over one weekend, and many contributions to the regular session by way of reading aloud and discussion. Also, the whole class came down to give the School a demonstration of method, for my talk at the regular session. Yes, I learned about the human being Ñ but I also learned that it is awfully strenuous. The School maintained by the British Baha'is in 1939 has been reported by the National Spiritual Assembly: 'tThe Baha'i Summer School is the most important institution in England for teaching the Cause of Baha'u'llah. More ambitious in every way than the three previous ones, the fourth Summer School brought correspondingly greater and more encouraging results. More than a hundred people visited it, indicating its steadily increasing interest to both believers and enquirers. The spirit of real friendship, sympathy, and understanding engendered amongst such a widely diverse group of individuals, was convincing proof of the unifying power of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. "The School was opened by Lady Blom-field, who, as always, brought the spirit of the Master close to each one of us by her vivid and beautiful descriptions of many of the precious incidents which occurred during His stay in her house, in London. A cable was then sent to our beloved Guardian, to which he sent an inspiring reply. ~'The lectures were of high standard and though comprehensive, followed an orderly course, beginning with a survey of the nature of the present world struggle, then tracing the growth and development of man as an individual and mankind as a collective body, presenting the main problems con [p122] 122 THE BAHA'I WORLD The Souvenir Feast of Unity of 'Abdu'1 Ñ BaM observed annually at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey and celebrated this year 1939 on Saturday, June 24. fronting the world today and offering the solutions of Baha'u'llah, outlining the Baha'i vision of a New World Order and culminating in the presentation of the Word of Baha'u'llah as the focus of all power. ttBahA'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Baha have emphasized the importance of art in the life of man. Baha'u'llah tells us that sanctified and detached souls tconstitute the animating force through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest,' and 'Abdu'l-Baha tells us that the Sun of Truth, shining on the mind of the artist, is mirrored forth in great works of art. Therefore an experiment was made this year in inviting a larger number of non-BaM'i speakers than previously, to lecture on their own specialized branches of art Ñ the dance, drama, music and the crafts. The result was strikingly significant. At least four different lecturers came to the conclusion that in their particular field art had reached a standstill owing to the poverty of human creativeness Ñ a convincing proof that the artistic spirit needs the new creative impulse of Baha'u'llah. C(The peak of Summer School was reached at bank holiday weekend, August 57, when the greatest attendance was recorded and the radiance of the gathering was so apparent as to arouse comment. It was during this weekend that the National Spiritual Assembly received its Incorporation Certificate. Archdeacon Townshend's challenging book The Heart of the Gospel appeared at this time and the author himself was present. Dr. 'Au, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of India and Burma, Mr. W. J. Grant, late editor of the Rangoon Times and a proven friend of the Faith, Chief Jono Kenyatta of Kenya, the eminent anthropologist, were among the distinguished visitors. Mr. Win. Kenneth Christian and Miss Virginia Setz were welcome visitors from America. Mr. Christian gave an interesting description of the Summer Schools in America. [p123] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 123 "The setting of School was most delightful. Beautiful spacious grounds, with ample facilities for games, in the heart of a lovely countryside; an ideal place for relaxation and for study. "Most of those present must have been conscious of the nearness of the final stages of the world struggle. They must have had too, intimations of the greatness of the privilege, and of the responsibility, of being identified with a nascent world faith in an age of doubt and fear. Summer School is a growing, consolidating institution, becoming established in a rapidly crumbling world. It has provided once again an incentive to activity and cooperation among the Baha'i communities. We shall make efforts to maintain it." The second annual session of the School founded by Mr. and Mrs. Bolton at Yerrin-bool, New South Wales, has been described by the School Committee as follows: CCThe second Baha'i Summer School in Australia was held at ~Boiton Place,' Yerrin-bool, N. S. W., from January 7th to January 15th, 1939. It was most gratifying to see the increased numbers over last year. Friends from distant cities commenced arriving at Yerrinbool on January 7th and by 11 a. m. on Sunday, January 8th, all friends from afar and locally had congregated at cBlt Place.' At 11:30 a. m. the Chairman, Stanley Bolton, called all to attention, asking Mr. 0. Whitaker to say the prayer, cFr All Nations.' Mrs. Mariette Bolton extended a welcome to all present. The following cable was then joyously read from our Beloved Guardian: 'Assure attendants Summer School special prayers success urge intensely study teachings deepen spirit Baha'i fellowship extend scope activities.' Ñ SHOGHI. ttLetters of greetings were then read from the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, the local Spiritual Assembly of Sydney, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, the Australian pioneers, Miss Margaret Stevenson, Miss E. Blundell, and Miss D. Burns and Miss F. De Lisle of Auckland, New Zealand, Mrs. A. Miller of Perth, Western Australia, Miss Greta Lamprill and Miss Jensen of Hobart, Tasmania, Mrs. M. Dixon and Mrs. Wheeler of Melbourne, Miss Eflie Baker of Victoria and Mrs. Maysie Almond of Adelaide, South Australia. ccThe Chairman then called upon Mrs. Dewing of Auckland, New Zealand, Miss Dorothy Dugdale and Miss Ethel Dawe of Adelaide. These three ladies extended per Ñ sonal love and greetings from their respective communities. The meeting of welcome then closed with a prayer for unity after which all gathered together for a community luncheon. tcSunday afternoon, January 8th, at 2:30 p. in., all the friends with the residents of the local community assembled at the Yer-rinbool Public Hall to listen to a lecture given by Mrs. 0. Rout, the subject being The Baha'i Message to Mankind. Although a very hot day everyone was most attentive to the Message. The Chairman for the afternoon, Mr. 0. Whitaker, then extended to everyone present a welcome to attend the Summer School sessions. After the lecture Baha'i literature was distributed, after which all assembled outside the hail for a photograph. "Commencing on Monday morning, January 9th, and continuous until January 15th, the program arranged by the Yerrinbool Baha Summer School Committee, was fol Ñ lowed. A number of the friends from all over Australia and New Zealand who were unable to attend the school most generously contributed by sending in papers to be read which were enjoyed to the fullest extent. Those sending in papers were Mr. Miller, Mr. David Miller, Miss Gretta Lamprell, Miss E. Blundell, Mr. 0. Whitaker, Miss M. Rowling, Miss Dc Lisle, Mrs. M. Almond, Mrs. M. Dixon, Miss Burns. "The sessions opened each morning at 9:30 a. rn. with 15 minutes for devotions followed by the subjects for 2 hours. C!On Monday evening, January 9th, the friends visited the home of one of the local community at which time all details of program were discussed followed by prayer. On Tuesday afternoon, January 10th, at the invitation of an investigator, the friends journeyed to Mittagong, 7 miles from Yer-rinbool, where they had been invited to attend a conference of the Student Christian Movement held at Frensham College, one of the State's leading dolleges for ladies. There [p124] 124 THE BAHA'I WORLD were three hundred in attendance and the Baha'is were invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dams of Bowral where they had invited a number of friends, 20 in number, among them being a noted clergy and a representative of the local newspaper. Questions and answers were the topics of the evening's discussion. ttO1~ Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p. all the friends gathered at the home of one of the local community to listen to a radio broadcast by Miss Ethel Dawe, one of our attendants at the Summer School. in the evening a round table discussion took place followed by prayers. On Friday evening, January 13th, the local community held a social function in their Hall to which all the Baha'is were invited. All had a most enjoyable evening in spite of excessively hot weather. On Sunday morning at 10 a. m. the local children were all invited to CBolto Place' regular Rose Garden Sunday School. The visiting Baha'is spoke to the children. On Sunday afternoon a community picnic was held at which 63 were present. A real Baha'i community spirit was demonstrated and all enjoyed themselves with peace, love and harmony. This concluded the Baha'i Summer School for 1939 which in every way showed an increase on our previous year." THE INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I BUREAU THE maintenance of this Baha'i center has been a signal spiritual victory for the Faith, one achieved by Mrs. Anne Lynch who under apparently insuperable difficulty has continued to discharge its functions with heroic courage. One by one its normal areas of contact and correspondence have been cut off by the international difficulties, but the Bureau has concentrated the important task of printing translations of Baha books and pamphlets and at the same time has served not oniy visitors from other lands who came to the Bureau but also those who were still able to communicate by letter. Furthermore, during the year ending April, 1940, it produced the first Baha'i publication in the Swiss language. In 1939 the Bureau brought out a German translation of Baha'u'llah and the New Era by J. E. Esslemont, making available the latest revised text which had been in process of publication in another country of Europe until Baha'i activities were bar ned. Copies of this important work were distributed far and wide, and those obtained by the American Publishing Committee have made possible a number of valuable teaching opportunities both in North and South America. In 1940 the Bureau issued the Polish trans lation made by Lidia Zamenhof of the same work, after solving innumerable problems in a miraculous way. Among the 17,000 young men of Polish nationality interned in Switzerland copies of this translation were given wide circulation through the forty-eight Camp Libraries maintained for these internees. Two copies of the book were presented to each of these Libraries. The Swiss translation of a pamphlet entitled Dens Neuen Zeitalter En! gegen, made possible by the donation given by a Baha of Zurich, Leo Bernhard, brings one more of the world's language groups into the orbit of the sun of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. The pamphlet, prepared after correspondence with the Guardian, consists of a compilation on the history and teachings of the raith, preceded by an introductory statement written by Mr. Semle. A large number of inquiries were received after the first publicity on this pamphlet appeared in a paper of Zurich. The Bureau in 1940 also mimeographed and distributed widely a number of Tablets and passages from Baha'i writings translated into French, German and Russian. A monthly teaching bulletin for German-reading Swiss has been maintained. [p125] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 125 DONATION OF LAND IN SOUTHERN PALESTINE A DONATION of property made by Natib Halabi has been transferred to the Palestine Branch of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. Halabi, at the time Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Damascus, wished to present a tract of approximately 10,000 sq. metres to the Cause, and at the Guardian's request had the property recorded for ownership by the Palestine Branch. In previous volumes of this biennial record the origin and development of the Palestine Branch of the American Assembly has been described. It holds title to a number of tracts in the vicinity of the Shrines on Mount Carmel purchased by individual American believers for the protection of the Faith and transferred to this Baha'i religious society administered by the Guardian as its recorded agent and representative. THE WORLDWIDE BAHA'I COMMUNITY STUDENTS of spiritual reality at this time of world destruction and world renewal may well ponder the fact that followers of Baha'u'llah by 1940 were to be found in more than sixty countries of East and West. Swiftly the universal character of this Faith is being demonstrated by the universality of its membership. In many of these countries the Baha'i community is small and weak in numbers, in others it has attained a certain degree of power and experience for unified effort. The testimony afforded by the spread of Baha'i literature is most impressive. By 1940 Baha'u'llah and the New Era by J. F. Esslemont had been translated into thirtyfive languages. Furthermore it has been transcribed into Braille texts for the blind in English, Esperanto and Japanese. Incorporated or legally recognized National Spiritual Assemblies exist in North America, Egypt, the British Isles, India and Burma. Incorporated local Spiritual Assemblies existed by April, 1940, in twenty-seven cities of North America, and in Sydney, Auckland, Adelaide, Poona, Bombay, Daidanav, Mandalay, Rangoon, Calcutta, Delhi and Karachi. Plans for the incorporation of at least eight other local Assemblies were also under way in the United States and Canada which can be reported in the next biennial record. Most of the Central and South American countries now have Baha'is. A true world commonwealth is coming into being. No one can survey the vast number of signs and evidences of its gathering power and its unified spirit without a feeling of reverence and elation that such a Cause actually exists on the earth. Though the evidences, examined one by one, appear trivial in comparison to activities and undertakings of the old order, nevertheless their combined weight is the very essence of proof to the sincere that Baha'u'llah has revivified mankind and given the human soul new life and larger capacity. As Shoghi Effendi wrote in The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah: ccLet no one, while this System is in its infancy, misconstrue its character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source from which it derives its inspiration is no one less than Baha'u'llah Himself. Its shield and defender are the embattled hosts of the Abh~ Kingdom. Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty thousand martyrs who have offered up their lives that it may be born and flourish. The axis round which its institutions revolve is the authentic provisions of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha. Its guiding principles are the truths which He 'Who is the unerring Interpreter of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly enunciated in His public addresses throughout the West. The laws that govern its operation and limit its functions are those which have been expressly ordained in the KITAB-I-AQDAS. The seat round which its spiritual, its humanitarian and administrative activities will cluster are the Mashriqu'1 Ñ Adhk~r and its Dependencies. The pillars that sustain its authority and buttress its [p126] 126 THE BAHA'I WORLD Temple Model Displayed in Window of Red Bank Register, the Local Paper of Red Bank, N. J., 1939. Temple Model Displayed Temple Model on Exhibition by Louhelen Summer School in a store at the Flint, Michigan, in Albuquerque, New Flower Show. Mexico. [p127] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 127 structure are the twin institutions of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice. The central, the underlying aim which animates it is the establishment of the New World Order as adumbrated by Baha'u'llah. The methods it employs, the standard it inculcates, incline it to neither East nor "West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, neither white nor colored. Its watchword is the unification of the human race; its standard the cMost Great Peace'; its consummation the advent of that golden millenium Ñ the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah." ANNUAL REPORT Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA 193 81939 THE I3ahi'i year now drawing to a ciose has witnessed the stage of definite crisis in human affairs, the vanishing of hopes to avert catastrophe by human power, a great progress in the achievement of the Seven Year Plan, the Guardian's inspiring action in associating the revered name of the Greatest Holy Leaf with Temple construction, his renewed and stirring call for pioneers in the teaching field, and his spiritual gift and blessing to all American Baha'is through the general letter dated December 25, 1938. Such events and conditions, more sharply contrasting the old order with the new, make us realize that North America has become the theatre in which is being enacted a scene of transcendent importance in the majestic unfoldment of God's Faith upon earth. To attain a full inward realization of that truth, to fit ourselves, individually and cob-lectively, for service to the Divine 'Will at the turning point in human history, taking our stand entirely within the spirit and activity of the Faith and leaving behind the false hopes and doomed desires of the worldly life Ñ this, indeed, constitutes the essence of the significance of the year that ends; and the historical record of that period has real value only as it may contribute to our capacity for deeper experience, purer vision and more valiant action. History, to the Baha'i, is not a tie with past human limitations but an increasing possibility to attain a future conforming to the Will of God. This Baha'i year was born in the response made by the believers assembled at the last Convention to the Guardian's words, "draw nigh unto Baha'u'llah that He may draw nigh unto them," to Shoghi Effendi's presentation of locks of Baha'u'llah, to the cablegram reporting the ascension of the Holy Mother, Munirih Khinum and to the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. Grace Ober while reporting her teaching activities. The National Spiritual Assembly as its fundamental action and policy for the year reported a general plan based upon the Guardian's cablegram of July 4, 1937, outlining the five successive steps necessary for completion of the Temple work, and includ Ñ ing a Teaching budget and plan appealing for that ~~more burning enthusiasm" and t~bigher sense of solidarity" which the Guardian had evoked. For continuance of Temple construction the Assembly established a budget item of $75,000.00, onehalf the estimated cost of the exterior decoration of the first story. For Teaching activities in North and South America, an item of $30,000 was included in the budget. Setting forth the teaching policy as adopted in consultation with the Teaching Committee, the Assembly published in BAHA'I NEWS for July, 1938, a statement emphasizing settlement by pioneers, the development of definite projects, concentration by Regional Teaching Committees on isolated believers, groups and study classes, the extension of local Assembly teaching, and a call for individual initiative under administrative supervision. The Inter-America Committee was extended, its functions more clearly defined, and necessary funds allotted for Mrs. Frances Stewart's journey to South America, the re [p128] 128 THE BAHA'I WORLD Some of the Baha'is attending the annual convention of the Baha'is of the British Isles, London, 1939. suits of which have been so fruitful to the Cause. A schedule of meetings was adopted which included one new city, Knoxville, Tennessee, and two established Baha'i Centers never previously visited, Urbana, Illinois, and Los Angeles, with plans for public meetings and regional conferences in each. Some of the more important incidents of the year are briefly presented as follows: Ñ Evidences of Progress The Assembly Roll for the year as published in BAHA'I NEWS reported the recognition of eight new Assemblies and the re-es-tablishment of two former ones. The new Assemblies are: Glendale, Arizona; Sacramento, California; Moncton, New Brunswick; Toronto, Ontario; Maywood, Illinois; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and St. Lambert, Quebec. Rochester, New York, and Topeka, Kansas, regained their Assembly status. Even more significant in the Divine Plan was the formation of a Spiritual Assembly at Mexico City by a community of believers, all natives of that country, the first signal victory won by the Inter-America Committee. tee. Mr. Pedro Espinosa has been invited to attend the 1939 Convention as the guest of the National Spiritual Assembly, thus creating a closer bond with our coworkers in Mexico. To contribute to the deepening of our spiritual life, two departments have been conducted in BAHA'I NEWS this year, "The Charter of the New World Order," prepared by Mrs. Dorothy Baker, and "Draw Nigh Unto Baha'u'llah," compiled by Mrs. Della Quinlan. The moving picture film of 'Abdu'l-Baha taken in Brooklyn during 1912, carefully preserved ever since by Mr. Roy Wilhelm, has been placed in the custody of the Archives Committee. A translation of the French footnotes in The Dawn-Breakers, made by Dr. and Mrs. Perigord of Los Angeles, with the approval of the Guardian, is being printed as a supplement to that volume, the cost having been met by a generous special donation. The Guardian, who approved the reprinting of Baha'i Scriptures some years ago, has recently advised certain revisions before a new edition appears. The fund of $1,000 set aside for the [p129] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 129 Memorial to Keith Ransom-Keller in Ispha-han has been transmitted to the National Spiritual Assembly of I r6n through Shoghi Effendi, as conditions in tr~n now appear to make it possible to proceed with the construction. The design, made by the late Myron Potter of Cleveland, was illustrated some years ago in BAHA'I NEWS and also in one volume of Tim BAHA'I WORLD. The lamentable destruction by the civil authorities of the types of the German edition of the revised Esslemont book has been mitigated by the printing of the work in Switzerland, from a fortunately-preserved copy of the manuscript, under the auspices of the International Baha Bureau. The American Baha'i community were privileged to contribute to the expense, with the Guardian's permission, through the National Fund. Copies are expected in April or May, and some will be set aside for the Inter-America Committee to use among the German colonies in South America, while other copies can be used here. Mr. Karl Neumann's translation of Promise of All Ages has become available in manuscript form, and its use has been referred to the Guardian. Miss Lidia Zarnenhof, who arrived as the guest of the American believers in September, 1937, left for Poland in November, 1938, being unable to extend her permit and thus foregoing a number of special teaching opportunities which had arisen. Her activi Ñ ties are reported by the Committee on International Auxiliary Language, but a word should be added to point out that her capacity as a teacher of Esperanto, her fame as a daughter of the founder of the language, and her firmness as a Baha'i produced a new atmosphere of cordial unity between the Esperanto groups and the Baha'i community which constitutes a distinct teaching opportunity. With the Guardian's approval, a duplicate unit of one of the beautiful details of the Temple exterior decoration is being produced for shipment to Haifa as gift to Shoghi Effendi. A Temple model has been presented to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, through Shoghi Effendi, at his request. A statement prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt, based upon the laws and ordinances of Baha'u'llah in matters of personal status such as marriage and inheritance, has been under consideration for more than a year, and recently the Guardian's permission was asked to send a duplicate copy to each local Spiritual Assembly for study by the community. It is interesting to note that the statement was originally prepared as the result of the decision by the Egyptian courts that the Baha'i Faith is an independent religion. Since in Egypt and other Islamic countries, except Turkey, there is no civil law to control matters of personal status, these matters being subject to the authority of the Qur'an, it became necessary for the National Spiritual Assembly in that country to prepare and file the Baha'i laws and ordinances to be applied, under its own recognized authority, to the members of the Egyptian Baha'i community. The legal parallel does not exist in America or other western nations, where the civil constitution centuries ago assumed direct control over areas of human activity and relationship previously regulated by the church. The unique situation which arose in Egypt, however, served to bring into operation a number of the laws of the Aqdas which the American believers cannot yet apply in place of the civil code. But the restricted circulation of this intensely interesting Baha'i document might well serve to prepare the American Baha'is for the future application of the laws and ordinances of Baha'u'llah; and the Guardian's view of the proposal is awaited with great interest. Concerning the activities of American believers in other lands, reference is made to the fact that such activities, throughout Mexico, Central America, the Islands of the Caribbean, and South America, are now reported annually in detail by the Inter-America Committee. In other areas, grateful mention is made of Miss Martha L. Root's teaching work in India and her recent journey to Australia for another intensive campaign; the continued devoted services of Miss Marion Jack in Sofia, Bulgaria; the activities of Mrs. and Miss Sharp in Tihr~n; Mrs. Joel Stebbins in Europe; Miss Beatrice Irwin in England; Miss Annaken Krogh in Denmark; Mr. and Mrs. Max Greeven in Holland; Miss Matthisen in Europe; Miss A. Josephine Kruka in Finland; [p130] 130 THE BAHA'I WORLD The shop which was used by the BTh during his days in Biishihr. It has recently been purchased by the Baha'is of I r~n to be preserved as a sacred site. and Mrs. Lorol Schopilocher who in February departed for teaching work in the Scandinavian countries. Mr. Mark Tobey returned after many years in England and is now active in the Baha'i community of Seattle. The successive volumes of THE BAHA'I WORLD represent the one directly international Baha'i activity which the Guardian has centered in America during this formative period of the Faith. The gathering of the contents from the entire Baha'i world, and the manufacture of successive works costing each in excess of $5,000, is at once a mighty task and a correspondingly great privilege. Volume VII is now on the press. The believers are urged to realize that each volume adds to the growing solidarity of the new spiritual commonwealth of Baha'u'llah, and affords ample evidence of its universal character and wide range of thought and activity. Such a work at present cannot be made to repay its cost, and therefore it is viewed by the National Assembly as a contribution tribution to the general field of teaching. Whatever the Committees, Assemblies and individual believers can do toward extending its distribution will be a distinctive service to the Faith. It is the one place where we can, as it were, meet face to face our fellow-Bahi'is of other country, race, class and inherited creed. It should be noted that the publication of the new volume has been greatly assisted by a special donation of $2,500. The local influence of the House of Worship has been strikingly revealed this year in two ways: the selection by the Wilmette postmaster of the Temple design for "Air Mail Week," which meant that the design was carried on letters to many parts of the world; and the action of the president of the Village board in writing the Illinois State Commission to recommend that the Temple model be exhibited in the Illinois State Building at the New York World's Fair. While the important details concerning [p131] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 131 Baha'i properties are reported separately by the Trustees, it should be noted that the Green Acre Trustees have received the gift of a cemetery lot in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews. Through the initiative and thoughtfulness of Mr. Charles Mason Remey, the American Baha'i community was represented by a floral tribute at the memorial meeting conducted for the late Queen Marie of Rumania, the first member of royalty to be confirmed in the Faith of Baha'u'llah, at the National Cathedral at Washington, D. C., on July 25, 1938. A new instrumentality for teaching has been developed by the Temple model made by the John J. Earley Studios. Not oniy is the model on exhibit continuously at a number of local Baha'i Centers, but has been featured in such public gatherings as the Canadian National Exposition, Cornell University; the Art Gallery, Binghamton, New York; the International Youth Congress, Vassar College, Flint, Michigan; Flower Show, American Furniture Company store, Albuquerque, New Mexico; the New Mexico State Fair; florist shops at Lima, Ohio, and Port Huron, Michigan; and in the Biltmore Hotel and Hotel Arcady, Los Angeles. A model is now part of the permanent exhibit of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. A national committee has been requested to report a definite plan for exhibiting the model at State Fairs throughout the country. The Book Exhibit held at Santa Paula, California, as illustrated in BAHA'I NEWS for October, 1938, represents still another possibility for a new form of public teaching which will undoubtedly be developed by local Assemblies and groups. Most impressive of undertakings in public teaching at present are the plans adopted for the World's Fairs to be held during 1939 at San Francisco and New York. At San Francisco, space has been taken for a display of the Temple model and Baha'i literature, and a beautiful design for the background and for the pedestal of the model has been developed. In addition, the model has been accepted by the Temple of Religions for exhibit in a building devoted to a historical religious exhibit, and Baha'i meetings will be held in the Temple of Religions. Photographs graphs and further important details will be available before the Convention opens. Conditions at the New York World's Fair were found to be definitely less liberal. The Temple of Religion, under construction from funds specially donated, is under the supervision of a committee representing Protestants, Catholics and Jews. Its meetings are to be restricted to tbe exposition of religious themes which will in no way deviate from a conception of tolerance based upon the theory that the rights of every existing church are to be preserved. It is a tolerance limited to the acceptance of the established ecclesiastical bodies and their creeds, and apparently not open to the declaration of universal principles capable of uniting humanity in "one Order and one Faith." No religious exhibits are permitted in the Temple of Religion. Moreover, a ruling was adopted two years ago excluding any directly religious exhibit in the Educational Building or other buildings controlled by the Fair. The separate structure raised by the Christian Science Church was apparently arranged before that ruling was adopted. It appears possible, however, for the Baha'is to secure space in the Communications Building for an exhibit laying chief emphasis upon publications, with a display of the Tem-pie model a subsidiary feature. The details, at this writing, are awaiting approval by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Baha'is, on the other hand, have made application to the Temple of Religion for the use of Baha'i speakers in its public meetings, have offered a Temple model to the Illinois State Commission for its State Building, and have made a similar offer to the United States Steel Corporation, whose interest in the Temple as an outstanding example of the new possibilities of cement construction was indicated by the use of the Temple as front cover illustration of US Steel News in March, 1937. The attitude of the New York World's Fair has been reported because it seems typical of a policy which the Baha'is are likely to find confronting them more and more in North America as the lines are drawn between the old order and the new. Such a conception of tolerance surely represents a final effort at defence raised by those who [p132] 132 THE BAHA'I WORLD identify the church with religion and overlook the true interests of mankind. Baha'i teachers may well consider these facts and prepare themselves to deal with situations arising from them in future years. It is, on the other hand, exceedingly gratifying to realize that the American Baha'i community has become able to undertake such large tasks as are represented by these two World's Fairs. Both will bring together millions of visitors, many of whom will be prepared to recognize the evidences and proofs of a World Faith. The experience acquired in handling affairs of this magnitude will be a valuable asset for the future. The National Assembly has this year appealed to the local Assemblies to lay great emphasis upon their observance of the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah on November 12, and upon the subject of the Oneness of Mankind in their public gatherings during the month of January, 1939. The response in both cases has been profoundly gratifying. Indeed, as we pay attention to the Guardian's consummate wisdom in evoking the latent powers of the Baha'i community, we realize the important role played by social symbolism in the formation of a new spiritual community. The successive Anniversaries and Nineteen Day Feasts, organic parts of the Baha'i life, are themsleves examples of the need for special occasions devoted to a release of the forces of ardor and consecration. Further experience may justify some plan under which the programs of the local Assemblies are occasionally coordinated by the National Assembly to concentrate effort upon some particular aspect of the Teachings or some special condition in the civilization of which we are a part. It would be impressive, for example, to set aside some date each year for meetings in which special welcome would be extended to groups of the foreign-born. America has many of these groups. They are grievously affected by the increasing international disturbances, and as yet we have no systematized method or technic for directing their attention to Baha'u'llah's Plan of world accord and the reconcilliation of national, racial and religious traditions in one all-em-bracing Cause. The three Summer Schools have continued their rapid progress in the establishment of facilities for Baha'i education and the training of Baha'i educators. Their combined effect has already produced a remarkable improvement in the public teaching activities maintained throughout North America. Both functions have been necessary, and both are closely interrelated, yet as the local communities evolve the education of believers in the Teachings will no doubt fall primarily upon the local Assemblies, while the training of educators Ñ the function of the normal school in the civil community Ñ will become specialized in the Summer Schools. The privilege of attendance is very real, and it is hoped that isolated believers and members of local groups will make particular effort to enroll at one of the Schools. As the date of the annual local elections approaches, it is gratifying to record that the following groups have qualified to form a new Spiritual Assembly on April 21: Knoxville, Tennessee; Jamestown, New York; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Helena, Montana; Huntington Park, California; Eagle River, Wisconsin; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; East Cleveland, Ohio, and Richmond Highlands, Washington. The number of local bodies in North America identified with the World Order of Baha'u'llah will thus become eighty-seven after April 21, 1939. The local incorporations as approved by the Local Committee during the past year include: Cincinnati, San Francisco, Vancouver, Phoenix, Columbus, Philadelphia, Lima, Portland, and Jersey City. Through the generous spirit of Miss Martha L. Root we have received a donation of many copies of her new book, Tdhirila the Pure, published in Karachi, India, under the auspices of the National Assembly of India and Burma. In this book we have a new and more complete record of that great Baha'i soul whose martyrdom has been acclaimed by liberals throughout Europe. Gratitude is expressed for Miss Root's achievement and her thoughtful donation to the American Fund. These and many other actions, such as are recorded by the national committee in their individual Annual Reports, indicate something of the power with which the American Baha'i community is advancing toward its goal. [p133] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 133 A Baha'i year, however, is to be understood not so much by any series of definite actions as by the fundamental possibilities and implications revealed for us and established for us by the Guardian of the Faith. We must learn how to parallel our capacity of response with the power of progress, both inward and outward, released through the Guardian's messages, and employ each definite achievement only as a measure of the greater thing to be accomplished. Messages from the Guardian In order to enable the friends to realize more clearly the accumulative force of Shoghi Effendi's instructions, advices and appeals directed to America in this era of the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly presented those received from January 10, 1936 to September 24, 1938 in a compilation enclosed with BAHA'I NEWS for November last. "'While we have all read and meditated on these messages singly," it was pointed out in announcing this compilation, "their meaning and power as a whole are overwhelming. In letter after letter, cablegram after cablegram, Shoghi Effendi has developed the theme of devotion, sacrifice, understanding and mighty action for this very period of the severest danger humanity has ever suffered. The existence of the Baha'i Community itself, and its destined capacity to become the instrument for the release of God's blessing of world order and peace, depend entirely upon our individual and collective response to these directions, warnings and supreme appeals "Therefore the National Spiritual Assembly, conscious of the gravity of the hour, implores the local Assemblies, communities, and groups to grasp and incorporate in their very souL the vital import of the Guardian's words. Shoghi Effendi has created a new and higher reality for the American Baha'is To the 1938 Convention he cabled: •let them, delegates, visitors alike, draw nigh unto Baha'u'llah, that He may draw nigh unto them." To the National Assembly he cabled on June 6: 'tRejoice, thankful, initiative, resourcefulness (of) newly-elected National Assembly prompting them signalize inauguration period (of their) stewardship by launching third stage in progressive unfold-rnent (of the) Seven Year Plan." On July 5 he wrote: C(Th Pen of Baha'u'llah, the voice of 'Abdu'l-Baha, have time and again, insistently, and in terms unmistakable, warned an unheeding humanity of impending disaster. The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must leaven the lump, the chosen remnants that must survive the rolling up of the old, dis Ñ credited, tottering order, and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute. The American believers, standard-bearers of this worldwide community and torchbearers of an as-yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners and stepped into the arena of service. Their Plan has been formulated. Their forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal." On September 10: "I feel truly exhil-. arated as I witness the ever-recurrent manifestations of unbroken solidarity and unquenchable enthusiasm that distinguish every stage in the progressive development of the nationwide enterprise which is being so unflinchingly pursued by the whole American Baha'i community. The marked deterioration in world affairs, the steadily deepening gloom that envelops the storm-tossed peo-pies and nations of the Old World, invest the Seven Year Plan, now operating in both the northern and southern American Continents, with a significance and urgency that cannot be overestimated." The cablegram received September 24 conveyed tremendous significance: "Loyalty (to) World Order (of) Baha'u'llah, security (of) its basic institutions, both imperatively demand all its avowed supporters, particularly its champion builders (in the) American continent, in these days when sinister, uncontrollable forces are deepening (the) cleavage sundering peoples, nations, creeds, classes, resolve despite pressure (of) fast Ñ crystallizing public opinion, abstain individually, collectively, in word, action, informally as well as in all official publications, from assigning blame, taking sides, however indirectly, in (the) recurring political crises now agitating, ultimately engulfing, human society. Grave apprehension lest cumulative [p134] 134 THE BAHA'I WORLD effect (of) such compromises disintegrate (the) fabric, clog (the) channel (of the) Grace that sustains God's essentially supranational, supernatural Order so laboriously evolved, so recently established." In reply to a question received concerning the application of this instruction, the National Assembly informed the inquirer that believers should take part in no political or economic measures aimed at international situations except such as are commanded by their civil government. On November 29 the Guardian cabled: CC (The) virtual termination (within the) appointed time (of the) gallery section (of the) Mashriqu'l-Adhkar triumphantly ushers in (the) final phase (of the) major task courageously shouldered (by the) champions (of the) Seven Year Plan (The) poignant memory (of the) ever-loved Greatest Holy Leaf, inseparably linked to (the) American believers' Temple exertions, impels me (to) offer, (at) this decisive hour, one thousand pounds in her name and as token (of) her debt of gratitude for their response (to) her last appeal addressed to them (in the) evening of her life. (I am) confident (that the) Temple Construction Fund, which from now on will ever bear her name and be consecrated (to) her memory, will, following this offering, swell (to) such proportions as will carry forward (the) stupendous undertaking (to a) glorious consummation." In a letter dated at the same time, he wrote: "The initial contract, proclaiming the opening of the final phase of a work that embodies the finest contribution ever made by the West to the Cause of Baha'u'llah, is now ready for your signature. The fourth of the successive steps outlined in my previous message1 is punctually being taken. The fond hopes cherished on the assumption of your exalted office are being amply fulfilled. The heroism displayed by the members of the American Baha'i Community in the face of these recurring, constantly widening opportunities is growing more apparent every day." The Guardian's letter of November 27 contained an important instruction con Ñ awning the Baha'i calendar which was published in the January, 1939 issue of BAHA'I NEWS. Then came those messages calling for the extension of the teaching work to all unoccupied areas and laying greater emphasis on establishing the Faith in other countries of the Americas. The cablegram received January 26, 1939, stated, in part: ccRecent swift progress (of) Temple ornamentation prompts me entreat American Community (to) focus immediate attention (and) center energies (upon) corresponding acceleration (in the) Teaching enterprise (in) Seven Year Plan End of First Century rapidly approaching. Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Manitoba (and) Nova Scotia still unsettled. Universal, prolonged intensification (in) pioneer activity (is the) crying need (of this) fateful hour. (The) establishment (of) one resident believer (in) each virgin territory (is the) precondition (to the) full launching (of the) subsequent, eagerly-an-ticipated stage aiming (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) southern half (of the) Western Hemisphere. (The) Concourse on high expectantly await, ready (to) assist (and) acclaim (the) nine holy souTh who, independently or as deputies, will promptly, fearlessly volunteer (to) forsake (their) homes, cast away (their) attachments (and) definitely settle (in) these territories (to) lay firm anchorage (of the) Administrative Order (of this) undefeatable Faith. (I am) irresistibly urged (and) proud (of the) privilege (to) pledge nine hundred pounds (to) facilitate (the) permanent settlement (of) pioneers (in) these States and Provinces whose acts (and) heroic self-abnegation will mark (the) Conclusion (of this) Shining Epoch (in) American Baha'i History." Two days later, Shoghi Effendi wrote: !~Th twofold aim you are now pursuing should at no time become obscured, nor should either one of the dual responsibilities you have assumed be allowed to preponderate over the other. The urgency of the task con. nected with the ornamentation of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar has been rightly recognized, and its immediate needs have been generously and promptly met. A similar, nay a mightier effort should now be deliberately and persistently exerted in the field of pioneer teach-'The cablegram of July 4, 1937, previously referred to in this report. [p135] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 135 ing, in both the United States and Canada. ccVery soon we shall be entering the second half of the last decade of this, the first century of the Baha'i Era. The five remaining years should essentially be consecrated to the imperative, the spiritual needs of the remaining Republics of both Central and South America, for whose entry into the fellowship of Baha'u'llah the Plan was primarily formulated. "The period ahead is short, strenuous, fraught with mortal perils for human society, yet pregnant with possibilities of unsurpassed triumphs for the power of Baha'u'llah's redemptive Cause. The occasion is propitious for a display, by the American Baha'i Community, in its corporate capacity, of an effort which in its magnitude, character, and purpose, must outshine its past endeavors. C(D ibid friends! 'What better field than the vast virgin territories, so near at hand, and waiting to receive, at this very hour, their full share of the onnishing tide of Baha'u'llah's redeeming grace?" At this date of writing, the latest communication from the Guardian is the following cablegram received March 24, 1939: Ñ "Fresh, ominous rumblings demonstrate (the) inevitability (and) foreshadow (the) approach (of the) final eruption involving (the) dissolution (of a) lamentably defective international order. (The) privileged community (of) American believers forewarned, undismayed, spiritually equipped. Notwithstanding (the) gravity (of the) times, (they) will pursue unswervingly (the) divinely-chartered course their attention distracted, (their) objective unobscured, (their) resolve unimpaired, (their) support undiminished, (their) loyalty unsullied. (The) immediate obligation (is to) complete settlement (of) Delaware, Utah, Manitoba, (and) Nova Scotia before termination (of) Baha'i administrative year. Responsibility solemn, pressing, unavoidable." Progress of Seven Year Plan It is in the light of all the foregoing messages, and fully conscious of the import of that general communication published as The Advent of Divine Justice, that the salient features of the development of the twofold activities of the Seven Year Plan must be traced. Turning first to Temple construction. When the year opened, the gallery contract was in full force, with the necessary funds on hand. By April 30, 1939, work will have been resumed on the exterior decoration of the few units uncompleted in December, 1938. The responsibility defined for the current year was the accumulation of funds amounting to onehalf the estimated cost of the exterior decoration of the first story. By March 15, 1939, the National Spiritual Assembly had found it possible to authorize the Temple Trustees to contract for the production of the models and molds and to purchase the suppiy of quartz. These two new contracts were approved and welcomed by Shoghi Effendi. Of the $75,000 incorporated in the annual Budget as the goal, approximately $60,000 has been contributed so far. The March, 1939 issue of BAHA'I NEWS reported that the balance needed for the molds contract was $6,862.64, and that the estimated cost of casting and applying the units to the first story is $95,000. As the models and molds will be finished before the end of the summer, the matter of accumulating funds for the next contract is already imminent, and will be a responsibility to be assumed by the incoming National Assembly. In the teaching field, the great accomplishment has been the settlement of the nine areas for which the Guardian made supreme appeal in his cablegram received January 26, 1939. This subject engaged the deep attention of the Teaching Committee, and consultation and correspondence with that committee has made it possible to inform Shoghi Effendi that his wishes and instructions have been met. The response of the believers has been truly inspiring, and the full story can not even yet be recorded, as fresh offers are being received. The settlement of the nine areas, however, has been effected through plans under which the following Ba1A'is have already, or soon will, proceed to the field: Ñ Miss Honor Kempton, Alaska; Miss N. Grace Bissell, Vermont; Miss Helen Grilling, Nevada; Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Dahi, West [p136] 13~ THE BAHA WORLD The bath of Urt½miyyih where the BTh bathed during His visit to that town. It has been recently purchased by the Baha of tr~n as an historic site. Virginia; Mr. Harold Hunt, West Virginia; Mrs. Marguerite Reimer Sears, Utah; Mr. and Mrs. Allah K. Kalantar, Delaware; Mr. Rowland Estall, Winnipeg; Miss Doris Skinner, Calgary; Mrs. Beulah S. Proctor, Nova Scotia; Miss Evelyn Cliff, Nova Scotia; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McNally, Rhode Island; Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, South Carolina. A significant spiritual victory has been achieved, for now the prerequisite condition laid down by the Guardian for concentrated effort in the other American countries has been fulfilled, and the blessings from the spiritual Kingdom will surely pour forth in greater abundance upon every Baha'i activity we undertake from now on. The record of success in South America and in the West Indies reported by the Inter-America Committee is also impressive. The Baha'i community of Mexico City is vibrant with enthusiasm, and will take an increased part in the Inter-America teaching work, not oniy through participation in the required Spanish translations but also no doubt through traveling teachers. In a letter dated February 8, 1939, the Guardian graciously acknowledged the progressive steps taken under the Seven Year Plan in the following words: "The illustrious community of the American believers, contemptuous of risk or peril, is driving ahead, relentlessly and with its whole vigor, toward the dual goal which the Seven Year Plan has set before it. The virtual completion of the contract for the gallery section of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar the inauguration of the First Story Construction Fund, the signature of the contract for the models of the Main Story, the prompt response to the Fund newly associated with the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, the consequent placing of a further contract for the construction of the molds, the acceleration of pioneer teaching and the resultant penetration of the Faith into practically every State and Province in the United States and Canada Ñ all these have, in the course of the second year of the Seven Year Plan, followed in amazingly swift succession. With dramatic swiftness, with unyielding resolve, with uncompromising fidelity and superb courage, the community responsible for such a unique demonstration of Baha'i initiative and enterprise is overcoming the barriers, whether material or moral, that threaten to interfere with the execution of its declared purpose." [p137] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 137 The Nature of Maturity In The Unfoldment of World Civilization Shoghi Effendi identified the Revelation of Baha'u'llah with the maturity of the human race, an assurance, yet also a challenge, that has special significance for the members of the Baha Community. These larger and more responsible tasks which the American believers have since assumed are essentially characteristic of maturity in contrast to childhood and youth. They call for a true inward poise and assurance, a capacity for true consultation, and a degree of trustworthiness which we have never before attained. The bounty of the task brings the worthiness to achieve it, if we be completely loyal to its implications for both the community and the individual soul. In consultation, whether local or national, Baha'is meet in consciousness consecrated to the achievement of unified understanding and action. Baha'i consultation produces communication and cooperation among types and personalities which in the world are separated by abysms of ignorance, antagonism and military force. Our victory over the tendency to exclude other views, other values and other forms of capacity from the final outcome of consultation is our contact with the higher powers which alone can enable us to attain the goal. Baha'i unity is not the result of self-suppression any more than of suppression by others, but a balance between initiative and sacrifice to the majority decision which stands as one of the new attributes of life in this Dispensation. As we perceive the differences in the rate of growth and maturity among the local communities, we can realize that confirmation does not depend upon numbers nor upon the size of the city nor upon its geographical location, but upon its degree of unity and its power for consultation. The forces of confirmation, we are told, lie everywhere about us, awaiting the conditions under which they can enter into the operation of community life. May we not make a higher resolve, as individuals, to permit no further continuance of any latent tendency to feel aloof from any fellow-believer, and as communities hasten to remove any condition of disunity which may have been perpetuated from former times. The conscious soui lives in the eternal present, and the present need not be a repetition of the past but a spiritual conquest unique and ever-renewed. The time has come for unexampled effort. To meet the tests imposed by Baha'u'llah Himself we must turn resolutely from those artificial tests which sometimes we have imposed upon other believers or resented their imposition upon ourselves. An entire Baha'i community can be made radiant by a changed attitude on the part of two or three believers. In that same letter of February 8, the Guardian declared: ttTbough much has thus far been achieved, yet the processes now set in motion through the evolution of the Plan are still too rudimentary to permit even a faint glimpse of the brilliancy of the epoch in which 'Abdu'l-Baha's own Plan must come to fruition. Ours is the solemn, the inescapable duty to labor faithfully and unremittingly to insure that no opportunity is being missed, that no avenues are left unexplored, that might, however indirectly, contribute to the furtherance of those tasks that claim so insistently our immediate attention." The Advent of Divine Justice The communication addressed to the American believers by Shoghi Effendi under date of December 25, 1938, and published with the title The Advent of Divine Justice, brought to us the supreme blessing of the current Baha'i year. In its clear unfoldment of the future, its directions for concentration of effort upon specific tasks for a long period of time, its exposition of the prerequisites for the success of our collective action, and its unification of the inner and outer aspects of Baha life at this crucial hour, this message conveys to us that spiritual food our souis and minds and hearts so poignantly require. Its assimilation into the very depths of our being will prepare us for victory over the tasks and trials that must signalize the establishment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah upon earth. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY By: HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary. [p138] 138 THE BAHA'I WORLD SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT NATIONAL S PIRITUA BA HA I S OF THE AND CANAD THE month covered by this supplementary report has been notable in the swift development of events, signifying a great acceleration in the field of Baha'i action. Communications from the Guardian received in this period include, first, the fol Ñ lowing cablegram dated April 1: "Assure each pioneer immeasurable gratitude. Such vigorous response, in such perilous times, to so vital a call, opens brilliant epoch in the formative age of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Impelled congratulate Assembly for its wise, efficient stcwardship." Ñ And second, a letter dated March 17, which informs us that the roll of pioneers has been augmented by the names of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Bidwell, who had informed Shoghi Effendi that they have established residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in order to raise up a Baha community in that State. To the number of local groups qualified to form new Assemblies, the groups at Albuquerque can now be added. From Miss Martha Root has come a bundle of newspaper clippings describing her activities in Australia, with a schedule indicating some thirty public meetings during the first few weeks after her arrival from India. The far country of Lapland has been illumined with the light of the Faith by the indomitable energy of Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher, who has been traveling in that land and spreading the Message in recent months. The reprint of the Master's address at the Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at Chicago in 1912, already mentioned, has now been made, and copies are available to delegates and friends. In a few words, 'Abdu'l-Baha gave the American people so many years ago the reality of human oneness, and now it is our privilege to ponder His message on race amity with deeper understanding, and share it with the leaders of opinion throughout the country. Similar reprints of L ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED STATES A Ñ 193 81939 striking Baha'i texts are to follow as rapidly as conditions justify, thus adding to our teaching literature a series of expositions that cannot fail to command the attention of awakened souL. The present Convention is privileged to receive visits from coworkers from other lands. Mr. and Mrs. Sabet are here from Tibrin, on a visit that will take them to a few of the larger cities and perhaps also include both World's Fairs. Moreover, we have as honored guests not one, as had been anticipated, but four members of the new Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City: Pedro Espinosa, Mrs. Refugio Ochoa, Miss Zenay da Jurado, and Mrs. Maria Luisa Jurado, radiant in their enthusiasm and ardent in their service to the Faith. This visit is a great historic event, for it marks the true beginning of that new intercontinental teaching task which the Guardian has expounded for us in The Advent of Divine Justice. 'We join hands and hearts with these coworkers from Baha'u'llah's own native land, and with the coworkers from the newest country blessed with the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. The Master, surely, beholds with joy from on high a gathering so blessed and so pregnant with promise of future achievement. Our foundation has been firmly laid in nearly ninety local Spiritual Assemblies, in the House of Worship rapidly nearing completion, in three Summer Schools, and in a Baha'i community which has acquired a great diversity of experience and manifests a rich variety of gifts. Each successive general communication from the Guardian has clarified our vision, deepened our aims and extended our horizon of consciousness. And flow, as the world trembles on its collapsing basis, the American Baha'i community numbering some thirtyfive hundred souls, is bidden to exemplify the coming of the Kingdom to mankind. In reverence and in true humility we can but turn to the words of Baha'u'llah: [p139] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 139 ~O people of Bali! Ye are the breezes of spring that are wafted over the world. Through you We have adorned the world of being with the ornament of the knowledge of the Most Merciful. Through you the countenance of the world hath been wreathed in smiles, and the brightness of His light shone forth. Cling ye to the cord of steadfastness, in such wise that all vain imaginings may utterly vanish. Speed ye forth from the horizon of power, in the name of your Lord, the Unconstrained, and announce unto His ANNUAL ASSEMBLY UNITED servants, with wisdom and eloquence, the tidings of this Cause, whose splendor hath been shed upon the world of being." ~cThis is the day in which to speak. It is incumbent upon the people of Baha to strive, with the utmost patience and forbearance, to guide the peoples of the World to the Most Great Horizon. Every body calleth aloud for a soul. Heavenly souls must needs quicken, with the breadth of the Word of God, the dead bodies with a fresh spirit." HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary. REPORT Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF ST THE ATES 1939-FOR FOR three successive years the American Baha'i community has responded with all its force to the requirements of the world mission which 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha defined and the Guardian has made a matter of spiritual and administrative action. Only during the current year have we realized the vital importance of that mission and its r3le in making possible the advent of Divine Justice. The Guardian's letter on Divine Justice, published shortly before the 1939 Convention, has raised our spirits to the exalted plane on which alone so consecrated a task can be undertaken. Significant it is that in growing more conscious of the scope and arena of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, we have begun to be somewhat aware of what is meant by the endeavor to be a Baha'i. Above and beyond the realm of outer achievement, therefore, the year now ending has brought us face to face with the spiritual privilege of becoming mature in our faith, firm in our understanding, reverent in our attitude, humble in our feeling, consciously active in our daily lives. Immersed in the depths of the Guardian's call for consecration to be instruments for the establishment of true justice on earth, active in response to the definite plans adopted for the third year of the seven year plan, we came this year to that hour of fatality for man, the beginning of the final phase of the titanic struggle between the nations, the outbreak of savagery in human life, the dread BAHA'IS OF THE AND CANADA 1940 encounter with Destiny, the Armageddon wherein the perverted will of man is at last to be overthrown. Thus a quality of responsibility has been quickened during the current year which betokens a more mature stage in the life of the Baha'i community. The significance of this period was anticipated and defined for us by the Guardian's reply to the message cabled to him by the Thirty-first Annual Convention: tcMomen~ tous deliberations of Thirty-first Convention opening sterner, more glorious chapter in corporate life of ever-advancing, steadily-ex--panding American Baha'i community." For the greater difficulties to be met, a greater power and capacity has been assured. f!Sterner More Glorious Chapter" The year has brought forth a number of great events and conditions to bear witness to the swift working of a superhuman Power. The outbreak of armed hostilities has already been mentioned. We know that nothing can stay this world conflagration except the universal principles of human relations created by Baha'u'llah. Day by day the people come nearer to a conscious understanding of the dire need in which they stand. The work of Baha'i teaching deepens and augments day by day to meet this desperate need. The inner peace and assurance of a Baha'i is a candle burning in the dark. People will turn to the light when they real [p140] 140 THE BAHA'I WORLD ize that the sun of their worldly hopes has set forever. But the condition of international disturbance has its grave effects upon the Baha'i community itself. Here in North America, for example, our community forms part of two distinct political systems, one of them part of an international commonwealth, the other localized to one continent. To maintain perfect spiritual communication, active cooperation and identity of common purpose throughout this Baha'i community, we must rise more and more above the pressure of public opinion and stand upon the sacred and inviolable ground of faith in His Message and in the World Order He has ordained. But of far more gravity is the implication conveyed to us by Shoghi Effendi in his cablegram of August 30, 1939: ttShades (of) night descending (upon) imperilled humanity inexorably deepening. American believers, heirs (of) Baha'u'llah's Covenant, prosecutors (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha's Plan, (are) confronted (by) supreme opportunity (to) vindicate indestructibility (of their) Faith, inflexibility (of their) resolution, incorruptibility (of their) sanctity (for the) appointed task. Anxiously, passionately entreat them, whatever obstacles (the) march (of) tragic events may create, however distressing (the) barriers (which the) predicted calamities raise between them and (their) sister communities, and possibly (their) Faith's 'World Center, unwaveringly hold aloft (the) Torch whose infant Light heralds the birth (of the) effulgent World Order destined (to) supplant disrupting civilization." Must we repeat in our lives that tragic separation from the creative Center of the Faith which was the tragic result of the European War in cutting off the beloved Master from the American Baha'is Are we to vindicate our more matured faith and the power of our administrative order by proving that interruption of outer, physical intercourse can not produce any deterioration in the quality of our understanding nor in the character of our collective effort? Will not the Guardian be with us always in the principles he has clarified, the institutions he has fostered, the unity he has built and the inspiration he has released? Whatever betide, he has given to the Baha'is all that they need to press forward to the goals he pointed out in The Advent of Divine Justice, that source of inexhaustible guidance for the Baha'is of the West. The passing of Martha L. Root, first to respond to Abdu'l-Baha's unveiling of the Divine Plan, has placed its indelible mark upon the current Baha'i year. Of this soui Shoghi Effendi declared in his cablegram of October 3: C~Mth~ unnumbered admirers throughout Baha'i world lament with me (the) earthly extinction (of) her heroic life. Concourse on high acclaim her elevation (to) rightful position (in) galaxy (of) Baha'i immortals. Posterity will establish her as foremost Hand which 'Abdu'l-Baha's will has raised up (in) first Baha'i century. Present generation (of) her fellow-believers recognize her (to be the) first, finest fruit (which the) Formative Age (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah has as yet produced. Advise hold befitting memorial gathering (in) Temple (to) honor one whose acts shed imperishable lustre (on) American Baha'i community. Impelled share with National Assembly expenses (of) erection (of) monument (in) symbolic spot, (the) meeting-place of East (and) West, to both of which she unsparingly dedicated (the) full force (of her) mighty energies." Indeed, through the travels and unstinted teaching of Martha Root the American Baha'i community attained the honor of serving the Faith throughout the world. In her a basis was laid for Baha'i teachings in South America. In her the nations of Europe, Africa, the Near East, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and the isles of the sea even to Iceland made contact with the Message of Baha'u'llah. But oniy the Guardian's words can pay to such a spirit the tribute its accomplishments in this world have earned. It is for us to realize what faith can do when it comes to dominate a human personality and open doors to the entrance of higher than human aims and powers. Once again is a memorial to be built for the grave of an America Baha who died on the very field of spiritual battle, whose services had made her a Hand of the Cause. To the reverence we have paid to the passing of Keith Ransom-Kehier in Isphahan we add now a deeper reverence as Martha Root's frail [p141] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 141 remains go back to earth in Honolulu, meet-ing-place of East and West. The decision to take legal action for the protection of the sacred rights of the Baha'i community represents a culmination of one aspect of the evolution of the Faith in recent years which the newer believers have had little occasion to consider or understand. To the older Baha'is, however, the preservation of the basis of the unity and integrity of the community is a matter vital to faith and inseparable from the experience of loyalty and service to the Cause. For they have wit.-nessed actual efforts to deny the validity of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mission and question the authority of His station. They have realized vividly and poignantly how the very existence of the Faith depends on loyalty to whosoever has received appointment from the Manifestation. They have experienced the necessity of gathering their forces in order to assert the truth and preserve the community from destruction. Such an experience is forever unforgettable, for it means that conscious choice has been made between light and darkness in the spiritual world. In one form or another, no doubt, no gem-eration of true believers can be spared the necessity of that supreme decision, the recurrence of which seems so essential if the deeper elements of the spiritual life Ñ the struggle and the victory Ñ are to be preserved on earth. Thus has the privilege come for the newer Baha'is to realize that the universe is founded on reward and punishment, and not on a superficial idea of divine benevolence, and that the spirit of faith in choosing the good rejects the evil, and that understanding of the Faith must include knowledge of the working of its deniers. The occasion for the legal action is definite and clear: the claim on the part of non-BaM'is that there are no qualifications of faith in this Cause, but any one is a Baha'i who asserts that he is; and that there is no criterion by which to distinguish between authentic Baha'i literature and literature which some one assumes is Baha'i; and that there is no basis nor foundation in the Revelation of Baha'u'llah for the Baha'i community, with its institutions, its functions and its collective powers and responsibilities grounded in authentic Books and Tablets. In brief, the situation which has arisen is that persons who formerly were believers but who withdrew from the Cause have denied the authority of the Master's Will and Testament. On no other grounds than denial of that mighty Testament can their actions be understood. No compromise is possible. The Baha community will assert the truth, and the issue can be left to God. The Will and Testament itself is a victory over those who violated the Covenant in the Master's lifetime, and the 'Will and Testament invokes divine wrath upon all who seek to destroy what He sacrificed His entire life and being to build. It would be well if local Assemblies could arrange meetings for the study of the Tablets which interpret the meaning of the Covenant. Those Tablets are a vital part of the teachings which in recent years have been neglected through our need to concentrate upon immediate tasks. Another expression of the character of this Baha year has been the action of the National Spiritual Assembly in transferring its headquarters to the Temple area, an action conforming to statements in the Master's Tablets known as America's Spiritual Mission and to passages in the Guardian's general communications. Thus, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah, pages 156157, we find this passage: "The seat round which its humanitarian and administrative activities will cluster are the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar and its Dependencies." The project was adopted subject to the Guardian's specific as well as general approval, and this arrived in a cablegram received June 22, 1939: ttDelighted welcome transference (to) Temple area. Loving appreciation." Something of the inner significance of the move appears in a passage which Shoghi Effendi wrote as long ago as October 25, 1929, when teaching us the importance of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar as a Baha i institution: ~tDivorced from the social, humanitarian, educational and scientific pursuits centering around the Dependencies of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, Baha'i worship, however exalted in its conception, however passionate in fervor, can never hope to achieve beyond the meagre and often transitory results produced by the contemplations of the ascetic or the [p142] 142 THE BAHA'I WORLD communion of the passive worshiper. It cannot afford lasting satisfaction and benefit to the worshiper himself, much less to humanity in general, unless and until translated and transfused into that dynamic and disinterested service to the cause of humanity which it is the supreme privilege of the Dependencies of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar to facilitate and promote. Nor will the exertions, no matter how distinterested and strenuous, of those who within the precincts of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar will be engaged in administering the affairs of the future Baha'i Commonwealth, fructify and prosper unless they are brought into close and daily communion with those spiritual agencies centering in and radiating from the central Shrine of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. For it is assuredly upon the consciousness of the efficacy of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah, reinforced on one hand by spiritual communion with His Spirit, and on the other by the intelligent application and the faithful execution of the principles and laws He revealed, that the salvation of a world in travail must ultimately depend." A fundamental principle has thus been given a new application in the development of the Baha'i community Ñ a principle established by Baha'u'llah, and not found in any prior age. On October 3 the Guardian thus characterized the Assembly's action in a cabled message: "Hail historic act signalizing auspicious conjunction (in) heart (of) North American continent (of the) institutions (of) Jja?iratu'1-Quds (and) Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, (the) twin foci (of) steadily evolving American Baha'i community life. (The) former henceforth regarded as national Seat upon which all administrative channels (of) Baha'i activity must increasingly converge. (The) latter permanently recognized (as) ordained Source from which rays (of) spiritual guidance will radiate. Upon (the) vigorous, constant interaction (of the) dynamic forces which these complementary institutions embodying administrative machinery and incarnating (the) Soul (of the) Baha'i community can release (the) effectual prosecution (of the) Seven Year Plan as well as (the) success (of) ultimate World Mission unquestionably depends. May (the) community responsible (for the) establishment (of) these nascent institutions progressively contribute (to) acceleration (of) their growth and derive fullest benefit (from) their eventual fruition.~~ "Events of such capital institutional significance," the Guardian informed the Baha'is of the West in his general communication dated December 21, 1939, "as oniy future happenings, steadily and mysteriously unfolding at the world center of our Faith, can adequately demonstrate," were constituted by the transfer of the ctsacred remains of the brother and mother of our Lord and Master tAbdu'1-Bahi to Mount Carmel and their final interment within the hallowed precincts of the Shrine of the Nb." That communication, published under title of The Spiritual Potencies of That Consecrated Spot, has been one of the blessings and portents of the Baha'i year. By that dramatic contrast which is one of the essential characteristics of the Cause of God in all epochs, we were able to perceive the hallowed and miraculous element of spiritual life in the sacrificial devotion rendered to Baha'u'llah by the Purest Branch and the Most Exalted Leaf, in such complete opposition to the element represented by those who, having once believed, turn back in denial and betrayal of their trust. Moreover, the Guardian parted for us the veils of mystery sufficient to enable us to realize that the institutions of the Faith unfold only to the degree that they are nourished by the blood of those who both know and adore their Author. A divine civilization draws nigh to men as men draw nigh to God. How mysterious to the materialist is this statement which the Guardian included in the letter: ". The conjunction of the rest-ing-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf with those of her brother and mother incalculably reinforces the spiritual potencies of that consecrated Spot ." Or these words: ". .At this troubled stage in world history the association of these three incomparably precious souls who, next to the three Central Figures of our Faith, tower in rank above the vast multitude of the heroes, Letters, martyrs, hands, teachers and administrators of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, in such a potentially powerful spiritual and administrative Center [p143] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 143 is in itself an event which will release forces that are bound to hasten the emergence in a land which, geographically, spiritually and administratively, constitutes the heart of the entire planet, of some of the brightest gems of that World Order now shaping in the womb of this travailing age." It is good for us, dear friends, to pause frequently and realize that the Faith of Baha'u'llah is a mystery, an ocean of significance and a sea of creative power, not a creed, not a church, not a civilization alone. Through our capacity to revere the followers who stand high above ourselves we may, let us hope, draw nearer to that supreme mystery than we can by employing our reason alone. Finally, the Baha'i year now drawing to a close has been made significant through the martyrdom of May Maxwell while engaged in serving the cause of Inter-America teaching at Rio de Janeiro. This event was interpreted by the Guardian in his cablegram of March 3, 1940: cc 'Abdu'l-Baha's beloved handmaid, distinguished disciple May Maxwell (is) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abbi Kingdom. Her earthly life, so rich, eventful, incomparably blessed, (is) worthily ended. To (the) sacred tie her signal services had forged, (the) priceless honor (of a) martyr's death (is) now added. (A) double crown deservedly won. (The) Seven Year Plan, particularly (the) South American campaign, derives fresh impetus (from the) example (of) her glorious sacrifice. Southern outpost (of) Faith greatly enriched through association (with) her historic resting place destined remain (a) poignant reminder (of the) resisdess march (of the) triumphant army (of) Baha'u'llah. Advise believers (of) both Americas (to) hold befitting memorial gathering." The next day came this cablegram from Ruhiyyih KMnum with its incomparable fragrance of heroic sacrifice and faith: "Humbly grateful beloved mother answered Guardian's call, turned southward (and) sacrificed (her) life (for the) Holy Faith. Beg prayers (her) daughter may follow her footsteps.~~ In the presence of so many and so glorious evidences, testimonies and portents, can we not glimpse something of the Guardian's intent as he cabled these words received January 16, 1940: "The fateful forties, pregnant (for) weal (and) woe (are) ushered in. (The) American believers enter them firmly rooted (in the) fertile soil (of the) administrative order (and) bountifully nourished (by the) vital sap (of the) animation (of) its institutions, spreading its sheltering shadow (to the) farthest corners (of the) Western Hemisphere. Centenary (of the) Birth (of the) Faith (is) approaching. Victories unsuspected (are) within reach (of) community. (The) sooner (they are) achieved, (the) sharper (the) contrast offered (with) distracting miseries afflicting (a) generation (which) Faith alone can (and) must eventually redeem." The Third Year of the Seven Year Plan The newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly, meeting directly after the Convention, had before it the Guardian's cabled advice received April 28, 1939: Settlement (of the) Central American republics (is) next step (in) progressive, systematic penetration (of) Latin America. Upsurge (of) Baha'u'llah's impelling Spirit can not, will not, be stemmed (nor) impeded. Methodical advance along (the) line traced (by) pen (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha irresistible. Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominica (and) Haiti immediate objectives. Though politically unsettled, religiously intolerant, socially backward (and) climatically inhospitable, these unexplored territories hold forth inestimable prizes (for) audacious adventures (in the) path (of) Baha'i service. Dearly-beloved Martha's unrivalled experience, indomitable faith (and) indefatigable labors will soon reinforce (the) powers released (for) contemplated campaign. Task admittedly laborious, hour laden with fate, privilege incomparable, precious divinely-promised aid unfailing, reward predestined immeasurable. Appeal all believers, white and Negro alike, (to) arise (and) assume rightful responsibilities. Urge prolongation (of) sessions (of) Convention (to) enable delegates (to) exercise (their) inalienable right (to) deliberate (and) formulate recommendations designed (to) aid incoming National Assem [p144] 144 THE ]IAHA'I WORLD Recently purchased historical site where the four Baha'i martyrs of 'Jriq, tdn, lie buried. bly resolutely (to) prosecute (this) momentous enterprise. Fervor (of) prayers intensified. In the light of this message, and the opportunities afforded by the remarkable progress in Temple construction during the two previous years, the Assembly prepared and reported the following plan of action for the third year of the Seven Year Plan: Ñ Now the National Spiritual Assembly, after studying the recommendations of the delegates and the reports of committees, presents to the American Baha'i community the schedule of tasks deemed vitally important for the third year of the Seven Year Plan, the 96th year of the Baha'i Era. I. The Annual Budget laid before the believers is $150,000.00. Of this, $35,000 is required for International and Administrative Activities, including property maintenance and committee budgets other than teaching; to be devoted to teaching in North and South America, $40,000; and for continuance of Temple construction through the Baha'i Kliinum Fund, the amount necessary to maintain the schedule is $75,000. II. Inter-America Teaching. These activities include the following items: Training of teachers; Spanish correspondence; bulletins in English and Spanish; a Reference Library; translation and publication of Baha'i literature in Spanish; projects for settlement of new countries; publicity for Latin-Amer-ican press. III. Teaching in North America. Under this general title the American believers are responsible for the maintenance of a large SHOGHI. number of facilities and activities. These must be properly coordinated and made to function vigorously in concentration of effort upon the common aim. Among the items to be noted are: A. The development of administrative communities in the areas which still lack a Spiritual Assembly. B. World's Fair Exhibits. These are in active operation, and are producing lists of interested persons. C. State Fair Exhibits. A traveling exhibit is in preparation, and schedule of Fairs is being developed to the extent of our financial capacity. D. Teaching literature Ñ a field which can be greatly developed. It includes special bulletins, study outlines, the series of teaching literature pamphlets, the use of THE BAHA'I WORLD, Vol. VII, etc. E. Establishment of Latin-American activities in the United States and Canada. The Latin-American communities in many of our cities offer a remarkable teaching opportunity, and a beginning is to be made during the current year. F. Special projects by the National Teaching Committee. G. Development of groups and isolated believers by the RegionM Teaching Committees. H. Radio. Publicity. J. Local Assembly extension teaching. [p145] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 145 K. Summer Schools. L. Baha'i amity. The function of the race amity activities of former years is to be enlarged in order to fulfill the Guardian's instructions concerning all minorities. M. Youth activities. Child training. IV. Temple Construction. The annual budget contemplates the completion of the exterior decoration by 1942, and the success of this schedule of operations represents a vital aspect of the Seven Year Plan. For the coming years, the following task is assigned: A. Completion of gallery contract. B. Completion of first story models contract. C. Completion of first story molds contract. D. Completion of purchase of quartz needed for first story. E. Begin casting and application of external decoration to first story. This item has paramount importance, for delay in beginning this part of the work would interfere with the schedule adopted for the Seven Year Plan. Progress of Temple Work By August, 1939, had been completed the first great achievement in Temple construction under the Seven Year Plan Ñ the exterior decoration of the gallery section. This is one of the most beautiful units of the entire scheme, and its completion has enhanced the appearance of the House of Worship incomparably. Without waiting for the accumulation of all the funds required for the first story level, the Assembly provided sufficient funds to the Temple Trustees in August to make possible a contract calling for the exterior decoration of the nine first story pyions to one-third their height. This work was finished well before the date of December 31, 1939, which the contract called for. The current year has seen likewise the completion of the contracts for models and molds required for exterior decoration of the first story, the purchase of the quartz needed for casting the first story units, and the purchase of steel and wire also required. This means that all the preliminary work has been done leading up to the casting and application of the units on the first story, the final stage in this part of the Temple construction; the other work to be accom pushed being the construction of the external stairs which are to rest upon the sloping deck of the foundation; some metal work, the nine entrance doors and grill work on certain windows; and such treatment of grounds and the interior of the edifice as may be decided on conclusion of the Seven Year Plan. The National Spiritual Assembly laid before the Baha'i community in February, 1940, a plan, approved and endorsed by Shoghi Effendi, calling for the funds needed to place the contract for the casting and application of the first story units, $95,000, plus $30,000 the estimated cost of the stairs, iess the sums already expended amounting to $19,183.22, or a total of $105,816.78. Of this amount the Assembly reported that $50,000 would be required by April, 1940, the balance being payable during 1941. The essential purpose of this plan was to make possible the completion of all the work called for under the Seven Year Plan by 1942, two years ahead of schedule. The Guardian's approval, and his participation in the plan, was reported in a letter dated December 27, 1939: ccTh Plan which your Assembly has suggested to raise the sum of fifty thousand dollars by next April, which will enable you to place the necessary contracts for the final completion of the entire First Story 'of the Mashriqu'1 Ñ Adhk6x, meets with my unqualified approval. It was specially in order to initiate and encourage the progress of such a plan that I felt impelled to pledge the sum of one thousand pounds in the memory of these two glorious souls who, apart from the Founders of the Faith and its Exemplar, tower, together with the Greatest Holy Leaf, above the rank and file of the faithful. "The interval separating us from that date is admittedly short. The explosive forces which lie dormant in the international field may, ere the expiry of these fleeting months, break out in an eruption that may prove the most fateful that mankind has experienced. It is within the power of the organized body of the American believers to further demonstrate the imperturbability of their faith, the serenity of their confidence and the unyielding tenacity of their resolve." [p146] 146 THE BAHA'I WORLD At the time of this writing about onehalf the $50,000 has been made available, and the continuance of the construction work is abundantly assured. The Penetration of Latin America Nothing in the history of the Faith in America compares with the response which has been made to the Guardian's appeal for settlement of pioneer teachers in Latin-American countries. By March, 1940, it is possible to record the following impressive list of American teachers either settled in or on their way to various countries in Central and South America. In addition, Spanish translations of a number of Baha'i texts are either completed in manuscript or on the press for publication; and plans for additional settlements as well as the return of Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart to South America for a prolonged stay are nearly completed. Mathew Kaszab, Nicaragua. Mrs. Louise Caswell, Mrs. Cora Hit Oliver, Panama. Gerrard Sluter, Guatemala. Mrs. Amelia Ford, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Costa Rica. John Eichenauer, Jr., Clarence Iverson, San Salvador. Antonio Roca, Honduras. Mr. and Mrs. John Si-mw, Jamaica. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Marangella, Cuba. Margaret Lena, Dominican Republic. Lenora Holsapple, Brazil. Wilf rid Barton, Uruguay. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Laws, Chile. Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala, Priscilla Rhodes, Venezuela. John Stearns, Ecuador. Thus a vast and far-reaching project has been firmly established, its aim the realization of the Guardian's plea for Baha'i groups in all countries of Central and South America by the end of the first century of the Baha'i Era. Mrs. Stewart's second journey to South America had great results in forming permanent groups in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo and in Chile. The Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City is taking an active part in the important work of Spanish translation as well as in extending the Cause in Mexico. The visit made by Mrs. Thomas Collins to Mexico City during the past year forged firmer bonds of unity and cooperation between the Baha'is of that city and their coworkers in North America. Finally, the element of spiritual sacrifice and martyrdom has been brought into the mighty task in the passing of Mrs. May Maxwell. Consolidation of Teaching Work in North America A most powerful impetus has also been given to the teaching activities maintained during the year by the National and Regional Teaching Committees, the local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals who have served as pioneers or traveling teachers. The record of pioneer settlements arranged during the past two years reveals the fact that all parts of the United States and Canada now reflect the light of the new Revelation. Honor Kempton, Betty Becker, Mrs. Joy Allen, Alaska. Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Kalantar, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Delaware. Helen Griffing, Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. D. T. McNally, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bidwell, Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, Miss Maud Mickle, Miss Wheeler, South Carolina. Mrs. Marguerite Reirner Sears, Lloyd Byars, Utah. Neysa Grace Bissell, C. Grant, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Dali, Harold Hunt, Mr. Brandon, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Virginia. Martha Fettig, Alabama. Rezi Sunshine, Arkansas. Marvin Newport, Iowa. Mrs. Olivia Kelsey, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bab, Mrs. Dorothy Logelin, Pearl Berk, Louisiana. Mrs. Marguerite Bruegger, North Dakota. Mrs. Dwight Edson, Mrs. Kathryn Frank-land, Fred Kiuss, Mr. Brandon, Texas. Nayan Hartfielcl, Missouri, Mrs. Lorol Jackson, Montana. Mrs. Beulah Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade, Nova Scotia. Rowland Estall, Manitoba. Doris Skinner, Alberta. Mrs. Kathryn Moscrop, Saskatchewan. [p147] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 147 The activities of these consecrated teachers, the development of study groups, and the preparation of new groups for the formation of a Spiritual Assembly, are reported in detail in the accompanying annual report of the National Teaching and the Regional Teaching Committees. What emerges is the vital fact that the entire Baha'i community has become penetrated with a new quality of vigor and a new determination to lay strong foundations for the new order ere the old crashes to the ground. The many activities which, under various Committees, make up the teaching work in its entirety, can oniy be grasped if we follow the Reports from all Committees. A word might be added here about the Baha'i Exhibits maintained at the Expositions conducted at San Francisco, New York and Toronto. In the beauty of the exhibits, the vast amount of literature taken by visitors, the duration of the effort and the contribution made by the many believers who gave their time to be in attendance day by day, these 'World Fairs, and the Canadian National Exposition, mark a new and higher standard of participation in teaching activ-fry in connection with public enterprises. The experience gained by the Baha'is themselves is perhaps no less important for the future than the interest aroused by the several hundred thousand printed summaries of the Faith given to inquirers. By March 1, 1940, authorization for formation of a local Spiritual Assembly on April 21 had been voted by the National As Ñ semby to groups in the following cities: Waukegan and Madison, Wisconsin; Santa Rosa, Big Bear Lake, Beverly Hills and Burbank, California; West Haven, Connecticut; Omaha, Nebraska; and Atlanta, Georgia. Applications had been received, not yet acted on, from Santa Barbara, California, and Brookline, Massachusetts. These eleven new Assemblies will increase the number of local Assemblies in North America to 96. Eighty-eight Assemblies were elected on April 21, 1939, since when the removal of members to other cities and other reasons have dissolved the Assemblies of Moncton, New Brunswick, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Toledo, Ohio. From early in April, 1939 to March 10, 1940, a total of three hundred and sixty-eight enrollments were reported by the local Assemblies, some of these representing transfers of membership from one community to another. The report from Los Angeles was 56, from New York 36, from Chicago 22 and from Toronto 19. These figures do not list those who enrolled as isolated believers or members of groups. Communications from the Guardian The guidance and strength which the American Baha'is have received from Shoghi Effendi have enabled them to understand the true character of these passing days, anticipate the trend of world affairs, and concentrate upon the most important spiritual task. Space permits the recording of oniy some of the passages which during the year have been published in BAHA'I NEWS in their entirety for the believers. ccThe initial phase of the teaching work operating under the Seven Year Plan has at long last been concluded. They who pushed it forward have withstood the test gloriously. By their acts, whether as teachers or administrators, they have written a glorious page in the struggle for the laying of a continent-wide foundation for the administrative Order of their Faith. At this advanced stage in the fulfillment of the purpose to which they have set their hand there can be no turning back, no halting, no respite. To launch the bark of the Faith, to implant its banner, is not enough. Support, ample, organized and unremitting, should be lent, designed to direct the course of that work and to lay an unassailable foundation for the fort destined to stand guard over that banner. "The National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee, the Regional and local teaching committees, no less than the itinerant teachers, should utilize every possible means calculated to fan the zeal, enrich the resources and insure the solidity and permanency of the work, of those who, actuated by so laudable and shining a spirit of self-sacrifice, have arisen to face the hazards and perils of so holy and historic an adventure. Indeed every believer, however humble and inexperiencd, should sense the obligation to play his or her part in a mission that involves so very deeply the des. [p148] 148 THE BAHA'I WORLD tinies not only of the American Baha'i community but of the nation itself. "Whether through the frequency of their visits, the warmth of their correspondence, the liberality of their support, the wisdom of their counsels, the choice of the literature placed at the disposal of the pioneers, the members of the community should, at this hour when the sands of a moribund civilization are inexorably running out, and at a time when they are preparing themselves to launch yet another stage in their teaching activities, insure the security and provide for the steady expansion, of the work initiated in those territories so recently set alight from the torch of an inextinguishable Faith. "This is my plea, my supreme entreaty." April 17, 1939. ttlnexpressibly moved, grateful (for) stirring, unique message. Momentous deliberations (of) Thirty-first Convention opening sterner, more glorious chapter in corporate life (of) ever-advancing, steadily-ex-panding American Baha'i community. Admiration heightened, confidence immensely fortified (by) fresh revelations (of) community's latest strength hastening inevitable hour signalizing spiritual conquest (of) entire NQ~estern Hemisphere." May 1, 1939. "Progress reflected (in) recently published National Reports inspiring, significant. Convey (to) responsible Committees abundant gratitude, heartfelt congratulations. Advise mail one copy (to) each Community (of) Baha'i World as example worthy emulation, as source (of) abiding comfort, as stimulus (of) greater exertions, nobler perseverance. May 9, 1939. CCTII,~ concerted activities of the followers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent assume, as they multiply and develop, a dual aspect, and may be said to fall into two distinct categories, both equally vital and complementary to each other. The one aims at the safeguarding and consolidation of the work already achieved; the other is designed to enlarge the range of its operation. The former depends chiefly for its success upon the capacity, the experience and loyalty of wise, resourceful and judicious administrators, who, impelled by the very nature of their task, will be increasingly called upon to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in protecting the interests of the Faith, in resolving its problems, in regulating its life, in enriching its resources, and in preserving the pristine purity of its precepts. The latter is essentially pioneer in nature, demanding first and foremost those qualitks of renunciation, tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor that can alone brave the dangers and sweep away the obstacles with which an infant Faith, struggling against vested interests and face to face with the entrenched forces of prejudice, of ignorance and fanaticism, must needs contend. In both of these spheres of Baha'i activity the community of the American believers, it is becoming increasingly evident, is evincing those characteristics which must be regarded as the essential foundation for the success of their dual task. CCAS to those whose function is essentially of an administrative character it can hardly be doubted that they are steadily and indefatigably perfecting the structural machinery of their Faith, are multiplying its administrative agencies; and are legalizing the status of the newly established institutions. Slowly and patiently they are canalizing the spirit that at once directs, energizes and safeguards its operation. They are exploiting its potentialities, broadcasting its message, publicizing its literature, fostering the aspirations of its youth, devising ways and means for the training of its children, guarding the integrity of its teachings, and paving the way for the ultimate codification of its laws. Through all the resources at their disposal, they are promoting the growth and consolidation of that pioneer movement for which the entire machinery of their Administrative Order has been primarily designed and erected. They are visibly and progressively contributing to the enrichment of their unique community life, and are insuring, with magnificent courage and characteristic promptitude, the completion of their consecrated Edifice Ñ the embodiment of their hopes and the supreme symbol of their ideals. "As to those into whose valiant and [p149] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 149 trusted hands Ñ and no believer, however humble is to think himself debarred from joining their ranks Ñ the standards of a f or-ward marching Faith have been entrusted, they too with no less zest and thoroughness are pushing farther and farther its frontiers, breaking new soil, establishing fresh outposts, winning more recruits, and contributing to the greater diversification and more harmonious blending of the elements comprised in the worldwide society of its followers. 'tThe Edifice of this New World Order, which the B~b has heralded, which the mind of Baha'u'llah has envisioned, and whose features 'Abdu'l-Baha, its Architect, has delineated, we, whatever our capacities, opportunities, or position, are now, at so precarious a period in the world's history, summoned to found and erect. The community of the Most Great Name in the Western Hemisphere is, through the nature of its corporate life and the scope of its exertions, assuming, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a preponderating share in the laying of such a foundation and the erection of such a structure. The eyes of its sister communities are fixed upon it. Their prayers ascend on its behalf. Their hands are outstretched to lend whatever aid lies within their power. I, for my part, am determined to reinforce the impulse that impels its members forward to meet their destiny. The Founders of their Faith survey from the Kingdom on high the range of their achievements, acclaim their progress, and are ever ready to speed their eventual triumph." May 22, 1939. "Newly-launched Central American campaign marks official inauguration (of) long-deferred World Mission constituting 'Abdu'l-Baha's distinctive legacy (to the) Baha'i Community (of) North America. Chosen Community broadening its basis, gaining (in) stature, deepening (in) consecration. Its vanguard now entering arena monopolized (by) entrenched forces (of) Christendom's mightiest ecclesiastical institutions. Laboring amidst race foreign in language, custom, temperament embracing vast proportion (of) New World's ethnic elements. American believers' isolated oversea teaching enterprises hitherto tentative, intermittent, now at end. New epoch opening, demanding exertions incomparably more strenuous, unflinchingly sustained, centrally directed, systematically organized, efficiently conducted. Upon alacrity, tenacity, fearlessness (of) present prosecutors (of the) unfolding mission depend speedy (and) fullest revelation, in the First (and) Second Centuries (of the) potentialities (of the) birthright conferred (upon) American believers. Convey (to) piQneers (in) North, Middle (and) South America my eagerness (to) maintain with each direct, personal contact. Assure Teaching (and) Inter-America Committees (my) delight (at) successive testimonies (of) believers' glowing spirit reflected (in) Minutes, letters (and) reports recently received. Entreat every section (of) community (to) labor unremittingly until every nation (in) Western Hemisphere (is) illumined (by) rays (and) woven (into) fabric (of) Baha'u'llah triumphant Administrative Order." May 28, 1939. ccThe readiness of your Assembly, as expressed in your recently cabled message, to transfer the National Baha'i Secretariat to the vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette has evoked within me the deepest feelings of thankfulness and joy. Your historic decision, so wise and timely, so surprising in its suddenness, so far-reaching in its consequences, is one that I cannot but heartily and unreservedly applaud. To each one of your brethren in the Faith, throughout the United States and Canada, who are witnessing, from day to day and at an ever-hastening speed, the approaching completion of their National House of Worship, the great Mother Temple of the West, your resolution to establish within its hallowed precincts and in the heart of the North American continent the Administrative Seat of their beloved Faith cannot but denote henceforward a closer association, a more constant communion, and a higher degree of coordination between the two primary agencies providentially ordained for the enrichment of their spiritual life and for the conduct and regulation of their administrative affairs. To the far-flung Baha'i communities of East and [p150] 150 THE BAHA'I WORLD West, most of which are being increasingly proscribed and ill-treated, and none of which can claim to have had a share of the dual blessings which a specially designed and constructed House of Worship and a fully and efficiently functioning Administrative Order invariably confer, the concentration in a single locality of what will come to be regarded as the fountainhead of the community's spiritual life and what is already recognized as the mainspring of the administrative activities, signalizes the launching of yet another phase in the siow and imperceptible emergence, in these declining times, of the model Baha'i community Ñ a community divinely ordained, organically united, clear-visioned, vibrant with life, and whose very purpose is regulated by the twin directing principles of the worship of God and of service to one's fellowmen. CCThe decision you have arrived at is an act that befittingly marks the commencement of your allotted term of stewardship in service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Moreover, it significantly coincides with the inauguration of that world mission of which the settlement of Baha'i pioneers in the virgin territories of the North American continent has been but a prelude. That such a decision may speedily and without the slightest hitch be carried into effect is the deepest longing of my heart. That those who have boldly carried so weighty a resolution may without pause or respite continue to labor and build up, as circumstance permit, around this administrative nucleus such accessories as the machinery of a fast evolving administrative order, functioning under the shadow of, and in such close proximity to, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar must demand, is the object of my incessant and fervent prayer. That such a step, momentous as it is, may prove the starting point for acts of still greater renown and richer possibilities that will leave their distinct mark on the third year of the Seven Year Plan is a hope which I, together with all those who are eagerly following its progress, fondly and confidently cherish." July 4, 1939. "A triple call, clear-voiced, insistent and inescapable, summons to the challenge all members of the American Baha community, at this, the most fateful hour in their history. The first is the voice, distant and piteous, of those sister communities which now, alas, are fettered by the falling chains of religious orthodoxy and isolated through the cruel barriers set up by a rampant nationalism. The second is the plea, no less vehement and equally urgent, of those peoples and nations of the New World, whose vast and unexplored territories await to be warmed by the light and swept into the orbit of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The third, more universal and stirring than either of the others, is the call of humanity itself crying out for deliverance at a time when the tide of mounting evils has destroyed its equilibrium and is now strangling its very life. ccThese imperative calls of Baha'i duty the American believers can immediately if only partially answer. Their present status, their circumscribed resources, debar them, however great their eagerness, from responding completely and decisively to the full implications of this threefold obligation. They can neither, individually nor through their concerted efforts, impose directly their will upon those into whose hands the immediate destinies of their persecuted brethren are placed. Nor are they as yet capable of launching a campaign of such magnitude as could capture the imagination and arouse the conscience of mankind, and thereby insure the immediate and full redress of those grievances from which their helpless co-religion-ists in both the East and West are suffering. They cannot moreover hope to wield at the present time in the councils of nations an influence commensurate with the stupendous claims advanced, or adequate to the greatness of the Cause proclaimed, by the Author of their Faith. Nor can they assume a position or exercise such responsibilities as would enable them by their acts and decisions to reverse the process which is urging so tragically the decline of human society and its institutions. "And yet, though their influence be at the present hour indecisive and their divinely-conferred authority unrecognized, the rOle they can play in both alleviating the hardships that afflict their brethren and in at [p151] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 151 tenuating the ills that torment mankind is none the 'ess considerable and far-reaching. By the range and liberality of their contributions to mitigate the distress of the bereaved, the exiled and the imprisoned; by the persistent, the wise and judicious interven-don of their elected representatives through the authorities concerned; by a clear and convincing exposition, whenever circumstances are propitious, of the issues involved; by a vigorous defence of the rights and liberties denied; by an accurate and dignified presentation of the events that have transpired; by every manner of encouragement which their sympathies may suggest, or their means permit, or their consciences dictate, to succor the outcast and the impoverished; and above all by their tenacious adherence to, and wide proclamation of, those principles, laws, ideals, and institutions which their disabled fellow-believers are unable to affirm or publicly espouse; and lastly, by the energetic prosecution of those tasks which their oppressed fellow-workers are forbidden to initiate or conduct, the privileged community of the American Baha'i can play a conspicuous part in the great drama involving so large a company of their unemancipated brethren in the Asiatic, the European and African continents. ccTheir duties towards mankind in general are no iess distinct and vital. Their impotence to stem the tide of onrushing calamities, their seeming helplessness in face of those cataclysmic forces that are to convulse human society, do not in the least detract from the urgency of their unique mission, nor exonerate them from those weighty responsibilities which they alone can and must assume. Humanity, heedless and impenitent, is admittedly hovering on the edge of an awful abyss, ready to precipitate itself into that titanic struggle, that crucible whose chastening fires alone can and will weld its antagonistic elements of race, class, religion and nation into one coherent system, one world commonwealth. CrThe hour is approaching" is Baha'u'llah's own testimony, ~rwhen the most great convulsion will have appeared I swear by God! The promised day is come, the day when tormenting trials will have surged above your heads, and beneath your feet, saying: Waste ye, what your hands have wroisght.'" Not ours to question the almighty wisdom or fathom the inscrutable ways of Him in whose hands the ultimate destiny of an unregenerate yet potentially glorious race must lie. Ours rather is the duty to believe that the worldwide community of the Most Great Name, and in particular at the present time its vanguard in North America, however buffeted by the powerful currents of these troublous times, and however keen their awareness of the inevitability of the final eruption, can, if they will, rise to the level of their calling and discharge their functions, both in the period which is witnessing the confusion and breakdown of human institutions, and in the ensuing epoch during which the shattered basis of a dismembered society is to be recast, and its forces reshaped, redirected and unified. 'With the age that is still unborn, with its herculean tasks and unsuspected glories, we need not concern ourselves at present. It is to the fierce struggle, the imperious duties, the distinctive contributions which the present generation of Baha'is are summoned to undertake and render that I feel we should, at this hour, direct our immediate and anxious attention. Though powerless to avert the impending contest the followers of Baha'u'llah can, by the spirit they evince and the efforts th~y exert help to circumscribe its range, shorten its duration, allay its hardships, proclaim its salutary consequences, and demonstrate its necessary and vital rOle in the shaping of human destiny. Theirs is the duty to hold, aloft and undimmed, the torch of Divine Guidance, as the shades of night descend upon, and ultimately envelop the entire human race. Theirs is the function, amidst its tumults, perils and agonies, to witness to the vision, and proclaim the approach, of that recreated society, that Christ-promised Kingdom, that World Order whose generative impulse is the spirit of none other than Baha'u'llah Himself, whose dominion is the entire planet, whose watchword is unity, whose animating power is the force of Justice, whose directive purpose is the reign of righteousness and truth, and whose sup-preme glory is the complete, the undisturbed, and everlasting felicity of the whole of human kind. By the sublimity and serenity of [p152] 152 THE BAHA'I WORLD their faith, by the steadiness and clarity of their vision, the incorruptibility of their character, the rigor of their discipline, the sanctity of their morals, and the unique example of their community life, they can and indeed must in a world polluted with its incurable corruptions, paralyzed by its haunting fears, torn by its devastating hatreds, and languishing under the weight of its appalling miseries demonstrate the validity of their claim to be regarded as the sole repository of that grace upon whose operation must depend the complete deliverance, the fundamental reorganization and the supreme felicity Gf all mankind." July 28, 1939. "Shades (of) night descending (upon) imperilled humanity inexorably deepening. American believers, heirs (of) Baha'u'llah's Covenant, prosecutors (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha's Plan, (are) confronted (by) supreme opportunity (to) vindicate indestructibility (of) their Faith, inflexibility (of their) resolution, incorruptibility, sanctity (for the) appointed task. Anxiously, passionately entreat them, whatever obstacles (the) march (of) tragic events may create, however distressing (the) barriers (which) (the) predicted calamities raise between them and (their) sister communities, and possibly (their) Faith's 'World Center, unwaveringly hold aloft (the) Torch whose infant Light heralds (the) birth (of the) effulgent World Order destined (to) supplant disrupting civilization." August 30, 1939. ~'B1essed remains (of) Purest Branch and Master's Mother safely transferred (to) hallowed precincts (of the) Shrines (on) Mount Carmel. Long inflicted humiliation wiped away. Machinations (of the) Cove-nant-Breakers (to) frustrate plan defeated. Cherished wish (of) Greatest Holy Leaf fulfilled. Sister, Brother, Mother (and) Wife (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha reunited (at the) one spot designed (to) constitute focal center (of) Baha'i Administrative Institutions at Faith's World Center. Share joyful news (with) entire body (of) American believers." December 5, 1939. ttChristmas eve, (the) beloved remains (of) Purest Branch and Master's Mother laid in state (in) Bib's Holy Tomb. Christmas day, entrusted (to) Carmel's sacred soil. (The) ceremony (in) presence (of) representatives (of) Near Eastern believers profoundly moving. Impelled associate America s momentous Seven Year enterprise (with) imperishable memory (of) these two holy souis who, next (to) Twin Founders (of) Faith and (its) Perfect Exemplar, tower, together with Greatest Holy Leaf, above (the) entire concourse (of the) faithful. Rejoice privilege (to) pledge thousand pounds my contribution (to) Baha'i Khinum Fund designed (for) inauguration (of) final drive (to) insure placing contract next April (for) last remaining stage (in) construction (of) Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Time (is) pressing, opportunity priceless, potent aid providentially promised unfailing." December 26, 1939. tWhe association of the First Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the West with the hallowed memories of the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother, recently re-interred under the shadow of the Bib's holy Shrine, inaugurates a new, and at long last the final phase of an enterprise which, thirty years ago, was providentially launched on the very day the remains of the Forerunner of ~our Faith were laid to rest by our beloved Master in the sepulchre specifically erected for that purpose on Mt. Camel. The birth of this holy enterprise, pregnant with such rich, such infinite possibilities, synchronized with, and was consecrated through, this historic event which, as tAbdu'1-Bahi Himself has affirmed, constitutes the most signal act of the triple mission He had been prompted to perform. The site of the Temple itself was honored by the presence of Him Who, ever since this enterprise was initiated, had, through His messages and Tablets, bestowed upon it His special attention and care, and surrounded it with the marks of His unfailing solicitude. Its foundation-stone was laid by His own loving hands, on an occasion so moving that it has come to be regarded as one of the most stirring episodes of His his [p153] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 153 toric visit to the North American continent. Its superstructure was raised as a direct consequence of the pent-up energies which surged from the breasts of 'Abdu'l-Baha's lovers at a time when His sudden removal from their midst had plunged them into consternation, bewilderment and sorrow. Its external ornamentation was initiated and accelerated through the energizing influences which the rising and continually consolidating institutions of a divinely established Administrative Order had released in the midst of a community that hat? identified its vital interests with that Temple's destiny. The measures devised to hasten its completion were incorporated in a Plan which derives its inspiration from those destiny-shaping Tablets wherein, in bold relief, stands outlined the world mission entrusted by their Author to the American Baha'i community. And finally, the Fund, designed to receive and dispose of the resources amassed for its prosecution, was linked with the memory and bore the name of her whose ebbing life was brightened and cheered by those tidings that unmistakably revealed to her the depth of devotion and the tenacity of purpose which animate the American believers in the cause of their beloved Temple. And now, while the Baha'i world vibrates with emotion at the news of the transfer of the precious remains of both the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother to a spot which, watched over by the Twin hoiy shrines and in the close neighborhood of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, is to become the focus of the administrative institutions of the Faith at its world center, the mere act of linking the destiny of so far-reaching an undertaking with so significant an event in the Formative Period of our Faith will assuredly set the seal of complete triumph upon, and enhance the spiritual potentialities of, a work so sig Ñ nificantly started and so magnificently executed by the followers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent." December 30, 1939. "Delighted (at) ceremony celebrating (the) union (of the) twin institutions. Praying victory similar (to the) one recently won (over) Covenant-breakers (in) Holy Land be achieved by American believers over insidious adversaries (in) City of (the) Covenant." January 23, 1940. rr~ Spirihal Renaissance" A meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at Toronto coincided with the beginning of the new phase in the international struggle. To that meeting came the Guardian's cablegram of August 30. Realizing the vital necessity of maintaining the unity of the Baha community throughout the troubled times to come, and the importance of sharing conscious awareness of the fundamental teachings pertaining to the believers in time of war, the National Spiritual Assembly immediately issued a special number of BAHA'I Nrws in September, 1939. A few excerpts from that message are reprinted in this report. That fateful period has come upon us which to the world appears as the dire climax of all that is destructive in mankind. It is characterized by Shoghi Effendi as the supreme opportunity confronting the Anter-lean Babd'i community. In order to realize that opportunity the Baha'i must hold to certain fixed truths and instruments of action given us under unquestioned spiritual authority, and constituting that basis of Baha'i unity which can never be sundered, impaired, or perverted by human power. As we turn gratefully to the Guidance vouchsafed for the Baha'is through Shoghi Effendi since the Ascension of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Bah6, the older friends, who in 1914 saw the night of war descend upon the world, can appreciate what blessings have been received, and what a vital difference there is between a Baha'i community in the station of infancy, and the same community grown to active and conscious youth. The purpose of this special issue of BAHA'I NEWS is to contribute to the knowledge, the steadfast calm, the sacred unity and the capacity of the American Baha during this fateful period that will terminate forever the institution of war in human society and reveal the Order which has been created by the Manifestation for the oneness of mankind. [p154] 154 THE BAHA'I WORLD The house of Ifliji Mirza JAni in Kish&n which the Baha'is of frdn have recently purchased to be preserved as an historical site. The cablegram from Shoghi Effendi quoted above has many profound implications. First let us recall that other cablegram received September 24, 1938, in which the Guardian established the true attitude of Baha'is in time of war. t~L it (to) World Order (of) Baha'u'llah, security (of) its basic institutions, both imperatively demand (that) all its avowed supporters, particularly its champion buikiers (in the) American continent, in these days when sinister, uncontrollable forces are deepening (the) cleavage sundering peoples, nations, creeds (and) classes, resolve, despite (the) pressure (of) fast crystallizing public opinion, abstain individually, collectively, in word, action, informally as well as in all official utterances (and) publications from assigning blame, taking sides, however indirectly, in recurring political crises now agitating, ultimately engulfing, human society. Grave apprehension lest cumulative effect (of) such compromises disintegrate (the) fabric (and) clog (the) channel (of) Grace that sustains (the) system (of) God's essentially supranational, supernatural Order so laboriously evolved, so recently established." SHOGETI. May be both individually and as members of local communities or groups pray for such purity of vision that we may be wholly [p155] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 155 obedient to the Guardian's appeal, which means nothing else than protecting the light of faith from the storms and tempests of the world! The Baha law under which believers must obey their civil government involves the important question of the performance of military service by Baha'is when conscripted during time of war. We find, among others, three passages bearing directly upon this question: CCBah~Yis and War," Baha'i Procedure, Section One, Sheet 11; c!Gollective Action By League of Nations," Baha'i Pro cedure, Section One, Sheet 12; and the Guardian's letter to an individual believer explaining the Baha'i view of absolute pacifists and conscientious objectors, published in BAT-PA Nrws, January, 1938. A review of these passages and agreement as to their meaning is most desirable by members of local communities. Nothing save understanding of true justice Ñ the baLance characterizing divine truth Ñ will save the Baha'i communities from danger of disruption under the impact of personalities taking extreme views which result in controversy and dissension. "The Baha'i conception of social life is essentially based on the subordination of the individual will to that of society. It neither suppresses the individual nor does it exalt him to the point of making him an antisocial creature. "'The Guardian instructs us that the obligation to render military duty placed by governments upon their citizens is a form of loyalty to one's government which the Baha'i must accept, but that the believers can, through their National Assembly, seek exemption from active army (combatant) duty provided their government recognizes the right of members of religious bodies making peace a matter of conscience to serve in some noncombatant service rather than as part of the armed force." rCT/&e hour is approaching when the must great convulsion will have appeared." Ñ BAHA'U'LLAH. As to the details of coming events, these are not made known to us in the Teachings, save for the large outlines which mark the death of the old era and the birth of the new. But we know that profound changes will take place, and human emotion and thought subjected to every conceivable influence. The Baha'is can and must anticipate tests in the form of pressure exerted through pub-1k opinion, tests in the form of psychic experience claiming to be spiritual guidance, and tests which would sway us emotionally away from the continuity of plan and effort provided by the Guardian. ccFor no less than six consecutive years (from April, 1938) this twofold and stupendous enterprise, which has been set in operation, must, if the American believers are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling, be wisely conducted, continually reinforced and energetically prosecuted to its very end. Severe and unprecedented as may be the internal tests and ordeals which the members of this Community may yet experience, however tragic and momentous the external happenings which might well disrupt the fabric of the society in which they live, they must not throughout these six remaining years, allow themselves to be deflected from the course they are now steadily pursuing. Nay, rather, as the impelling forces which have set in motion this mighty undertaking acquire added momentum and its potentialities are more fully manifested, they who are responsible for its success must as time goes on evince a more burning enthusiasm, demonstrate a higher sense of solidarity, reveal greater depths of consecration to their task, and display a more unyielding determination to achieve its purpose." (April 14, 1938.) The Assembly also acted to publish in pamphlet form the text of the letter which had been submitted to the civil authorities both in the United States and Canada in order to establish the status of Baha'is as noncombatants in time of war. The title of the pamphlet is The Baha'i Teachings on Universal Peace. A Brief Summary Among the activities of the Assembly during the year there might be mentioned briefly the following: On two occasions the Assembly cabled the Guardian an expression of the hope of [p156] 156 THE BAHA'I WORLD the Baha'is that he might bless America with his presence. Action was taken to increase by one-third the amount which the Assembly, for the American Baha'is, contributes regularly to the International Baha'i Fund administered by Shoghi Effendi. The first meeting of the Assembly in its Ua;iratu'1-Quds was held on January 20, 21 and 22, 1940. The occasion was signalized by a special dedicatory gathering held at 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, and then in the Auditorium of the House of Worship, at which the nine members participated in reading passages from Writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, and from the words of Shoghi Effendi. An action taken in connection with the establishment of this Office was to amend Article V of the Declaration of Trust to read as follows: The central office of this Trust shall be located in the Village of Wil-mette, State of Illinois, U. S. A., the site of the Baha'i House of Worship. The Assembly conducted public meetings this year in Toronto, San Francisco, New York and Chicago, and held regional conferences with Baha'is in those four areas. The report submitted by the Properties Representative deals with the subject of the Baha'i properties held by Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly, and supplements the present statement in recording the activities touching the national Baha'i institutions. From that report is taken for emphasis the fact that the Baha'i community has this year received three valuable property gifts: the Mathews property at Colorado Springs, to be used as an International Baha'i School, property from Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch and Mrs. Thomas Collins which will augment the School property already held in that city; and the donation of her house in Berkeley, California, by Mrs. Katherine Prankland in memory of the late Mr. Frankland. A valuable part of this donation is represented by Miss Julia Culver's cancellation of mortgage she had held. The legal steps are being taken for the transfer of this property to the Spiritual Assembly of Berkeley. The first American local Assembly to own its meeting place and Baha'i Center is Cm cinnati, which holds title to a house transferred to the corporate body by a local Baha'i. Action has been taken to make possible the purchase of reproductions of the moving picture film showing 'Abdu'l-Baha in Brooklyn during His American visit of 1912, and reproductions of the Master's voice record are also being prepared. Matters of Baha'i procedure published in BAHA'I NEWS this year have been on the following subjects: the review of manuscripts; truth and rumor; teaching in the Southern States; credentials far traveling believers; credentials of believers from the Orient; the listing of Baha publications; brief outline of procedure on appeals; committee reports; the status of pilgrim's notes; the determination of membership; explanation of transfer of membership; and formation of new Assemblies. No final selection has yet been made of design for the memorial to be erected at the grave of Martha L. Root in Honolulu, but an appropriation has been made and the most suitable material will be chosen as soon as possible. A special contribution has been made this year for the relief of Baha'is in Turkistan and Caucasus, become tragically destitute due to the shattering of their lives under the compulsion of a war era. The American Baha likewise have felt a special and deep anxiety over the unknown fate of Miss Lidia Zamenhof, whose visit in America during 1937 and 1938 won her the respect and admiration of a host of Baha'i friends. The appointment of a Properties Representative makes possible an improvement in the records and maintenance of the various Baha'i properties. Aside from the Guardian's general letters and his communications to the National Assembly on subjects concerning general poi-icy, there are communications written through his secretary which bring answers to specific questions. Such answers are, whenever possible, published in BAHA'I Nrws. Subjects covered in this way during the current year have been: the right of any believer to volunteer for pioneer work; request that newly-incorporated Assemblies send a photograph to transmit to the Guar [p157] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 157 dian; importance of the Race Unity Committee (in letter of July 4, 1939) ; request that associate members are not to be appointed in future; approval of effort by incorporated Assemblies to exercise the legal right to conduct Baha'i marriage service; the fact that the consent of parents is a binding condition; explanation of time for holding Nineteen Day Feasts (letter of December 24, 1939). Gratitude in full measure is due all those members of the active National Committees whose energy and devotion are such vital factors in the total accomplishment of the American Baha'i community year by year. SUPPLEMENT NATIONAL SPIRITUA BAHA'IS OF THE AND CANAD Beloved Friends: A few days before the opening of the Thirty-second Annual Convention, work was resumed on the exterior decoration of the House of Worship. The nine pyions will be completed during the next few months under a contract made possible by the balance in the Baha'i Khinum Fund. Those attending the Convention, moreover, have noted that the grounds have been filled in and a new level attained corresponding to the level of the exterior stairs, almost around the edifice. The approach to Foundation Hall from Linden Avenue is being left ungraded for a time, as it will be necessary to provide a tunnel from the Street to the entrance into what will then be the underground basement of the Temple. The Tem-pie Maintenance Committee has been able to obtain all this fill at a cost of oniy one-third the quotation obtained a year ago. In the April bulletin the friends were informed of the Guardian's cablegram received March 31: "Suggest if feasible place immediate contracts for completion (of) pyions and ornamentation (of) one whole face. Praying early success." Investigations have been made to determine how best to carry out this wish, and how to proceed with the balance of construction as funds are made available from time to time. The re. Their reports are to be considered as extensions of the record which the National Assembly places in the hands of the Baha'is. NATIONAL SrUUTUAL ASSEMBLY ALLEN B. MCDANIEL, Chairman DOROTHY BAKER, Vice-Chairman HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary Louis G. GREGORY, Recording Secretary Ro~ C. WILHELM, Treasurer SIEGFRIED ScHorFLocnrR, Assistant Treasurer AMELIA E. COLLINS LEROY IOAS HARLAN OBER ARY REPORT L ASSEMBLY OF UNITED STATES A Ñ 19 3 91940 THE suit of these investigations, not determined at the date of this writing, can be reported orally to the delegates and later issued to the entire Baha'i community. The important matter at this time is to realize the present status of the amount of Temple construction work definitely allocated to the seven years ending 1944. Financially, the work to be undertaken amounted to $350,000 in June, 1937. The work to be completed henceforth amounts to $ 79,.680.50, plus an estimated $50,000 for metal doors, grilles and landscaping. Within three years of a period covering seven years the American Baha'is, with those munificent donations made by the Guardian himself, have thus accomplished Temple construction work amounting to about $220,000.00. Through contracts amounting to less than $40,000 a year for the next two years, the exterior of the House of Worship can be completed two years before the termination of the Seven Year Plan. This, truly, is a notable achievement to contemplate, and a high standard to set for future generations of believers. Another current accomplishment comparable in importance is the addition to the number of local Spiritual Assemblies made at the time of the annual election on April 21. 'While all reports are not yet received, [p158] 158 THE BAHA'I WORLD the National Assembly can state that since mentioning the eleven applications on hand by the middle of March, groups in Oak Park, Illinois, North Augusta, South Carolina, Hamilton, Ontario, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Aihambra, California, have developed to the point of electoral capacity, the group at La Crescenta, California, may have likewise qualified, while Knoxville, Tennessee, has resumed Assembly status and Scranton, Pennsylvania, has emerged from the difficulties caused by the loss of two active believers who moved to another city. These conditions mean that the American BaU'is have in all probability met the Guardian's expressed hope that one hundred Assemblies exist after April 21, 1940. In a previous section of the report, reference was made to the new properties donated to the Faith this year. This inforrna-tion can now be amplified by the news that Mr. and Mrs. Schopflocher are prepared to execute an Indenture transferring to the Green Acre Trustees title to their property in Eliot, Maine, with the provision that they retain full use and control during their lifetime, the same provision written into the gift of properties at Geyserville and at Colorado Springs. The Eliot property includes the cottage known as ttOle Bull" and the famous CCNine Gables" house, studios and farm. The Assemblies of Boston, Honolulu, Peoria, Binghamton and Helena have recently incorporated, and ByLaws have been approved for the Newark Assembly. Beginning with the April number, World Order Magazine has worked out a more directly Baha'i function and is prepared to provide material for study as well as articles based on the Teachings or on personal experience of avowed Baha'is. This change was made under authority given by the National Assembly, with the twofold aim of serving the believers and of making the magazine self-supporting. The essential point to note in the change is that experience has proved the oniy effective way to reach non-Bah~'is is through Baha'is. The two World's Fair Baha'i exhibits, at New York and San Francisco, will be conducted again this year. New exhibit material has been prepared by the Baha'i Exhibit Committee and is to be seen at the Conven don. The element of visual education is being rapidly developed for Baha'i teaching, and no doubt the number of regional and local exhibits will greatly increase during the coming year. Material on Baha'i marriage certificates, with request for advice and instruction, has been sent to the Guardian. The National Assembly hopes that it will soon be able to provide a proper form f or use by those Assemblies which have satisfied the legal requirements laid down by their state codes. The Guardian is also being consulted concerning any changes in the local ByLaws necessary to define this new authority of local Assemblies. A standard ByLaw will be added to the approved local ByLaws when the Guardian's instructions have been received. The Assembly is pleased to report that through its Chairman, Baha Teachings on peace have been conveyed to the President through his Secretary, and assurance received that the material was placed in the President's hands. New publications under way since the publication of the Annual Reports include: Spanish edition of Esslemont's Hahd'u'!ldh and the New Era; Spanish edition of excerpts from the Master's Will and Testament; Study Outline and Aids for the Guardian's World Order Letters, prepared by the Study Outline Committee; a Corn prehen-sive Study Course for children, prepared by the Child Education Committee; and three Baha'i Reprints which make it possible to hand out important excerpts from the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha and words of Shoghi Effendi in attractive and convenient form. Actions taken at the meeting of the National Assembly held immediately prior to the Convention include authorizations for continuance of Temple work, decision to transfer the Treasurer's Office to the National headquarters at Wilmette, and approval of the brief prepared by the attorney in connection with the legal suit against the parties misusing the name ctBaM~i.~~ The friends are urged to give their careful attention to the passages in which the Guardian refers to the nature of attacks against the Master and His Will and Testa [p159] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 159 The well used by the Bab's in the fortress of Shaykh Tabarsi in M6zindar~n, Ir~in. meat, appearing on pages 89 and 90 of The World Order of Baha'u'llah. Here we find the clearest statement in the writings for discussion of the New History publication dated April, 1940, with new believers and with those attracted to the Faith who have not yet gained the background of understanding and experience to discern the hot-iowness of any argument and claim based upon failure to accept the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The matter will soon come to trial, and the friends can rest assured that the true nature of the Baha'i Faith and of its Administrative Order will be established in accordance with the power and scope of the written and authentic Teachings. Let us realize now the significance of the first collective spiritual gathering of the Baha'is of all the Americas as meetings are held in all Baha'i Centers on April 26 to commemorate the martyrdom of Mrs. May Maxwell. It is indeed a historic occasion, a point of renewal and fresh beginning in the Inter-America teaching work. We recall Baha'u'llah's mighty Tablet to the Presidents of these Republics, the Master's call sounded in the Tablets of America's Spiritual Mission, and the Guardian's vision of the future expounded in The Advent of Divine Justice. The Baha'is of America stand at the converging center of the most tremendous power ever to stream into the hearts of mankind. This is the power ordained to remove mountains of prejudice and cross all the seas of ignorance and division. Ours but to make ourselves instruments to serve those ends and be used by that power! While the world is engaged in political debate and struggle, may the friends of God drink the cup of unity which contains the mysterious ingredient of all success. In conclusion, the recent messages from the Guardian are recorded. Cablegram received February 27: "Con-gratulate alike (the) National Representatives, (the) newly fledged Assemblies, (the) recently despatched pioneers (and the) freshly enrolled believers all concurring (in) common mission (to) energize processes propelling Plan along destined course. Appeal once again (to) every participant, notwithstanding (the) threatening tempest, (to) steadily maintain high aim, dare greatly, toil unremittingly, sacrifice worthily, endure radiantly, unflinchingly till very end. Harvest to be reaped (is) foreordained, incalculably rich, everlasting glorious, visibly approaching." In a letter sent to the Treasurer on January 3, but delayed in transmission, Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, emphasized again the Memorial to be raised in honor of Martha L. Root: "With regard to the Memorial which the N. S. A. is proposing to erect in honor of our beloved Martha, the Guardian is hopeful that the fund which is now being raised for that purpose will receive the full support of the believers, and that the donations which will be sent in will be sufficient to enable your Assembly to erect a befitting monument in memory of our de [p160] 160 THE BAHA'I WORLD parted sister. The friends should be impressed with the importance and significance of this undertaking, and should seize this opportunity of paying their last tribute to so outstanding and indeed matchless a pioneer and servant of the Cause in the 'West." A letter dated February 23 made it clear that the Teaching and Inter-America Committees have different jurisdictions and distinct fields of work. Excerpts from a number of letters written by the Guardian to individual believers were published with his consent in the March issue of BAHA'I NEWS. These explanations cover a wide field of Baha'i interest, and add to our understanding of the Faith. The most recent communication at this date (April 23) is the cablegram received ANNUAL REPOR ASSEMBLY OF BRITISH 'THE annual Convention last year marked a new departure in the work of the Baha'i community of the British Isles. It was recommended at that time that we should function as a teaching organism for the ensuing year with the objective of establishing new Spiritual Assemblies. This suggestion was communicated to the Guardian who replied by cable: t'Delighted urge incoming National Assembly perseverance subordinate all activities teaching objective." Thus, our course for the year was outlined at its very beginning. At its first meeting the National Spiritual Assembly considered this matter and pledged itself to carry out the Guardian's wish, determining that all activities should be considered in the light of teaching. Bradford and Torquay were selected as the two most promising places for the establishment of new Assemblies. The believers in those centres were consulted and plans of campaign mapped out. We are happy to report that owing to the persistent efforts of the resident believers, to the work of visiting teachers, to the sacrifices of all who have contributed to the Fund, and to the unfailing assistance of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Assemblies were April 11: CcDelighted immediate action (on) pyions. Prompted urge, if not too uneconomical, (to) proceed (with the) completion (of) one face. Complete (the) remainder (in) manner most advisable. Welcome contemplated memorial gathering. Moved (to) invite national representatives (and) community join me contribute (to) construction (of) grave being designed (by) Mr. Maxwell at such (a) significant spot for so outstanding (a) pioneer during such momentous stage (in the) dynamic expansion (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah." It is in the spirit of such words that the Baha'is convene at their Annual Convention and prepare themselves to enter the fourth year of the Guardian's Plan. Faithfully yours, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. T Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL THE BAHA'IS OF THE ISLES Ñ i 9381939 elected in both places on April 2 1st. Both communities are represented by delegates at this Convention. We take this opportunity of conveying, through them, our welcome and sincere congratulations. The experience gained through teaching in these two cities has been, and will be, invaluable. Each place presented a different problem. One is in the industrial north, the other in the residential south; climatic, occupational, and temperamental differences are clearly marked. And yet, such is the all embracing power of Baha'u'llah, both communities have grown and become self governing units in the national community, and therefore in the Baha'i world. Some measure of this success must be attributed to the fact that in each case the ground was surveyed before the final plan was made. We receord this procedure for future guidance. As a reinforcement to the teaching campaign the N. S. A. welcomed the suggestion of a regular publication, which should be made attractive to the public and serve as a means of interesting people in the Faith. New World Order was launched as a monthly magazine and has received favourable comment from the Guardian; it has [p161] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 161 been welcomed by Baha'is in other countries. The English believers have supported it fairly well and its circulation is steadily increasing, but a large expansion is required to make it self-supporting. It maintains a high standard and is capable of becoming a very powerful teaching medium. The N. S. A. which went out of office at Rizwan, 1938, that is at the last Convention, had established three annual rallying points for the believers throughout the country. They were Convention, Summer School, and midwinter Teaching Conference. Convention had already provided the soil for the new teaching campaign, and it was decided to make the other two occasions of especial service. Summer School Summer School was a notable success, both from the point of view of attendance and of the standard of the lectures and discus-sums. This was its third year and the attendance was about ninety, nearly three times as many as the first year. The great value of this institution lies in its unifying atmosphere and in the fact that it provides the oniy Baha'i community life at present obtainable in England. Local Baha'i communities have a community life, it is true, but at Summer School, everyone lives, works and plays together; Summer School gives physical shape to the Baha'i community. In addition to the morning lectures excellent talks were given in the evening by Miss Ninette de Valois on The Ballet, by Captain Basil Hall on Peace Duties of the Navy and by Captain St. Barbe Baker on The Soul of Africa. Plans for this year are complete and have been published. A much larger place has been taken and the N. S. A. has guaranteed an attendance of fifty during the bank holiday weekend. Teaching Conference This was a true Baha'i occasion, marked by earnest discussion, unity of purpose, and true happiness. As a conclusion to the Feast of Sharaf (Honour) the twenty-first birth Ñ day of Hosein Mukhless was celebrated, when he declared himself a Baha'i. At the same time the friends heard of the birth of a son to Mrs. Weeks. Believers from Bradford, London, Manchester and Torquay were present, and one isolated believer, Mrs. Cooper of Blackburn. The Conference made the following suggestions to the National Spiritual Assembly. 1. "That the N. S. A. should communicate more frequently with the local Assemblies, in the form of a more personal letter than the Journal." This was agreed to and the chairman of the N. S. A., Miss Challis, undertook to write to each community in the intervals of issues of the Journal. Her letters have been greatly welcomed by the friends. 2. CCTht the Administration should be clarified in the Journal, especially with regard to the relationship of local Spiritual Assemblies to the N. S. A. A copy of Baha'i procedure should be sent to all Assemblies and Groups." Both these suggestions were accepted and acted upon. 3. "That a five year plan should be adopted, with the aim of having at least one believer in every county of England by Riz-wan 1944." This suggestion was held over for discussion by the Convention. Our function as a teaching organism has been further marked by the appearance of a pioneer spirit. A Baha'i family, Mr. and Mrs. Lee with their two children, have moved from Manchester to Brighton. They advised the N. S. A. of their willingness to go to some other district, and moved to Brighton at the N. S. A.'s recommendation. Mr. Lee is making efforts to establish himself in business there, and hopes to be the means of promoting the Faith. The N. S. A. has extended practical help and is confident that Baha'u'llah will bless this family and fulfil its hopes. Incorporation Parallel with the teaching campaign has been a persistent effort to achieve legal status and recognition of the Faith. The Guardian has continually urged the prosecution of this task, both by letter and cable. We were fortunate in securing the services of a lawyer who is particularly interested in this type of work, and who has shown a [p162] 162 THE BAHA'I WORLD sympathetic understanding of the position of the Faith. We wish to record our gratitude to the thorough work and interest of Mr. Dairy, of the law firm of J. Hampson Fogg. Our first attempt was a direct application to the Board of Trade for incorporation by Royal Charter. The attempt failed, but produced good results. The secretary was, in Ñ terviewed by officers of the Board and was able to remove many false impressions aboum the Faith, and a complete and authentic statement of its aims, history, and teachings, now rests in the Board's files. The chief reason for the failure of this attempt was the smallness of our number and the absence of any substantial increase during the past few years. Here is a challenge to every believer. Upon receipt of the Board's refusal, Mr. Drury immediately advised us to incorporate as an unlimited company. The work of drawing up the articles and memorandum of association was begun at once and we are able to report that the document is now here, complete. It will have to be checked for technical corrections and can then be signed and presented to the Court. The effect of this document will be to give the National Spiritual Assembly legal personality and rights. It may enter contracts, receive bequests, hold property under certain restrictions, and exercise all the rights and privileges accorded by law. In addition its constitution has been defined ex Ñ actly according to Baha Administration; the principles governing its operation according to the explicit commands of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha have been written into the memorandum; and its powers in relation to local Spiritual Assemblies and to the Faith in the British Isles have been defined. The method of Baha'i elections has been preserved and provision made for the annual Convention. The enterprise is nonprofit making and has no share capital. Liability is accepted by the individual members of the N. S. A. in equal proportions, and provision has been made for the transferring of this liability when new members are elected. This is undoubtedly one of the most important steps in the history of the Faith in the British Isles, and in spite of the primary disappointment, will, we know, delight the heart of our beloved Guardian, whose continual encouragement has lightened the task. The Baha'i Pu bUshing Trust The Publishing Trust is now established as the chief subsidiary of the N. S. A. and its right hand in teaching. It was started with the sum of £234 Os. Sd. specially contributed for that purpose, and in addition has taken possession of all books and literature previously held by the N. S. A. It acts as distributor for all Baha'i literature, and publishes whatever the N. S. A. requires. The chief publications this year have been a revised edition of Dr. Esslemont's pamphlet Baha'u'llah and His Message and a brief life of Baha'u'llah by H. M. Baha'i. Both these publications have been purchased abroad and have made a good impression. In addition a small calendar, showing the Baha'i Feasts and Anniversaries has been printed. A new prayer book will shortly be available. The manuscript is now with the Guardian. It is hoped to be able to sell it at a shilling. A new book by Mr. Townshend will soon be out, called at present, The Heart of the Gospel. It is a startling exposition of the Bible in the light of the Kitab Ñ i-iqin, and is of vital importance not oniy to Baha'is but to the whole of Christendom. We hope to publish soon Lady Blomfield's book, excerpts of which the friends have been privileged to hear on one or two occasions. It is a compilation from Lady Blom-. field's own notes, given to her by the Greatest Holy Leaf and other ladies of the Holy Family, referring to the Mb, Baha'u'llah, and the Master. Shoghi Effendi has approved it. A sister volume to Mr. Balyuzi's life of Baha'u'llah is expected very soon; a life of 'Abdu'l-Baha. And after that a life of the Bib. During the ensuing year the literature of the Faith should be considerably enriched. Publicity The International Esperanto Congress took place in London during the summer, and a Baha'i session was held on August 1st. A number of the visitors were entertained at the London Centre and many individual contacts were made. [p163] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 163 Attempts were made to arrange publicity in the form of a stand, an exhibition, or simply of literature, at the Glasgow Exhibition, but were unsuccessful. An exhibition was held at Notting Hill Gate, London, in connection with the new magazine. It was kept open for a month, and although the cost was fairly high it was undoubtedly a wise and fruitful expenditure. The premises were made available through the generosity of Miss Nockold. The window was made very attractive and a large number of peopie came in to enquire. Many took literature, some came to the Centre, some attended fireside meetings. The properties used in this exhibition are still available and the N. S. A. recommends this form of publicity. Archives The National Archives have been properly organised, with each object tabulated and described. The Archives have been moved to a place outside London for safety in case of air raids. A robe worn by the Blessed Beauty, several original Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and various other objects of historical importance have been preserved. The American N. S. A. has kindly agreed to retain in its archives original Tablets which were sent there by English believers, until such time as it seems advisable to have them sent over here. The N. S. A. once again stresses the importance of entrusting articles of value to it, for proper preservation. Directly the N. S. A. is incorporated it can make legal claim to the Archives and thus ensure them for posterity. Not oniy original Tablets, but all articles associated with the Founders of the Faith, or with its early history, should be preserved. Finance At the beginning of the year the N. S. A. made a budget of estimated expenditure and published it in the Journal, with an appeal to the friends to suppiy the required amount. This amount was not subscribed, but fortunately expenses were kept well within the amount budgeted. Early in the year a donation of £500 was received and put to Capi Ñ tal fund. It has been necessary to draw on this fund for publicity expenses. During the year the National Fund has received from subscriptions £114, 19s. ad. which is £63 6s. Sd. less than the amount received last year. Last year the Publishing Trust made special demands, but the Teaching campaign requires an even greater effort, and if it is to continue there must be a larger income. National Service Increasing tension in world affairs made it necessary for the N. S. A. to define the attitude of Baha'is to the various military measures being undertaken by the country. The Guardian's instruction was obtained and published in Baha'i Journal. It was to the effect that while we should do everything to obtain exemption from active combatant service, we should volunteer for all services of a humanitarian nature, such as Red Cross, A. R. P., stretcher-bearing, etc. 'Within the last three days Conscription has been introduced by the Government, and it is recommended that the incoming N. S. A. should consider the position of Baha'i Youth in relation to this. Two of the original believers in this country have departed to the realms of their beloved Master during the year. Mrs. Thorn-burgh-Cropper and Mrs. Scaramucci. May they continue to serve Him in their new life. A word should now be said about the internal relationships of the community, as reflected in the activities already described. There has undoubtedly been a continuance of that sense of unity to the awakening of which we have called attention in previous years. The Nineteen Day Feasts have become more significant, and there is, especially among the youth, a growing sense of the significance of the Cause in the world today. The actual work of the administration still falls too heavily on a few people, although here the N. S. A. must express its thanks to those members of the London Youth Group who have helped in typing, addressing and mailing. An examination of the reports of local Spiritual Assemblies indicates that there is [p164] 164 THE BAHA'I WORLD very often a lack of support for measures initiated by them. Some of this is due to the fact that a few of these measures have not impressed the believers as either important or useful to the Faith, and a few have not been understood. We feel that there is room for development in the relationship between the community and its Spiritual Assembly. The community is too often inclined to carry over into the Baha'i world the traditions and sanctions of its previous background. On the other hand the Spiritual Assembly has the duty of educating, encouraging and explaining, in all matters relating to Baha'i procedure. It should initiate new plans, and make departures from accepted methods within the framework of the Administration, but these plans should be fully explained to the community in order to enlist its full support. The Nineteen Day Feast is the proper occasion for this. The community is called to exert every effort to assist the Spiritual Assembly in its work, by frank discussion of difficulties, by endeavouring to understand the mysterious processes by which a Baha community functions, and by a willingness to adopt the new kind of life which the Spiritual Assemblies attempt to foster. The obligation, in the end, rests with each individual. To the extent to which each one penetrates the mystery of the Faith, understands stands its place in the history of our time, becomes impelled by iove of Baha'u'llah to greater and greater devotion in its service, to this extent shall we become significant and be able to affect the destiny of our country and of all mankind. Prayer and meditation, study of the Writings, constant association with all the activities of the Faith, are the food and drink for every soul who would become an actiye member of this teaching organism. Our record for the year, and our outlook for the future are summarised in these words of the Guardian: "A splendid beginning has been made, A firm foundation has been established. Perseverance is now required to bring these devoted, painstaking and concerted efforts to full and speedy fruition. The path you are treading is beset with formidable obstacles, but the invincible power of the Faith will, if you remain faithful and steadfast, enable you to surmount them. My prayers will continue to be offered on your behalf. May Baha'u'llah fulfill every hope you cherish in the service of this Faith. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi." Faithfully, In His Service, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY DAVID HOEMAN, Secretary. [p165] THE CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 165 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY BAHA'IS OF THE BRITISH IS 19391940 OF LES HE year through which we have just passed must stand as a permanent witness to the mysterious working of the almighty power of the Manifestation of God in His Day. His Creative Word, consciously recognised by a numerically insignificant community, instils into it a vigour and unity which enables it to forge ahead in the midst of chaos, to consolidate its painfully wrought institutions and extend the range of its major activities in the heart of a society which has been engulfed in the most destructive war of history. Such a catastrophe, overwhelming mankind, and now directly affecting our own nation, cannot but have an effect on the individual and collective life of the Baha'i community. But it is this very impact of distintegration in the world around us which discloses the source of our strength. For while the circumstances of our life have been disrupted, the Cause which we serve and the vision which we hold has become stronger in our hearts and has evoked an expression of community effort greater than any we have made previously. The preparation, encouragement, and guidance which the Guardian has bestowed upon us, both in his general letters and in messages to the National Spiritual Assembly, becomes more significant as the forces of the age move swiftly to a climax. In The Unfoldment of World Civilisation he drew attention to the two processes of disintegration and construction operating side by side throughout the world. The constructive process, he showed to be directly associated with the rise and consolidation of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. In the light of this analysis of the Age of Transition it is not insignificant that the Incorporation Certificate of the National Spiritual Assembly was received one month before the outbreak of war. For two years prior to this we had, as our Annual Reports mention, been striving to achieve an organic life in the national community which would enable us to go F or-ward as one body in our great task of Teaching. ing. That this has, in some measure, been achieved is proved by the spirit of the Summer School and Teaching Conference, as well as by the extension of teaching work to new centres. It is oniy on the basis of such spiritual achievements that we can ever think to play a part in the reshaping of human society, or try to comprehend the generous praise and thrilling promises which the Guardian has recently showered upon us. ~ wish to reaffirm my deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the splendid manner in which the English believers are discharging their duties and responsibilities in these days of increasing peril, anxiety and stress. Their tenacity, courage, faith and noble exertions will as a magnet attract the undoubted and promised blessings of Baha'u'llah. They have, at a time when the basis of ordered society itself is rocking and trembling, laid an unassailable foundation for the Administrative Order of their Faith. Upon this basis the rising generation will erect a noble structure that will excite the admiration of their fellow-countrymen. My prayers for them will continually be offered at the holy Shrines." Such a message is the greatest Thai-lenge and bounty to us, for no one dare accept it unless it be true in intention, but when it is accepted its promise will be assured. Let us not, however, present a picture which would exaggerate the size of our achievements or our effectiveness. We can as yet make no claim to influence consciously, the spiritual or moral life of our nation. rar from it. We are a small community just beginning to achieve the necessary unity for effective action; we are still in a state of preparation and purification for our greater task. We have yet to win to our cause people of capacity and influence, and the Name of Baha'u'llah is as yet unpro-claimed to our fellow-countrymen. Certain weaknesses in ourselves must be overcome before we can successfully accomplish this task. Chief among these weaknesses is an [p166] 166 THE BAHA'I WORLD insufficient support of the Baha Fund, an inadequate knowledge and understanding of the administrative processes of the Faith, and and a too casual response to measures initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly. First and foremost of our activities has been Teaching. At the last Convention it was recommended that we should concentrate on five cities with a view to establishing communities there whenever possible. The National Spiritual Assembly adopted this plan but oniy two of the cities mentioned by the delegates, Leeds and Bournemouth, were included in the list. Other places, Nottingham and Brighton, presented better opportunities through the presence of resident believers, so these were included. One city, Newcastle, where there are no Baha'is at all, has been given special attention. In Leeds the Bradford Spiritual Assembly has continued teaching work throughout the year, and there is every prospect of success here. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wilkinson have made their home there, bringing the number of resident believers up to four. Meetings have been held, and the Military Tribunal there granted the application of a Baha'i for exemption from combatant service, which resulted in some publicity. Three believers have moved to Bournemouth and the Group there now numbers ten. The Feasts and anniversaries are observed and it is hoped to have a Centre as the chief aid to a teaching campaign. In Nottingham excellent work has been done through the efforts of the resident believer, Esther Richardson. She has arranged meetings with the Esperantists and the Theosophists which have been addressed by visiting teachers, and has gathered together a number of her friends and aroused their keen interest. It is expected that a few of them will come to Summer School. Work in Brighton is hampered by the small amount of time at the disposal of the resident believers, Mr. and Mrs. Lee. A member of the London community lived there for a few weeks, but a planned and sustained campaign is needed. New ground has been broken in Newcastle and much interest aroused. A teacher spent five weeks there before Christmas, and three months after Christmas. Many clubs and societies were addressed, and a series of public lectures given from the platform of the Theosophical Society. Contacts were made in the University, a number of study meetings were held, a good deal of literature has been purchased by interested inquirers and it is hoped that some of them will come to Summer School. The last report of the work there states: CCThe situation now requires steady and continual work. About two hundred people have heard of the Faith directly, and a regular study meeting is required." The local communities have maintained fireside and other teaching meetings. A series of regular study meetings was held in Altrin-chain during the summer by the Manchester Spiritual Assembly, and a successful meeting was arranged with the Rover Scout Crew by Miss Ada Williams, when the interest of about twenty young men was aroused. The first extension work of the Torquay Spiritual Assembly was in Exeter when Mrs. Stevens addressed the Psychology Club. We have begun to teach as a community, coordinating local effort and using national resources, but there is great scope for more individual effort. Two years ago the Guardian cabled us to tcbdi t all activities (to) teaching objective." In our community effort we have attempted to do this, but this command, voiced by Baha'u'llah, the Master, and now by the Guardian, surely applies to our personal lives as well. Minute 47 of the National Spiritual Assembly's meeting on December 3 0th reads as follows: "The whole teaching campaign was reviewed. It was suggested that the plan adopted at the Convention of concentrating on five centres, tended to make the growth of a Baha'i community artificial and hasty. It was suggested that a longer plan Ñ such as achieving 19 Spiritual Assemblies by 1944, would not oniy increase the scope of the National campaign, but prevent undue pressure from being exerted on new coinmu-nities, which would develop far more strongly and healthily by a slower and more natural process of unfoldment. The meeting expressed agreement with this plan, but decided to refer it to Convention for general discussion." [p167] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 167 Incorporation This task was nearly complete at last Convention, and it oniy remains to record that our Certificate was obtained on August 5th. Legal records are maintained at the London centre, and our first annual return has been made to the Registrar of Companies, and to the Income Tax authorities. The National Spiritual Assembly, by virtue of its Loan Account, was chief creditor of a business owned by one of the Baha'is. It was able to use its influence to prevent the business being forced into bankruptcy, and to make an arrangement which it is hoped will eventually benefit both the debtor and the creditors. The Bradford Spiritual Assembly, upon presentation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, was granted exemption from the payment of rates on its Centre. This same document has been of use to the Publishing Trust when entering business contracts, for which guarantees would otherwise have been required. Military Service Following the Guardian's instructions and upholding the principles of the Faith, Baha'i young men who have been conscripted have applied for exemption from combatant service, at the same time stating their unquali-fled readiness to serve in any noncombatant capacity which the Government may indicate. In order to make this application, it is necessary to register as a conscientious objector, a term which does not accurately describe the Baha'i attitude. So far one young man has appeared before a tribunal. His application was granted and the local newspapers printed accounts of a new Faith. Three Baha are already serving in the forces, a number are awaiting their tribunals, and a few are in reserved occupations. A great many members of the community are serving the country in one or other form of National Service such as A.R.P., ambulance driving, etc. Publicity The chief effect of the War has been, so far, to bring to a stop our plans for publicity. At the last Convention it was recoin-mende'J that the N. S. A. should examine the possibilities of wide publicity, such as buying time on the wireless. Plans had been made for a Baha'i stand at the Sunday Times Book Fair last autumn, and negotiations were in progress for obtaining a model of the Temple from the American National Spiritual Assembly. The latter was not available and the Book Fair was cancelled because of the war. At the same time the commercial broadcasting stations closed down, so that no publicity was possible in that direction. The Torquay Spiritual Assembly paid for a brief notice about the Faith in a local paper, and report that their regular meetings are advertised. Meetings have also been advertised in Bradford and Newcastle with good results. The Faith was represented at the South-port Convention of Religions, when a good deal of interest was aroused. Several of those present have subsequently come to meetings in other parts of the country. A number of books have been sent to the agency for distributing books among the services. Mr. Townshend's book, The Heart of the Gospel, was very favourably reviewed in the Irish papers, and has had a good reception there. Baha'i Publishing Trust The establishment of the Publishing Trust has proven to be a sound and invaluable undertaking. It must surely be included in "the unassailable foundation" of which the Guardian speaks. With the incorporation of the N. S. A., the three original Trustees resigned their office, and the N. S. A. became Trustee. The chief work this year has been the following publications: A new edition of Baha'u'llah and the New Era., Dr. Esslemont's standard work on the Faith. With the permission of Mrs. Esslernont a few alterations and some slight additions were made. It is now available at half a crown. The Heart of the Gospel. A brilliant and scholarly work by the author of "The Promise of All Ages." A Ba/id'! Prayer Book, published in a corn Ñ plete and abridged form. The abridged copy has been found very acceptable by non-Bahi'is. [p168] 168 THE BAHA'I WORLD The Baha'i Faith. Five thousand more copies of the penny pamphlet, which every Baha'i needs frequently. New World Order. A reproduction with a few alterations, of the December number of the N. S. K's periodical New World Order. Three thousand copies, for sale at a penny. In addition the publication of Lady Blom-field's book, The Chosen Highway, is well advanced and copies should be available by the end of June. Advanced notices have been printed and circulated. The war presented a grave problem to the Publishing Trust, for restrictions were imposed on the sending of money abroad for nonessential supplies, and in America goods could not be shipped to belligerent countries without cash payment. The standard works of Baha'u'llah and the Guardian are printed in America and we are unable to obtain them. Lady Blomfield, even after her passing, was the means of solving this problem. The American friends ordered a thousand copies of her book, thereby establishing a credit for us, so we have been able to place a large order with the American Publishing Committee, sufficient to meet our needs for some time to come. The friends should realize that the Publishing Trust, to continue its service, will need more money than receipts from books. In order to make literature available at a price within everybody's reach, large stocks have to be carried, and this inevitably ties up liquid capital. Generous donations have been made during the year, but larger sums are needed if we are to have the standard works of the Faith available to the believers and the public. At present it would be possible to publish the KitAb-i-IqAn at a sale price of five shillings if the necessary capital, £75, were subscribed. The capital fund of the Publishing Trust has increased by cash donations already mentioned, and by the gift of a large stock of Paris Talks from Lady Blomfield, and of The Drama of the Kingdom, by Mrs. Basil Hall. In addition the Trust has been given all rights in The Chosen Highway and copyright in the Paris Talks. Mrs. Basil Hall has provided for full rights in Paris Talks to revert to the Publishing Trust after her death. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to thank Miss Clayton and Mr. Louis Rosen-field for their capable and devoted service in the dispatching and accounting work. In order to distribute the stock of the Trust to a certain extent, local Spiritual Assemblies have been sent large supplies of standard literature such as Dr. Esslemont's book, penny pamphlets, etc. An insurance policy in the amount of £500 has been taken out on a large part of the stock. Summer School This has now become an established feature of our national activity. Continuing the progress of the first three years, the fourth Summer School was more ambitious, better attended, and marked by an even greater vitality than the earlier ones. For the first time the National Spiritual Assembly took the risk of guaranteeing a minimum attendance during the bank holiday weekend. Its confidence in the support of the friends was justified by an attendance greatly in excess of the number guaranteed. The radiance and unity pervading the Summer School were in direct contrast to the turmoil and darkness of the outside world, which at that time was within four weeks of war. The morning lectures presented the Baha'i reading of history, surveyed modern problems and explained Baha'u'llah's solutions. In the evening, experts in various arts, the dance, drama, music, pottery, spoke on their own subjects and all declared the need for a new creative impulse which must somehow be linked with social conditions. Arrangements are complete for the fifth Summer School which will be held at Caws-ton House, Rugby, in the very centre of England. It remains to be seen what effect the war will have on this basic institution of Baha'i life. Teaching Conference Pursuing the plan of previous years, to maintain three annual rallying points for the national community, the midwinter Teaching Conference was held in Manchester. (The other points are Summer School and Convention.) There was a slight decline in attendance, but all local communities were represented and two isolated believers from [p169] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 169 The interior of the fortress of Shaykh Tabarsi in M6.zindar~n. The X marks the spot where Mulk ~usayn is buried. Birmingham were especially welcome. The report of the Conference reads: t~It was generally felt that the Conference itself was better than in previous years. There seemed to be more weight in the discussions, and a more real sense of something actually being accomplished. Specific matters were discussed and there was no time for generalities." Two speakers examined the teaching resources of the community, one from the point of view of individual effort and one from the viewpoint of collective action. One session was devoted to the Baha'i Fund, and one to discussion between the National Spiritual Assembly and the community. Recent messages from the Guardian were read, calling for "still greater tenacity, fidelity, vigour and devotion." A cable was sent to him saying, ttTeac1~ing Conference resolves achieve high standard devotion teaching campaign called for your recent messages. Deepest love English friends." His reply was, (tWelcome noble resolve prosecute energetically teaching campaign praying ardently signal success." reNew World Order" The outbreak of war and the consequent rising price of paper made it necessary to change the National Spiritual Assembly's periodical from an eight page magazine to a four page leaflet. With this change came a change in price and policy. The price was reduced to a penny and the paper was made into a definite teaching organ, using a great deal of quotation from the Writings and setting forth directly the Baha'i principles. This change was welcomed on all sides, and especially from Baha'is, who now have new teaching material every month. New World Order is an expense to the National Spiritual Assembly, and would be so even if every copy were sold, but it is felt that the expenditure is justified by the value of the paper to the teaching work. Local Spiritual Assemblies have been allotted a specific number, which they are asked to buy every month, and this helps to reimburse the National Fund. It is felt that much greater use could be made of the paper by individual Baha'is; if everyone would buy two or three copies a month and give them away to nonBahA'i friends or strangers, the teachings would be spread more effectively. A few complete sets of volume 1 have been preserved and may be purchased. In Memoriam Lady Blomfield passed away on December 31st, the Feast of Honour. In the first shock [p170] 170 THE BAHA'I WORLD of her parting, we could oniy think of the actual fact. Now we begin to realise something of the tremendous 'oss which we have sustained. Summer School, the Rizwan Feast, the Presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha in England, were all associated in our minds with her. She it was who told us of the Master, who showed us what it meant to follow the True Exemplar. A bulwark in need, a friend in trouble, a companion in happiness, may her spirit be ever with us and assist us to manifest those qualities of kindliness, consideration, and graciousness of which she was the embodiment. The news of her passing reached the friends during the Teaching Conference, and was sent on to the Guardian in the cable already mentioned. His reply was: "Profoundly grieve passing dearly beloved outstanding coworker Sitarih Khinum. Memory her glorious services imperishable. Advise English community hold befitting memorial gathering. Assure relatives my heartfelt sympathy and loving fervent prayers.~~ Accordingly memorial meetings were held in all communities. The funeral took place in Hampstead, and out of consideration to some of Sitarib Kh~nurn's relatives the service was Church of England. Two members of the National Spiritual Assembly read from the Prayers and Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah, and a number of the friends gathered round the grave afterwards. Archives The National Archives, which had been properly arranged and classified, were greatly augmented by a number of original Tablets and other objects which were left by Lady Blomfield. There are two copies of the Paris Talks signed by the Master, a samovar which He had given to Lady Blomfield, some signed photographs, and a few other things. The National Spiritual Assembly has placed all these precious objects in a lined box, and they are now in the vault of a bank in the west of England. Baha'i World The Guardian has appointed Mr. David Hofman to the editorial staff of Baha'i World, as representative for the British Isles. Registration At the beginning of the year the National Spiritual Assembly commenced to register all declared believers. The friends have been very slow in responding to this plan, which is of importance to the welfare of the community. Believers are asked to send a photograph and details of name and address, which are then entered on a special card printed for the purpose. One copy, stamped with the seal of the N. S. A. is returned to the believer, and a duplicate is retained in the National files. Believers travelling abroad, one to lr~n and one to America, have found this invaluable as a Baha'i passport. Lately two communities have been imposed upon by a person claiming to be a Baha'i, a thing which would not happen if all believers were registered. But the most important reason for registration, as explained in the Journal, is to protect the Faith against authorised representation, and to enable the National Spiritual Assembly to accept responsibility for the community. Finance The treasurer's report will give detailed accounts, but the outstanding feature is the large excess of expenditure over income. During the twelve months this has amounted to about £115. Some £70 has been needed for Incorporation but the balance has been used for current expense. This matter must receive the immediate attention of the believers if the teaching work is to continue. Our own progress is inevitably bound up with the world body of the Faith, and although we do not, as yet, play any great part in the international activities, we are an organ of that body and receive from it as well as give to it. An event of Cccapital institutional significance," described by the Guardian in a general letter which has been circulated among the friends, calls for our deep attention and an earnest effort to understand its significance. This event is none other than the permanent interment of the remains of the Purest Branch, 'Abdu'l-Baha's younger brother, and of Asiyih Khinum, His Mother, on Mount Carmel in the neighbourhood of [p171] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 171 the shrine of the Greatest Holy Leaf. The news was received by cable from the Guardian: "Remains Purest Branch and 'Abdu'l-Baha's Mother permanently laid (to) rest (in) close neighbourhood (of the) shrine (of the) Greatest Holy Leaf. Hearts rejoicing. Shoghi Rabbani." In his letter he writes: tTor it must be clearly understood, nor can it be sufficiently emphasised, that the conjunction of the resting place of the Greatest Holy Leaf with those of her brother and mother incalculably reinforces the spiritual ~otencies of that consecrated Spot which, under the wings of the Bib's overshadowing speulchre, and in the vicinity of the future Mashriqu'l-Adhkar which will be reared on its flank, is destined to evolve into the focal centre of those world-shaking, world-embracing, world-di-recting administrative institutions, ordained by Baha'u'llah and anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and which are to function in conso Ñ nance with the principles that govern the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice." This letter was mimeographed under the title The Heart of the Entire Planet and a copy sent to each believer. An effort to understand this letter thoroughly, will increase everyone's understanding of the Faith itself. An attack made on the Cause in America had repercussions in this country and a statement from the National Spiritual Assembly was circulated to each community for the information of the friends. A word should now be said about the conditions in our own community. One of the most hopeful and encouraging signs is the renewal of vigour in London. The Spiritual Assembly had given much thought and prayer to the enervated condition which undoubtedly existed for some time. The outbreak of war brought immediate problems and disclosed still further the lack of unified action. Many believers were evacuated and the community was forced to take some action to maintain itself. It is in the solution of this problem that the unfailing, creative, society building power of the Faith'' has been again demonstrated. For the London Spiritual Assembly realised that the problem was a spiritual one, and would not be re solved by administrative action. It therefore called upon the community for a re-exami-nation of its spiritual life, for concentration upon the primary virtues and for a prayerful attitude in daily life. The result is the appearance of a new life in the community, a more serious and purposeful spirit, and a truly encouraging activity among the youth. The new communities of Bradford and Torquay have each developed in their own way. They have both settled into the administrative pattern of Baha'u'llah's Administrative Order, and both have extended the range of their teaching activities. It is in Ñ teresting to note that both communities have advertised in the local press. The Summer School and Teaching Conference gave undoubted evidence of a still growing unity, a process which is fostered by the single purpose of teaching. Concentration on this purpose, with all its implica Ñ dons of spiritual effort, reliance on God, purity of life and radiant faith, will take us far on that course which the Guardian has mapped out for us, and will ensure the ultimate victory. His most recent message contains, for the first time, a statement to the effect that this community has a definite part to play in the reshaping of human society through the establishment of the Faith of God in the West. "May the Almighty bless, sustain and protect the English believers, who in these days of unprecedented turmoil, stress and, danger are holding aloft so courageously the banner of the Faith, and who will, in the days to come, contribute, through His grace and power, a notable share to its establishment and recognition in the west. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi." Humanity has now entered that final Armageddon, "which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake." Let us turn to Baha'u'llah, and with unshakeable faith in His all-embracing sovereignty pray to be the instruments through which ccshall the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody." Faithfully in His Service, NATIONAL SrIRrrtrAL ASSEMBLY, DAVID HOFMAN, Secretary. [p172] 172 THE BAHA'! WORLD ANNUAL REPORT Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAFJA'ts OF IRAN Ñ 19381939 A GREAT wave of teaching activity, resulting from the Guardian's stirring and repeated messages to the Baha'is of fr~n, is now sweeping over the country; the teaching work, carried on by women as well as men, is winning new recruits of every type, even from the ranks of the clergy, and the fire and consecration of the new believers recalls the earliest heroes of the Cause. Meanwhile the consolidation of the Administrative Order continues in full force despite every obstacle, and Ñ to the joy of all believers Ñ places sacred in IrAnian Baha'i history are one by one becoming the property of the Faith. Such in r6sum6 is IrAn's activity for the year 95, details of which follow. ecArise oh Friends of God, as one soul" Ñ the Guardian has written us, No champion this exalted, mighty and most powerful, this most holy and wondrous Cause. Use up your energies, devote your time, give tip your rest, your ease, spend your possessions, forsake your homes, pass by whatsoever you have, to serve His Cause, and fulfill His desires, and strengthen His institutions, and establish the dominion of His Word, and to prove His triumphant and luminous, His authoritative, exalted and single Faith. I swear by the true God, this is what is worthy of you and your place and station, and of all who hear and respond to your summons, in this land that God has singled out for His bounty and whose rank He has raised up Ñ this land that He has made the birthplace of His own Self, and the cradle of His Cause, and the treasure-house of His mysteries, and the throne of His might, and the fortress of His Faith, and the descending-point of His lights and the source of the joy of all mankind. The pledge is yours, 0 Beloved of the Lord, and its fulfillment is your God's, the Beneficent, and Your Master's, the Beholder, the Protector, the Assister, the Great." And elsewhere: "The first requirement of the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly is to further the all-important work of teaching, to increase the number of seekers and the interrelationships of Baha'i centers and to prepare sure and effective means for establishing new Spiritual Assemblies within IrAn as well as its neighboring countries. Let them continually encourage and stimulate the Friends and cause the Baha'is of that land to be ever mindful of this holy Utterance: tExpend every effort in teaching the Cause of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation. .' In this year the knights of the Lord must with amazing power spur on their chargers in the field of teaching and bear away the prize from their spiritual brothers and sisters in western lands. This is what befits them and their place and station in this radiant, exalted and wondrous age." The Friends were still under the impact of these words when another message came: ccTeaching the Cause of God, spreading the sweet savors of God, observing the law of God, promoting the religion of God, establishing the ordinances of the Book of God Ñ these in this day are the most excellent, most honored of deeds. Not a moment's neglect is permissible. Slackness and carelessness would result in the retrogression of the community, and the increased boldness and audacity of that heedless, tyrannical group. Forsaking their homes, traveling to every city and village, confining their thoughts to strengthening the body of the believers, expounding and proving the verities of the Cause, discovering the divine mysteries, demonstrating the urgent need of the laws of the Faith and promoting the divine ordinances are Ñ despite the tumultuous times, the varied difficulties, the plots of inimical people, the constant and violent threats Ñ the first requirement of the followers of the Cause of God, whether men or women, in every Baha'i center, whether in cities or villages, throughout that illustrious land. As a result of such words, every one has [p173] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 173 arisen to teach to the best of his ability. Much of the work accomplished has never been reported, the Friends having, as a matter of conscience, refrained from describing their activity, and we give here oniy a synopsis of reports from Local Assemblies, various Committees and formally-appointed teachers. There are twenty-two Baha'i administrative districts in Iran. Each of these has an appointed center, known as the District Spiritual Assembly, which serves to coordinate all Assemblies in its area with the National Spiritual Assembly. These District Assemblies are numbered as follows, their districts being given in parentheses: 1. h~n (Isfihin). 2. Tabriz (Adhirb&yj4n). 3. Abidili (Abidili). 4. Bandar-i-Jaz (Ban-dar-i-Jaz). 5. B4bul (BThul). 6. Mashhad (Khur~s~n). 7. Ahvdz (Khiizistin). S. Z~-hicUn (ZThid~n). 9. Sangsar (Sangsar). 10. S~iri (Sin). 11. Tihrin (Tihrin). 12. 'IrAq ('Idq). 13. Shir4z (F4rs). 14. Bir-jand, (Q4'in~t). 15. Qazvin (Quazvin and Zanj~n). 16. K~shin (Kthin). 17. Kirmin (Kirm6xn). 18. KirmAnshih (Kir-m6nshAhAn). 19. Rash (Gihin). 20. Nay-riz (Nayriz). 21. Hamadin (Hamadan). 22. Yazd (Yazd). During the year 95 the following were formally-appointed teachers in the given areas: Samandari, Hamad~n, Kirrn~nshiMn; 'Alavi, 1sf Thin, Yazd; AdMr-Munir, Adhirbiyjin; Tshriq-i-KhAvari, Gum; Hthimi-Zidih, Mizindar~n, (Bandar-i-Jaz, S~iri, Bibul); Mutlaq, Tihr~n (because of illness); Nabil-Zidib, Khur~s~in; NushAbAdi, Fhs; Fidil-i-Yazd i, Kirmin; Adhari, Qaz-yin, AdhirbAyj~n; Usk6'i, Adhirbiy~~in. Resident teachers were: Mirza, Yazd; Fidil-i-Tihnini Kish&n; Thibit--Sharqi, Isfihin; Z~i'ir, Yazd; Sa'id-i-Radav i, Hamad4n; H4'i, K4sh~n; Baq6N, Gum; N~ri, IsfThin; Shaydin-Shaydi, Kirmin. Among those who instantly responded to the Guardian's message was the distinguished poet and scholar, JinAb-i-'Azizu'llAb Misbib, who, not content with his teaching services in Tihr~n, and although ill and almost blind, left the capital with Aq6y-i-Na1~iavi, a young, newly-declared believer, and went on a teaching circuit to KAsh6n Tsf&Mn, Najaf-ibid, AMdih and ShirAz. He spent five months on this iourney, and besides teaching the Friends, he gave the Cause to twenty-four seekers, of whom seven, including one of the 'ulami of Kishin have thus far accepted the Faith. Leaving Tihrin for Khur~s~n, Aq~y-i-N&-i-Din Mumt~zi spent three months visiting thirtyfive Baha'i centers, mostly rural communities. He went some of the way by automobile, much of it on donkey-back, and many miles on foot, and brought back to Tihrin the spiritual refreshment of these meetings. 'Abdu'lUh F~di1-Z~dih, son of the late, wellknown teacher, Tkidil-i-Shirizi, made a nineteen-day journey to Qazvin and Hamadin and their environs; he discussed the Faith with thirty inquirers and had many meetings with the Friends. Jav4d-i--Mahhiibi, member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hamad6n, and Sa'id-i--Ra4avi went from Hamad~n to every neighboring village in which there were Baha, greatly stimulating the teaching work in this area. Obeying the Guardian's message, Lu;-fu'lhh Mawhibat determined to serve as a pioneer; he and his wife therefore transferred their residence to the historic city of Zanjin, where, in the course of a few months, they have held meetings and study-classes, entertained travelers, assisted the local Friends and brought five people into the Faith. H~shim-i-Ashrafi traveled from Tihrin to Kashih 1sf Thin, Najaf Ñ AMd and Shiriz meeting with numbers of Friends and inquirers. The entire Spiritual Assembly of Jsf~hin together with several committee members went out to Bur6jin, Kh6linjAn, ShayclAn Shah Ñ Rich, Jaz and M&iy-Abid, communities in their district, and conferred with the Friends as to new teaching activities. As'adu'1-Hukarn~ went to Khur~sin, and JinTh-i-'Ubtdiyyat to south Iran ~ teaching trips. Ever since the Guardian's command to arise and teach, even nonbelievers have seemed much more eager to study the Faith; calls for more teachers are being received from almost every center, and all those who have arisen to teach have been successful. Moreover the new believers show that [p174] 174 THE BAHA'I WORLD same fire which characterized those of the earliest days. For this very reason they have had in most cases to bear the opposition of father, mother, wife and kindred Ñ but the more they have been persecuted the stronger they have grown. Typical is the young man in Gurgin, who, when he began to investigate the Faith, was mocked and tormented by his wife and the rest of his family. Although they are doing everything to keep him from the Cause, he has shown them oniy kindness. He writes verses in the Turkish language, one of which says, ttQ my dear kindred, let me be, for I shall not, whatever your cruelty, loose my hold from the robe of the Bib, and Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha." Another youth, the cultivated Mur~d-i-Dawdini of Ahv4v, studied the Faith and soon began to teach it himself, holding meetings and attracting a number of people to the Cause; his wife, as well, is doing everything to prevent his Baha'i activities, but without effect. The handling of such large groups of believers as those of presentday Ir~in results in interesting administrative developments. In Tihr~n, for example, fifty-five teaching meetings are held every week throughout the city. The nineteen members of the Tihr~in Teaching Committee meet at least once a week, and young men representatives of the teaching classes report to them once a month. The Committee likewise meets for consultation with the teachers, as well as with the hosts and hostesses entertaining the various study groups. Four classes for teachers are also given as follows: two courses delivered weekly by Jin6.b-i-FAdil-i-MAzinda-. rAni in Baha'i history, the Book of Aqdas and various tablets, for young men and women respectively; a weekly course in the Book of Aqdas, Some Answered Questions and other subjects, for women and girls, by Aq~y-i-Furi5tan, and a weekly course in Some Answered Questions by Aq4-i-Yazd4ni. About nine hundred non-BaIA'is have received instruction in the Tilirin study-classes this year; Of these about one hundred have thus far become believers, have been registered and invited to attend the advanced study groups. According to the procedure, new believers whose names are submitted to the Tihr~n Teaching Committee by the various teachers, are introduced to the Fellowship and Feast Committees so that they may associate with the body of the believers. The Tihrin Teaching Committee has likewise provided for teachers to spread the Faith throughout this area. Aqiy-i-Husayn YigAnih went to Karaj and established the Spiritual Assembly there; Aqiy6n Rahm~ni-. yTh and 'Ubiidiyyat have also taught in Karaj. Aqiy-i-Mumt4zi, member of this Committee, took a three months' trip through Khur~s&n. Aq~y-i-RahmAniyin, appointed by the Spiritual Assembly as circuit teacher for Tilirin, was sent out to Tiliqin, Fashandak and other neighboring localities to teach and meet the Friends, Circular letters quoting from the Guardian's teaching messages have been distributed at the Feasts, where Teaching Committee members have likewise addressed the Friends on the urgency of these messages. Other Committee activities have included presenta-don of certificates to young women who successfully passed examinations in their year's study course with Aqiy-i-Funiran; interviewing believers who are ready to go out as traveling teachers, and submitting their names to the District Teaching Committee and the Spiritual Assembly; and establishing a commission made tip of teachers in and some residents of the Bigh Ñ i-Firdaws quarter, which meets every fortnight to con-suit on the teaching work Ñ a plan which, if successful, will be used in other quarters as well. Next year it is planned to hold one meeting weekly in each quarter of the city, which will be attended by not more than nineteen people, these including especially attracted students from the teaching classes in that quarter and one or two teachers. The purpose will be to fully confirm the newcomers in each quarter, so that they may be given a Baha'i registration card and enter the Baha'i community. Each member of the Teaching Committee is to attend at least three of the various weekly teaching classes, so that the Committee's weekly conference will be fully informed of current problems. The following are at present conducting the teaching classes throughout Tihr~n (others, not listed, are likewise teaching in this city) The men: [p175] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 175 Mabmiidi Khidim-i-Mith4q, Mustawfi, Furitan, Dr. Qasimi, Sin~i-Z~dih, Av4rig~n, Vahid, F4dil-i-Mizindar4ni, Kayv&n, Dar-glum, Akhtar-i-Kh6vari, 'At4'u'llih Baha, Ishr~q, 'Abdu'114h F6xlil, N6r-i-Din Mum Ñ ixizi Shari'at-Mud6xy4n. The women: Khushbin, Sin~-Z~dih, Mihr-A'in, Bahiy-yihfzadi Baha'u'llah, Ishr6qiyyih Dhabih. As for teaching activities throughout I ran, the following extracts from various District Assembly reports furnish some details: Tabriz: Three teaching classes for Baha youth are being held by Aq6y&n Z4hidi and Adhar-Munir. The Teaching Committee has sent out a circular letter, enclosing the circular letter of the National Spiritual Assembly, to each one of the Tabriz Baha'is, with reference to the new teaching program. A separate record is being made of the services undertaken by each individual believer in this field. The Teaching Committee is exerting itself to the utmost in carrying out the wishes of the Guardian, and is bringing seekers to the homes of the Baha'i teachers Aqiy6n Saniti and Adhar Ñ Mirza, and to other newly-established teaching classes. San gsar: The Teaching Committee meets twice weekly. It has arranged one hundred and eight teaching meetings for beginners and taught a large number of people. A class has likewise been established to fully instruct the newcomers, about twenty of whom have so far attended; night and day the Friends, both men and women, are doing their utmost to attract new seekers. Kdshdn: In addition to the Teaching Committee a teaching council meets weekly to which well-informed believers are invited for consultation on the teaching work. Some twelve persons have recently accepted the Faith in Yazdil, a village in the KisMn district. In the city of K4sMn and its neighborhood, about five hundred people have recently received Baha'i instruction and some of these have already accepted the Faith. Kirmdnshdh: In seven months, AqAy-i-Samandari has had individual conversations with more than ninety persons; some twenty of these have become believers and the rest are now greatly attracted to the Cause. Every week three fixed teaching meetings are held for men and one for women, in addition to other rotating classes. Eighty-five persons have so far been instructed. Teachers for the men are Aq6yin Samandari and Sargard-i--Kh4di' Dr. Habibu'lUh Mu'ayyad and Abu'1-Q6sim Tundar. Khinum-i-Tun-. dar is instructing the women. Of the eighty-five, nineteen arc about to become confirmed, and these are attending a weekly fellowship meeting with the Friends. Two study classes for men and two for women are likewise being held. These are now managed by the newly-established Youth Committee. Nayriz: Four teaching meetings, one of these for women, are held weekly. rorty persons have received instruction and a number of these have thus far accepted the Faith. Ahvdz: This was a good teaching year for Ahv&z. Although we had no official teacher, the Friends themselves, especially Muhammad Partuvi, gave instruction to seventy persons, a number of whom have already received Baha'i registration cards. Especially to be noted among the newcomers is Third Lieutenant Mur6d-i-Dawd4ni, who had been passionately seeking the truth when he was brought into contact with the believers here. Since he knows Arabic and is familiar with the hadith and other branches of religious learning, and had, even prior to becoming a believer, written a commentary on the point of the CCB~~ in Bisrni'lUh Ñ which had been accepted by the Ministry of Education for publication Ñ he at once began to spread the Faith, and with others, has brought in some ten persons, most of whom are now committee members, while he himself is on the Spiritual Assembly. .&qiy-i-Dawd~ni has made a thorough study of Baha'i principles and the laws of the Book of Aqdas, as he wishes to devote all his time to teaching. He has been a great joy to the Friends of Ahv6z, consoling them for the hardships of the year 94, and it is felt that a brilliant future is in store for him. Four teaching meetings for inquirers are held here in private homes every week. Maslohad: The Local Assembly devotes one session a month exclusively to the teaching work. Assembly members have agreed that on every journey they will give part of [p176] 176 THE BAHA'I WORLD their time to emphasizing the Guardian's teaching messages amongst the Friends. Mu'ayyad-i-Ghiy~thi, Assembly member, spent his vacation visiting neighboring towns such as Bushni'iyyih, Khayru'1-Qud, Fir-daws and others, meeting the Friends in each place and discussing these messages. Nur-i-Din Mumtizi, one of the devoted Tihr4n believers who volunteered to come to Mash-had as a teacher, also visited Baha'i communities throughout Khur~s~n, confirming a number of seekers, and greatly pleased the Mashhad Baha'is with his reports of this trip. One of the Baha'is from the days of Baha'u'llah, Aq4y-i-As'adu'1-Hukam~, in spite of his age and busy life, left Qazyin to visit KhurAs~in; he spent twenty days in Mashliad, and met all the Friends, who felt this to be a great spiritualizing experience. The traveling teacher appointed by the National Teaching Committee for Khurtin Mirza Nabil-Zidih, was so successful during the past year that, although he had planned to teach in Mizindarin, this Assembly requested the National Assembly to leave him in Khur~s~n for another year, especially to confirm the many beginners in the Cause. Rag/it: The Teaching Committee has established six weekly meetings for men, these being conducted by Aq~y-i-Ishr6q-Kh4vari, and in his absence, by Ardashir Hiz~ri and 'Ati'u'lUh Samandari. In one year ninety-five people have received instruction, five of these having thus far been registered as believers. Two weekly meetings are held for women, under the direction of Fir6zih KM-num-i-Hiz&ri and Munavvar KbAnum-i--Samandari. 'At?u'llAh Samandari also conducts a teacher's class which has just completed a course in the Book of Aqdas. A group of young men have likewise enrolled in a lecture and discussion group under Aqiy-i-Ishr~q-KhAvari, who in addition took a three months' trip through GiUn; he also sent out members of this Teaching Committee to Bandar-Pahiavi, LThij4n, LangarAd, Siy&hkul and Sangsar to visit the Friends in those localities, and arranged for speakers here to emphasize the teaching work at the Nineteen Day Feasts. Some flavor of all this work comes to us in the following extracts from a few of the teachers' reports. Tarizu'lhh Samandari writes: (CLeaving TihrAn I spent few days in Qazvin and gave the teachings to several inquirers Ñ then came to Hamadin, and was sent by the Local Assembly to neighboring towns, including Baha, Amzijird, and L6lih-Jin, meeting Baha'is and seekers. In Sarqumish, the devoted believer, Jinib-i-NAd-'Ali, invited five prominent men to his home, where I addressed them for about six hours in the course of their day's visit. The result was that they became much attracted to the teachings, and were given the Book of Iqan. In Amz~jird I visited and spoke with one of the town supervisors in his home. In Hamad~n the Nineteen Day Feasts, teaching meetings and Character-Building classes are regularly held, and the Friends continually bring new inquirers to be taught. In Qurvih on the way to KurdistAn I spent nine days, meeting fifteen new persons, and having sowed the seed here I went on to Sanandaj. Here the Friends are very active, and in twenty-seven days I taught thirty-six persons of every type: Jews, Christians, Muslims both Shi'ih and &dnni, even some of the ImAm Ñ Juxn'ih 'ulamA and the sons of mujtahids, and also a number of military people. The believers were anxious that I should stay on, but since enemies had begun to make a disturbance, I left, promising to return, and went to Kirminshih. Here in this spiritual city I found great receptivity, and through the efforts of the Friends I met and instructed a great number of people. Again, to follow up the work in Kurdist~n, I returned there, remaining nineteen days. In Kirminsh4h once more, I fell ill with influenza and the Local Assembly directed me to stay in the city and teach. In the course of a few months I gave the teachings to about ninety persons of every class, till the beginning of the year 96. During the past month about one quarter of these have come every night for deeper study of Baha'i history and principles. Some of these kept the fast, some are saying the obligatory prayers, some are making a thorough study of our books. I then left KirmThshih (he says in his letter of 17218) spending eleven days with the Friends. On Friday the 1st of Ridvan many fine gatherings were held. I went on to Mirza and then to Ahviz, where I met the Friends including [p177] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 177 The weapon used by MullA Husayn in the fortress of Shaykh Tabarsi. The Persian inscription reads: ccTh sword of his honour the Baha'u'llah." a number of devoted new believers, whose questions I answered to the best of my ability, and urged them to stand firm and to teach. I also met some new inquirers here. The extreme heat and my own ill health prevented my going on to Khurram-Shahr and AMdin. I have now been with the Friends in Khurram-Abid for two days, and shall go on to Buriijird, Hamad~n, and Qazvin, before returning to Tihr~n." The reports of idhar-Munir state that (in spite of his age and failing eyesight) he has made many teaching trips during 95, meeting the Friends and instructing seekers in Rid6]iyyih, A1-i-Hashimiyyih, KhalkhM and Shams-AMd. Resulting from this, a prominent Siyyid in RiQi'iyyih, manager of the Registry Office, has become a believer, as well as three persons in other localities. Traveling south, to K5shin, IsThMn, and Shiriz, this teacher likewise instructed many new people, among them four who accepted the Faith in Kishin, one of these being a member of a clerical family. Outstanding is the work of Mirza Nabil-Z&dih and his wife, who spent eight months around Birjand and gave the teachings to one hundred and seventy-six persons, forty of whom have thus far become believers. They then went on to GunThid, center of the Ni'matu'lUhi Siif is and home of their leader; here they found a new Spiritual Assembly and the believers active. They left for Pirdaws, called by Baha'u'llah IFir~tn (i.e. P~r~n) where there were, and are today, great Baha'is, and from there by way of Khayru'1-Qur6, Bushni'iyyih, and Turbat, they came to Mashhad. Here with the help of the Assembly they talked with forty inquirers, nineteen of whom accepted the Faith. After a short stay here they traveled to Q6cMn, Bujn4rd and ShirvAn, then returned to Maslihad, where they taught one hundred and sixty-four new seekers, some of whom have already accepted the Faith. At the beginning of the year they went by way of Tihr~n, Qazvin and Zanj4n to Tabriz where they are continuing their devoted services. In his letter dated 28718, Aq6.y-i-Ni%h4Mdi reports that in the course of twenty-eight meetings held in Shir~z he met sixty-two new persons, some of whom have already accepted the Faith and started teaching activity. A discussion group and a study-class to further instruct the newcomers have been formed in addition to the teaching meetings, and all are cooperating in the work. His letters of 24917 and 111217 state: "After visiting the Friends of Ab&dih, I returned to ShirAz, where the teaching is going strong. Here I had a number of sessions with eleven persons, the majority of whom have become confirmed. These meetings are attended by all the Baha'i young men who thus deepen their knowledge of the teachings." During a four-months' stay in Hindij ~in (in the beginning of 1817) flQiL-i-Yazdi met and instructed many inquirers, after Ñ [p178] 178 THE BAHA'I WORLD ward at the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly proceeding to Rafsinj4n and Kirm6n; in the former place he taught eight persons and in the latter also found the Cause flourishing, with three teaching meetings a week, in the homes of Ibrihim B4r~n, Muhammad Kizim and Jalil Hakim iy6.n, son of the late Dr. S6diq-i-Hakimi. Siyyid Ijasan Hishimi-Z~dih Mutavajjih writes (6917) ~CSon~1e time ago I returned to GurgAn. Since the Friends here were all visitors from elsewhere, and had established meetings which ceased to function as soon as they would leave town, I made an effort to interest local people, and at present some five or six of these, most of them with their wives and families, have accepted the Faith. (Their names have been recorded separately.) Each of these has arisen to serve, and there is also a group of new inquirers who are studying the teachings. On Daymih 6 I went to Baha'u'llah and stayed seven days as the Assembly requested, visiting the Friends and giving instruction to three inquirers. Then I went to Bandar-i-Gaz, and also spent a week, holding meetings every night, returning by way of Baha'u'llah, where I spent a day with Friends and inquirers, to Gurg6n, and once more began to meet new people, most of whom would come every night to study the history and principles of the Faith Ñ and having accepted the Teachings, would in their turn bring new seekers to the study classes. Two of them have caused a great stir in Gurgin, with their teaching of the Faith; a third, who is well informed of conditions hereabouts, spreads the Faith among people of capacity wherever he goes; in particular he recently gave the teachings to an individual of considerable note, who, residing outside of town, came in with him for further investigation. On Babman 17 I went to Gunbad-i-QibAs and spent day and night seeing the Friends and teaching newcomers; at their insistence I remained two weeks, and then returned to Gurg6n, continuing the teaching activities as before. Being directed to go to M~zindar6n, I made another trip to Gunbad-i-.QThiis, returned to Gurg~in, and left for %ri. Since a long stay would have been requisite in this city, I went on with the approval of the Spiritual Assembly to B&bul, where I have now spent eleven days instructing newcomers, both men and women." Miscellaneous activities of the National Spiritual Assembly this year have included the following: The means were provided for making multiple copies of the Guardian's instructions, Baha'i news and other material, hitherto the Friends' lack of information as to current Baha developments having been a handicap to them. A circular letter containing the Guardian's urgent teaching messages, and another stressing the National Fund, especially to provide for traveling teachers Ñ also the necessary instructions as to the allocation and travels of the teachers Ñ were sent out to every part of Pin. The Guardian's recent urgent instruction that individual believers should appoint teaching deputies was spread throughout fr4n. The Inn Baha'i News, including the Guardian's teaching messages,, is being distributed free, one for each District Assembly and for every Baha'i family in the capital. Certain per Ñ Sons are being selected by the National Spiritual Assembly to travel throughout the country and further emphasize the teaching messages of the Guardian and the measures that have been planned. Of especial interest is the steady acquisition by the Baha'is of places sacred in the history of the Cause. A letter from the Guardian (dated 1927) defines these sacred areas as follows: ttAll places which were adorned by the footsteps of the BTh, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. The burial-places of companions and saints; the places where martyrs met their death; prisons and places of banishment of the heroes of the Cause; fortresses which in the early days of the Manifestation were the refuge and center of the defense measures of the companions; buildings and places which were the sanctuary of prisoners and exiles; and the homes and birthplaces of the great and the renowned of the companions in the dispensation of the Bayin and the day of the Baha'is." It is obvious from these words of the Guardian how extensive are the sacred and historic shrine-areas in Inn, and how much means and devotion will be required to complete this urgent work, Because fr5n, cradle of the Faith and stained with the blood of [p179] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 179 thousands of martyrs, is the site of almost countless historic Baha'i episodes. However, although the task is staggering, the National Spiritual Assembly and the believers, encouraged by the Guardian's constant emphasis of this important point, have done their utmost to purchase each year a few more of these shrine-areas, so far as available funds and local circumstances have permitted. The following sacred areas were acquired in the year 95: 1. The public bath in the Street of the Sword-Makers in Shir6z often frequented by the Bib. The Local Spiritual Assembly ~i4 Shir6.z reports that this building has been preset i'ed in its original form and the houses adjacent to it have likewise been purchased. 2. The caravansary of the Mayrnandis, called Sariy-i-Shaykh in Bflshilir. The shop of the Bab was located in this building. Shops and other buildings adjacent to this were likewise purchased, and exact restoration of the shops, particularly that of the Mb, has been undertaken. Significantly, this verse from the Qur'an (LXVIII: 5152) has stood over the gate of the Sar6iy-i-Shaykh from early times: ccAlrnost would the infidels strike Thee down with their very looks when they hear the warning And they say, tHe is certainly possessed.' Yet is it nothing less than a warning for all creatures." 3. According to a letter from a Yazd Local Assembly member, nineteen holy sites in Manshid burial-places of martyrs, have been given to the Cause by their Baha'i owners. 4. Kirrn6n reports that all Baha'i holy sites in its area have been purchased, except the burial-place of Mirza B~qir-i-Shir6zi, the martyr, which is to be acquired on settlement of difficulties between its Baha'i owner and the civil authorities. 5. Three of the historic gardens of Badasht. 6. The house of the Beloved of Martyrs in IsfAMn. 7. The house of the famed companion and early martyr, FJAj Mirza J4ni, in K~sMn. 8. The burial-place in 'Iraq of H~ji 'Arab the martyr. 9. The house of Mirza ~usayn-'A1i N& in TihrTh where the sacred body of the BTh was hidden for some time. 10. The house of H~j Ahmad-i-Milini in Mil6n (Adhirbiyjin), a historic Baha'i dwelling given to the Cause by the heirs. Other activities along this line include repairing of the tomb of Shaykh-'Ali Akbar-i-Qiich4ni, the martyr, in Mashhad also repairing of the holy site in Kirm~nshTh where JinAb-i-Muttahidih, the early martyr of Jewish origin, is buried. Since it was unwise and indeed impossible for a Convention to be held this year (95), ballots were sent in by a safe means and the following were elected to the National Spiritual Assembly: 'Ali-Akbar Furtitan, Secretary; Valiyu'llAh Varq&; Shu'i' 'AIA'i, Treasurer; Dr. Y~nis AfrAkhtih, Vice-C hair man; Jin4b-i-F6dil-i-M4zindar&ni, Chairman; Arnin-Amin; 'In4atu'llih Ahmadp&; Ahmad Yazd∋ MalirnAd Badi'i. HARDSHIPS OF THE FRIENDS IN 'ISEQABAD AND THE CAUCASUS (Continued from last year's report) On the eve of February 5, 1938, all the members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of 'Tshq&bAd, and a great number of the Friends were arrested by order of the authorities and that same night the houses of the Friends were searched, and all Tablets, Baha'i records and other articles were confiscated. Some of the women, more active than the rest in Baha'i administrative affairs, were also led away to prison. According to those who have been freed from prison and have emigrated to Ir6n, the officials treated the prisoners with extreme harshness, and all Baha'is were condemned by the Government on political grounds, it being openiy said to them: "On Soviet land you are, and have been, working to the advantage of foreigners." A written charge to this effect was made out for each prisoner and each was ordered to sign it. When the Friends, innocent, denied the charge, they were subjected to every type of persecution. Some were even obliged, more than once, to dig graves for themselves, it being told them that they were to be killed on the spot; then, hoping to acquire the signed document, the authorities would defer their sentence. Wives and children of the captives lived [p180] 180 THE BAHA'I WORLD meanwhile in the greatest wretchedness. A woman believer wrote to her sister from 'Ishqabad: CCH many young men believers die in the prison. No one knows of what sickness they died, or what they asked for in their last agony, or in what place their bodies are laid. One of the women believers, because of her grieving and anguish and the sight of her orphaned children, set fire to herself and after sixteen days in the hospital she passed away." At first over five hundred men believers were imprisoned but a great number of these have died. The wives and children of the victims have gradually been exiled to tr~n, and dispatched by the IrAnian Government to their various birthplaces, but here, too, most of them cannot find peace. The women grieve over their husbands and sons, the children sorrow for their fathers and brothers. Many of the younger ones, well educated and trained, for lack of recommendations and other reasons, are refused work in Government offices and elsewhere, and pass their days miserably in the little towns where they have been sent. This Assembly has, through the efforts of the Friends, given to these sufferers whatever financial aid was possible and up to now a sum has been collected for their urgent daily needs. In response to the Guardian's emphatic directions we have done all in our power to succor these oppressed persons; nevertheless, their lot has not improved, although they continue thankful, since they are suffering in the path of God. According to recent information the prisoners have been freed and exiled in small groups to remote corners of Russia. Fortunately they are permitted to write to their relatives and at times word comes from them. This Assembly has applied to the Imperial Government seeking their return to I r4n, and God willing the desired aim will be realized. From a recent communication as to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of 'Ishqabad: "From the day when the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar became part of the Government properties, it was rented free to the Baha'i community for five year periods; every five years the lease was renewed, and according to separate documents drawn up by the city, necessary repairs were specified to be made during the allotted period. The Local Assembly would always carry out these repairs and improvements with dispatch, to give the authorities no pretext for complaint, also regularly renewing the ihsurance and paying the taxes. In 1933, however, although the specified period had not run out, certain repairs which were not urgent nor important, and which were very expensive Ñ amounting to some 20,000 manit Ñ were imposed, and the Government broke the contract and forced the Assembly to renew it and make the repairs. A year had not elapsed when the Government officials renewed their complaints and it became obvious that their purpose was to create difficulties and oblige the Friends to relinquish the Temple and give it over to them. Fearing that the holy edifice would be lost, the Assembly communicated the whole matter to the Guardian. Shortly thereafter, through the IrAnian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the I r~nian Embassy in Moscow, the IrAnian Consulate-General in 'Ishqabad made an inquiry as to the status and tenants of the Mashriqu'1 Ñ Adhkir. This investigation proved beneficial, and for some time the complaints and faultfinding of the authorities were modified. Then, in 1936, the Government stirred up further difficulties, and imposed heavy and unnecessary repairs, thinking the Baha'i community would be utterly unable to comply with the requirements and a legal means would thus be furnished to take the Temple away from the Baha'is. The Assembly, however, asked for aid from the believers throughout Turkist&n and the Caucasus, and as a result of their self-sacrifice the repairs were made. The authorities then tried another plan, as follows: Surrounding the Temple, the Friends had established schools for boys and girls, a library, an office, and Haziratu'l-Quds; and a long time since, the authorities had taken over the schools and the library building. Now, with the excuse that the children had no playground, they sought to appropriate the main section of the Temple gardens, build a wall around the Temple and leave to the Friends oniy the Temple building itself and the Haziratu'1-Quds; and they planned to ciose the garden gate, which faces the main thoroughfare of the city and has always been opened to believer and non [p181] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 181 believer alike, and oblige all those desiring entry to the Temple to go around by a side street. The Local Assembly remonstrated with the authorities and after considerable effort persuaded them to abandon their plan and continue on the same basis as before. Finally in 1936 after all sorts of pretexts and complaints the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar was given over to the Friends for an unspecified period, on condition that they make repairs as required by the city and pay the taxes and insurance. During the past six or seven years the Assembly has been constantly negotiating with the authorities as to the Temple, and through Divine Confirmations has been able to protect it in every way. When the Friends were imprisoned it became clear to what extent the authorities were displeased with us. ccTaxes on the Temple amounted to some 7,500 man4t, and insurance to 500, a total of 8,000 man6x which was paid yearly in two instalments in March and April. This was paid regularly, and in 1938, although the Assembly members and many of the community were in prison, the few who were left got the money together and paid it. If the taxes are in arrears, a heavy sum is added for every day's delay, which may soon amount to more than the taxes themselves. In addition to taxes and insurance, 2,000 man~t were due for other expenses, such as electric lights and maintenance of the grounds. Obviously it is not oniy on account of the taxes that the authorities would take over the Temple, since they do iot need that sum and could seize the Temple on any pretext were it not contrary to their policy. According to Soviet law, every religious community which numbers fifty members of both sexes over eighteen years of age, can petition the authorities for recognition, that is, for the right to have a place of worship and administration. Now, if the number of Baha'is in 'Ishqabad should fall below fifty, the Government can take over the Temple. At present oniy a few Baha'is are left, women and children and a few old men; and even if there are as many as fifty women left there and two or three old men, yet because of their helplessness and ignorance of the law they will be unable to protect the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar." According to recently received informa don, the Soviet Government has taken over the Temple, has turned it into an art gallery, and is keeping it in its original condition. For there are no longer any Baha'is in 'Ishqabad. As to the Caucasus, recent news is that throughout all that region Spiritual Assemblies and all administrative institutions have, as a result of terrific pressure from the Government, been done away with, and the Ija4ratu'1-Quds have been taken over. Only in B~k~ is there a Spiritual Assembly, and the Haziratu'1-Quds there is in the hands of the Friends. The membership of the BAk~ Assembly has in two years been elected three times, for this reason, that the first members were all arrested and exiled to Siberia, whereupon the Friends elected nine more believers and these too were seized and exiled. The third group to be elected, now serving on the Assembly, are mostly women. The Friends there are suffering terribly from lack of the means of livelihood and every sort of hardship, and they assist one another iike members of one household. Dispatch of a Reliever to Afgiqdnistdn In accord with the wishes of the Guardian, the sending of a suitable Baha'i teacher to Afgh~nistin has been the constant aim of this Assembly. When, therefore, it became possible for 'Au-Muhammad Nabili Ñ who is a spiritual young man, well-informed, and who acquired his education in India in the English language Ñ to go to AfgbAnistin for purposes of commerce, this Assembly was delighted and has extended to him all possible aid. Although up to now the Cause has not penetrated Afgh4nistin, and there was no way of spreading the Faith there, we now hope and pray that this young man will guide many and establish there the oneness of mankind. Aid to Turkish Su Ijerers Upon learning of the severe earthquake in Turkey, this Assembly wrote to the Turkish ambassador in Tihr6n, enclosing 10,000 riyMs as aid to the Turkish sufferers. The correspondence, signed respectively by the National Assembly Secretary and the Ambassador, follows: [p182] 182 THE BAHA'I WORLD "The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of tr6n is deeply grieved over the severe calamity of the earthquake in Turkey and the great ioss of lives and property, which has pained the hearts of all who wish for the happiness of humankind. It desires to express the sympathy and fellow-feeling of all the Baha'is of IrAn in this great affliction, and begs God in His bounty to heal the wounds of the honored people of Turkey • and console the survivors. "The sum of 10,000 riyMs is enclosed from the Assembly fund by way of sharing in the aid to the sufferers, and it is requested that in spite of the small amount you will be so good as to accept and forward it." (CTO the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of IrAn: Your esteemed letter of 131018 enclosing 10,000 riyMs as aid to the victims of the calamitous occurrence in Turkey has been duly received. ~ the name of my people and my Government, and in my own, I send you heartfelt thanks for the sympathy you have expressed on behalf of all the Baha'is of Inn • and the aid you have extended to the earthquake victims and I ask God to grant, in increasing measure, His confirmation to that sanctified Assembly and esteemed community in their service to humankind and their binding of the wounds of the afflicted." IN MEMORTAM Hij Muhammad-IbrThim V&'4-i-Quaz-vini passed away on the eve of 26618 at Qazvin. He had suffered long hardships for the Cause and although he was blind spent all his time in Baha'i activity. A memorial for him was held in Tihr6n. Mirza Asliaq-i-Haqiqi, one of the early Baha'is, who in recent times was caretaker of the land of the Tihr6n Mashriqu'l-Adhkar (Uadiqih and IhtisThiyyih), passed away on Mashiyyat 5, 96. The Guardian wrote of his many virtues and important services, and of the reward awaiting him, and sent words of consolation to his widow. IjSj Mirza 'Ali-Akbar-i-Milani, son of the wellknown H~j Abmad-i-MilAni, passed in MiI~n .Adhirb&yj in, in Mihr 1318. Rahmat 'AlAN passed away on the eve of Qawi 11, 96 (11918) in Tihr~n. The Guardian telegraphed: "My heart grieves over the passing of beloved 'Ali'i, faithful, worthy champion of the great Cause. I pray earnestly in his memory. His services are imperishable. Assure his family of my heartfelt sympathy." He was laid to rest in the new Baha'i cemetery, a great number of Baha'is and leading non-Bah~'is being present, and a fitting memorial was held.1 IflAj Qul&m-Ridi Amin-Amin passed away on the eve of Masi'il 12, 96 (Day-mAh 1, 1318). An almost countless multitude of people followed his cort~ge to the Baha'i cemetery. No such funeral had been seen in Tihrin before; observers were astonished at the great crowds, the dignity and spirituality of the occasion. A memorial was then held at the home of the departed, visitors coming and going from early morning till late at night. The Guardian telegraphed: "Hearts are grieving for loss of the emblem of firmness, the upright man, the strong pillar of the community of Baha, and its servant and trusted one and the keeper of its state and the upholder of its flag, whom God has raised to a station which the hearts of the pure do vehemently yearn for, in the AbM paradise. May God inspire his relatives and helpers and lovers in that glorious land with seemly patience, and assist them to follow in his footsteps and walk in his way. I truly join you in their grief and beg for the departed one every good in every world of God's worlds. SHOGHI RABBANT." Memorials were held for this departed one throughout frin. Regarding his successor as custodian of the ~uqiiq, the Guardian sent two telegrams to Iran, respectively in Arabic and English, appointing Valiy'ulkh Khin Varq~ (son of Varq6 the martyr) to this office. The second telegram reads: "Inform Valiy'ullih Varqi as follows: I have chosen you deservedly for the greatly-honored func-1 Rabmat 'A14'i is the believer who, with his wife Najmiyyih Kh&num, rendered so many loving services to Keith Ransom-Kehier and later to Dr. Howard Carpenter. They entertained both Keith and Howard Carpenter in their home for long periods; nursed both through severe illnesses; were at Keith's bedside when she died; and accompanied Howard Carpenter on the difficult journey which he made, invalided, from Tihdn to Haifa. Translator's note. [p183] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 183 don of custodian of the ~uq~tq. Shoghi Rabbani." The Baha'i teacher and poet, Adhar-Munir, who had been in the presence of the Master and taught the Cause all his life long, passed on Mas~'i1 12, 96 (11018) in Tabriz. From Bandar-i-Jaz comes this account of the death of Muhammad Sangi, Assembly member. In the night of 261018 (1816-96) fire broke out in the warehouse of the Rice Company, close to bazars and private homes. As soon as the alarm sounded, Muliammad Sangi left his bed, and wearing only his sleeping garments, hurried to the scene. Aware of the danger to the entire neighborhood should the flames spread, he started to tear down an adjacent structure. The crowd, including shopkeepers and householders, fled, calling to him to come away; he ran out, saw that the fire was spreading afresh, reentered the flames and smoke and managed to demolish a further part of the building and stop the fire, but in doing so he was crushed to death. The next day four hundred of the townspeople out of gratitude for his action, followed his bier and were present at the Baha'i burial. One of the early Baha'is, Abu'1-Qisim Mufti-B6shi known as Fakhriy-i-Yazdi, passed away on 1sf and 11, 1318 and was buried in the Tihrin Baha'i cemetery, a large crowd of believers and others attending. A Tablet from the Master to this departed friend, sent by the heirs to Haifa, was placed by the Guardian in the International Archives. ~usayn Shayd6, one of the prisoners of Yazd, whose case is reported in section 5 of this record, died of typhoid fever in the prison at Tihr&n, in the night of Sunday, Ba1A 11, 1318. His body, which had been sent from the prison to the town burial-ground, was transferred to the Baha'i cemetery and buried with due honor in the presence of a number of Friends. Two memorials were held for him by the Tihr6n Feast Committee. The Guardian telegraphed: ccHearts infinitely saddened at Shay&'s honored passing. Assure relatives special prayers. Shoghi Rabbani." The Guardian likewise wrote: "Although that upright personage, self-sacrificing in the Cause of the mighty Lord, was afflicted during his latter days, and died in prison, and his blessed body to outward seeming was taken from the prison with the greatest indignity, yet he is now amongst the Supreme Concourse, throned in everlasting glory, consorting with the near to God and the holy. ." Prophesying that the Yazd afflictions will one day be changed to happiness, the Guardian adds, ccvarqi has been directed to send the sum of 200 tum6ris to the relatives of that victimized one in Yazd." Memorials for Baha'is of Other Lands Regarding the passing of Martha Root, a telegram dated October 18, 1939 was received from the Guardian as follows: ccThe pure leaf and renowned reacher, sign of severance torch of love and tenderness, standard of courage and faithfulness, consolation of the eyes of the people of Baha, Martha Root, has ascended to the highest summits of paradise. The people of the Supreme Concourse came forth to meet her with the shout, tWl to thee, 0 pride of men and women teachers! Well done, well done, thou who hast spent thy whole being in devotion to the Kingdom of the Lord of signs and utterances! Blessed, a thousandfold blessed art thou within this shining, proud and lofty station!' Inform all the Friends of the necessity of calling special meetings in all the provinces for two full weeks to honor her exalted station. Shoghi Rabbani." This Assembly at once communicated its great sorrow to all centers throughout Iran, and directed the holding of fitting memorials in all localities for a period of two weeks, for this believer who was the joy and pride of all believers, who had been welcomed with such extraordinary love and enthusiasm on her journey to tr~n, and who is known even to children throughout the Baha'i world. Through a letter from London to Dr. Lutfu'llTh Hiakirn, it was learned that the renowned Lady Blomfield (Sitirib Khinum) had passed away in that city. A brief biography of the departed was printed in the Ir~in Babi'i News and a memorial was held for her in TihrAn. The following telegram was received from the Guardian on the grievous occasion of the [p184] 184 THE BAHA'I WORLD passing of Mrs. May Maxwell: "The severed teacher, brand from the fire of the iove of God, and spreader of the fragrances of God, Mrs. Maxwell, forsook her native land and hastened to the most distant countries out of love for her Master and yearning to sound the call to the Cause of her Lord and her Inspiration; until she ascended to the highest summit, attaining the rank of martyrdom in the capital of Argentine, the furthermost boundary. The countenances of paradise invoke blessings upon her in the glorious apex, saying tMay she enjoy with healthy relish the cup that is full and brimming over with the wine of the love of God.' tFor the like of this should the travailers travail!' Inform all the Friends of the announcement of this mighty victory. Shoghi Rabbani." This message was sent out to all Baha'i centers and everywhere fitting memorials were held, and the great services and well-loved qualities of her who was a flame of the iove of God were brought to mind. In recent years great numbers of Baha'is have been forced by the Soviet Government to leave that country and come to trin. At the Guardian's direction this National Assembly has taken steps for them, has met the Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs and consulted at length as to the release of innocent Baha'is from Russian prisons. Every legal means has been used to lift the restrictions on these people, but unfortunately no tangible change has taken place for them in the year 95, during which all male Baha'is have, as previously, been kept in the Russian government prisons, and the women and children exiled to lr~n. Except for a few former members of the frinian consulate in 'Ishqabad not a single male Baha'i is out of prison, nor have any returned to IrAn. This National Assembly with the cooperation of the Local Assemblies has so far as lies in its power given financial aid to the refugees, and funds have also been supplied to them by the Guardian. The Local Assemblies have done everything they could to comfort them, prepared homes for them and given them living expenses. In some Assemblies Baha'i Refugee Committees have been appointed to take care of them. Although these persecuted people get some rest and release from worry when they enter fr4n, nevertheless it is very hard to find employment for them, or settled places to live. However in spite of everything they are firm in their faith and resigned to God's will, and the Guardian has directed us to make every effort on their behalf. Mashhad, Tabriz Rash, Qazvin, are among the towns to which financial aid has been sent for these refugees; since most of them go first to Mashhad, that Assembly's report is given herewith: The persecuted Baha'is of 'TshqTh6xl and elsewhere who at the Guardian's direction and in spite of every affliction stood firm in 'JshThAd to protect the Baha world's first Temple, were before the first of the year 95, by the Soviet Government's refusal to give them residence permits, gradually exiled to Pin. Tn February, 1938, that government imprisoned at least five hundred Baha'i men throughout TurkistAn, most of whom have been in prison over fifteen months in 'Ishqabad, Mary, etc., under terrible conditions. Some have died under torture, from starvation and other effects of prison life. No recent news has reached us and we do not know what future awaits the survivors. Six hundred refugees Ñ women, girls, children and a few old men Ñ have successfully reached frin. Most of these are now in Mash-had, while others have dispersed throughout the country.2 Those who had to travel were given their expenses and a letter of introduction to the Local Assembly at their destination. Their state is pitiful beyond description. All were substantial citizens in their own country. Then the men were taken prisoner and they had to sell all they had Ñ houses, rugs, furniture. Then, obliged to emigrate, they brought in their last trifling possessions and sold them here for bread, and are now destitute. Although the Mashhad Assembly has continued its endeavors to find work for the refugees, little result has been obtained, because the majority are old or burdened with children, and all are distraught as to the condition of their men, and most of them have no trade by which they might live. Some of the girls could undoubtedly obtain office 2 To! Bushd?iyyih, Tabas, Turbat KAshih Sab-ziv~ir, Tibr~n Xdhirb&yj~in. [p185] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 185 work, except that they are unable to procure papers as to their previous status. A very few have found work and are thus able to pay about half their own daily expenses. Their anguish over the fate of the men, from whom no word comes Ñ their poverty and enforced idleness are heartbreaking to witness. They have written and telegraphed in detail to H. M. the ShTh explaining what has befallen them and it is hoped that through his efforts the men will be freed and come to Inn. It is clear that the Shdh has read their petitions and taken steps on their behalf but the Soviet authorities have apparently failed to respond. Their oniy hope is in the unseen hand of God. Up to now Mashliad has received 68,000 riyAls from the National Assembly and collected locally 9,636 riyils for these refugees. They Ñ who once led all the Friends in their bounteous giving, and of whom the Master said, "The Friends of 'Ishqabad are the pride of the world in giving alms" Ñ take this money with shame and weeping eyes, and bless the Assemblies for this aid. The important question of Baha'i marriage continues unsolved. The Government sanctions only such marriages as are registered at the License bureaus of the four recognized religions, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian and Christian. The Department of Justice states that the marriage must be performed according to the rules of the given religion at that religion's license bureau and by its head; and further that no matters contrary to the practices of that religion are to be included in the license. An amendment to the marriage law since 1317, states that any person contracting marriage or securing divorce in any place other than the official bureaus or without an official license will be subiect to from one to six months in prison. Since no bureau is provided for Baha'is the friends perform the Baha'i marriage, register it according to the Guardian's direction on the official registration blanks of the three recognized non-Muslim religions, enclose with this a written statement of the marriage and send the whole by registered mail to the required departments, requesting also official directions for Baha'i marriage registration. The Guardian directs that where both parties are Baha'is the marriage must take place according to Baha'i procedure; where one is a non-Bahi'i, both the Baha'i and the non-Bah&'i marriage procedure must be used. Occasionally, Baha'is in outlying districts have from ignorance of this teaching failed to contract Baha'i marriage, and have thus according to the Guardian's direction been deprived of their voting right. To regain this, they have deliberately cancelled the non-Bah4'i marriage and remarried according to Baha'i law. This adherence of Baha'is to their Faith has greatly astonished non-Bah?is and won their admiration. Up to some months ago, persons contracting Baha'i marriage were only rarely interfered with by the Department of Justice, and such marriages were tacitly permitted. Then, in Tihr~n and the provinces as well, the severest penalties were suddenly imposed, and even those Baha'is who had married in previous years were summoned for trial; nor only the men, but the women, too, were prosecuted, and according to our present information, in TihrAn alone over three hundred and fifty cases are in process of being tried. The questions usually asked by the authorities are-these: Who performed your marriage ceremony? Who read the marriage sermon? What person drew up your marriage certificate? Why did you not appear at one of the four marriage license bureaus to contract your marriage? The Friends answer: In Baha'i marriage no one is appointed to perform the ceremony; the couple themselves perform the marriage by repeating the two marriage verses. As for the marriage sermon, a chant is used to bless the occasion, but it is not a requirement to marriage and no special person is appointed to chant it. Persons attending the marriage are witnesses and nothing more Ñ the presence of witnesses being a requirement. The Baha'is cannot use the license bureaus since each of these is set apart for one of the four officially recognized religions; recourse to them would thus be a denial of that truthfulness which is the basis of the Baha'i Faith. After being questioned, the Friends are released on bail. The Baha'is are summoned in an unusual way; they are almost always called in on [p186] 186 THE BAHA WORLD Thursday; since Thursday afternoon and Friday all offices are closed, they are thus imprisoned two days and two nights. From 200 to 400 tumAns bail is required of each person contracting marriage. Since other Baha'is almost always furnish the bail and thus few persons are imprisoned for long, the authorities now ask for cash bail. The Assembly has appointed a commission to take charge of all such cases, and these persons with great self sacrifice stand ready to help at all times, personally attending court and smoothing every difficulty. The Assembly has likewise called a second commission to supply the cash bail. Besides the sums pledged by this second commission, its members have also offered funds for the aid of couples who have been imprisoned or dismissed from jobs as a result of the marriage. The National Assembly has directed that all Assemblies throughout inn reserve a special fund for this purpose, so that imprisonment, and the suffering of families of contracting parties, will not result. On occasion some of the authorities are brutal, and some use obscene expressions in addressing Baha'is, even the women; but others admit that the Baha'is are innocent and say they are taking action only because they are obliged to. Some of the questioners and judges say they know the Baha'is are trying to achieve official recognition by this means, but will never succeed; the Baha'is answer that they are not trying to break the laws, as proved by the fact that they officially register and notify the authorities of all marriages, but that they cannot in conscience use the provided legal channels. The Friends, and especially the women, although they have never undergone such experiences before, have stood up wonderfully in the courts, demonstrating their sin Ñ cerity and their knowledge of the teachings. In some cases the officials have been remarkably moved, and astonished that even peasants could respond as they have. Some of the Baha'i have said they would be proud to go to prison for the Cause, and others, fully realizing the severe penalties, have not hesitated to contract Baha'i marriages. Daily the authorities see that their persecu Ñ dons, far from frightening the Baha'is have increased the number of marriages, and the Department of Justice is being filled with talk of Baha'i principles because Baha'i married couples are constantly summoned for questioning. From eight days to six months' imprisonment has been the penalty so far imposed; even women have been sentenced to imprisonment for some days. The Friends usually appeal the case; a fine can be substituted for a sentence of two months or less. Oddly, although the act is the same, the penalty always varies according to the degree of fanaticism of the judge. This Assembly has left the Friends free either to pay the fine or accept the prison sentence; in either case, this sentence, entered on the individual's identity card, deprives him of civil rights for a number of years, varying with the penalty, and means his dismissal from any government position; it also means that for years no one else will employ him. lii addition, certain laws that have been passed regarding penalties for Baha'i marriage require that following imprisonment the Baha'i must remarry according to the laws of the country, at one of the four license bureaus. In other words the penalties might be imposed indefinitely. Victims of this law constantly petition the Department of Justice, the Cabinet and His Majesty. Recently when one of the Baha'is presented a petition to the Royal Office, an order was sent (to Qazvin) saying that since the petitioner had broken the law and had further had the effrontery to tell his crime to the ShTh, he was to be severely punished. Typical individual cases follow: In K&shin Hasan N~sih, 'Abbas Bayd~'i, and Ahmad Yazdini, were sentenced to from three to four months' imprisonment. In Najaftbid, 'Abdu'1-Husayn Jini freely chose a month's imprisonment rather than pay the fine. In Yazd, Aqiy-i-Bay6ni, in Tihr~n Mu~addiqi TAliqini, have been sentenced to four months in prison. In Bandar-i-Jaz, for contracting Baha'i marriage, Mu-l2ammad Sangi was sentenced to six months imprisonment.3 Mashhad reports that among Baha'is contracting marriage who have been 2 Transiavofs note: This must be the Muhammad Sangi who died a hero's death in a recent lire. See BAHA'I NEWS, January, 1941. [p187] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 187 persecuted recently is Aq~y-i-Yazd~n-Parast, who was questioned, sent to prison, and after some days released on 200 tum~ns bail. Brought to trial, he was sentenced to two months and five days in jail but has appealed the case. Than6'u'llAh Furacl of Sabziv~r, was likewise imprisoned, then released on 200 tumAns bail, pending trial. Aq6y-i-TThiri was sentenced to seventy days in jail and has appealed the case. In Birjancl, Muhammad-Rich Majidi wrote the Registry Office: "I have married Layli Kh6num Majidi according to the procedure of my religion, tBahi'i.' I request that you designate the manner of registering this marriage." Following further correspondence be awaits trial. Following is a summary of the documents in a typical marriage case in Tilirin: M6si ThThit-i-Isfmini, a twenty-five year old translator, married, father of a child, frThian citizen, religion Baha'i; and his wife Khinurn Agfri, eighteen, Ir6nian citizen, religion Baha' i. The defendants transgressed the marriage law, in marrying according to the regulations of the Baha'i religion and in not appearing at one of the official license bureaus or informing the Registry Office of their marriage. They admit their act and say in extenuation that since they cannot tell falsehoods and the bureaus would not register their marriage because they are IBahA'is, they married elsewhere Kh6num Agh~ is sentenced to one month in prison or payment of 6 riy6ls a day, and M6s& to three and onehalf months in addition to one and onehalf months The above and further charges included in this document, were answered by 'Abclu'1-'Au 'AIA'i, member of the commission for aid to Baha'is contracting marriage, as follows: Although another calendar and money standard were used in the marriage certificate of the defendants, nevertheless the fr~nian equivalent was also stated. In other countries marriage has two aspects, civil and religious, the latter being optional; in Iran no civil marriage exists. Other religions besides Islim flourish in ir4n, having their own temples, Parliamentary representatives and otter rights, and no disorder results. The present marriage law refers oniy to members of the four recognized religions, and therefore does not apply to mem hers of any other religion; for example, it obviously would not apply to Bralimins or Buddhists resident in Inn. Each of the four license bureaus is authorized to marry oniy members of the specific religion which it serves, and cannot marry nonmembers. Although the law refuses to recognize the religions practiced by half the population of the globe, that does not prove that those religions are nonexistent, nor that fr6nian citizens should be obliged to commit themselves to falsehood at the official government offices. The defendants truthfully stated that their religion is Baha'i, and the learned judge in passing sentence testified to this, when he described their religion as Baha; now whether the law recognizes the Baha'i religion along with the other four, or refuses to recognize it along with the remaining religions of the world Ñ in any case the law applies only to members of the four religions specified, and therefore does not apply to Baha'is. As a result of the fGregoing, the authorities agreed that Miis~ had shown proof of his informing the Registry Office by mail ol his marriage. They added in substance that use in the certificate of a calendar and money standard other than fAn' s was not justified; that the license bureaus are really civil institutions intended merely to regulate marriage in an orderly way; and that, supposing an individual does have a special religion or even an imaginary one be can still contract marriage according to the law. Even if that legal marriage has a religious aspect and he thinks that religion to be false, it is better for him to obey the law than commit a crime, and then he can privately perform all the rites of his own religion. Miis&s sentence was then reduced to two months in jail or payment of 20 riykls daily. A second appeal was made by the Baha'i Commission in answer to the above, showing that the license bureaus are anything but civil, since each is dedicated to the practices of a given religion and the head of each, who according to law must perform the marriage, is chosen on a religious basis; and adding that the compromise which the authorities obviously wish the Baha'is to make would be dishonest and intolerable. The authorities, however, did not withdraw the last-men- [p188] 188 THE BAHA'I WORLD tioned sentence, on the grounds that "what-ever Milsi's religion may be, and with due regard to personal convictions, there is no reason why he should not obey the law." Meanwhile the Friends, men and women, bravely confront all obstacles; they will obey all the laws of their country except those which are tantamount to a recantation of their Faith. It is hoped that the misunderstandings caused by fanatics will be dissipated and the Government will come to realize that the Baha'is are true lovers of their homeland Ñ blessed in Baha'i history Ñ and that the free exercise of their religion can bring to Inn oniy progress. During the year 95, as ever, the Friends have been subjected to other difficulties as well. NVlxere matters of conscience arc concerned, they are generally persecuted by the authorities; as a rule, and particularly in the provinces, local officials take advantage of their position to vent their personal spleen on the Friends Ñ who, inspired by the Guardian, endure their trials patiently. This Assembly is in constant communication with government officials, urgently requesting the removal of these difficulties, examples of which follow. In Ardist6n (1sf Thin Division) Local Assembly representative Rafi'i sent a letter to the school superintendent to excuse all Baha'i children, about eighty boys and girls, from school attendance on the day of the Martyrdom of the Bib. When the children returned to school after their absence, the principal expelled them all, saying he bad been so directed from IsfThin. Rafi'i was imprisoned for some time, but released following vigorous action, and the children were readmitted to school. Another reason for the persecution of Rafi'i was that when the Ardistin Friends were building the wall of their cemetery a local official had unfavorably reported this activity. General reports show that whenever the Friends list their religion in a Government bureau as Baha'i, the bureaus refuse to em-pioy them; those previously employed, when renewing their registration papers, are subjected to all sorts of difficulties if they describe themselves as Baha'is. If, however, they leave the religions column blank, the officials fill it in themselves with the word ~~Mus1im" and discharge anyone who protests. When As'adu'1-Hukami reached Mashhad he stopped at the Milli Hotel in the center of town. Fearing it would be unwise if crowds of Baha flocked to~ see him there, the Assembly transferred him to the Hazi-ratu'1-Quds, where every night a reception was held for him. On Fridays he would stay at the home of an Assembly member and the crowds would be diverted to that place. In spite of these precautions, after a member of the Police Department, Aq6. N~ji, the son of a Baha'i, had called socially at the }ja~i-ratu'1-Quds and found some Baha'i visitors in a room that had once been the library and still had Baha'i pictures on the walls Ñ officials appeared and confiscated the pictures, one a large framed portrait of the Guardian done by a Baha'i youth. The authorities then summoned K~zimi, Assembly member, charged that a meeting had been held and inquired who owned the IAIa~irat'ul-Quds. He replied that there had been no meeting but a social gathering for the visitor, and that the property was in the name of Amin-Amin, whose representative was Mu'-ayyad-i-Ghiy~thi. They then summoned Ghiy4thi, and the head of the municipality fiercely upbraided him, finally ordering him to rent the building at once. A second official further directed that none but a Muslim tenant be accepted. The Assembly, however, decided to rent the building to Mihr-Kin, Assembly member, for his kindergarten, and this was done. The pictures have not yet been returned. Restriction by the Chief of Police of even small meetings was so severe in ZThidin that the Assembly was forced to discontinue social gatherings and classes for adults. Sangsar reports that when during a memorial for a Baha'i woman Tablets were being chanted, some municipal officers came out of hiding and began to insult and abuse those present. They listed the names of all attending and prepared to carry off the women to the Municipality. Siyyid Biqir, brother of the deceased, was beaten and imprisoned. He was later freed, but the affair is not yet settled. The Sangsar Friends having closed their shops on the day of the Martyrdom of the [p189] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 189 Bib, six of them were arrested and imprisoned for a day and night. A number of others were summoned for questioning. Following this the authorities drew up a list of certain Baha'is and ordered their banishment from Sangsar. Early in 95 the Municipality of Kirm~tn-sbih stopped all Baha'i gatherings, and immediately summoned for questioning those who gathered in even the smallest groups and forbade them to meet one another. The Municipality head personally forbade certain Assembly members to attend Assembly sessions and for a time these could not be held. Building of the local kla4ratu'1-Quds of Khurram~ib6xl was delayed for some time but permission for its construction was finally obtained. Bun~jird authorities confiscated the As Ñ sernbly seal, Baha'i papers, census papers and the like. The Rasht Chief of Police entered a Baha'i reception in Bandar-i-IPahlavi, confiscated all Baha papers and forced the host to pledge that no more meetings would be held in that house. In Taft, a village near Yazd, a social gathering of Baha'is was going forward when the Police Chief entered the house, confiscated several books and the Assembly records, and broke up the meeting. JinAb-i-N&h&bidi, who had gone to Kirmin to teach, was summoned by the police and forced to leave the town. In Qazvin, when the Friends were holding their election at the Hapratu'1-Quds, municipal authorities entered, confiscated the ballot box and arrested a number of persons, who are gradually being released. On their return from Haifa, Aq4yin Khidim and N~ini5 went to visit the Friends in Nayriz. They took photographs of Baha'i sacred areas in Nayriz and were chanting the visitation prayer in the Fort of KMjih, when suddenly they were surrounded by a group of leading Nayriz officials with about twelve of their staff members. The upshot was that Khidim and his party were taken in custody and forced to stay a day and night in Nay-Hz. Finally through efforts of the Shir~z Assembly they were permitted to return to Tihr~n but severe restrictions continued to be imposed on the Nayriz Friends. The above are typical of many other cases, not reported here for lack of space. Baha'i Youth Committees were the following: the Central Baha'i Youth Committee appointed by the N. S. A. This important committee has national powers in youth work. Local Youth Committees were: Public Speaking (for boys and girls, meeting separately) ; Sports (for boys) ; Teaching (boys and girls separately). In 95 the National Youth Committee directed that Baha Youth Day (February 24) be held all over Ir4n. An account of the Tihr~n youth activities on that day follows: The Baha'i youth gathered in seventeen different meeting places and carried out the following program: opening chant; brief history of International Baha'i Youth Day and its importance as stated by the Guardian; duties of youth in this turbulent age, and their need of unity to attract Divine confirmations; brief biographies of Baha'i youth who died as martyrs to the Faith; music by the Youth Orchestra; consultation of youth activities; taking of pictures and signatures of those present. Pictures, suggestions and related documents were sent to the American Baha'i Youth. Baha'i child training is going forward satisfactorily throughout the country despite current restrictions. In Tihrin every Friday seventy-five children's and youth classes in character building and other Baha'i teachings, for boy and girls both in separate and mixed groups, are held, 1,586 pupils attending. Throughout Inn likewise several thousand Baha'i children are receiving Baha'i teachings and character building lessons. Twelve Divisions report 2,500 students in 263 classes, and classes also meet in the remaining Divisions. The children thus sacrifice their one free day to study the lessons in character building and other phases of the Cause, with praiseworthy results. Exact restoration of the House of Baha'u'llah in T~kur, as directed by the Guardian some years ago is, through the devoted efforts of Siyyid Mulyin As~isi, almost completed; the exterior and interior ornamentation is soon to be done. AqSy-i-As~si has also had a well-constructed dam built across the village watercourse and the Hizir [p190] 190 THE BAHA'I WORLD River, to protect the building against threatened floods. The following list of Committees for the year 95 gives a summary of Baha'i activities in I r~tn: Central Committees: Teaching; Youth; Teaching Instruction; Unity of East and West; Ir4n Mashriqu'l-Adhkar; Shrine Areas; Census; Baha'i Real Estate; Baha'i World; Children's Trust; National Fund; Baha'i Publications. Tihr~n Local Committees, most of which are duplicated in the provinces, are: Welfare (to suppiy the needs of Baha'i poor); Reception (to entertain travelers) ; 19 Day Feast; Teaching; Census; Ija;iratu'1-Quds; Teaching Instruction; Claims Committee (to settle financial claims between believers) ; Appeals Committee (to retry cases appealed from Claims Committee) ; Service (to put on memorial meetings, find lobs for Baha'is out of work, etc.); Library; Ea1A'i Cemetery; Tablets Committee; Bali' Funds; Training Committee (to instruct the Friends as to Baha'i moral teachings and see that Baha'i laws are observed); Youth Committees as described above; Fellowship (to contact and bring into the group believers who have been out of touch with activities); Confirmation Committee (to instruct those about to become Baha'is); Baha'i Refugee Committee. A recent traveler visiting us was Dr. Mu-Ijammad-Husayn Luqm~ni of India, who returned home from Haifa by way of Tihr~n and B6shihr and made the pilgrimage to the House of the Bib in Shir6z. He brought the good news of the official recognition of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand. The Guardian, having given him a photograph of the Australian Government's document of recognition, had directed him to spread this news among the Friends. A second traveler was Salim Jun, member of the 'Iriq National and the Baglidid Local Assemblies, who came to tr~n with the Guardian's approval to visit the Shrines and tell the Friends of his pilgrimage to Haifa. He stayed some time in Tihr~n, traveled to see the Friends in many centers, and returned home by way of HamadAn. Of miscellaneous interest are the following: the Baha'i Youth of Shir&z have opened a library near the House of the Bib, calling it "The Library of the Holy House." The Egyptian N. S. A.'s Baha'i Laws of Personal Status has been translated into Persian under the supervision of our National Assembly. The book Baha'i Administration has been translated into Persian by Abu'1-Qasim Paydi. A compilation of all the Guardian's instructions to IrAn relative to such matters as: teaching, refraining from concealment of one's Faith; marriage; Bah6? i elections Ñ has been issued. In ~ihr&n, the foundation of a Baha'i archives has been laid. Steps have been taken regarding such matters as: making Baha'i wills; completing the census; establishing hospices for travelers; assisting the Children's Trust; spreading the Guardian s instructions relative to Baha'i workless days, and the blessed prophecies as to Ir~n's bright future. We corresponded during 95 with the following National Assemblies: U. S. and Canada; British Isles; 'Iriq; India and Burma; Egypt; and the Local Assemblies of Haifa, Paris, and 'Adasiyyih. The following telegram was received from the Guardian on Ridvan 12: ~'H art of Friends in East and West grieving over ascension of the Master's consort to the Abh& Kingdom. Joys of Ri4vin darkened. Festive gatherings of Sovereign Feast changed to memorial meetings in all centers. Shoghi." The expression of Inn's heartfelt sorrow was at once telegraphed to Haifa, and the day devoted to befitting memorials in Tihr~n while the provinces were likewise notified. Memorial gatherings for Queen Marie of Rumania were held in Tihrin and the provinces, and a letter of condolence in both I r~nian and English was sent to the King of Rumania and the Royal Family. Among the Baha'is who passed away in I r~in were: MahnThA Badi' i, National and TihvAn Local Spiritual Assembly member, on 29 Mihr 1317; a large gathering attended his burial at the Baha'i cemetery. The wellknown Baha'i teacher 'Abdu'llTh Mutlaq passed away on 1 Sulv&n 95, and the veteran teacher Siyyid Abu'1-Q4sim Mumt6zi Ani passed in Abidili. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF IRAN By: 'ALi-AKEAR FURCITAN, Secretary [p191] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 191 ANNUAL REPOR ASSEMBLY T Ñ NATIONAL OF THE BAHA SPIRITUAL 'IS OF I RAN Ñ i 9391940 SINCE it was impossible to hold a Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly for 97 was elected by letter. The same members were elected as in the previous year, and officers continued as before. During 97 the following areas sacred in Baha'i history were acquired: the house of the mayor of TihrAn, where TThirih was imprisoned; the burial place of QudcMs in Bibul (formerly B&rfunish); the house in Najaf-AbAd (near IsLihin) where the body of the Bib was placed for a time; the house of Mul]A Na~ru'114h the martyr in Shalimir-z~d, the place of his death. Other activities of the Shrine Areas Committee include: dispatch of a commission to report on the Fort of Kinir-Gird and the village of Galin, where the Bib spent some time; preparations for purchase of the Fort of Afchih, blessed by the presence of Baha'u'llah; dispatch of a commission to report on Murgli-Mahallih, the summer home of Baha'u'llah; investigations to determine the home of Sulaymin KhAn, the martyr, the homes of Mirza RidA-Quli and Ja'far-Quli Kh6n where Baha'u'llah stayed for some time, and the home of H~iJ Muhammad-~Iusayn, husband of the sister of Aq& Mu-bammad-Karim-i-'AvPr, where the body of the Bab rested; preparations for purchase of the house of the late Muliammad-Karim-i-'Att~r where the body of the Bib rested; of the burial place of Badi'in Ga1and~ik; and of the remaining blessed lands of Badasht, etc. Teaching work has continued in full force during this period, an analysis of this activity being given herewith: The following twenty teachers worked in the localities specified during 96, exclusive of the teaching activity in Tihr~n: Tarizu'-11Th Samandari Ñ KirminsMh, Hamad~n, Isl%ilAn, 'Jr&q, Yazd, Rafsinjin, Kirm6.n; 'Abbas 'Alavi, Yazd Khur~s~n Adhar-Munir Ñ Tabriz Ishr~q-i-Kh&vari Ñ Qazvin, Kurdistdn, Kirm~nshAh JsfAMn; Siyyid Ñ lylusayn Hashimi-Z4dih Ñ MAzindarin; Mirza Nabil-Z6dih Ñ Adhirbiyj&n; flQil-i Yazdi Ñ Kirmin and Kishin 'Au Adhari Ñ Khur5sin, Yazd; Hij-Aqi Rahm4niyAn Ñ M~zindarin; Fidil i -Tihr~ni Ñ KAshin, Shir~z Th6tit-.i--Sharqi Ñ I~fih~in; JfiAj-Mubammad Z~'ir Ñ Yazd; Haydar-'Ali Uskt'i Ñ AdhirbiyjAn; Sa'id-i--Radavi Ñ Hamadin; Niiru'lhh Akhtar-i-KhAvari Ñ Tabriz, Yazd; Mawhibatu'llih HA'i Ñ Najaf Abid; KhudA-Bakhsh 'Attir Ñ M~zindarin Ñ 'Iriq; Husayn Muhtadi Ñ tIr~q; Birjand and ZThidAn. Ijij-Muhammad TThir-i-MMmiri and Mirza Hasan-i-NishThidi have both been imprisoned. Volunteers who made teaching trips: 'Azizu'11Th MisbMii, member of the Central Teaching Committee, (and Mrs. Misb6i2) went by invitation of the Qazvin Assembly to that city, and is now teaching there. Fadlu'llih NAn went to Shah-Rick, AMdih and Shir~z on a three months' teaching trip. Ri~1A Sa'idati, who went to Tabriz last year, this year went to Shiriz Jahrum and K~sb4n for teaching purposes. Abu'1-QAsim Faydi and Mrs. Fay~i made a teaching trip to 'Iriq. JiMng'ir Aqdasi traveled and taught in the environs of K4shAn, till severe illness necessitated his return to Tihr~n. Dr. Arjumand and Muhammad Ishr~qi went on behalf of this Committee to Qazvin with notable results. Tiibi Khinum Shamsi of that city donated to the N. S. A. six months' expenses for a teacher to locate in Qazvin and environs. Mihdi Samandari, son of Tar6.zu'llAh, took a three months' trip with his father to Qazyin, Hama&in and Kirm~n-sh6h, especially to meet and work with Baha'i youth. Isma'il 'UbAdiyyat went to southern fr&n. Extracts from Re parts of the Teachers Early in 96 Adhar-Munir was invited to Zanjin and Qazvin, from Tabriz; then he came on to Tihr~n and despite his advanced age and failing sight begged to continue teaching; he therefore went on with this work in the Tabriz region, but toward the end of the year he fell ill and passed away. Hishimi-ZAdih Mutivajjih spent 96 in [p192] 192 THE BAHA'I WORLD The house of the King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs, the famous Baha'i brothers of I~f~h~n, which has recently been purchased by the Baha'is of fr&n to be preserved as an historical site in that city. M6zindar&n and Gurg~n, following up his previous work there. In 956, 31 of the many taught, became believers. In 96, a Spiritual Assembly was established in Bih-shalir. He made repeated journeys through that region. The young N&u'llAh Akhtar-i-KMvari volunteered to teach in Nayriz, where he established character building classes, regular 19 Day Feasts, and also photographed and listed the Baha'i sacred areas in that locality; later he went to Yazd where he is teaching the youth. Ishr~q-i-Kh&vari went from Raslit to Kurdistin, seeing the Friends everywhere en route. He is now teaching in I~Thh4n where the Cause flourishes, largely due to the efforts of Muhammad ThAbit-i-Sharqi, who now teaches in the surrounding areas. fldil-i-'Alavi went from Yazd to Khur4-sAn, meeting many seekers and renewing his acquaintance with prominent people and leaders of thought in that region. TarAzu'lUh Samandari's many journeys took him also to Yazd, land of many historic martyrdoms for the Faith, where he comforted the believers for recent trials that have beset them. Mirza Nabil Ñ Z4dih is now actively spreading the Faith in Tabriz and environs, where he has greatly furthered the teaching work. Shaykh-~1usayn Muhtadi, a learned divine of Q6init, known to all in that region for his erudition and holy life, became a believer some years ago. Recently, as a re-suit of the Guardian's letters and the action of the Spiritual Assemblies of Birj and and Zihid~n, he left his teaching position and has arisen to serve the Faith. Great confirmations are awaited from his efforts. The Baha'i teachers .&q~y4n T~hir-i-Milmiri and NiishAbidi have spent the entire year 96 in a Tihr4n prison. They are grateful for this suffering in the service of the Cause, and their oniy regret is that they are cut off from all teaching activity. The Friends are allowed to visit them. This year in Tihr~n 758 people received instruction in 56 Baha'i classes, 90 of those attending being women. Seventy-two persons have thus far accepted the Faith as a result, eight of them women. Since no one may attend the 19 Day Feast without a Baha'i identification card, and since new believers do not have such a card, [p193] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 193 the TihrAn Teaching Committee has arranged weekly gatherings where new and old believers can meet and the new be thus prepared for reception of the required card from the Census Committee. A women's Commission has also been appointed to cooperate with the Teaching Committee regarding confirmation of nonBahA'i wives of Baha'i husbands, and the giving of Baha'i instruction to their children. Its members are: Mahbiibih Na'imi; Baha'i Rawshan-Damir; Furi5qiyyih Mu-n~idi; KhThum-i-FAdil; Baha'i Izadi; Tal'at Iqr~ri; R~i~angiz Akhtar-Kh4vari; Gawhar Khushbin; Riihangiz Vahid; Rii-hangiz KhusrawP Mu'allimih Sin&-Z~idih; Agb& Muvaddat; Najmiyyih 'AU'i; Sir&-nish 'Uy~diySn; Mihrangiz Vahid Khinum Yiginih. In addition to classes for Baha'i teachers held by: Jin4b-i-F4dil-i-MAzindar6ni; Air-mad-i-YazdAni; Funitan; Dr. Afriikhtih Ñ a new class for women is conducted by Vahid-i-Kashafi and another for highly educated men students by JinAb-i-HdiL-i-M4zindar~ni and Mihdi Arjumand. Supplying four months' expenses, the Tihrin Teaching Committee sent Husayn-i-'Askari to Fashandak and TMiq~n, where he especially taught Baha'i and nonBahA'i children; another teacher is now planned for this rural district, to do fob. low-up work. Seven men and women were dispatched to villages around Tihr6n on short weekly trips; they were: Khinum Ñ i-Yig6nih; Khidim-i-Mithiq; 'Abbas Mahmiidi; Husayn Yiginih; 'In6yatu'lJAh F&iz; Mtis~ Aminat; Firaydiin Khushn&Iiy&n. The last-named volunteered for a year's trip to wheresoever the Teaching Committee desired. Although he had felt it imperative to return every month to superintend his business in TihrAn, he has foregone this necessity and is being greatly confirmed in his teaching work. This Committee's delegates to each teaching meeting turn in written reports every week. In addition they hold a monthly consultation period with Committee members. From time to time a Committee member attends each class in an advisory capacity. A frequent problem is the presence of too many Baha or inquirers at a given class. Thirty teachers conduct these various classes. Their names follow: The men: Tar~z; Sin~-.Z~dih; 'At&'u'IUh Baha; Mus-tawfi; Vahid-i--Kashfi; Ishriq; NCr-i-Din Mumt~zi; Ahmad-i-Yazdini; 'Abbas Mab-mi~di; F~idi1-i-M4zindar~ni; Kayv~n; Khus-raw Muqbil; 'Abdu'lUh F~4i1; Pargb~im; Mihr-A'in; Akhtar-i-Khivari; 'AII-Akbar Furiitan; Dr. R4sikhi; Sulaym~n Shakibt Avirig~n Shari'at-MudiryAn; Khushrnidi-yin; Shahidi. The women: Mariyam Baha'u'llah; Khushbin; Na'imi; MansMdi; Imarn; Samandari; Riihi 'Arifi. [p194] 194 THE BAHA'I WORLD ANNUAL REPOR ASSEMBLY 'IRAQ Ñ THE Baha'is of 'Iriq were severely tested recently when authorities in Mosul, northern 'IrAq, acting on reports that Baha are communists, arrested accused believers and detained them pending their trial by courtmartial. The friends were held under intolerable prison conditions in the intense summer heat for almost two weeks. Nevertheless, assured of the help of Baha'u'llah, they remained unperturbed, and were even able to spread the teachings among their fellow-prisoners. After close investigation, the authorities were convinced that the accused were Baha'is, not communists, and that the Faith is nonpolitical, non-subversive, and in no way connected with communism. The National Spiritual Assembly closely followed the proceedings, and, as had been expected, the arrested believers were declared innocent and promptly released, their faith greatly reinforced by this tribulation. A letter to the National Spiritual Assembly from Muhammad TThir Najm, member of the Baha'i group of Mosul, is in part as follows: the police authorities yesterday eve-fling (June 22, 1939) suddenly called at the homes of MullA Ahmad H. Mallih, Sharif 'Aziz, and Hishim Muhammad and conducted a careful inspection there. Then, taking whatever Baha'i books and letters they could find, they arrested these believers pending their trial by the courtmartial, which would also investigate about the raith. As regards the rest of the friends, it is rumoured that we, too, shall be arrested today or tomorrow. Our attitude toward these events, which we regard as a propaganda for our dear Cause, is that of perfect joy and happiness. We are fully prepared to sacrifice our lives and precious possessions for the sake of upholding the Word of God in this land. Would to God we are made a sacrifice for His most great Cause The most vital activity of the 'Ir4q Baha during these two years has been the construction of the new Haziratu'1-Quds. Where the former center was located in the T Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE BAHA'I S OF 19381940 dark, winding alleys of old Baglidid, the new edifice stands in its own beautiful gardens in a modern suburb. Total expenditures on the building alone have amounted to 3,500 pounds, while the whole property, that is, the building and the site of land (40 60 m3, is now estimated at 6,000 pounds. Owing to financial difficulties, construction work on the new center had been suspended at the close of its first stage in the summer of 1937. Early in April 1938, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly returned from Haifa bearing emphatic instructions from the Guardian relative to the speedy completion of the work Ñ an undertaking described as ttmomentous." With his message the Guardian graciously enclosed 50 pounds as a contribution toward the enterprise. The National Spiritual Assembly immediately called a number of consultation meetings in which delegates and friends were invited to join; these resulted in an urgent appeal to the entire Baha'i community. The response was most encouraging, as a relatively small number of contributors during the Ridvan Feast of 1938 added 500 pounds to the Guardian's original donation. Contributions during RiQvAn 1939 totalled 380 pounds, and it is expected that sums raised this year will at least equal those of 1938. Construction work was resumed August 23, 1938, and the new Hall, a befitting center for Baha'i spiritual and administrative purposes, is expected to be inaugurated in September, 1939. In its Annual Report of 1939 the National Spiritual Assembly stated that this undertaking had not oniy enhanced the dignity and good name of the Cause, but had also done much to unify the Baha'is of 'Ir&q, necessitating as it did their common effort in carrying out the Guardian's instructions. A recent letter from the Guardian enclosed a further donation to the work of 50 pounds. Replying to Naw-Riiz, 1939 greetings of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Guardian wired, tt~0~j~g appreciation. Praying unprecedented victories.~~ [p195] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 195 On the tragic occasion of the death in a motor accident of King Gbizi, April 4, 1939, the National Spiritual Assembly, sympathizing with the Royal Family in their deep sorrow, sent the following telegram to H.R.H. Prince 'Abdu'11&h, just declared Regent: "The painful tragedy that has so suddenly broken upon this dear Kingdom through the death of its beloved Ruler, His Majesty King Gh&zi the First, has caused the hearts of the Baha'is in 'Iraq to bleed, who approach your Highness and the Royal Family with their sincere expression of heartfelt condolence, supplicating the Lord, exalted be He, to inspire all with patience and peace, and to keep his guarded son, His Majesty King FayQal the Second, the center of the hopes of the afflicted people. (Sgd.) THE BAHA'I SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF 'IRAQ." The National Spiritual Assembly continues to publish quarterly the BAHA'I NEWS LETTER, which was started in its new form in December 1937, and is issued in both Eng. lish and Arabic. Responding to the appeal of the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt, requesting cooperation in the sale and distribution of the Arabic translation of the Dawn-Breakers (now still at press), the National Spiritual Assembly has thus far transmitted some 60 pounds as advance orders for this important work, which will greatly enrich Baha literature in Arabic. A generous donation of ten copies of the BAHA' WORLD Vol. VII, was gratefully received in September, 1939, from. Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher of Montreal, who requested presentation of these to sympathetic inquirers. The National Spiritual Assembly likewise ordered ten copies of this volume. Our beloved sister, Miss Martha L. Root, last year presented to Local Assemblies and Groups several copies of her splendid work, Tdhirih the Pure Ñ Irdn's Greatest Woman. The late Muhammad CA1i BanM Yazdi, a believer who died in Haifa some time ago, willed one-fourth of his bequest to the General Fund of the 'Iraq National Spiritual Assembly. This sum, just under 220 pounds, was recently received through the kindness of the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa. The Annual Baha Youth World Symposiums are regularly held and enthusiastically celebrated in BaghdAd. Young believers and their non-Bah&'i friends attend these to study various phases of the Cause, and the vital duties that devolve upon youth in the face of modern world trends. To sum up, dominant events of the present two-year period have been: the imprisonment of Mosul Baha'is on the charge of communism, and their acquittal; the construction of the new and beautiful Hazi-ratu'1-Quds; the continued expansion and consolidation of all Baha'i activities throughout 'Iniq. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF 'IRAQ By: JAMfL I. BAGHOAD [p196] 196 THE BANAl WORLD ANNUAL REPORT Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF INDIA AND BURMA Ñ 1938194o As THE years roll by the potency of the Divine Faith of Baha'u'llah shows itself in penetrating and spreading rapidly in different parts of the world. tcTruth,~~ says an old saw, "is one which does not require any aid for its dissemination." The Qur'an in one of its arguments says, ttDO whatever you like you will have to obey my commandments whether willingly or unwillingly." This is exactly the case with the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Feeble as our resources are both financially and in trained teachers, we find that our humble efforts are blessed by re-suits which we never expected nor was there any inkling of achieving them. Surely Baha'u'llah beholds those who arise to serve His Cause from His Realms of glory and aids them with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of His favored angels. The years under review have been years of significant achievements in India and Burma. The Faith has made an all round progress and firm foundations for solid achievements in future have been laid down. The local Spiritual Assemblies have shown growing alertness in the discharge of their duties. The teaching tour undertaken by our beloved sister Miss Martha L. Root from October, 1937, to December, 1938, has partly been described in the BAHA'I WORLD Vol. VII, and her visit to Northern India universities and colleges is being reproduced elsewhere in this volume. She travelled from Colombo in the South to Srinagar in the North, and from Peshawar, the outpost city of the British Empire in the West, to Calcutta and Burma in the East. All the big towns in India were visited by her and in colleges and universities and in conferences and societies such as the Theosophical Society, the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj and before Muslim Institutes, the Message of Baha'u'llah was proclaimed and illuminating lectures on subjects like Culture and World Peace and What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty were delivered. In Indian States like Hyderabad (Deccan), Travancore, Jammu and Kashmir, Rampur, Patiala and Indore were visited and almost every university centre such as La-hare, Delhi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Benares, Aigra, Patna, Calcutta, Madras, Bombay. Mysore and Shantineketan (Tagore's University) was visited and at some of the lectures Judges of the High Court, distinguished publicists, Vice-Chancellors of universities, eminent professors, and heads of religious organizations presided and thousands of students received the Teachings with a sense of joy and gratefulness. The whole of the intelligentsia of this country heard the Teachings through these lectures and through pamphlet literature and through the leading daily newspapers (English as well as vernacular) of India and Burma which reached millions of literate people in our country. Thus a great publicity was given to the Cause during these two years all over India and Burma and well written articles were contributed by able writers to the wellknown Indian Magazines like the Hindustan Review, the Aryan Path, the Triveni, the Twentieth Century, the Visivabharati, the Rangoon Times, the Advance, the Bombay Sama char, the Karachi Daily News, etc., etc. Miss Martha L. Root rendered a great service to the Cause by publishing that wonderful book in Karachi, (India) namely, Tdhirih the Pure, Irdn's Greatest Woman, which was presented to all the libraries in India and Burma and also to some distinguished personages whom she met in her teaching tours. This book has been very well received all over the country and read with the deepest interset. It has made indelible impression on some minds as is evidenced from letters that are received from those who have read it. Among the believers she left an abiding consclousness of duties towards the Great Faith. We need not dilate on her unique and immensely valuable services as she has most unostentatiously described them in her "Let-ters Home." We will, however be failing in our duty if we do not pay our humble and [p197] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 197 heartfelt thanks to our most beloved sister for the great and glorious work that she has done among us and for the splendid holy example that she set before us. Baha'i Teaching Here again our beloved sister Miss Martha Root's work stands out as a marvelous example of fortitude and sustained work. She delivered speeches in all the big halls of the country and her audiences consisted of men from all walks of life. In some places some individuals tried to put to her some intriguing questions but she always rose to the situation and mastered it in a manner that resulted in the satisfaction of all concerned. From Srinagar in the North to Colombo and Kandy in the South she left no town of importance and no individual of prominence where and to whom she did not convey the Message of Baha'u'llah. Similar work was done by Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar. She toured South India, that is, Madras, Hyderabad (Deccan) and Mysore and then went to Burma where she did splendid work. In her second tour she was accompanied by her husband Dr. K. M. Fozdar and they both joined Miss Martha Root at Madras and travelled with her to Ceylon and Travancore. Dr. Fozdar returned after some time and the two sisters continued their splendid work in these parts of India as the Guardian had wished that the N. S. A. of India and Burma should give their attention to the South where there is as yet no Assembly. Prof. Pritam Singh made his usual tours of the university towns and delivered lectures and answered questions. He is a wellknown figure in these circles and his lectures make good impression upon his hearers. He also toured to Kashmir to follow up the work of another teacher who had preceded him to that State. For the first time in the history of the Cause in India, the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir was opened up at first by Mr. Isfandiar K. B. Bakhtiari of Karachi in 1937, followed by a visit by Miss Martha L. Root in 1938 and the followup work was done by Prof. Pritam Singli. This valley is visited every summer by thousands of people from all parts of the world and some Baha'i friends are going to settle there, in connection with the Six-Year Plan of Teaching, to continue the teaching work. We have already a good group of firm believers here which we hope will eyolve into an Assembly in the near future. The local Spiritual Assemblies as usual held public meetings, delivered speeches in public halls and left nothing undone within their means to spread the Cause of God. Karachi held public lectures and at the time of each festive Baha'i anniversary invited the gentry and the notables of the town to grand tea-parties in the garden of the Haziratu'1-Quds and delivered the Message of Baha'u'llah to the guests. They extend their teaching activities to the neighbouring towns of Hyderabad (Sind) and Shikarpur. It is due to the efforts of this Assembly that the Divine Faith is known to the people of Sind from the highest to the lowest. A traveller will find the likeness of the beloved Master hung upon the walls of religious institutions. Sadhu Viswani, whom our beloved Miss Root describes as ccthe great writer, the saint, the seer, the sage, the messenger of the New Age" was so impressed by Miss Martha Root's direct message that he delivered speeches which may be aptly called the best Baha'i speeches. There are many other public men, such as Mr. Jamshed Nus-serwanjee Mehta, Mr. Hatim Alvi, Mr. Durga Dass Advani, all ex-mayors of Karachi, and a host of other notables who never refuse to render any help in the interest of the Cause that may be asked of them. Bombay Assembly, in addition to its usual programme, started weekly public meetings in the suburbs of Bombay at the house of one of the believers of the place visited. This new feaure is evolving into a regular campaign and has not only added to the number of the Community but has also encouraged and roused the believers to try more and more. The public activities of the Assembly have brought the Divine Faith to the notice of all public bodies in the town. All the notables and statesmen of the Province are well aware of the aims and objects of the Divine Faith. Public men such as Mr. Jamna Dass Mehta, M.L.A., Principal Kashmira Singh, Mr. K. Natranjan, Prof. P. A. Wadia, [p198] 198 THE BAHA'I WORLD An early picture of the body of a Baha'i martyr of I r6n. Prof. N. K. Pohagwat, Prof. Rou, Mr. K. F. Nariman, Seth Manjibhoy Govindji, Dr. Mulbagala and Mr. Gyani who presided over the public meetings called by the Assembly at various occasions gave expression to their glowing appreciation of the Divine Teachings. The Assembly availed itself of all public functions and turns them into occasions for the propagation of the Divine Faith. Poona Spiritual Assembly continued in her efforts to serve the Cause in the most efficient way. Public lectures were arranged and the Baha'i Holy Days were made occasions for propagating the Divine Faith. Delhi, Calcutta, Rangoon, Mandalay and Deedanaw Assemblies did their utmost to discharge the duties enjoined upon them by the Author of their Faith. At Simla a local Spiritual Assembly was formed in 1938 but in 1939 it could not be formed owing to its four members having left the place. A group now meets there. The Lahore group is holding weekly study classes and is gathering strength. Publicity During her tour of more than one year, wherever Miss Martha Root went, she enlisted the aid of the Press. She met everywhere the journalists and editors of newspapers papers who very willingly published long and glowing articles about the Divine Teachings. In India, Burma, and Ceylon there was not a single paper of note that did not devote some considerable space for the Baha'i articles. It was the same with the tours of Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Prof. Pritam Singh and Mr. Isfandiar Bakhtiari. Pamphlets such as the "Dawn of the New Day," rfBahcfi Peace Programme," (Tworid Religion," r!What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty" and others were printed in English and many Indian languages and given away gratis at public lectures of the touring teachers and at local meetings. The rrworld Order" magazine of America is subscribed to by many in India and arrangements have been made to place a copy in the libraries of Universities all over India, Burma, and Ceylon. Mr. A. C. Harris of Switzerland presents this magazine to some of the Universities of these countries. Thus all the university libraries of these three countries receive this publication of the Divine Faith. Fifty copies of the BAHA WORLD, Vol. VII, presented to India and Burma by Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, are being placed in the university libraries and in other wellknown libraries of these countries. Our own Urdu and Persian monthly, the Baha'i Magazine, has done very good [p199] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 199 work among the Urdu-and Persian-know-ing Indians and has been instrumental in spreading the Cause far and wide. The Baha'i Friends of Burma have also been active in those regions and have done good deal of teaching work in cooperation with Miss Martha Root and Mrs. Shirin Fozdar assisted by Dr. S. H. 'Au of Rangoon. The Hindi and Sindhi versions of Dr. Esslemont's Baha'u'llah and the New Era" were freely distributed in North India and in Sind and the Urdu version of ersolne Answered Questions" was also published and put on sale. The Sindhi version of reBahd~~ u'lIdh and the New Era" was approved by the Education Department of the Government and was ordered to be placed in the libraries of all the public and private schools of that Province. Baha'i Summer School One of the forward steps that the believers of these parts took during the years under review was the starting of the Summer School. As India is a vast country and it was not possible to have more than one such school, it was decided by the N. S. A. to hold it yearly at different places. The first school was held at Simla during September, 1938. It was blessed with the presence of our beloved sister Miss Martha L. Root. The school was a grand all-round success far beyond the expectations of its promoters. A full programme of study of the Holy Books was carried out. Evening lectures were held in public halls and a day was set apart for an outing. The presence of beloved Miss Root inspired the youth who had joined the school and they were greatly benefited. A full report of the school will be found elsewhere in this volume. The second Baha'i summer school opened in Karachi during September, 1939, for ten days. Owing to disturbed international situation the attendance from other Assemblies was very poor but the friends of Karachi, especially the youth of the place evinced great interest and were greatly benefited. They asked intelligent questions and the discussion that followed each lesson was greatly illuminating. The Laws of the Aqdas, the Baha'i Administration and other Baha'i literature was studied. A course of lectures on comparative religion was also delivered. Public lectures were delivered in the Theosophical Hall and at Sarnagati Hall. The school this year was decidedly an improvement on last year's effort and it is hoped that the institution will in time become the Great School Ñ the universal nucleus Ñ which will send out trained Baha'i teachers to spread the Divine Faith of Baha'u'llah throughout the length and breadth of India, Burma and Ceyon. Youth Activities This was another effort which was crowned with success. Youth groups existed in many centres but there was no organized effort to coordinate their activities. The American Baha'i Youth Movement invited the youth of this country to join them in holding a Symposium on a certain appointed day in February. This proved an incentive and the youth groups under the guidance of the N. S. A. organized themselves, held the annual Symposium and drew up plans for a course of study for the whole year. In 1939 the N. S. A. appointed a subcommittee to consolidate the movement still further. The Committee is now doing its work. The study classes at all centres are more or less regularly held and public meetings to which the youths and gentry of the towns were invited have been held. Baha'i Children's Education There are at present two schools, one at Deedanaw (Burma) and the other at Poona (India). The former is a government recognized institution and imparts education in Burmese and English up to the primary standard; while the latter is a private school and is conducted under the aegis of the local Spiritual Assembly. It too, imparts education in English, Guj rati and Persian up to the primary standard. The N. S. A. has a scheme in hand planning a central boarding school for all the Baha'i children to be established in one of the centres. Owing to financial difficulties the progress in this connection is very slow; but we hope that ere long the scheme will grow and fructify and we shall have the most up-to-date boarding school conducted on the lines of the British public schools. [p200] 200 THE BAnAl WORLD Six-Year Plan of Teaching It was one year after our American brothers and sisters have launched their Seven-Year Plan of Teaching that the N. S. A. of India and Burma on a recommendation by the 10th Annual Convention, adopted a Six-Year Plan of Teaching. It at first aimed at making each local Assembly responsible to establish another Assembly in a nearby town; but later our beloved Guardian suggested that the chief aim of the Plan should be to find volunteer teachers for settlement in places where the Divine Faith has not yet been established. These teachers will make these places either their permanent places of business or they will stay so long as to form a local Spiritual Assembly or at least a group of confirmed believers who will evolve themselves into an Assembly in due course. In the 11th Convention therefore the two chief aims of the Plan were clearly defined and a Committee was formed to concentrate their whole energy towards the suc-. cessful prosecution of the Plan. It is a matter for joy and gratification that the Plan is progressing and is drawing confirmations and assistance from the Supreme Concourse. Some of the friends have offered themselves for settlement in places which the Committee has selected for settlement this year. The Committee is now recommending to the N. S. A. to provide funds for the prosecution of the Plan. When the funds are obtained the rest will be easy. The way in which Baha'u'llah helps us in the achievement of our aims is really miraculous. He has shown this to us several times and the conviction is now deeply rooted in us that we will succeed in our aims and intentions provided we make but a move towards accomplishing them. We are fully convinced that by the end of 1944 A.D. we shall have attained the objectives for which we have started the campaign. Publicaticms In addition to the Baha'i Magazine which is published from Bombay in Urdu and Persian every month we published the translations of some books in the vernaculars of the country. Mandalay Assembly rendered the Obligatory Prayer with some other prayers into Burmese. Hindi and Sindhi versions of Baha'u'llah and the New Era were published and extensively presented to the libraries of the province to which the language belonged. The Urdu version of Some Answered Questions was published and was presented to most of the libraries keeping Urdu books. The pamphlet The Dawn of the New Day was published in English, Urdu, Hindi and Tamil and was freely distributed during the teaching tours of Miss Martha Root, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar and other teachers. The pamphlet World Religion was republished in English and was freely distributed. Miss Martha Root published in pamphlet form What the Baha'i Faith Can Do for Poverty. Annual Baha'i Convention The 10th Annual Convention of the Baha'is of India and Burma was held in Karachi during the Ridvan of 1938, when public lectures were arranged and the Message was given to the Theosophists, the Jams and the Indian Parsees. The 11th All-India and Burma Baha'i Convention was held in Calcutta during the Ridvan of 1939 and great publicity was done on the platform and from the press. (Sgd.) ABBAS ALl BUTT Editor, indian Section New Delhi, October, 1939. [p201] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 201 ANNUAL REPORT Ñ NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 193 81940 THE CAUSE in Australia and New Zealand during the two fateful years in the history of mankind, 1938 and 1939, has made really heartening progress. New names have been added to the membership rolls in each center, the development of Baha'i institutions has proceeded steadily and naturally, a Baha'i Summer School has been established and two successful sessions held, teaching activity has been extended and become more zealous and the growing strength and vitality of the Baha'i community is becoming increasingly apparent. As the world situation deteriorates and the masses of the people are torn by doubt, conflicting ideologies, fear, and uncertainty, the believers in their calmness and unshakable faith in the world-redeeming power of the Cause, are attracting more and more attention. Hearts grim with foreboding are drawn and eyes dulled with apprehension are turning to the light of faith, hope, and certainty which shines so brightly in the Baha'i community. The second convention which was held in Sydney, New South Wales, in April, 1937, marked the beginning of a new stage of development in the history of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand; so illuminating and instructive were the addresses given by the delegates and so powerful was the spirit of dedication animating those present, from that time a deeper realisation of the responsibility and mission of the Australian and New Zealand Baha'i community as a component part of the world wide Baha'i community destined in the fullness of time to expand into a glorious new civilization, the Baha'i Commonwealth of nations, intensified the zeal and determination of the believers and lent an impetus to their efforts which has produced gratifying results. The teaching field is steadily widening; in all the centres advertised lectures are given regularly; large fireside meetings are held by the believers in their homes; opportunities to give the Baha'i Message on other platforms are courted and a wider circulation for our literature is being obtained. In all the centres, increased efforts are being made to gain the attention of the press and in this we were greatly helped by Miss Martha Root on the occasion of her teaching tour of Australia and New Zealand during the first half of 1939. Miss Root obtained more press publicity for the Cause than we had had previously; indeed, she gave a much needed stimulus to our efforts in this direction and we learned much from her methods. The receipt of the news that Miss Root was coming was the signal for intensive planning and preparation for a vigorous teaching campaign in all the centres. Everything possible was done in the way of advance publicity and arrangements were made for her to make broadcasts and to speak on the platforms of numerous societies and in schools and churches. The famous Baha'i teacher arrived in Perth, Western Australia, on January 10th, and was given a warm welcome by the believers there. The Perth Spiritual Assembly had arranged a fine programme and from the first the work went with a swing; many new contacts were made and a great deal of interest was aroused; the Perth believers themselves being greatly stimulated and uplifted by this soul refreshing season of activity and by Miss Root's inspiring influence. From Perth, Miss Root went to Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney. In Adelaide, in addition to the radio broadcasts and the lectures arranged for and widely advertised by the Spiritual Assembly, Miss Root spoke to the Spiritual Mission Church, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Radiant Health Club, the Theosophical Society, at many informal gatherings and at a reception held at the Hotel Grosvenor. Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne and Miss Hilda Brooks of Adelaide, accompanied Miss Root to Tasmania and Melbourne and the little group of four travelling to promote the [p202] 202 THE BAHA'I WORLD Study Class, Baglid6d, for training of children. Baha'i Faith, awakened considerable interest and gained publicity and press notices for the Cause. Miss Gretta Lamprill, sole believer in Tasmania at that time, and Miss Eloise Jensen, who became enrolled during the visit, were overjoyed to see them, as never before had there been such a number of Baha'is together in Tasmania. Miss Jensen was enrolled at a little meeting of the Baha'is held at the Hotel where the party was accommodated. The occasion was celebrated with prayers and joyous thanksgiving; this, it was felt, would be the turning point of the Cause in Tasmania and the first of many enrolments. That hopes were justi-fled was proved by the enrolment some weeks later of Miss Kitty Crowder. Now these three capable workers have commenced teaching activities which are gradually gathering momentum. Miss Lamprill had arranged for Miss Root to give several broadcasts and to speak at three High Schools, the Spiritualistic Church, the Workers' Education Association, the Lyceum Club, the Theosophical Society, the Esperantist Association, the Rotary Club, the Bellerive, Sandford Country Women's Association, and two public meetings in Hobart and one in Launceston. Great interest was evinced by all who heard the addresses and the little group of believers was delighted with the result of the teaching campaign in Tasmania. In Melbourne, through the efforts of the indefatigable Secretary, Mrs. Wheeler, doors were magically opened and warm invitations for Miss Root to address meetings were received. In addition to broadcasts and informal talks, Miss Root lectured to the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the Australian Church, the Writer's Cultural Club, Trinity Grammar School, Chinese Women's Society, Esperanto Club, Women's League of Health, Journalists' Luncheon, Kilvington Girls' School and the Unitarian Church. The Sydney friends had been eagerly preparing for Miss Root's visit and had arranged for broadcasts, receptions, interviews and public meetings. In addition, Miss Root delivered addresses at the Millions Club, the United Association, the English Speaking Union, the Board of Social Study and Training, the Women's League of Health, the Quota Club, Australian League of Nations, Esperanto Society, the Rotary Club, Journalists' tea, the Newport W.E.A. Summer, School, the Feminist Club, the Y.M.C.A., the Women's League of Health, and the Eel Ñ lowship of Australian 'Writers. Everywhere this dear and selfless servant of the Cause won all hearts by her gracious [p203] CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 203 ness, her loving kindness and her eagerness to serve humanity. Everywhere she diffused the fragrance of her beautiful radiant spirit and will ever be remembered by the believers of Australia and New Zealand with iov Ñ ing grateful appreciation. Youth In Adelaide, South Australia, a Baha'i youth group has been formed and steady development maintained, the members are enthusiastic and bring their friends to the meetings to hear the Baha'i Message. Australian youth are excellent material for Baha'i teachers to work upon for on the whole they are singularly unprejudiced in their outlook and the Baha teachings make instant appeal to them. The youth meetings are made interesting and attractive; lectures are given by the convener; papers they have prepared are read by the young people; all present are encouraged to take part in the discussions on Baha subjects and a lesson in Esperanto is conducted by Miss Dorothy Dugdale. The youth readily appreciate the value of an international language as a medium by which understanding and liking among the different races may be promoted and are pleased to have this opportunity of learning Es Ñ peranto. Members of the youth group have been very active in spreading the Message among fellow students in schools, the university and young members of religious societies and we feel that in these young people we have a potent teaching ally. The Cause is gradually spreading into the country districts, the number of isolated believers is increasing, the largest country group being that of the family of Mr. David Brooks, "Rockwood" Booleroo Centre, South Australia. Summer School The Summer School held at tCBolton Place," Yerrinbool, New South Wales, the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bolton of Sydney and lent and dedicated by them for the school sessions, is becoming a source of pride and joy and high hopes are entertained for its future development and usefulness. Arrangements are under the direction of a committee and two successful sessions have already been held, the first in January, 193 8, the second in January, 1939. The proceedings commence with a public lecture given in the Yerrinbool district hail. During the week, morning and afternoon classes for the study of the Teachings are held at the school; enquirers sometimes attend these. Picnics and social evening~ have been the means of providing relaxation and entertainment for the attendants at tht school and of contacting people of the neighbourhood. Plans are now being made for the third session to be held in January, 1940. National Spiritual Assembly In view of the fact that owing to the great distances which separate them, the members are able to meet oniy once each year, the National Spiritual Assembly functions with surprising efficiency and effectiveness. This body, by its devotion to duty and its adherence to the principles of the administration, has attaine.d administrative capacity and efficiency which have won for it the spontaneous love and confidence of the believers. It has been greatly heartened by the Guardian's assurance that the foundation laid is "broad, solid and unassailable." Except for the meetings Lasting a week, sometimes longer, held annually, consultations have to be conducted by correspondence; this is a disability, but one which is not allowed to prevent the proper functioning of the N. S. A. Teaching Committee In 1939, a National Teaching Committee was appointed; the aim of this committee is to help the smaller groups which are hampered by scarcity of numbers and teachers, by providing literature for circulation and by sending them public speakers from time to time to give impetus to their teaching efforts. A magnificent gift of thirtyfive copies of the BANAl WORLD, Vol. VII, presented to the N. S. A. by Mr. Siegfried Schopilocher of Montreal, Canada, will greatly assist this Committee. Cf Herald of the South" The enterprising and progressive editorial [p204] 204 THE BAHA'I WORLD staff, having raised the standard of our publication Herald of the South, this magazine is gaining popularity with both believers and enquirers. Baha'i Quarterly The N. S. A. keeps the believers informed of affairs and happenings through the medium of a news letter published every three months and called Baha'i Quarterly. The national news letters from other countries are a source of guidance and inspiration and are greatly appreciated. National Fund The flow of contributions to the National Fund has been steady Ñ all the Assemblies and groups contributing spontaneously and in proportion to their resources. Convention Owing to the great distances which separate the centres, it has only been possible to have a Convention every three years; the first was held in 1934, the second in 1937 and the third, we trust, will be in 1940. The election of the N. S. A., in the intervening years, has been conducted by correspondence. The symbol of the CCG tt Name" and the word ceBh~~i~~ have been registered as a Trade Mark. This, according to the law, will remain in force for a period of fourteen years. No record of this period is complete without mention of the iove of the believers for Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Cause, and their gratitude for his ever present guiding band to which they cling with all their might. He has directed our efforts, led us forward, encouraged our N. S. A., protected us from error and inspired us all with an entrancing vision of the New Day. Our love for him, although few of us have seen him, is so great that his name is constantly on our lips, our prayers that we may assist him in his work are fervent, and our trust in him complete. For the Precious Relic, the lock of Baha'u'llah's hair which he sent us in 1938, we are deeply grateful. To the believers of Australia and New Zealand living in this period nearly a half a century after Baha'u'llah's ascension and so far from the scenes amid which his life was spent, this precious gift has brought a sense of nearness and contact with his personality. Gazing upon it, the immortal words of Professor Edward G. Browne, describing his 3mpres Ñ sion of Baha'u'llah, whom he was privileged to see once, came to mind, "The face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow; while the deep lines on the forehead and face implied an age which the jet black hair and beard flowing down in indistinguishable luxuriance almost to the waist seemed to belie. No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one who is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. By: HILDA M. BROOKS, Secretary [p205] LIII EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS WORDS OF THE Bab SELECTIONS FROM LE LIVRE DES SEPT PREUVES '~ DE LA MISSION DU Bab AU Nom de Dieu, le Seul Unique, le Seul Unique. Louanges ~ Dieu, car ii n'y a pas d'autre Dieu que Lui, le Seul Unique, le Seul Unique. Toute splendeur 'dent de Dieu, sur le nze~n youzher-Oullah et sur ses ap5tres jusque dans 1'6ternit~ des &ernit6s. Et ensuite: Nous avons examin6 La lettre qui nous a 6t6 6crite: Si l'Ofl desire une explication d~-taill6e des preuves dtablissant la v6ritd de cette Manifestation, celle-ci serait trop longue et les tablettes du monde de 1'existence et des possibilitds n'y pourraient suflire Mais, 1'essence de ce discours et 'a perle de ce but sont qu'il n'y a jarnais eu et qu'il n'y a pas de doute que Dieu Eternel a touj ours 6t6 stable dans 'a Hauteur de sa Divinit~, dans la sub1imit~ de ses Purs Attributs, a qu'ii restera toujours dans Ia Splendeur et 1'immu-tabilit6 de Son Infinie Grandeur. Rien ne "a connu comme II doit ~tre connu a les louanges que 1'on en a faites sont rest6es au-dessous de Lui. II est Fur de tous noms, Libre de tous scm-blables. Tout Lui est connu et Sa Grandeur r&ide en ceci qu'Il reste inconnu ~i tout. Sa Cr~ation n'a j amais eu de commencement et n'aura jamais de fin car ii y aurait eu alors ou ii y aurait un arret n&essaire ~ Ses bien-faits. Toutes les fois qu'il s'est trouv6 utile dans ce monde de Possibilit6s, II a envoy6 des Proph&es a fait descendre du Ciel des Livres de la Loi: Ii le fera encore quand le besoin s'en fera sentir. Si tu voyages dans 1'Oc6an des Noms, sache que tout est connu de Dieu. Lui est trop dev6 pour ~tre connu de Sa cr6ation ou pour are d&rit par Ses cr6atures. Tout ce que tu vois a 6t6 cr66 par Sa volont6. Et queue preuve te faa-il donc de son Unit6? Son existence en est la preuve la plus compl&te, et 1'existence m&me des choses ext6rieurcs est la preuve la plus formelle qu'elles oat 6t6 cr6des par Lui. C'est lit la preuve philo-sophique pour celui qui voyage sur la mer de Ia V6rit6. Si tu vogues sur 1'Oc6an de Ia Cr6ation, sache que le premier Zikr, qui ~mane de 'a Primitive Volont6, est semblable au soleil que Dieu tr~s Haut a cr66 suivant sa Puissance, d~s le commencement pour lequel ii n'y a pas de commencement, et, dans chaque manifestation, c'est cc Zikr qu'il a montr6 suivant sa propre d&ision. Sache donc que ce Zikr est comparable au Soleil que Dieu tr~s Main a cr66 suivant son pouvoir d~s le commencement pour lequel ii n'y a pas de commencement: dans chaque Manifestation, c'est ce Premier Zikr qu'il a montrd suivant sa propre d6cision. Sache donc, qu'en ce sens, ii ear comme le Soleil. En effet, cet astre, s'il se ]%ve jusqu'~ la fin qui n'aura jamais de fin, ne sera ainsi qu'il l'a ~ dans le pass~, qu'un seul et m~me soleil. Or, c'est 6galement Lui qui a 6t6 manifest~ dans tous les proph&es * Translated from the original Persian by A. L. M. Nicolas. Published in Paris Ñ 1902. J. Maisonneuve, Editeur. 205 [p206] 206 THE BAHA'I WORLD Detail of the monument marking the resting place of Baha'i Khinum on Mt. Carmel, Haifa. et c'est Lui qui pane dans tous leurs Jivres. Ii n'a pas eu de commencement parce que le commencement remonte ~ Lui qui est Ic Commencement, et ii n'y aura pas de fin pour Lid parce que la fin se r6sout en Lui qui est La Fin. C'est Lui qui, dans cette nouvelle r6volution du monde vieux de 13000 ans, est connu sous le nom de NouqU-i-&ydn. A la premi&e 6volution ii 6tait connu sous le nom d'Adam, puis sous celui de Noi~ ~i l'6poque de ce proph&e; ii fut Abraham en son temps, puis J6sus, puis Muhammad Re§oul Allah. Enfin ii est Celui que Dieu doit manifester apr~s celui que Dieu doit manifester ~ son 6poque. Voi1~ 1'explication du secret contenu dans Ia parole du Proph~te de Dieu: ((Les Proph~tes, c'est moix'. Oui, datis tous ne brillait et ne brille qu'un seul et m~me so] cii. C'est encore h 1'explication dii Hadis relatif ~i 1'Im&m M~hdi et dans lequel Im&m Dja'aThr ous-Sadeq a dit: ((0 Cr&zture, si fit veux voir Adam a Chit (regarde moO moi je suis [p207] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 207 Adam et Chit; situ veux voir No~ et son fils Sam, moi je suis No6 et so~ fils Sam; si tu veux voir Abraham et Isma~l, inoi je suis Abraha~m et Ismail; si tu veux voir Morse et Joseph, moi je si~tis Morse et Joseph; si tu veux voir Je~sus et Chemhoun, inoi je suis J~sus et Chemhoun; si h~ veux voir Muhammad et l'Emir des Groyants, moi je suis Mu-hainmad et l'Emir des Croyants; Si 15U venx voir Hassan et HousseYn, nsoi je suis Hassan et HousseYn; si tu veux voir k's douze im~rns de Ia descendance de Housse~n, moi je suis les douze imdrns de la descendance de Hous-se7n, sur lui soit le satin'! R~po~dez d ma question! El en v6rih~, je vous ai dann6 une nouvelle q'ui ne vous avail jalnais ~ do-nn6e jusqu'd pr~sent , et ainsi jusqu'~ la fin du Hadis. Or, ii ne dit pas: ((Je suis semblable ~ eux)) Ñ (il dit, je suis eux-m~mes) Ñ car tout Ce qui &ait en eux 6tait en lui, et tout ce qui est dans leurs livres est de lui. L'essencc de cc discours est ceci que Dieu, dans Sa sublime sagesse, a donn6 le Qur'an comme preuve de Ia Mission de Muhammad. C'~tait 1~ un cadeau tel qu'il n'en avait jamais 6t6 fait de pareil ?i aucune nation avant Muhammad, tel, qu'un seul de ses versets est une preuve suffisante pour tous ceux qui sont sur Ia terre. L'impossibi1it~ oii tous se trouvent d'en faire descendre un seul du Ciel est une preuve de Ia Puissance de Dieu. Depuis le jour de Ia descente du Qur'an jusqu'~ celui de la manifestation du Nouqte~-i-Baydn ii s'est &oul6 1270 ans pendant lesquels les cr6atures ont ~ instruites dans cette m~me preuve et Ce, afin qu'elles sojent port~es, d~s qu'Il se manifesterait de nouveau, se tourner vers le Soleil de la V~rit~. Suivant leurs croyances ~ eux, le Livre sur-passe tout ce qui pourrait ~tre dit en dehors de cette preuve: or, Ce qui surpasse suflit, en dehors de ce qui lui est inf~rieur. R~p~ter ce qui reste au dessous de Ce fruit est sans aucune utilit~ pour le savant perspicace. Je ne te pane ainsi que dans le cas oii je t'aban-donnerai ~ ce que tu as appris d'autre part et oii je dissimulerai avec toi dans I'argumen-tatlon: dans le cas contraire, tout Ce que je te dis ~tant ~vident, c'est ~ toi ~ faire la preuve du contraire; mais tu ne peux penser un seul instant que le verset ne soit pas Un miracle sup6rieur ~ ceux de tous les Proph~tes: non, par Dieu, ii les a surpasses Ct les surpassera toujours. Dans ce Livre je te fais connaitre sept preuves irrdutables dont chacune serait suf-fisante, par elle m~me, comme argument d~finitif aux yeux de tout homme ~quitab1e. Avec Ia religion que tu professes, tu ne peux trouver aucune ~chappatoire. En effet, suivant ce qui est ~crit dans le Qur'an, tu dis: ~ Sauf Dieu, personne ne peut faire (descen-dre du ciel) des versets (tels) qu'on puisse dire qu'ils viennent de Dieu ~. Si une cr~a-ture en avait Pu produire, elle en aurait cer-tainement produit durant cette p~riode de mule deux cent soixante et dix ann~es. L'in Ñ capacit~ des creatures te parait donc, d~s maintenant, bien 6vidente. Alors, remarque combien est parfaite Ia bont~ de Dieu pour tous ceux qui acceptent le Qur'an, car ii a ferm6, pour eux, les portes du doute. En effet, au moment m~me oii us vojent des versets (us les doivent accepter), car ii ne peut leur venir ~ 1'esprit qu'ils viennent d'un autre que Dieu. De plus, ii est dit dans le Qur'an que personne ne peut cr6er m~me tin hadis. Donc, un homme sinc~rement picux et croyant ne peut laisser entrer dans son ca~ur Ia pens6e que les versets de mon Baydn viennent d'un autre que Dieu. Peut-~tre, la plume refuserait-elle son service ~t une telle c~uvre, car enfin, elle est impossible ~ r~a1iser pour un musulman, combien plus encore, et je demande pardon ~ Dieu de cette supposition, pour un homme qui repousse l'islam-isme. Avec toi je ne discute qu'en m'appuyant sur le t~moignage cle la raison. Si quelqu'un veut aujourd'hui embrasser Ia religion musulmane, le t6moignage divin est-4l complet pour lui, oui ou non? Si tu dis non, alors, apr~s la mort, comment Dieu pourra-t-il chatier ce quelqu'un? pendant sa vie, comment pourra-t~on lui reprocher de n'~tre pas musulman? si tu dis oui, pourquoi oui? si c'est simplement parce que tu 1'affir-mes qu'il te CroiX, ce n'est vraiment pas Pt un argument; mais si tu dis: ~ oui, par le Qur'an alors tu as raison et tu donnes un argument solide et irr6futable. Veujile maintenant jeter un coup d'ceil sur la manifestation du Baydn. Si l'un de ceux [p208] 208 THE BAHA'! WORLD qui crojent au Qur'Th voulait argumenter en sa faveur comme ii le fait vis ~ vis de celui qui est contraire ~ la religion islamique, per-sonne ne resterait dans l'opposition et tous trouverajent le salut au jour dii jugement dernier. En effet, si Ufl chr6tien dit: ((Moi je ne comprends rien au Qur'an, comment peut-il dtre pour moi un t6moignage? x c'est un raisonnement qui ne m&ite pas un moment d'attention. Eh bien, c'est Ii le cas des adorateurs du Qur'Th qul disent: nous ne comprenons pas l'6loquence des versets du Baydn, qui ne peuvent donc &re un tdmoi-. gnage pour nous. A 1'homme qui pane ainsi ii n'y a qu'~ r6pondre: ((0 ignorant, comment se fait-il que tu sois devenu un musul-man? Tu n'as pas vu le Proph&e, tu n'as pas vu les miracles: si c'est sans comprendre que tu l'es devenu, pourquoi 1'es-tu devenu? L'es-tu devenu sur 1'aveu que les maitres de la science et de la connaissance t'ont fait de leur impuissance (~ produire des versets) ou bien es-tu humble et soumis ~ cause des dispositions inn6es d~pos6es en toi et qui t'ont fait entendre Ia parole de Dieu Ñ ce qui est un des signes de l'amour de hi science * Suivant la croyance universelle, Dieu savait, sait, pouvait et pea tout. Aussi lorsque quelqu'un se pr6sente disant venir de Sa part et en apporte un tdmoignage evident, si Dieu ne manifeste personne pour mettre ~ n6ant ses affirmations, c'est une preuve qu'il vient r~ellement de Lui et qu'il en est aim6. Par cela meme que Dieu est consentant et que malgr~ Sa Toute Puissance Ii n a suscite aucun adversaire, II ckmontre que Ic Proph&e a 6t6 envoy6 par Lui et qu'il Lui est agr6able. Voici ce que je te recommande en ce qui regarde le Baydn. Pour chaque manifestation, veujile bien rester, en ce qui la concerne, sur le terrain m&me des arguments de cette manifestation. Ne t'dgare pas en dehors des routes des convenances et de Ia sinc6rit6. Par exemple, dans le cas de Muhammad, Dieu a vouiu prouver la v&racit~ de sa mission par les versets. Si tu es un homme loyal, discute sur Ic terrain m~me qui sert d'appui ~i cette mission et non sur des questions qui te ferajent entrer sur un autre terrain et que d'ailleurs Muhammad ne t'a pas proposees: tu ne peux donc les cliscuter. Toutes ces odes que les arabes ont faites au d~but de la mission du Proph&te, ont-elles port6 des fruits? Leurs auteurs voulajent s'opposer par elks au PropMte! mais c'6tait ~ eux ~ produire non pas des odes, mais des versets semblables aux siens. Remarque que clans aucune manifestation ii n'y a eu et ii n'y aura d'autre moyen pour ics hommes dou6s de science et d'intelligence, et cela d'ailleurs, en derni&re analyse donne lieu aux remords, car le Temoi-gnage de la manifestation demeure a tout ce qui lui est oppos~ passe, comme 6manant Je 'a crdature et par suite frapp6 d'impuissance. Le T6moignage subsisre, et ii ne reste rien de I'opposition. Penses-tu que Ia prison pr6vale contre le Thmoignage? Parmi les Proph&es, Joseph a &6 emprisonnd, et parmi les successeurs, Mou~a ibn Dja'af6r. Tous deux n'&aient-ils pas envoy& de Dieu? Rien de cc qui semble tendre ~ d&ruire le T~moignage ne peut &re xnvoqu6 comme preuve (contre lui). Tu connais 1'histoire a tu saTh ce qui est arriv6 ~ Zacharie et au Seyy&d des Seyy&ls. Tous les deux n'~taient-i1s pas prophtes. Je ne te dis d'ailleurs tout cela pour te faire bien r6fl&hir. Quand tu dis: ((En conscience je ne suis pas convaincu, sinon je serais devenu croy-ant x sache, qu'en conscience, cc que tu en dis est une pure erreur, car tu n as aucune preuve sur la mati&e. Examine le peuple de David. Ce peuple fut 61ev6 durant cinq cents ann6es avec les r~gles des Psaumes, tant qu enfin, ii arriva ~ Ia perfection clans cette religion. Alors J6sus se manifesta. Quand ii parut, quelquesuns des sectateurs du Psalmiste crurent en lui, les autres le repous-s&ent. Eh, bien les deux camps croyaient en Conscience avoir chacun raison a certes, ni l'un ni l'autre n'6tait pouss6 par l'intention de blasphemer le Seigneur. C'est exactement ce qui se passe pour toi. Tu n'as pas non pius le d6sir de t'dlever contre Dieu, peut-etre au contraire ne recherches-tu Ia certitude que pour acqu6rir Ia Foi. Imagine toi pour ian instant que tu es du peuple de David: s'il avait pens6 que J~sus fut r6ellement le Proph&e pr~dit par les Psaumes, tous, sans exception, eussent cru & la v&rit6 cle sa mission et pas un seul ne fut rest~ dissident. Pr~te-moi encore ton attention sur ce point: depuis ic jour de la Manifestation de David jusqu'au d6but de celle d'aujourd'hui, [p209] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'{ SACRED WRITINGS 209 ii s'est &oul6 deux mule deux cent soixante et dix ann6es. Or, ii existe encore ~ notre 5poque, des gens dont la religion se base sur les Psaumes et qui s'imaginent atre dans les voics de Dieu. Cette pr&ention de leur part n a aucune valeur aux yeux des Chr6tiens. Que peut-elle valoir aux regards de Dieu! Si nous examinons le peuple de MoYse, nous constaterons Ic meme ph6nom~ne. Pendant mule ans, ce peuple fut 6lev6 dans la religion MosaYque a y parvint enfin ~ Ia perfection. Alors eut lieu tout ce que MoYse leur avait promis au sujet de La manifestation de J6sus apr~s David. Un petit nombre d'entre eux crut an Fib de Marie. Le reste, malgr6 ses efforts pour suivre les vojes de Dieu Ct croire aux paroles de MoYse, ne put atteindre Ia certitude et ii resta ainsi stationnaire, attendant encore le Messie. Queue valeur cette fa~on d'agir a-t-elle aux yeux des Chr6tiens? et combien moms encore en a-t-elle aux regards de Dieu! * II y a ici tin secret que je te vais apprendre, car tu n'en as jamais entendu parler. Examine ics peuples de tous les Proph&es. L'origine de leurs ceuvres est dans les paroles m~mes de leur Proph&te; ii s'en suit que ces cruvres sont fakes pour lui. Or, comme le Proph&e est Ic Mirza de Dieu, on n'y peut voir autre chose que Dieu; £s lors ces ceuvres sont toutes pour Dieu et uniquement pour Lui. Or, de m&me que l'origine et les cruvrcs de toute nation tirent leur cause premi&e de son Proph&e, de m~me convergent-elles vers le Proph&e suivant. Ainsi, au jour de La manifestation de Muhammad le monde 6tait uniquement pr6occup~ de lui, maTh tous ne comprirent pas qu'il 6tait apparu, car sans cela us ne se fussent pas s6par6s de leur ami. Sache que Dieu n'a pas rempli sa promesse tant que ~ Ia terre n'a pas ~t6 remplie d'in-justices et d'iniquit6si Tu "as lu toi-m~me: La terre sera pleine de justice et d'd quill apras avoir dtd pleine de violences et d'ini-quit6s. Ii est encore &zrit dans Ic hadis de Ibn 'Abbas, dans le Ijyre Ahv&n: Le Proph~te a cUt: ((Le Mdhdi sera de ma descendance a rem-plira Ia surface de (a terre de justice et d'dquitc coinine cue avait dti pleine de vio-fences et d'iniquitds. Parmi les hadis qui peuvent rassurer Ic cceur sont les paroles que 1'~mir des Groyants Ñ 'All Ñ (le salut soit sur lui) prononce dans la khutba tutunc1jiy~h. Demande alors d voir apftaraitre Celui qui, du buisson. ardent du Sina?, ~arlait avec MoYse, et cet interlocuteur 4araitra. Or ii faut se souvenir que rien n'a 6t6 dit (par moi) que ceci: ((En v6rit6 c'est moi qui suis Dieu, ii Ky a pas d'autre Dieu que moi ~. Dans cette m&me khotba, dans tin autre passage, ii est dit: En v6riti, apras ce tern ps, ii viendra pour vous une voix fi cette voix vous apprendra quciques unes des questions: alors toutes cc's preuves deviendront claire's 4 vos yeux. Ii est encore dit: Alors d cette Spoque on conviera Thus les hommes dii globe vers cc qui est abrogi. HJlas! h6las! vous d6sirez, vous, la venue d'un grand bctnl3eur et pie Ia f6licit6 tombe sur vans comme une pinie. Dans Ia khotbd yooum qdddr ii est dit: Bientdt Dieu enverra son aide co-ntre ses enneinis ajin qu'ils solent terrifids! Dieu est pur et savant. Dans un autre passage de cette khotbt~ yooum qdddr ii est dit: Hdtez-vous vers lii inisdricorde de Votre Seigneur avant que l'on sonne Ia trompette. Hdtez-vous vers la porte dant l'apparence est Ia peine ci ic tourment, dont I'intiri cur est liz Bienveillance et la grd cc. La plupart des confesseurs de La foi, dans cette manifestation, ont 6t6 des maitres de 1'intelligence et de 1'entendement; de telle sorte que leur acte de foi est une preuve pour ceux qui n'ont pas cru. Ii eut en &tre ainsi dans chaque manifestation, et Ia conversion d'hommes tels qu'eux eut d~ ~tre une preuve pour ceux qui sont rest6s in-cr6dules. Tu sais, toi, quel est le premier confesseur de cette foi: tu sais que la majeure partie des docteurs che~ikhi, sdy yadiydh et d'autres sectes admiralent sa science a son talent. Quand ii entra ~ tsfab&n, les gamins de la yule critrent sur son passage: ((Ah! ahl [p210] 210 THE BAHA'I WORLD un 6tudiant d6penaill6 vient d'arriver! ~ Eli bien, cet homme, par ses preuves et ses arguments, convainquit un se~yy&l d'une science 6prouv6e: Muliammad Mgher! En v6rit6 c'est lii une des preuves de cette manifestation car, apr~s la mort du sayyad, ce person-nage alla voir la plupart des docteurs de l'islam a ne rencontra la v6nt6 qu'aupr~s du maitre de Us veSritd; ce fut alors qu'il parvint au destin qui Iui avait 6t6 fix6. En v6rit6! les cr6atures du d6but et de la fin de cette manifestation 1'envient et I'envieront jusqu'au jour du jugement. Et qui clonc peat accuser ce maitre de 1'intelligence de faiblesse mentale et de l6g&et6? Vois encore Ic nombre du nom de Dieu. Get homnie vivait tranquille Ct pur au point que personne, ami ou ennemi ne me ses talents et sa saintet6; tous admir&ent sa grandeur dans les sciences et la hauteur ~t laquelle ii s'6tait 6lev6 dans Ia philosophie. Reporte-toi au commentaire de la sourat M-Koousar (Qur'an: S. 108) a aux autres traitds qui ont 6t~ 6crits pour lui et qui prou-vent I'6l6vation clu rang qu'il occupe pr~s de Dien! Vois les autres, tous los autres dont ii est inutile que je mentionne les noms dans cet 6crit: ceux que j'ai nomm6s, c'est pour tran-. quilliser ton cceur, car enfin, comment donner comme preuve de la v6rit6 d'une manifestation Ia foi de ceux qui y ont cru? ce serait 'vouloir d~montrer 1'existence du soleil par sa r6flexion dans un miroir. En v6rit6! si jC produis tant de preuves c 'est que, voulant le salut de tous, j'espre qu'un au moms comprendra. J'en jure par les purs attributs de Dieu! ii m'est p6nible que quelqu'un me connaisse. Or, connaitre Ia V6rit6 Ñ le BTh Ñ c'est con-naitre Dieu; l'aimer, c'est airner Dieu. Or, connaissant les bornes qui limitent Ia cr~a-ture, j'avais cach6 mon nom. Ce sont ces memes cr6atures qui ont dit de Mubammad, qui n'a jamais eu et n'aura jamais son pareil: ~ C'est un fou! ~ pr~tendent-.ils, ~ nous ne sommes pas de ceux qui ont ainsi par16~ que leurs actes d6montrent le inensonge de leurs paroles. Ce que Dieu dit, c'est ce que dit son t~moignage, et quand bien meme 1'univer-salitd des etres dirait une chose et le t~moi-gnage une autre, Dieu est garant que c 'est lui qui dit vrai; sans cela aucune chose ne pourrait exister, et s'il en existait une, elle retournerait ~ lui comme son lieu d'origine. Vois donc comme ces gens lit sont vrai-ment pieux! Deux t6moins honorables leur suflisent pour prouver une chose quelconque, a voili que malgr6 tous ces confesseurs de la foi, us h6sitent ~t croire ~ cette manifestation! Si tu veux comprendre le sens de ce verset: (Le t6moignage tie Dieu suflit~ ckpouille-toi des biens ext6rieurs et p~n~tre dans l'intimit6 de ton &re: d~s lors contente-toi de ce que dit celui que Dieu doit manifester, car cc qu'il dit, c'est lui qui le dit. Ne crois pas que ce soit Ii une preuve futile, car c'est cette preuve m~me qui eat apportde par le Qur'an, c'est cette preuve que Dieu a manifest& pour Ia secte de J6sus, c'est toujours die que Muhammad a manifest6e dans Ic Livre de Dietu. Et voil~ que les hommes n'acceptent pas le t6moignage de Dieu et n'agissent que suivant le t~moignage de leur propre inspiration! Ces preuves, je te les donne pour &lairer ta vue, car ceux dont les yeux sont clairvoyants et attach& ~t Ia philosophie divine, qu'ont-ils besoin de preuves? Comme c'est aujourd'hui le jour du juge-ment dernier, ii faut que se manifeste cette parole: Tout pirira, exce~tt la face de Dieu. La face de Dieu, c'est le Baycin, car son ombre les confesseurs de Ia vdrit6 reposent paisiblement, et personne ne le comprend. Reporte-toi aux r6ponses que Shaykh Alimad et Siyyid KAzim donnajent ~ ceux qui les interrogeaient, tu te convaincras alors que la manifestation de celui qui a 6t6 promis est celle m&me de cette v6rit& En effet, dans le hadis de Kom~Y1, ii est dit: Dcsns hi premie~re ann6e, ouvrir sans signal les rideaux de la grandeur; dans la deuxiaine, effacer les futilitis tie l~i ma gina/ion et prouver cc' quf at ivident; dans Ia troisidine, divulguer les secrets et ic's ins planter vie-tori eusement (dans le nrur des hoinmes); dents hi quatrieme, 6tre extasid en Dieit pour en prouver l'unitd. Dans hi cinquie~me, c'est ic lever d% Ia lumieYe de l'aurore de t'dter-nitd x. Tu la verras cette lumi&re si tu ne fuis pas ou si tu n'es pas troubl6. Examine les Dora~i Sahar dans lesquelles S. A. B&gher a dit: [p211] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 211 o mon Dieu! je te demande hi Iumkre de hi plus lumineuse tie tes lumie~res, p4 es t resplendissante. 0 mon DieM je ft demande hi lumiare, hi IumhYe corn pldte. Ceci flit allusion, en premier lieu, au proph&e de Dieu, en second lieu, ~ 'Au 1'~mir des Croyants, et ainsi de suite ~us-qu'au cinqui~me degr6 oii ii est park de la lumi&e et cette lumi&e est le seigneur des seigneurs, car la lumi&e est un degr6. De m~me que le luminaire qui se bifile Iui-m~me pour &zlairer les autres est d6pourvu d'6goYsme, de m~me tu verras, si tu vis et si Dieu le permet, les lumi~res de cette manifestation a tu les trouveras d6pouvues d'~goYsme: elles se sacri-flea el1es-m~mes pour montrer 1'unit~ de Dieu et faire ex6cuter ses conseils et ses ordres. Vois ce verset du Qur'an: ((LCS infidales ant-its pens4 qu'231s ~cturront prendre pour patrons ceux qui ne sont pie nos seriAl curs. Nous leur avons prt3pare~ Ia g6benne pour denseure x. Ce verset est descenclu pour ceux pA pre-najent les pr~tres chr&iens comme guides contre le Proph&e de Dieis, et ce ch&tirnent m~me 6tait leur enfer clurant leur vie, car ii n'y a pas eu a ii Ky a pas de plus grande rdcompense pour celui qui fait des ~uvres pies en ce monde que 1'approbation de Dieu, et ii n'y a pas de feu plus violent que d'6tre loin de Dieu en ce bas-monde. Sache que cette menace de 1'enfer est faite ceux qui adorent d'autres que Dieu: adorer veut dire ici ob6ir. On n'ob6it ~ Dieu en ce bas-monde qu'en ob~issant ~ celui en qui l'on petit voir Dieu dans chaque manifestation. Comprends bien cela afin de ne pas avoir ob~i ~ d'autres qu'~ Dieu. Le iQur ott paraYtra celui que Dieu doit manifester, tu auras agi contre Wi et par cons6quent contre Dieu si tu continues ~t ob6ir ~ un des doc-teurs du Baydn. Si au contraire tu ob~is & celui que Dieu doit manifester, tu auras ador6 Dieu. Dieu dit dans le Qur an: (Fn quel azUre Livre croiront its en-suite? )) Le vrai sens de ce verset, clans sa signification intime est: ((A quoi croirant-ils aprcs le Pro phate de Dieu et cc pci est descendu pour lid.)) Sache bien que l'acloration d'un autre que Dieu ne pea suflire en rien, tandis que con-naitre Dieu suflit, ~ 1'exception de toutes choses, et cela ~t la condition que 1'homme suive avec pi6t6 Ia grande route dans laquelle ii est entr~ jusqu'au moment oiI Un autre ordre se manifestera venant cle Dieu. Quant Li ce que tu demandes au sujet des fonden-tents de Ia religion a de ses dogmes, sadie que la base de la religion est Ia con-naissance de Dieu: Ia connaissance parfaite et la connaissance de son unit6. La parfaite con-naissance de 1'unit6 c'est de rejeter tous les attributs du terrain de sa Saintetd, de 1'AM-vation A sa gloire et de sa Subijinild. Sache que connaitre Dieu n'est possible en ce monde que par la connaissance de celui en qui 1km contemple Dieu. Sadie ~galement qu'~ la base de chaque manifestation se trou-vent ces paroles: ~Ii n'y a pas d'autre Dieu que Dieun C'est apr&s cette affirmation qu'apparait la mention du nom du maitre de hi inanifes-tation; ii en a 6t6 ainsi pour No6 ~ l'6poque de No6, pour Ibr6ihim en son temps, pour MoYse et pour J6sus, chacuri ~ son 6poque. Ii en a ~t6 ainsi pour Muhammad an moment oji ii apparut et ii en sera ainsi ensuite jusqu'ii Ia fin qui n'aura jamais de fin. * Sack aussi que toutes les nations, dans leur langue religicuse, emploient ces termes m~mes, maTh restent cependant toutes a 1'ombre de Ia Nr5gation. La signification du mot Assentiinent au moment oii parut Ic proph~te de Dieu 6tait: Ii n'y a pas d'autre Dieu que flien ci Mujoammad est son pro-phate. Dans chaque manifestation de chaque envoy6 c6leste ii en est ainsi, a cependant combien de Lois n'as-tu pas r~p6t~ ces paroles qui restajent obscures pour toi: Ii n'y a ~as d'autre Dien que Die-u! Tu as entendu dire que Dieu, au jour du jugement dernier &ablira d'un mot le compte des cr6atures: Ce mot, c'est celui Ji~ m~me. De sorte que quand Dieu envoic un proph&te, qui Ñ conque l'agr& rentre sous 1'ombre de t'assentiment, d~s lors son compte est 6tabli, ii ira mx cieux; celul qui ne lui aura pas don Ñ n6 sa fri verra son compte s'6tablir ~t 1'ombre de la nigation et ii ira aux enfers. Demande & tout instant refuge ~ Diem car ic croyant est encore plus rare que le soufre rouge de Ia [p212] 212 THE BAHA'! WORLD pierre philosophale. Tous reconnaissent 1'unit6 de celiA qu'ils ignorent cependantl Par exemple, les sectateurs dii Christ admet-tent l'unit~ de Dieu, alors que leur adoration de la divinit6 retourne en cc monde 'a celui qui s'est manifest6 et qui est Dieu car ii n'y a pas d'autre Dieu que le proph~te de Dieu; en sorte que leur pi6r6 reste pour eux st6rile. Donne donc ta plus scrupuleuse attention ~ Ia connaissance de 1'unit6, car c'est Ii le Sirdth dont tu as entendu parler, CC Pont pIUS fin qu'un cheveu, plus tranchant qu'un rasoir. N'ajoute pas foi & ceux qui disent avoir compris le Livre de Dieu, car j'ai eu beau les examiner je n'ai trouv6 chez eux que des mots ou des trames doctrinales, sauf chez deux personnages. Ceux-ci ont paru Iadis et ont 6lev6 leurs paroles au milieu de l'islam de fa~on ~i ce que leurs actes dans la Ia connais-sance de Dieu fussent d'accord avec elks. Chez les docteurs du Baydn on me s'en dent pas aux mots. Les docteurs chr6tiens se sont vant6s d'avoir compris Its ~vangiles. Or, le premier mat de ce Ijyre a trait ~i Ia cr~ation de Mu-$ammad. Ii y a 1270 ans que ce Prophte 5' est manifest6 et Dieu sait combien ces doc-teurs ont fait d'interpr6tations de leur tate sacr6, sans parvenir m~me de loin au sens vrai pA est Muhammad: s'ils avajent compris, ne Lace qu'un seul ma du Nouveau Testament, jig aurajent cru au Proph&e cle Dieu. Tu vois bien qu'ils n'ont pas compris une syllabe de 1'tvangile et qu'ils n'en ont ex-pliqu6 les termes qu'inconsid6r~ment et sans inspiration. Reporte-toi ?~ 1'islamisme sunnite, tu verras qu'ii en est de m~me pour lui. Que tie corn-mentaires n' ont-ils pas 6crits du Qur'Th sans comprendre que 1'essence m~me de Ia cr~ation du Qur'an est Ia descendance du Proph~te. Ii en est ainsi encore pour les Shiites a leurs commentaires. S'ils avajent compris, As n'cussent pas ignord que d~s Ic premier point du Qur'Th le Livre scwrd n'a pour but que 1'attente de la manifestation clu teCinoignage. Tu vois ken qu'ils n'ont compris rien autre chose que des mots rides de sens a d'inspira-tion. Eli bien, alors, comprends donc, et ne sois pas comme eux en face de cette manifestation dii Ba'ydn. Tranche toute amiti~ avec d'autres qu'a-vec Dieu et suffis-toi en lui en dehors d'autres que lui. R~p&e souvent ce verset du Haydn: c Dis: Dieu suffit d toutes choses en toutes choses, rien ne pr6vaut sur Dieu; rien, iii dans les cleux, iii sur Ia terre, ni dans cc p4 est entre eux. Par son orire, it cr6era cc qu'il vcrndra. C'est lid Ic Savant, le Tout-Puissant Ne pense pas que cette parole: oDieu suflit & toutes choses x soit une imagination. Sache que dans chaque manifestation, ta foi dans le Maitre de cette manifestation te swift pour et sur toutes choses de la terre, alors que rien de cc qui eat en ce bas monde n'est sup6rieur ~ ta foi. Si tu ne crois pas, le Men Yazkr-hau Oullah te comptera parmi ceux de la ~ n6gation x, si at crois, ta foi te sup-pl6era toutes choses de la terre, m~me si tu ne poss~des rien. C'est h le sens de ce ver-set en ce qui concerne le Proph&te, dans Ia manifestation pr&6dente, pub pour la manifestation suivante, enfin pour celle du M~n Yazh&r-hou Oullali, et ainsi de suite jusqu'~ la fin qui n'aura pas de fin, depuis Ic commencement qui n'a pas eu de commencement. Sois attentif et dis; ((Gloire d Dien, Maitre des deux mondes, que notre Seigneur nous pardonne 4 tout in-slant, avant I'instant ci aftrds l'instant! x WORDS OF BAI-IA'U'LLAL-I 1. CITED IN THE ADVENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE '.) FRIENDS! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny. Ye are the stars of the heaven of understanding, , the breeze that stirreth at the break of day, the soft-flowing waters upon which must depend the very life of all men, the letters inscribed upon His sacred scroll." ~ people of Baha. Ye are the breezes of spring that are wafted over the world. Through you We have adorned the world of being with the ornament of the knowledge [p213] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 213 of the Most Merciful. Through you the countenance of the world hath been wreathed in smiles, and the brightness of His light shone forth. Cling ye to the Cord of steadfastness, in such wise that all vain imaginings may utterly vanish. Speed ye forth from the horizon of power, in the name of your Lord, the Unconstrained, and announce unto His servants, with wisdom and eloquence, the tidings of this Cause, whose splendor bath been shed upon the world of being. Beware lest anything withhold you from observing the things prescribed unto you by the Pen of Glory, as it moved over His Tablet with sovereign majesty and might. Great is the blessedness of him that hath hearkened to its shrill voice, as it was raised, through the power of truth, before all who are in heaven and all who are on earth. 0 people of Baha! The river that is Life indeed hath flowed for your sakes. Quaff ye in My name, despite them that have disbelieved in God, the Lord of Revelation. We have made you to be the hands of Our Cause. Render ye victorious this Wronged One, Who hath been sore-tried in the hands of the workers of iniquity. He, verily, will aid every one that aideth Him, and will remember every one that remembereth Him. To this beareth witness this Tablet that hath shed the spien-dor of the lovingkindness of your Lord, the All-Glorious, the All-Compelling." ~~B1essed are the people of Baha! God beareth Me witness! They are the solace of the eye of creation. Through them the universes have been adorned, and the Preserved Tablet embellished. They are the ones who have sailed on the ark of complete independence, with their faces set towards the DaySpring of Beauty. How great is their blessedness that they have attained unto what their Lord, the Omniscient, the All-Wise, hath willed. Through their light the heavens have been adorned, and the faces of those that have drawn nigh unto Him made to shine." CCBY the sorrows which afflict the beauty of the All-Glorious! Such is the station ordained for the true believer that if to an extent smaller than a needle's eye the glory of that station were to be unveiled to mankind, every beholder would be consumed away in his longing to attain it. For this reason it hath been decreed that in this earthly life the full measure of the glory of his own station should remain concealed from the eyes of such a believer." "If the veil be lifted, and the full glory of the station of those who have turned wholly towards God, and in their love for Him renounced the world, be made manifest, the entire creation would be dumbfounded." teVerily I say! No one hath apprehended the root of this Cause. It is incumbent upon every one, in this day, to perceive with the eye of God, and to hearken with His ear. Whoso beholdeth Me with an eye besides Mine own will never be able to know Me. None among the Manifestations of old, except to a prescribed degree, hath ever completely apprehended the nature of this Revelation." "I testify before God to the greatness, the inconceivable greatness of this Revelation. Again and again have We, in most of Our Tablets, borne witness to this truth, that mankind may be roused from its heedlessness." "How great is the Cause, how staggering the weight of its Message!" ttln this most mighty Revelation all the Dispensations of the past have attained their highest, their final consummation." ttThat which hath been made manifest in this pre~minent, this most exalted Revelation, stands unparalleled in the annals of the past, nor will future ages witness its like." "The purpose underlying all creation is the revelation of this most sublime, this most holy Day, the Day known as the Day of God, in His Books and Scriptures Ñ the Day which all the Prophets, and the Chosen Ones, and the holy ones, have wished to witness." "The highest essence and most perfect expression of whatsoever the peoples of old have either said or written hath, through this most potent Revelation, been sent down from the heaven of the Will of the All-Possessing, the Ever-Abiding God." "This is the Day in which God's most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things." ttThis is the Day whereon the Ocean of God's mercy hath been manifested into men, the Day in which the Day Star of His lovingkindness hath shed its radiance upon them, the Day in which the clouds of His bountiful favor have overshadowed the whole of mankind." "By the righteousness of Mine [p214] 214 THE BAHA'I WORLD own Self! Great, immeasurably great is this Cause! Mighty, inconceivably mighty is this Day!" "Every Prophet bath announced the coming of this Day, and every Messenger hath groaned in His yearning for this Revelation Ñ a revelation which, no sooner had it been revealed than all created things cried out saying, tThe earth is God's, the Most Exalted, the Most Great!' " "The Day of the Promise is come, and He Who is the Promised One loudly proclaimeth before all who are in heaven and all who are on earth, tVerily there is none other God but He, the Help in Peril, the Self Subsisting!' I swear by God! That which had been enshrined from eternity in the knowledge of God, the Knower of the seen and unseen, is revealed. Happy is the eye that seeth, and the face that turneth towards, the Countenance of God, the Lord of all being." 'tGrt indeed is this Day! The allusions made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as the Day of God attest its greatness. The soui of every Prophet of God, of every Divine Messenger, bath thirsted for this wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it." "This Day a door is opened wider than both heaven and earth. The eye of the mercy of Him Who is the Desire of the worlds is turned towards all men. An act, however infinitesimal, is, when viewed in the mirror of the knowledge of God, mightier than a mountain. Every drop proffered in His path is as the sea in that mirror. For this is the Day which the one true God, glorified be He, hath announced in all His Books unto His Prophets and His Messengers. is a Revelation, under which, if a man shed for its sake one drop of blood, myriads of oceans will be his recompense." LtA fleeting moment, in this Day, excelleth centuries of a bygone age. Neither sun nor moon bath witnessed a day such as this Day." ceThis is the Day whereon the unseen world crieth out, tGreat is thy blessedness, 0 earth, for thou has been made the footstool of thy God, and been chosen as the seat of His mighty throne.'" etTlie world of being shineth, in this Day, with the resplendency of tbis Divine Revelation. All created things extol its saving grace, and sing its praises. The universe is wrapt in an ecstasy of joy and gladness. ness. The Scriptures of past Dispensations celebrate the great Jubilee that must needs greet this most great Day of God. Well is it with him that hath lived to see this Day, and hath recognized its station." "This Day a different Sun hath arisen, and a different Heaven bath been adorned with its stars and its planets. The world is another world, and the Cause another Cause." "This is the Day which past ages and centuries can never rival. Know this, and be not of the ignorant." (tThis is the Day whereon human ears have been privileged to hear what He Who conversed with God (Moses) heard upon Sinai, what He Who is the Friend of God (Muhain-mad) heard when lifted up towards Him, what He Who is the Spirit of God (Jesus) heard as He ascended unto Him, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting." "This Day is God's Day, and this Cause His Cause. Happy is he who bath renounced this world, and clung to Him Who is the DaySpring of God's Revelation." "This is the King of Days, the Day that hath seen the coming of the Best Beloved, He Who through all eternity hath been acclaimed the Desire of the World." ttThis is the Chief of all days and the King thereof. Great is the blessedness of him who hath attained, through the sweet savor of these days, unto everlasting life, and who, with the most great steadfastness, hath arisen to aid the Cause of Him Who is the King of Names. Such a man is as the eye to the body of mankind." ctPeerless is this Day, for it is as the eye to past ages and centuries, and as a light unto the darkness of the times." ttThis Day is different from other days, and this Cause different from other causes. Entreat ye the one true God that He may deprive not the eyes of men from beholding His signs, nor their ears from hearkening unto the shrill voice of the Pen of Glory." 'tThese days are God's days, a moment of which ages and centuries can never rival. An atom, in these days, is as the sun, a drop as the ocean. One single breath exhaled in the love of God and for His service is written down by the Pen of Glory as a princely deed. Were the virtues of this Day to be recounted, all would be thunderstruck, except those whom thy Lord hath exempted." "By the righteousness of God! These are the days in which God bath proved [p215] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 215 the hearts of the entire company of His Messengers and Prophets, and beyond them those that stand guard over His sacred and inviolable Sanctuary, the inmates of the celestial Pavilion and dwellers of the Tabernacle of Glory." "Should the greatness of this Day be revealed in its fullness, every man would forsake a myriad lives in his longing to partake, though it be for one moment, of its great glory Ñ how much more this world and its corruptible treasures!" ctGod the true One is My Witness! This is the Day whereon it is incumbent upon every one that seeth to behold, and every ear that hearkeneth to hear, and every heart that understandeth to perceive, and every tongue that speaketh to proclaim unto all who are in heaven and on earth, this holy, this exalted, and all-highest Name." "Say, 0 men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless, must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed for this Day, that perchance it may fulfill that which well beseemeth its station and is worthy of its destiny." "Through the movement of Our Pen of Glory We have, at the bidding of the Omnipotent Ordainer breathed a new life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this worldwide regeneration." "0 people! I swear by the one true God! This is the Ocean out of which all Seas have proceeded, and with which every one of them will ultimately be united. From Him all the Suns have been generated, and unto Him they will all return. Through His potency the Trees of Divine Revelation have yielded their fruits, every one of which hath been sent down in the form of a Prophet, bearing a Message to God's creatures in each of the worlds whose number God, alone, in His all-encompassing knowledge, can reckon. This He hath accomplished through the agency of but one Letter of His Word, revealed by His Pen Ñ a Pen moved by His directing ringer Ñ His Finger itself sustained by the power of God's Truth." "By the righteousness of the one true God! If one speck of a jewel be lost and buried beneath a mountain of stones, and lie hidden beyond the seven seas, the Hand of Omnipotence would assuredly reveal it in this Day, pure and cleansed from dross." ttEvery single letter proceeding from Our mouth is endowed with such regenerative power as to enable it to bring into existence a new creation Ñ a creation the magnitude of which is inscrutable to all save God. He verily hath knowledge of all things." "It is in Our power, should We wish it, to enable a speck of floating dust to generate, in less than the twinkling of an eye, suns of infinite, of unimaginable splendor, to cause a dewdrop to develop into vast and numberless oceans, to infuse into every letter such a force as to empower it to unfold all the knowledge of past and future ages." tCIA~T~ are possessed of such power as, if brought to light, will transmute the most deadly of poisons into a panacea of unfailing efficacy." ccThe days are approaching their end, and yet the peoples of the earth are seen sunk in grievous heedlessness, and lost in manifest error." "Great, great is the Cause! The hour is approaching when the most great convui-. sion will have appeared. I swear by Him Who is the Truth! It shall cause separation to afflict every one, even those who circle around Me." CCs 0 concourse of the heedless! I swear by God! The promised day is come, the day when tormenting trials will have surged above your heads, and beneath your feet, saying: tTaste ye what your hands have wrought! '""The time for the destruction of the world and its people hath arrived. He Who is the PreExistent is come, that He may bestow everlasting life, and grant eternal preservation, and confer that which is conducive to true living." tcThe day is approaching when its (civilization's) flame will devour the cities, when the Tongue of Grandeur will proclaim: tThe Kingdom is God's, the Almighty, the All-Praised!' " ~O ye that are bereft of understanding! A severe trial pursueth you, and will suddenly overtake you. Bestir yourselves, that haply it may pass and inflict no harm upon you." "0 ye peoples of the world! Know, verily, that an unforeseen calamity is following you, and that grievous retribution awaiteth you. Think not the deeds ye have committed have been blotted from My sight." '~O heedless ones! Though the wonders of My mercy [p216] 216 THE BAHA'I WORLD have encompassed all created things, both visible and invisible, and though the revelations of My grace and bounty have permeated every atom of the universe, yet the rod with which I can chastise the wicked is grievous, and the fierceness of Mine anger against them terrible." "Grieve thou not over those that have busied themselves with the things of this world, and have forgotten the remembrance of God, the Most Great. By Him Who is the Eternal Truth! The day is approaching when the wrathful anger of the Almighty will have taken hold of them. He, verily, is the Omnipotent, the All-Sub-duing, the Most Powerful. He shall cleanse the earth from the defilement of their corruption, and shall give it for an heritage unto such of His servants as are nigh unto Him." "Soon will the cry, tYea, yea, here am I, here am I' be heard from every land. For there hath never been, nor can there ever be, any other refuge to fly to for any one." "And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and oniy then, will the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody." "In the beginning of every Revelation adversities have prevailed, which later on have been turned into great prosperity." tCSay: 0 people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained." "Say: Beware, 0 people of Bah6, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent might." swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best Beloved." "Let not the happenings of the world sadden you. I swear by God! The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you." ~O my servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain. CcThis is the day in which to speak. It is incumbent upon the people of Ball to strive, with the utmost patience and forbearance, to guide the peoples of the world to the Most Great Horizon. Every body calleth aloud for a soui. Heavenly souls must needs quicken, with the breath of the Word of God, the dead bodies with a fresh spirit. Within every word a new spirit is hidden, Happy is the man that attaineth thereunto, and hath arisen to teach the Cause of Him Who is the King of Eternity." "Say: 0 servants! The triumph of this Cause bath depended, and will continue to depend, upon the appearance of holy souls, upon the showing forth of goodly deeds, and the revelation of words of consummate wisdom." ttCenter your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soui to be dumbfounded." "Let your principal concern be to rescue the fallen from the slough of impending extinction, and to help him embrace the ancient Faith of God. Your behavior towards your neighbor should be such as to manifest clearly the signs of the one true God, for ye are the first among men to be recreated by His Spirit, the first to adore and bow the knee before Him, the first to circle round His throne of glory." "0 ye beloved of God! Repose not yourselves on your couches, nay, bestir yourselves as soon as ye [p217] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 217 recognize your Lord, the Creator, and hear of the things which have befallen Him, and hasten to His assistance. Unloose your tongues, and proclaim unceasingly His Cause. This shall be better for you than all the treasures of the past and of the future, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth." "I swear by Him Who is the Truth! Erelong will God adorn the beginning of the Book of Existence with the mention of His loved ones who have suffered tribulation in His path, and journeyed through the countries in His name and for His praise. Whoso hath attained their presence will glory in their meeting, and all that dwell in every land will be illumined by their memory." "Vie ye with each other in the service of God and of His Cause. This is indeed what profiteth you in this world, and in that which is to come. Your Lord, the God of Mercy, is the All-Informed, the All-Knowing. Grieve not at the things ye witness in this day. The day shall come whereon the tongues of the nations will proclaim: tThe earth is God's, the Almighty, the Single, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing!' Ct7~~SS~c~ is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified." "The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world. In the Books of old the station of them that have voyaged far and near in order to guide the servants of God hath been set forth and written down." ~ swear by God! So great are the things ordained for the steadfast that were they, so much as the eye of a needle, to be disclosed, all who are in heaven and on earth would be dumbfounded, except such as God, the Lord of all worlds, hath willed to exempt." ccj swear by God! That which hath been destined for him who aideth My Cause excelleth the treasures of the earth." "Whoso openeth his Lips in this day, and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. On him shall also descend the Concourse on high, each bearing aloft a chalice of pure light. Thus hath it been foreordained in the realm of God's Revelation, by the behest of Him Who is the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful." ttBy the righteousness of Him Who, in this day, crieth within the inmost heart of all created things, ~God, there is none other God besides Me!' If any man were to arise to defend, in his writings, the Cause of God against its assailants, such a man, however inconsiderable his share, shall be so honored in the world to come that the Concourse on high would envy his glory. No pen can depict the loftiness of his station, neither can any tongue describe its splendor." ccPlease God ye may all be strengthened to carry out that which is the Will of God, and may be graciously assisted to appreciate the rank conferred upon such of His loved ones as have arisen to serve Him and magnify His name. Upon them be the glory of God, the glory of all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth, and the glory of the inmates of the most exalted Paradise, the heaven of heavens." ~ people of Bah6.! That there is none to rival you is a sign of mercy. Quaff ye of the Cup of Bounty the wine of immortality, despite them that have repudiated God, the Lord of names and Maker of the heavens." swear by the one true God! This is the day of those who have detached themselves from all but Him, the day of those who have recognized His unity, the day whereon God createth, with the hands of His power, divine beings and imperishable essences, every one of whom will cast the world and all that is therein behind him, and will wax so steadfast in the Cause of God that every wise and understanding heart will marvel." ttThere lay concealed within the Holy Veil, and prepared for the service of God, a company of His chosen ones who shall be manifested unto men, who shall aid His Cause, who shall be afraid of no one, though the entire human race rise up and war against them. These are the ones who, before the gaze of the dwellers on earth and the denizens of heaven, shall arise and, shouting aloud, acclaim the name of the Almighty, and summon the children of men to the path of God, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised." "The day is approaching when God will have, by an act of His Will, [p218] 218 THE BAHA'I WORLD raised up a race of men the nature of which is inscrutable to all save God, the All-Power-ful, the Self-Subsisting." "He will, ere long, out of the Bosom of Power, draw forth the Hands of Ascendancy and Might Ñ Hands who will arise to win victory for this Youth, and who will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly. These Hands will gird up their loins to champion the Faith of God, and will, in My name, the self-subsistent, the mighty, subdue the peoples and kindreds of the earth. They will enter the cities, and will inspire with fear the hearts of all their inhabitants. Such are the evidences of the might of God; how fearful, how vehement is His might!" 2. PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS o God, my God! I beg of Thee by the ocean of Thy healing, and by the splendors of the DayStar of Thy grace, and by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue Thy servants, and by the pervasive power of Thy most exalted Word and the potency of Thy most august Pen, and by Thy mercy that hath preceded the creation of all who are in heaven and on earth, to purge me with the waters of Thy bounty from every affliction and disorder, and from all weakness and feebleness. Thou seest, 0 my Lord, Thy suppliant waiting at the door of Thy bounty, and him who hail set his hopes on Thee clinging to the cord of Thy generosity. Deny him not, I beseech Thee, the things he seeketh from the ocean of Thy grace and the DayStar of Thy lovingkindness. Powerful art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. There is none other God save Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous. Praised be Thou, 0 Lord my God! I implore Thee, by Thy Most Great Name through Which Thou didst stir up Thy servants and build up Thy cities, and by Thy most excellent titles, and Thy most august attributes, to assist Thy peopie to turn in the direction of Thy manifold bounties, and set their faces towards the Tabernacle of Thy wisdom. Heal Thou the sicknesses that have assailed the souis on every side, and have deterred them from directing their gaze towards the Paradise that lieth in the shelter of Thy shadowing Name, which Thou didst ordain to be the King of all names unto all who are in heaven and all who are on earth. Potent art Thou to do as pleaseth Thee. In Thy hands is the empire of all names. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Wise. I am but a poor creature, 0 my Lord; I have clung to the hem of Thy riches. I am sore sick; I have held fast the cord of Thy healing. Deliver me from the ills that have encircled me, and wash me thoroughly with the waters of Thy graciousness and mercy, and attire mc with the raiment of wholesomeness, through Thy forgiveness and bounty. Fix, then, mine eyes upon Thee, and rid me of all attachment to aught else except Thyself. Aid me to do what Thou desirest, and to fulfill what Thou pleasest. Thou art truly the Lord of this life and of the next. Thou art, in truth, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Praised be Thou, 0 Lord my God! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I have set my face towards Thy Cause, believing in Thy oneness, acknowledging Thy unity, recognizing Thy sovereignty and the power of Thy might, and confessing the greatness of Thy majesty and glory. I ask Thee, by Thy name through which the heaven was cleft asunder, and the earth was rent in twain, and the mountains were crushed, not to withhold from me the breezes of Thy mercy which have been wafted in Thy days, nor to suffer me to be far removed from the shores of Thy nearness and bounty. I am he who is sore athirst, 0 my Lord! Give me to drink of the living waters of Thy grace. I am but a poor creature; reveal unto me the tokens of Thy riches. Doth it beseem 'Thee to cast out of the door of Thy grace and bounty such as have set their hopes on Thee, and can it befit Thy sovereignty to hinder them that yearn after Thee from attaining the adored sanctuary of Thy presence and from beholding Thy face? By Thy glory! Such is not my belief in Thee, for I [p219] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 219 am persuaded that Thou art the God of bounteousness, Whose grace hath encompassed all things. I beseech Thee, 0 my Lord, by Thy mercy that hath surpassed the entire creation, and Thy generosity that hath embraced all created things, to cause me to turn my face wholly towards Thee, and to seek Thy shelter, and to be steadfast in my love for Thee. Write down, then, for me what Thou didst ordain for them who iove Thee. Powerful art Thou to do what Thou pleasest. No God is there beside Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Praised be God, the Lord of the worlds! Praise be unto Thee, 0 my God! Thou art He Who by a word of His mouth hath revolutionized thz entire creation, and by a stroke of His pen hath divided Thy servants one from another. I bear witness, 0 my God, that through a word spoken by Thee in this Revelation all created things were made to expire, and through yet another word all such as Thou didst wish were, by Thy grace and bounty, endued with new life. I render Thee thanks, therefore, and extol Thee, in the name of all them that are dear to Thee, for that Thou hast caused them to be born again, by reason of the living waters which have flowed down out of the mouth of Thy will. Since Thou didst quicken them by Thy bounteousness, 0 my God, make them steadfastly inclined, through Thy graciousness, towards Thy will; and since Thou didst suffer them to enter into the Tabernacle of Thy Cause, grant by Thy grace that they may not be kept back from Thee. Unlock, then, to their hearts, 0 my God, the portals of Thy knowledge, that they may recognize Thee as One Who is far above the reach and ken of the understanding of Thy creatures, and immeasurably exalted above the strivings of Thy people to hint at Thy nature, and may not follow every clamorous imposter that presumeth to speak in Thy name. Enable them, moreover, 0 my Lord, to cleave so tenaciously to Thy Cause that they may remain unmoved by the perplexing suggestions of them who, prompted by their desires, utter what hath been £ or-bidden unto them in Thy Tablets and Thy Scriptures. Thou art well aware, 0 my Lord, that I hear the howling of the wolves which appear in Thy servants' clothing. Keep safe, therefore, Thy loved ones from their mischief, and enable them to cling steadfastly to whatsoever hath been manifested by Thee in this Revelation, which no other Revelation within Thy knowledge hath excelled. Do Thou destine for them, 0 my Lord, that which will profit them. Illumine, then, their eyes with the light of Thy knowledge, that they may see Thee visibly supreme over all things, and resplendent amidst Thy creatures, and victorious over all that are in Thy heaven and all that are on Thy earth. Powerful art Thou to do Thy pleasure. No God is there but Thee, the All-Glorious, Whose help is implored by all men. Praised be Thou, Who art the Lord of all creation. Lauded be Thy name, 0 my God and the God of all things, my Glory and the Glory of all things, my Desire and the Desire of all things, my Strength and the Strength of all things, my King and the King of all things, my Possessor and the Possessor of all things, my Aim and the Aim of all things, my Mover and the Mover of all things! Suffer me not, I implore Thee, to be kept back from the ocean of Thy tender mercies, nor to be far removed from the shores of nearness to Thee. Aught else except Thee, 0 my Lord, profiteth me not, and near access to any one save Thyself availeth me nothing. I entreat Thee by the plenteousness of Thy riches, whereby Thou dicist dispense with all else except Thyself, to number me with such as have set their faces towards Thee, and arisen to serve Thee. Forgive, then, 0 my Lord, Thy servants and Thy handmaidens. Thou, truly, art the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate. My God, my Well-Beloved! No place is there for any one to flee to when once Thy laws have been sent down, and no refuge can be found by any soui after the revelation of Thy commandments. Thou hast inspired the Pen with the mysteries of Thine eternity, and bidden it teach man that which he knoweth not, and caused him to partake of [p220] 220 THE BAHA'I WORLD the living waters of truth from the cup of Thy Revelation and Thine inspiration. No sooner, however, had the Pen traced upon the tablet one single letter of Thy hidden wisdom, than the voice of the lamentation of Thine ardent lovers was lifted up from all directions. Thereupon, there befell the just what hath caused the inmates of the tabernacle of Thy glory to weep and the dwellers of the cities of Thy revelation to groan. Thou dost consider, 0 my God, how He Who is the Manifestation of Thy names is in these days threatened by the swords of Thine adversaries. In such a state He crieth out and summoneth all the inhabitants of Thine earth and the denizens of Thy heaven unto Thee. Purify, 0 my God, the hearts of Thy creatures with the power of Thy sovereignty and might, that Thy words may sink deep into them. I know not what is in their hearts, 0 my God, nor can tell the thoughts they think of Thee. Methinks that they imagine that Thy purpose in calling them to Thine all-highest horizon is to heighten the glory of Thy majesty and power. For had they been satisfied that Thou summonest them to that which will recreate their hearts and immortalize their souls, they would never have fled from thy governance, nor deserted the shadow of the tree of Thy oneness. Clear away, then, the sight of Thy creatures, 0 my God, that they may recognize Him Who showeth forth the Godhead as One Who is sanctified from all that per-taineth unto them, and Who, wholly for Thy sake, is summoning them to the horizon of Thy unity, at a time when every moment of His life is beset with peril. Had His aim been the preservation of His own Self, He would never have left it at the mercy of Thy foes. I swear by Thy glory! I have accepted to be tried by manifold adversities for no purpose except to regenerate all that are in Thy heaven and on Thy earth. Whoso hath loved Thee, can never feel attached to his own self, except for the purpose of furthering Thy Cause; and whoso hath recognized Thee can recognize naught else except Thee, and can turn to no one save Thee. Enable Thy servants, 0 my God, to dis cover the things Thou didst desire for them in Thy Kingdom. Acquaint them, moreover, with what He Who is the Origin of Thy most excellent titles hath, in His iove for Thee, been willing to bear for the sake of the regeneration of their souls, that they may haste to attain the River that is Life indeed, and turn their faces in the direction of Thy Name, the Most Merciful. Abandon them not to themselves, 0 my God! Draw them, by Thy bountiful favor, to the heaven of Thine inspiration. They are but paupers, and Thou art the All-Possessing, the ever-For-giving, the Most Compassionate. Magnified be Thy name, 0 my God, for that Thou hast manifested the Day which is the King of Days, the Day which Thou didst announce unto Thy chosen Ones and Thy Prophets in Thy most excellent Tablets, the Day whereon Thou didst shed the splendor of the glory of all Thy names upon all created things. Great is his blessedness whosoever bath set himself towards Thee, and entered Thy presence, and caught the accents of Thy voice. I beseech Thee, 0 my Lord, by the name of Him round whom circieth in adoration the kingdom of Thy names, that Thou wilt graciously assist them that are dear to Thee to glorify Thy word among Thy servants, and to shed abroad Thy praise amidst Thy creatures, so that the ecstasies of Thy revelation may fill the souls of all the dwellers of Thine earth. Since Thou List guided them, 0 my Lord, unto the living waters of Thy grace, grant, by Thy bounty, that they may not be kept back from Thee; and since Thou hast summoned them to the habitation of Thy throne, drive them not out from Thy presence, through Thy lovingkindness. Send down upon them what shall wholly detach them from aught else except Thee, and make them able to soar in the atmosphere of Thy nearness, in such wise that neither the ascendancy of the oppressor nor the suggestions of them that have disbelieved in Thy most august and most mighty Self shall be capable of keeping them back from Thee. Glorified art Thou, 0 Lord my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the Restrainer, [p221] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 221 to withhold from us the maleficence of Thine adversaries who have disbelieved in Thy testimony, and caviled at Thy beauty. Overpower by Thy Name, the All-Subduing, such as have wronged Thy previous Manifestation Who hath now appeared invested with Thy title, the All-Glorious. Lay hold, by Thy name, the Chastiser, on them that have treated Thy Cause with scorn, have jested at Thy most mighty utterances, and were hindered from attaining this most exalted station. Enable Thy loved ones, by Thy Name, the Victorious, to prevail against Thine enemies and the infidels among Thy creatures. Rend asunder, by Thy Name, the Cleaver, the veil that hideth the doings of them that have besmirched Thine honor and undermined Thy Faith among Thy people. Bind, by Thy Name, the Restorer, the broken hearts of them that love Thee, and graciously bless them in their affairs. Teach them, by Thy Name, the All-Knowing, the wonders of Thy wisdom, that they may cleave steadfastly to Thy Faith and walk in the ways of Thy pleasure. Keep them safe, by Thy Name, the Withholder, from the tyranny of the oppressor and the wickedness of the evildoers and the malice of the stirrers of mischief. Shield them, by Thy Name, the Preserver, within the stronghold of Thy might and power, that haply they may be protected from the darts of doubt that are hurled by such as have rebelled against Thee. Sanctify for Thy servants, by Thy Name which Thou hast blessed above all other names, which Thou hast singled out for Thy favor, and by which Thou didst reveal Thy beauty, these days of which the Pen of Thy decree hath distinctly written, and which, according to Thy will and wisdom, have been preordained in Thine irrevocable Tablet. Subject to Thy rule, by Thy Name, the Conqueror, the peopie of Thy realm, that all may turn towards Thy face and forsake their all for love of Thee and for the sake of Thy pleasure. Abase Thou, 0 my Lord, 'Thine enemies, and lay hold on them with Thy power and might, and let them be stricken by the blast of Thy wrath. Make them taste, 0 my God, of Thine awful majesty and vengeance, for they have repudiated the truth of the One in Whom they had believed, Who came unto them with Thy signs and Thy clear tokens and the evidences of Thy power and the manifold revelations of Thy might. Gather, then, together Thy loved ones beneath the shadow of the Tree of Thy oneness, and of the Manifestation of the effulgent light of Thy unity. Thou art, verily, the One Whose power is immense, Whose vengeance is terrible. No God is there beside Thee, the Almighty, the Most Powerful. Magnified be Thy name, 0 Lord my God, inasmuch as Thou List inclined mine ear to Thy voice, and called me to Thyself, and opened mine eyes to gaze on Thy beauty, and illumined my heart with Thy knowledge, and sanctified my breast from the doubts of the infidels in Thy days. I am the one, 0 my God, who lay fast asleep on his couch, when lo, the messengers of Thy manifold mercies were sent down upon me by Thee, and the gentle winds of Thy lovingkindness blew over me, and roused me up, and caused me to set my face towards the sanctuary of Thy knowledge, and to fix mine eyes upon the splendors of the light of Thy face. I am but a poor creature, 0 my Lord! Behold me clinging to the hem of Thy riches. I have fled from darkness and from waywardness unto the brightness of the light of Thy countenance. Were I Ñ and to this Thy glory beareth me witness Ñ to render thanksgiving unto Thee, through the whole continuance of Thy kingdom and the duration of the heaven of Thine omnipotence, I would still have failed to repay Thy manifold bestowaL. I implore Thee, 0 my Lord, by Thy name, the Ever-Abiding, and by Thy name which Thou didst ordain to be the most great In-strurnent binding Thee to Thy servants, to grant that I may flee for shelter to Thy door, and speak forth Thy praise. Write down, then, for me, in every world of Thine, that which will enable me to enter beneath Thy shadow and within the borders of Thy court. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Bountiful, the Most Exalted, the Ever-For-giving, the Most Generous. All-praise be to Thee, 0 Lord, my God! I know not how to sing Thy praise, how to describe Thy glory, how to call upon Thy [p222] 222 THE BANAl WORLD Name. If I call upon Thee by Thy Name, the All-Possessing, I am compelled to recognize that He Who holdeth in His hand the immediate destinies of all created things is but a vassal dependent upon Thee, and is the creation of but a word proceeding from Thy mouth. And if I proclaim Thee by the name of Him Who is the All-Compelling, I readily discover that He is but a suppliant fallen upon the dust, awestricken by Thy dreadful might, Thy sovereignty and power. And if I attempt to describe Thee by glorifying the oneness of Thy Being, I soon realize that such a conception is but a notion which mine own fancy hath woven, and that Thou hast ever been immeasurably exalted above the vain imaginations which the hearts of men have devised. The glory of Thy might beareth me witness! Whoso claimeth to have known Thee hath, by virtue of such a claim, testified to his own ignorance; and whoso believeth himself to have attained unto Thee, all the atoms of the earth would attest his powerlessness and proclaim his failure. Thou hast, however, by virtue of Thy mercy that hath surpassed the kingdoms of earth and heaven, deigned to accept from Thy servants the laud and honor they pay to Thine own exalted Self, and hast bidden them celebrate Thy glory, that the ensigns of Thy guidance may be unfurled in Thy cities and the tokens of Thy mercy be spread abroad among Thy nations, and that each and all may be enabled to attain unto that which Thou hast destined for them by Thy decree, and ordained unto them through Thine irrevocable will and purpose. Having testified, therefore, unto mine own impotence and the impotence of Thy servants, I beseech Thee, by the brightness of the light of Thy beauty, not to refuse Thy creatures attainment to the shores of Thy most holy ocean. Draw them, then, 0 my God, through the Divine sweetness of Thy melodies, towards the throne of Thy glory and the seat of Thine eternal holiness. Thou art, verily, the Most Powerful, the Supreme Ruler, the Great Giver, the Most Exalted, the Ever-Desired. Grant, then, 0 my God, that Thy servant who hath turned towards Thee, hath fixed his gaze upon Thee, and clung to the cord of Thy mercifulness and favor, may be enabled to partake of the living waters of Thy mercy and grace. Cause him, then, to ascend unto the heights to which he aspireth, and withhold him not from that which Thou dost possess. Thou art, verily, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Bountiful. 3. EXCERPTS FROM GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF The world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned towards waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its plight, that to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly. Its perversity will long continue. And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and oniy then, will the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody. Recall thou to mind My sorrows, My cares and anxieties, My woes and trials, the state of My captivity, the tears that I have shed, the bitterness of Mine anguish, and now My imprisonment in this far-off land. God, 0 Mustaf6, beareth Me witness. Couldst thou be told what hath befallen the BA HA 'U'LL RH Ancient Beauty, thou wouldsv flee into the wilderness and weep with a great weeping. In thy grief, thou wouldst smite thyself on the head, and cry out as one stung by the sting of the adder. Be thou grateful to God, that We have refused to divulge unto thee the secrets of those unsearchable decrees that have been sent down unto Us from the heaven of the Will of thy Lord, the Most Powerful, the Almighty. By the righteousness of God! Every morning I arose from My bed, I discovered the hosts of countless afflictions massed behind My door; and every night when I lay down, lo! My heart was torn with agony at what it had suffered from the fiendish cruelty of its foes. With every piece of bread the Ancient Beauty breaketh is coupled the assault of a fresh affliction, and with every [p223] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'! SACRED WRITINGS 223 drop He drinketh is mixed the bitterness of the most woeful of trials. He is preceded in every step He taketh by an army of unforeseen calamities, while in His rear follow legions of agonizing sorrows. Such is My plight, wet thou to ponder it in Wine heart. Let not, however, thy soul grieve over that which God hath rained down upon Us. Merge thy will in His pleasure, for We have, at no time, desired anything whatsoever except His Will, and have welcomed each one of His irrevocable decrees. Let thine heart be patient, and be thou not dismayed. Follow not in the way of them that are sorely agitated. 0 thou whose face is turned towards Me! As soon as thine eyes behold from afar My native city (Tihr4n), stand thou and say: am come to thee out of the Prison, 0 Land of T6, with tidings from God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. I announce unto thee, 0 mother of the world and fountain of light unto all its peoples, the tender mercies of thy Lord, and greet thee in the name of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, the Knower of things unseen. I testify that within thee He Who is the Hidden Name was revealed, and the Unseen Treasure uncovered. Through thee the secret of all things, be they of the past or of the future, hath been unfolded. o Land of TA! He Who is the Lord of Names remembereth thee in His glorious station. Thou wert the Day Spring of the Cause of God, the fountain of His Revelation, the manifestation of His Most Great Name Ñ a Name that hath caused the hearts and souls of men to tremble. How vast the number of those men and women, those victims of tyranny, that have, within thy walls, laid down their lives in the path of God, and been buried beneath thy dust with such cruelty as to cause every honored servant of God to bemoan their plight. It is Our wish to remember the Abode of supreme blissfulness (Tihr~n), the holy and shining city Ñ the city wherein the fragrance of the Well-Beloved hath been shed, wherein His signs have been diffused, wherein the evidences of His glory have been revealed, wherein His standards have been raised, wherein His tabernacle hath been pitched, wherein each of His wise decrees hath been unfolded. It is the city in which the sweet savors of reunion have breathed, and which have caused the sincere lovers of God to draw nigh unto Him, and to gain access to the Habitation of holiness and beauty. Happy is the wayfarer that directeth his steps towards this city, that gaineth admittance into it, and quaffeth the wine of reunion, through the outpouring grace of his Lord, the Gracious, the All-Praised. I am come to thee, 0 land of the heart's desire, with tidings from God, and announce to thee His gracious favor and mercy, and greet and magnify thee in His name. He, in truth, is of immense bounteousness and goodness. Blessed be the man that turneth his face towards thee, that perceiveth from thee the fragrance of God's Presence, the Lord of all worlds. His glory be on thee, and the brightness of His light envelop thee, inasmuch as God hath made thee a paradise unto His servants, and proclaimed thee to be the blest and sacred land of which He, Himself, bath made mention in the Books which His Prophets and Messengers have revealed. Through thee, 0 land of resplendent glory, the ensign, "There is none other God but Him" hath been unfurled, and the standard, "Vr1 I am the Truth, the Knower of things unseen," been hoisted. It behoveth every one that visiteth thee to glory in thee and in them that inhabit thee, that have branched from My Tree, who are the leaves thereof, who are the signs of My glory, who follow Me and are My lovers, and who, with the most mighty determination, have turned their faces in the direction of My glorious station. Call Thou to remembrance Thine arrival in the City (Constantinople), how the Ministers of the Sulv~n thought Thee to be unacquainted with their laws and regulations, and believed Thee to be one of the ignorant. Say: Yes, by My Lord! I am ignorant of all things except what God hath, through His bountiful favor, been pleased to teach Me. To this We assuredly testify, and unhesitatingly confess it. [p224] 224 THE BAHA WORLD Say: If the laws and regulations to which ye cleave be of your own making, We will, in no wise, follow them. Thus have I been instructed by Him Who is the All-Wise, the All-Informed. Such hath been My way in the past, and such will it remain in the future, through the power of God and His might. This, indeed, is the true and right way. If they be ordained by God, bring forth, then, your proofs, if ye be of them that speak the truth. Say: We have written down in a Book which leaveth not unrecorded the work of any man, however insignificant, all that they have imputed to Thee, and all that they have done unto Thee. Say: It behoveth you, 0 Ministers of State, to keep the precepts of God, and to forsake your own laws and regulations, and to be of them who are guided aright. Better is this for you than all ye possess, did ye but know it. If ye transgress the commandment of God, not one jot or one tittle of all your works shall be acceptable in His sight. Ye shall, erelong, discover the consequences of that which ye shall have done in this vain life, and shall be repaid for them. This, verily, is the truth, the undoubted truth. How great the number of those who, in bygone ages, have committed the things ye have committed, and who, though superior to you in rank, have, in the end, returned unto dust, and been consigned to their in Ñ evitable doom! Would that ye might ponder the Cause of God in your hearts! Ye shall follow in their wake, and shall be made to enter a habitation wherein none shall be found to befriend or help you. Ye shall, of a truth, be asked of your doings, shall be called to account for your failure in duty with regard to the Cause of God, and for having disdainfully rejected His loved ones who, with manifest sincerity, have come unto you. It is ye who have taken counsel together regarding them, ye that have preferred to follow the promptings of your own desires, and forsaken the commandment of God, the Help in Peril, the Almighty. Say: What! Cleave ye to your own devices, and cast behind your backs the precepts of God? Ye, indeed, have wronged your own selves and others. Would that ye could perceive ive it! Say: If your rules and principles be founded on justice, why is it, then, that ye follow those which accord with your corrupt inclinations and reject such as conflict with your desires? By what right claim ye, then, to judge fairly between men? Are your rules and principles such as to justify your persecution of Him Who, at your bidding, hath presented Himself before you, your rejection of Him, and your infliction on Him every day of grievous injury? Hath He ever, though it be for one short moment, disobeyed you? All the inhabitants of ~IrAq, and beyond them every discerning observer, will bear witness to the truth of My words. Be fair in your judgment, 0 ye Ministers of State! What is it that We have committed that could justify Our banishment? What is the offense that bath warranted Our expulsion? It is We Who have sought you, and yet, behold how ye refused to receive Us! By God! This is a sore injustice that ye have perpetrated Ñ an injustice with which no earthly injustice can measure. To this the Almighty is Himself a witness. Know ye that the world and its vanities and its embellishments shall pass away. Nothing will endure except God's Kingdom which pertaineth to none but Him, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Help in Peril, the All-Glorious, the Almighty. The days of your life shall roll away, and all the things with which ye are occupied and of which ye boast yourselves shall perish, and ye shall, most certainly, be summoned by a company of His angels to appear at the spot where the limbs of the entire creation shall be made to tremble, and the flesh of every oppressor to creep. Ye shall be asked of the things your hands have wrought in this, your vain life, and shall be repaid for your doings. This is the day that shall inevitably come upon you, the hour that none can put back. To this the Tongue of Him that speaketh the truth and is the knower of all things hath testified. Fear God, ye inhabitants of the City (Con-stantinople), and sow not the seeds of dissension amongst men. Walk not in the paths of the Evil One. Walk ye, during the few remaining days of your life, in the ways of the one true God. Your days shall pass away as have the days of them who [p225] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 225 were before you. To dust shall ye return, even as your fathers of old did return. Know ye that I am afraid of none except God. In none but Him have I placed My trust; to none will I cleave but Him, and wish for naught except the thing He hath wished for Me. This, indeed, is My heart's desire, did ye but know it. I have offered up My soul and My body as a sacrifice for God, the Lord of all worlds. Whoso bath known God shall know none but Him, and he that feareth God shall be afraid of no one except Him, though the powers of the whole earth rise up and be arrayed against him. I speak naught except at His bidding, and follow not, through the power of God and His might, except His truth. He, verily, shall recompense the truthful. Narrate, 0 Servant, the things Thou didst behold at the time of Thine arrival in the City, that Thy testimony may endure amongst men, and serve as a warning unto them that believe. We found, upon Our arrival in the City, its governors and elders as children gathered about and disporting themselves with clay. We perceived no one sufficiently mature to acquire from Us the truths which God bath taught Us, nor ripe for Our wondrous words of wisdom. Our inner eye wept sore over them, and over their transgressions and their total disregard of the thing for which they were created. This is what We observed in that City, and which We have chosen to note down in Our Book, that it may serve as a warning unto them, and unto the rest of mankind. Say: If ye be seekers after this life and the vanities thereof, ye should have sought them while ye were still enclosed in your mothers' wombs, for at that time ye were continually approaching them, could ye but perceive it. Ye have, on the other hand, ever since ye were born and attained maturity, been all the while receding from the world and drawing closer to dust. Why, then, exhibit such greed in amassing the treasures of the earth, when your days are numbered and your chance is well-nigh lost? Will ye not, then, 0 heedless ones, shake off your slumber? Incline your ears to the counsels which this Servant giveth you for the sake of God. He, verily, asketh no recompense from you and is resigned to what God With ordained for Him, and is entirely submissive to God's Will. The days of your life are far spent, 0 people, and your end is fast approaching. Put away, therefore, the things ye have devised and to which ye cleave, and take firm hold on the precepts of God, that haply ye may attain that which He hath purposed for you, and be of them that pursue a right course. Delight not yourselves in the things of the world and its vain ornaments, neither set your hopes on them. Let your reliance be on the remembrance of God, the Most Exalted, the Most Great. He will, erelong, bring to naught all the things ye possess. Let Him be your fear, and forget not His covenant with you, and be not of them that are shut out as by a veil from Him. Beware that ye swell not with pride before God, and disdainfully reject His loved ones. Defer ye humbly to the faithful, they that have believed in God and in His signs, whose hearts witness to His unity, whose tongues proclaim His oneness, and who speak not except by His leave. Thus do We exhort you with justice, and warn you with truth, lest perchance ye may be awakened. Lay not on any soui a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for any one the things ye would not desire for yourselves. This is My best counsel unto you, did ye but observe it. Respect ye the divines and learned amongst you, they whose conduct accord with their professions, who transgress not the bounds which God bath fixed, whose judgments are in conformity with His behests as revealed in His Book. Know ye that they are the lamps of guidance unto them that are in the heavens and on the earth. They who disregard and neglect the divines and learned that live amongst them Ñ these have truly changed the favor with which God hath favored them. Say: Await ye till God will have changed His favor unto you. Nothing whatsoever escapeth Him. He knoweth the secrets both of the heavens and of the earth. His knowi-edge embraceth all things. Rejoice not in what ye have done, or will do in the future, nor delight in the tribulation with which ye have afflicted Us, for ye are unable by such [p226] 226 THE BAHA'I WORLD means as these to exalt your stations, were ye to examine your works with acute discernment. Neither will ye be capable of detracting from the loftiness of Our state. Nay, God will add unto the recompense with which He shall reward Us, for having sustained with persevering patience the tribulations We have suffered. He, verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience. Know ye that trials and tribulations have, from time immemorial, been the lot of the chosen Ones of God and His beloved, and such of His servants as are detached from all else but Him, they whom neither merchandise nor traffic beguile from the remembrance of the Almighty, they that speak not till He hath spoken, and act according to His commandment. Such is God's method carried into effect of old, and such will it remain in the future. Blessed are the steadfastly enduring, they that are patient under ills and hardships, who lament not over anything that befalleth them, and who tread the path of resignation. The day is approaching when God will have raised up a people who will call to remembrance Our days, who will tell the tale of Our trials, who will demand the restitution of Our rights from them that, without a tittle of evidence, have treated Us witb manifest injustice. God, assuredly, domi-nateth the lives of them that wrong Us, and is well aware of their doings. He will, most certainly, lay hold on them for their sins. He, verily, is the fiercest of avengers. Thus have We recounted unto you the tales of the one true God, and sent down unto you the things He had preordained, that haply ye may ask forgiveness of Him, may return unto Him, may truly repent, may realize your misdeeds, may shake off your slumber, may be roused from your heedlessness, may atone for the things that have escaped you, and be of them that do good. Let him who will, acknowledge the truth of My words; and as to him that willeth not, let him turn aside. My sole duty is to remind you of your failure in duty towards the Cause of God, if perchance ye may be of them that heed My warning. Wherefore, hearken ye unto My speech, and return ye to God and repent, that He, through His grace, may have mercy upon you, may wash away your sins, and forgive your trespasses. The greatness of His Mercy surpasseth the fury of His wrath, and His grace encompasseth all who have been called into being and been clothed with the robe of life, be they of the past or of the future. There hath appeared in this Revelation what bath never appeared before. As to the infidels that have witnessed what hath been manifested, they murmur and say: "Verily, this is a sorcerer who hath devised a lie against God." They are indeed an outcast people. Tell out to the nations, 0 Pen of the Ancient of Days, the things that have happened in tTr~q. Tell them of the messenger whom the congregation of the divines of that land had delegated to meet Us, who, when attaining Our presence, questioned Us concerning certain sciences, and whom We answered by virtue of the knowledge We inherently possess. Thy Lord is, verily, the Knower of things unseen. "We testify," said he, "that the knowledge Thou dost possess is such as none can rival. Such a knowledge, however, is insufficient to vindicate the exalted station which the people ascribe to Thee. Produce, if Thou speakest the truth, what the combined forces of the peoples of the earth are powerless to produce." Thus was it irrevocably decreed in the court of the presence of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, the Loving. CC~~vitnes! What is it thou seest?" He was dumbfounded. And when he came to himself, he said: "I truly believe in God, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised." "Go thou to the people, and tell them: CAsk whatsoever ye please. Powerful is He to do what He willeth. Nothing whatsoever, be it of the past or of the future, can frustrate His Will.' Say: to ye congregation of the divines! Choose any matter ye desire, and ask your Lord, the God of Mercy, to reveal it unto you. If He fulfil your wish, by virtue of His sovereignty, believe ye then in Him, and be not of those that reject His truth.' " "The dawn of understanding hath now broken," said he, "and the testimony of the All-Merciful is fulfilled." He arose and returned unto them that sent him, at the bidding of God, the All-Glorious, the Well-Beloved. [p227] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 227 Days passed and he failed to come back to Us. Eventually, there came another messenger who informed Us that the people had given up what they originally had purposed. They are indeed a contemptible people. This is what happened in tldq, and to what I reveal I Myself am witness. This happening was noised abroad, yet none was found to comprehend its meaning. Thus did We ordain it. Would that ye knew this! By My Self! Whoso hath in bygone ages asked Us to produce the signs of God, hath, no sooner We revealed them to him, repudiated God's truth. The people, however, have, for the most part, remained heedless. They whose eyes are illumined with the light of understanding will perceive the sweet savors of the All-Merciful, and will embrace His truth. These are they who are truly sincere. 0 thou who are the fruit of My Tree and the leaf thereof! On thee be My glory and My mercy. Let not thine heart grieve over what hath befallen thee. Wert thou to scan the pages of the Book of Life, thou wouldst, most certainly, discover that which would dissipate thy sorrows and dissolve thine anguish. Know thou, 0 fruit of My Tree, that the decrees of the Sovereign Ordainer, as related to fate and predestination, are of two kinds. Both are to be obeyed and accepted. The one is irrevocable, the other is as termed by men, impending. To the former all must unreservedly submit, inasmuch as it is fixed and settled. God, however, is able to alter or repeal it. As the harm that must result from such a change will be greater than if the decree had remained unaltered, all therefore, should willingly acquiesce in what God hath willed and confidently abide by the same. The decree that is impending, however, is such that prayer and entreaty can succeed in averting it. God grant that thou who art the fruit of My Tree, and they that are associated with thee, may be shielded from its evil consequences. Say: 0 God, my God! Thou hast committed into mine hands a trust from Thee, and hast now according to the good-pleasure of Thy Will called it back to Thyself. It is not for me, who am a handmaid of Thine, to say, whence is this to me or wherefore had-i it happened, inasmuch as Thou art glorified in all Thine acts, and art to be obeyed in Thy decree. Thine handmaid, 0 my Lord, hath set her hopes on Thy grace and bounty. Grant that she may obtain that which will draw her nigh unto Thee, and will profit her in every world of Thine. Thou art the Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. There is none other God but Thee, the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. Vouchsafe Thy blessings, 0 Lord, my God, unto them that have quaffed the wine of Thy iove before the face of men, and, in spite of Thine enemies, have acknowledged Thy unity, testified to Thy oneness, and confessed their belief in that which hath made the limbs of the oppressors among Thy creatures to quake, and the flesh of the proud ones of the earth to tremble. I bear witness that Thy Sovereignty can never perish, nor Thy Will be altered. Ordain for them that have set their faces towards Thee, and for Thine handmaids that have held fast by Thy Cord, that which beseemeth the Ocean of Thy bounty rnd the Heaven of Thy grace. Thou art He, 0 God, Who hath proclaimed Himself as the Lord of 'Wealth, and characterized all that serve Him as poor and needy. Even as Thou hast written: "0 ye that believe! Ye arc but paupers in need of God; but God is the All-Possessing, the All-Praised." Having acknowledged my poverty, and recognized Thy wealth, suffer me not to be deprived of the glory of Thy riches. Thou art, verily, the Supreme Protector, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The world's equilibrium bath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new 'World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System Ñ the iike of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause Ñ a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten [p228] 228 THE BAHA'I WORLD ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that bath refused to seek it Ñ verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures. Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: Through it the poor have been enriched, the learned enlightened, and the seekers enabled to ascend unto the presence of God. Beware, lest ye make it a cause of dissension amongst you. Be ye as firmly settled as the immovable mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Mighty, the Loving. Be not dismayed, 0 peoples of the world, when the day star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hail recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose. The peoples of the world are fast asleep. Were they to wake from their slumber, they would hasten with eagerness unto God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. They would cast away everything they possess, be it all the treasures of the earth, that their Lord may remember them to the extent of addressing to them but one word. Such is the instruction given you by Him Who holdeth the knowledge of things hidden, in a Tablet which the eye of creation hath not seen, and which is revealed to none except His own Self, the omnipotent protector of all worlds. So bewildered are they in the drunkenness of their evil desires, that they are powerless to recognize the Lord of all being, Whose voice calleth aloud from every direction: "There is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the All-Wise," Say: Rejoice not in the things ye possess; tonight they are yours, tomorrow others will possess them. Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Say: Can ye claim that what ye own is lasting or secure? Nay! By Myself, the All-Merciful. The days of your life flee away as a breath of wind, and all your pomp and glory shall be folded up as were the pomp and glory of those gone before you. Reflect, 0 people! What hath become of your bygone days, your lost centuries? Happy the days that have been consecrated to the remembrance of God, and blessed the hours which have been spent in praise of Him Who is the All-Wise. By My life! Neither the pomp of the mighty, nor the wealth of the rich, nor even the ascendancy of the ungodly will endure. All will perish, at a word from Him. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the All-Compel-ling, the Almighty. What advantage is there in the earthly things which men possess? That which shall profit them, they have utterly neglected. Erelong, they will awake from their slumber, and find themselves unable to obtain that which hath escaped them in the days of their Lord, the Almighty, the All-Praised. Did they but know it, they would renounce their all, that their names may be mentioned before His throne. They, verily, are accounted among the dead. Let not your hearts be perturbed, 0 peo-pie, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favored angels. 0 peoples of the earth! God, the Eternal Truth, is My witness that streams of fresh and soft-flowing waters have gushed from the rocks, through the sweetness of the words uttered by your Lord, the Unconstrained; and still ye slumber. Cast away that which ye possess, and, on the wings of detachment, soar beyond all created things. Thus biddeth you the Lord of creation, the movement of Whose Pen hath revolutionized the soul of mankind. Know ye from what heights your Lord, [p229] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 229 the All-Glorious is calling? Think ye that ye have recognized the Pen wherewith your Lord, the Lord of all names, commandeth you? Nay, by My life! Did ye but know it, ye would renounce the world, and would hasten with your whole hearts to the presence of the Well-Beloved. Your spirits would be so transported by His Word as to throw into commotion the Greater World Ñ how much more this small and petty one! Thus have the showers of My bounty been poured down from the heaven of My lovingkindness, as a token of My grace; that ye may be of the thankful. Beware lest the desires of the flesh and of a corrupt inclination provoke divisions among you. Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body. Thus counselleth you the Pen of Revelation, if ye be of them that believe. Consider the mercy of God and His gifts. LIe enjoineth upon you that which shall profit you, though He Himself can well dispense with all creatures. Your evil doings can never harm Us, neither can your good works profit Us. We summon you wholly for the sake of God. To this every man of understanding and insight will testify. It is clear and evident that when the veils that conceal the realities of the manifestatiOnS of the Names and Attributes of God, nay of all created things visible or invisible, have been rent asunder, nothing except the Sign of God will remain Ñ a sign which He, Himself, hath placed within these realities. This sign will endure as long as is the wish of the Lord thy God, the Lord of the heavens and of the earth. If such be the blessings conferred on all created things, how superior must be the destiny of the true believer, whose existence and life are to be regarded as the originating purpose of all creation. Just as the conception of faith hath existed from the beginning that hath no beginning, and will endure till the end that hath no end, in like manner will the true believer eternally live and endure. His spirit will everlastingly circle round the Will of God. He will Last as long as God, Himself, will last. He is revealed through the Revelation of God, and is hidden at His bidding. It is evident that the loftiest mansions in the Realm of Im •mortality have been ordained as the habitation of them that have truly believed in God and in His signs. Death can never invade that holy seat. Thus have We entrusted thee with the signs of Thy Lord, that thou mayest persevere in thy love for Him, and be of them that comprehend this truth. Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth. All the wondrous works ye behold in this world have been manifested through the operation of His supreme and most exalted Will, His wondrous and inflexible Purpose. Through the mere revelation of the word CCF hi issuing forth from His lips and proclaiming His attribute to mankind, such power is released as can generate, through successive ages, all the manifold arts which the hands of man can produce. This, verily, is a certain truth. No sooner is this resplendent word uttered, than its animating energies, stirring within all created things, give birth to the means and instruments whereby such arts can be produced and perfected. All the wondrous achievements ye now witness are the direct consequences of the Revelation of this Name. In the days to come, ye will, verily, behold things of which ye have never heard before. Thus hath it been decreed in the Tablets of God, and none can comprehend it except they whose sight is sharp. In like manner, the moment the word expressing My attribute CeTh Omniscient" issueth forth from My mouth, every created thing will, according to its capacity and limitations, be invested with the power to unfold the knowledge of the most marvelous sciences, and will be empowered to manifest them in the course of time at the bidding of Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Knowing. Know thou of a certainty that the Revelation of every other Name is accompanied by a similar manifestation of Divine power. Every single letter proceeding out of the mouth of God is indeed a mother letter, and every word uttered by Him Who is the Well Spring of Divine Revelation is a mother word, and His Tablet a Mother Tablet. Well is it with them that apprehend this truth. [p230] WORDS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA 1. THE MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD THE Manifestations of universal Prophet-hood who appeared independently are, for example, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Bib, and Baha'u'llah. But the others who are followers and promoters are like Solomon, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. For the independent Prophets are founders; they establish a new religion and make new creatures of men; they change the general morals, promote new customs and rules, renew the cycle and the Law. Their appearance is like the season of spring, which arrays all earthly beings in a new garment, and gives them a new life. With regard to the second sort of Prophets who are followers, these also promote the Law of God, make known the Religion of God, and proclaim His word. Of themselves they have no power and might, except what they receive from the independent Prophets. Question. Ñ To which category do Buddha and Confucius belong? Ansiver. Ñ Buddha also established a new religion, and Confucius renewed morals and ancient virtues, but their institutions have been entirely destroyed. The beliefs and rites of the Buddhists and Confucianists have not continued in accordance with their fundamental teachings. The founder of Buddhism was a wonderful soul. He established the Oneness of God, but later the original principles of his doctrines gradually disappeared, and ignorant customs and ceremonials arose and increased, until they finally ended in the worship of statues and images. Now, consider: Christ frequently repeated that the ten commandments in the Pentateuch were to be followed, and He insisted that they should be maintained. Among the ten commandments is one which says: tDo not worship any picture or image.' At present in some of the Christian churches many pictures and images exist. It is therefore clear and evident that the Religion of God does not maintain its original principles among the people, but that it has gradually changed and altered until it has been entirely destroyed and annihilated. Because of this the manifestation is renewed, and a new religion established. But if religions did not change and alter, there would be no need of renewal. In the beginning the tree was in all its beauty, and full of blossoms and fruits, but at last it became old and entirely fruitless, and it withered and decayed. This is why the True Gardener plants again an incomparable young tree of the same kind and species, which grows and develops day by day, and spreads a wide shadow in the divine garden, and yields admirable fruit. So it is with religions; through the passing of time they change from their original foundation, the truth of the Religion of God entirely departs, and the spirit of it does not stay; heresies appear, and it becomes a body without a soul. That is why it is renewed. The meaning is that the Buddhists and Confucianists now worship images and statues. They are entirely heedless of the Oneness of God, and believe in imaginary gods like the ancient Greeks. But in the beginning it was not so; there were different principles and other ordinances. Again, consider how much the principles of the religion of Christ have been forgotten, and how many heresies have appeared. For example, Christ forbade revenge and transgression; furthermore, He commanded benevolence and mercy in return for injury and evil. Now reflect: among the Christian nations themselves how many sanguinary wars have taken place, and how much oppression, cruelty, rapacity, and bloodthirstiness have occurred! Many of these wars were carried on by command of the Popes. It is then clear and evident that in the passage of time religions become entirely changed and altered. Therefore they are renewed. 2. EXPLANATION OF THE REBUKES ADDRESSED BY GOD TO THE PROPHETS Question . Ñ In the Holy Books there are 230 [p231] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'uI SACRED WRITINGS 231 some addresses of reproach and rebuke directed to the Prophets. 'Who is addressed, and for whom is the rebuke? Answer. Ñ A11 the divine discourses containing reproof, though apparently addressed to the Prophets, in reality are directed to the people, through a wisdom which is absolute mercy, in order that the people may not be discouraged and disheartened. They therefore appear to be addressed to the Prophets; but though outwardly for the Prophets, they are in truth for the people and not for the Prophets. Moreover, the powerful and independent king represents his country: that which he says is the word of all, and every agreement that he makes, is the agreement of all, for the wishes and desires of all his subjects are included in his wishes and desires. In the same way, every Prophet is the expression of the whole of the people. So the promise and speech of God addressed to him is addressed to all. Generally the speech of reproach and rebuke is rather too severe for the people, and would be heartbreaking to them. So the Perfect Wisdom makes use of this form of address, as is clearly shown in the Bible itself, as, for example, when the children of Israel rebelled and said to Moses: tWe cannot fight with the Amalekites, for they are powerful, mighty, and courageous.' God then rebuked Moses and Aaron, though Moses was in complete obedience and not in rebellion. Surely such a great man, who is the mediator of the Divine Bounty and the deliverer of the Law, must necessarily obey the commands of God. These Holy Souls are like the leaves of a tree, which are put in motion by the blowing of the wind, and not by their own desire; for they are attracted by the breeze of the iove of God, and their will is absolutely submissive. Their word is the word of God, their commandment is the commandment of God, their prohibition is the prohibition of God. They are like the glass globe which receives light from the lamp. Although the light appears to emanate from the glass, in reality it is shining from the lamp: in the same way for the Prophets of God, the centres of manifestation, their movement and repose come from divine inspiration, not from human passions. If it were not so,how could the Prophet be worthy of trust, and how could he be the Messenger of God, delivering the commands and the prohibitions of God? All the defects that are mentioned in the Holy Books with reference to the Manifestations, refer to questions of this kind. Praise be to God that you have come here, and have met the servants of God! Have you perceived in them anything except the fragrance of the pleasure of God? Indeed, no. You have seen with your own eyes that day and night they endeavour and strive, and that they have no aim except the exaltation of the word of God, the education of men, the improvement of the masses, spiritual progress, the promulgation of universal peace, goodwill to all mankind, and kindness towards all nations. Sacrificing themselves for the good of humanity, they are detached from material advantages, and labour to give virtues to mankind. But let us return to our subject. For example, in the Old Testament it is said in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 48, verse 12: tHeark-en unto Me, 0 Jacob and Israel, My called, I am He; I am the first, I also am the Last.' It is evident that it does not mean Jacob who was Israel, but the people of Israel. Also in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 43, verse 1, it is said: cBut now thus saith the Lord that created thee, 0 Jacob, and He that formed thee, 0 Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.' Furthermore, in Numbers, chapter 20, verse 23: tAnd the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Eclom, saying, Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against My word at the water of Meribah'; and in verse 13: tThis is the water of Meribali; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and He was sanctified in them.' Observe: the people of Israel rebelled, but apparently the reproach was for Moses and Aaron. As it is said in the Book of Deuteronomy, chapter 3, verse 26: tBut the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee, speak no more unto Me of this matter.' [p232] 232 THE BAHA'I WORLD Now this discourse and reproach really refer to the children of Israel, who, for haying rebelled against the command of God, were held captive a long time in the arid desert, on the other side of Jordan, until the time of Joshua Ñ upon him be salutations. This address and reproach appeared to be for Moses and Aaron, but in reality they were for the people of Israel. In the same way in the Qur'an it is said to Muhammad: We have granted thee a manifest victory, so that God may forgive thee thy preceding and subsequent sin.'1 This address, although apparently directed to Muhammad, was in reality for all the people. This mode of address, as before said, was used by the perfect wisdom of God, so that the hearts of the people might not be troubled, anxious, and tormented. How often the Prophets of God and His universal Manifestations in their prayers confess their sins and faults! This is only to teach other men, to encourage and incite them to humility and meekness, and to induce them to confess their sins and faults. For these Holy Souls are pure from every sin, and sanctified from faults. In the Gospel it is said that a man came to Christ and called him tGood Master.' Christ answered: CWhy callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God.' This did not mean Ñ God forbid! Ñ that Christ was a sinner; but the intention was to teach submission, humility, meekness, and modesty to the man to whom he spoke. These Holy Beings are lights, and light does not unite itself with darkness. They are life, and life and death are not confounded; they are for guidance, and guidance and error cannot be together, they are the essence of obedience, and obedience cannot exist with rebellion. To conclude, the addresses in the form of reproach which are in the Holy Books, though apparently directed to the Prophets, that is to say to the Manifestations of God, in reality are intended for the people. This will become evident and clear to you when you have diligently examined the Holy Books. Salutations be upon you. 1 Qur'an, Sun 48. 3. EXPLANATION OF THE VERSE OF THE Kitab-i-Aqdas, THERE Is No ASSOcIATE FOR THE DAWNING PLACE OF COMMAND IN THE SUPREME SINLESSNESS' It is said in the holy verse: cThere is no associate for the Dawning-place of Command2 in the Supreme Sinlessness. In truth he is the Manifestor of "He does what He wishes" in the kingdom of creation. Verily God has reserved this station for Himself, and has not left to any one a share of this inviolable condition.'3 Know that sinlessness is of two kinds: essential sinlessness and acquired sinlessness. In like manner there is essential knowledge and acquired knowledge; and so it is with other names and attributes. Essential sinlessness is peculiar to the universal Manifestation, for it is his essential requirement, and an essential requirement cannot be separated from the thing itself. The rays are the essential necessity of the sun, and are inseparable from it. Knowledge is an essential necessity of God, and is inseparable from Him. Power is an essential necessity of God, and is inseparable from Him. If it could be separated from Him, He would not be God. If the rays could be separated from the sun, it would not be the sun. Therefore if one imagines separation of the Supreme Sinlessness from the universal Manifestation, he would not be the universal Manifestation, and he would lack the essential perfections. But acquired sinlessness is not a natural necessity; on the contrary, it is a ray of the bounty of Sinlessness which shines from the Sun of Reality upon hearts, and grants a share and portion of itself to souls. Although these souls have not essential sinlessness, still they are under the protection of God: that is to say, God preserves them from sin. Thus many of the holy beings who were not dawn-ing-points of the Supreme Sinlessness, were yet kept and preserved from sin under the shadow of the protection and guardianship of God; for they were the mediators of grace The Manifestation of God. Kitab-i-Aqdas: i.e. The Most Holy Book. The principal work of Baha'u'llah, which contains the greater part of the commandments. It is the basis of the principles of Bah&'iism. [p233] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 233 between God and men. If God did not protect them from error, their error would cause believing souls to fall into error, and thus the foundation of the Religion of God would be overturned, which would not be fitting nor worthy of God. To epitomise: essential sinlessness belongs especially to the universal Manifestations, and the acquired sinlessness is granted to every holy soui. For instance, the General House of Justice, 1 jf it be established under the necessary conditions Ñ with members elected from all the people Ñ that House of Justice will be under the protection and the guardianship of God. If that House of Justice shall decide unanimously, or by a majority, upon any question not mentioned in the Book,2 that decision and command will be guarded from mistake. Now the members of the House of Justice have not, individually, essential sinlessness; but the body of the House of Justice is under the protection of God: this is called conferred infallibility. Briefly, it is said that the tRising~p1ace of Command' is the manifestation of these words, 'He does what He wishes'; this condition is peculiar to that Holy Being, and others have no share of this essential perfection. That is to say, that as the universal Manifestations certainly possess essential sinlessness, therefore whatever emanates from them is identical with the truth, and corn-formable to the reality. They are not under the shadow of the former laws. 'Whatever they say is the word of God, and whatever they perform is an upright action. No believer has any right to criticise; his condition must be one of absolute submission, for the Manifestation arises with perfect wisdom. So that whatever the universal Manifestation says and does is absolute wisdom, and is in accordance with the reality. If some peo-pie do not understand the hidden secret of one of his commands and actions, they ought not to oppose it, for the universal Manifestation does what he wishes. How often it has occurred, when an act has been performed by a wise, perfect, intelligent man, that others incapable of comprehending its wisdom have objected to it, and been amazed that this wise man could say or do such a thing. This opposition comes from their ignorance, and the wisdom of the sage is pure and exempt from sin. In the same way, the skilled doctor in treating the patient 'does what he wishes,' and the patient has no right to object; whatever the doctor says and does is right; all ought to consider him the manifestation of these words, cHe does what he wishes, and commands whatever be desires.' It is certain that the doctor will use some medicine contrary to the ideas of other people; now opposition is not permitted to those who have not the advantage of science and the medical art. No, in the name of God! on the contrary, all ought to be submissive and to perform whatever the skilled doctor says. Therefore the clever doctor tdoes what he wishes,' and the patients have no share in this right. The skill of the doctor must be first ascertained; but when the skill of the doctor is once established, the does what he wishes.' So also, when the head of the army is unrivalled in the art of war, in what he says and commands 'he does what he wishes.' When the captain of a ship is proficient in the art of navigation, in whatever he says and commands, 'he does what he wishes'; and as the real educator is the Perfect Man, in whatever he says and commands, 'he does what he wishes.' In short, the meaning of tHe does what He wishes' is that if the Manifestation says something, or gives a command, or performs an action, and believers do not understand its wisdom, they still ought not to oppose it by a single thought, seeking to know why he spoke so, or why he did such a thing. The other souis who are under the shadow of the universal Manifestations, are submissive to the commandments of the Law of God, and are not to deviate as much as a hairsbreadth from it; they must conform their acts and words to the Law of God. If they do deviate from it, they will be held responsible and reproved in the presence of God. It is certain that they have no share in the permission 'He does what He wishes,' for this condition is peculiar to the universal Manifestations. Baytu'l Ñ 'Ad'I, he. the House of Justice, is an institution designed by Baha'u'llah for the administration of the future city. The General House of Justice will determine the laws of the nation, and the International House of Justice will act as a tribunal of arbitration. 2 Kitab-i-Aqdas. [p234] 234 THE BAHA'I WORLD So Christ Ñ may my spirit be sacrificed to him! Ñ was the manifestation of these words, tHe does what He wishes,' but the disciples were not partakers of this condition; for as they were under the shadow of Christ, they could not deviate from his command and will. 4. PERFECTIONS ARE WITHOUT LIMIT Know that the conditions of existence are limited to the conditions of servitude, of prophethood, and of Deity, but the divine and the contingent perfections are unlimited. When you reflect deeply, you discover that also outwardly the perfections of existence are also unlimited, for you cannot find a being so perfect that you cannot imagine a superior one. For example, you cannot see a ruby in the mineral kingdom, a rose in the vegetable kingdom, or a nightingale in the animal kingdom, without imagining that there might be better specimens. As the divine bounties are endless, so human perfections are endless. If it were possible to reach a limit of perfection, then one of the realities of the beings might reach the condition of being independent of God, and the contingent might attain to the condition of the absolute. But for every being there is a point which it cannot overpass; that is to say, he who is in the condition of servitude, however far he may progress in gaining limitless perfections, will never reach the condition of Deity. It is the same with the other beings: a mineral, however far it may progress in the mineral kingdom, cannot gain the vegetable power; also in a flower, however far it may progress in the vegetable kingdom, no power of the senses will appear. So this silver mineral cannot gain hearing or sight; it can oniy improve in its own condition, and become a perfect mineral, but it cannot acquire the power of growth, or the power of sensation, or attain to life; it can oniy progress in its own condition. For example, Peter cannot become Christ. All that he can do is, in the condition of servitude, to attain endless perfections; for every existing reality is capable of making progress. As the spirit of man after putting off this material form has an everlasting life, certainly any existing being is capable of making progress; therefore it is permitted to ask for advancement, forgiveness, mercy, beneficence, and blessings for a man after his death, because existence is capable of progression. That is why in the prayers of Baha'u'llah forgiveness and remission of sins are asked for those who have died. Moreover, as people in this world are in need of God, they will also need Him in the other world. The creatures are always in need, and God is absolutely independent, whether in this or in the world to come. The wealth of the other world is nearness to God. Consequently it is certain that those who are near the Divine Court are allowed to intercede, and this intercession is approved by God. But intercession in the other world is not like intercession in this world: it is another thing, another reality, which cannot be expressed in words. If a wealthy man at the time of his death bequeaths a gift to the poor and miserable, and gives a part of his wealth to be spent for them, perhaps this action may be the cause of his pardon and forgiveness, and of his progress in the Divine Kingdom. Also a father and mother endure the greatest troubles and hardships for their children; and often when the children have reached the age of maturity, the parents pass on to the other world. Rarely does it happen that a father and mother in this world see the reward of the care and trouble they have undergone for their children. Therefore children, in return for this care and trouble, must show forth charity and beneficence, and must implore pardon and forgiveness for their parents. So you ought, in return for the love and kindness shown you by your father, to give to the poor for his sake, with greatest submission and humility implore pardon and remission of sins, and ask for the supreme mercy. It is even possible that the condition of those who have died in sin and unbelief may become changed; that is to say, they may become the object of pardon through the bounty of God, not through His justice; for bounty is giving without desert, and justice is giving what is deserved. As we have power to pray for these souL here, so likewise we shall possess the same power in the [p235] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 235 other world, which is the Kingdom of God. Are not all the people in that world the creatures of God? Therefore in that world also they can make progress. As here they can receive light by their supplications, there also they can plead for forgiveness, and receive light through entreaties and supplications. Thus as souis in this world, through the help of the supplications, the entreaties, and the prayers of the holy ones, can acquire development, so is it the same after death. Through their own prayers and supplications they can also progress; more especially when they are the object of the intercession of the Holy Manifestations. 5. THE EVOLUTION OF MAN IN THE OTHER WORLD Know that nothing which exists remains in a state of repose, that is to say, all things are in motion. Everything is either growing or declining, all things are either coming from nonexistence into being or, going from existence into nonexistence. So this flower, this hyacinth, during a certain period of time was coming from the world of nonexistence into being, and now it is going from being into nonexistence. This state of motion is said to be essential Ñ that is, natural; it cannot be separated from beings because it is their essential requirement, as it is the essential requirement of fire to burn. Thus it is established that this movement is necessary to existence, which is either growing or declining. Now, as the spirit continues to exist after death, it necessarily progresses or declines; and in the other world, to cease to progress is the same as to decline; but it never leaves its own condition, in which it continues to develop. For example, the reality of the spirit of Peter, however far it may progress, will not reach to the condition of the Reality of Christ; it progresses oniy in its own environment. Look at this mineral: however far it may evolve, it only evolves in its own condition; you cannot bring the crystal to a state where it can attain to sight: this is impossible. So the moon which is in the heavens, however far it might evolve, could never become a luminous sun; but in its own condition it has apogee and perigee. However far the disciples might progress, they could never become Christ. It is true that coal could become a diamond, but both are in the mineral condition and their component elements are the same. 6. THE STATE OF MAN AND His PROGRESS AFTER DEATH When we consider beings with the seeing eye, we observe that they are limited to three sorts: that is to say, as a whole, they are either mineral, vegetable, or animal; each of these three classes containing species. Man is the highest species because he is the possessor of the perfections of all the classes; that is, he has a body which grows and which feels. As well as having the perfections of the mineral, of the vegetable, and of the animal, he also possesses an especial excellence which the other beings are without; that is, the intellectual perfections. Therefore man is the most noble of beings. Man is in the highest degree of materiality, and at the beginning of spirituality; that is to say, he is the end of imperfection and the beginning of perfection. He is at the last degree of darkness, and at the beginning of light; that is why it has been said that the condition of man is the end of the night and the beginning of day, meaning that he is the sum of all the degrees of imperfection, and that he possesses the degrees of perfection. He has the animal side as well as the angelic side; and the aim of an educator is to so train human souis, that their angelic aspect may overcome their animal side. Then, if the divine power in man which is his essential perfection, overcomes the satanic power, which is absolute imperfection, he becomes the most excellent among the creatures; but if the satanic power overcomes the divine power, he becomes the lowest of the creatures. That is why he is the end of imperfection and the beginning of perfection. Not in any other of the species in the world of existence is there such a difference, contrast, contradiction, and opposition, as in the species of man. Thus the reflection of the Divine Light was in man, as in Christ, and see how loved and [p236] 236 THE BAHA'I WORLD honoured he is! At the same time we see man worshiping a stone, a clod of earth, or a tree: how vile he is, in that his object of worship should be the lowest existence Ñ that is a stone, or clay, without spirit; a mountain, a forest, or a tree. What shame is greater for man than to worship the lowest existences? In the same way, knowledge is a quality of man, and so is ignorance; truthfulness is a quality of man, so is falsehood; trustworthiness and treachery, justice and injustice, are qualities of man, and so forth. Briefly, all the perfections and virtues, and all the vices, are qualities of man. Consider equally the differences between individual men. The Christ was in the form of man, and Caiaphas was in the form of man; Moses and Pharaoh, Abel and Cain, Baha'u'llah and Yahy~,' were men. Man is said to be the greatest representative of God, and he is the Book of Creation because all the mysteries of beings exist in him. If he comes under the shadow of the True Educator and is rightly trained, he becomes the essence of essences, the light of lights, the spirit of spirits; he becomes the centre of the divine appearances, the source of spiritual qualities, the rising-place of heavenly lights, and the receptacle of divine inspirations. If he is deprived of this education he becomes the manifestation of satanic qualities, the sum of animal vices, and the source of all dark conditions. The reason of the mission of the Prophets is to educate men; so that this piece of coal may become a diamond, and this fruitless tree may be engrafted, and yield the sweetest, most delicious fruits. When man reaches the noblest state in the world of humanity, then he can make further progress in the conditions of perfection, but not in state; for such states are limited, but the divine perfections are endless. Both before and after putting off this material form, there is progress in perfection, but not in state. So beings are consummated in perfect man. There is no other being higher than a perfect man. But man when he has reached this state can still make progress in perfections but not in state, because there is no state higher than that of a perfect man to which he can transfer himself. He oniy progresses in the state of humanity, for the human perfections are infinite. Thus, however learned a man may be, we can imagine one more learned. Hence, as the perfections of humanity are endless, man can also make progress in perfections after leaving this world. 7. EXPLANATION OF A VERSE IN THE Kitab Ñ i-Aqdas Question. Ñ It is said in the Kitab-i-Aqdas ~He is of the people of error, though he shows forth all good actions.' What is the meaning of this verse? Anstver. Ñ This blessed verse means that the foundation of success and salvation is the knowledge of God, and the the results of the knowledge of God are the good actions which are the fruits of faith. If man has not this knowledge, he will be separated from God, and when this separation exists, good actions have not complete effect. This verse does not mean that the souls separated from God are equal, whether they perform good or bad actions. It signifies oniy that the foundation is to know God, and the good actions result from this knowledge. Nevertheless, it is certain that between the good, the sinners and the wicked who are veiled from God, there is a difference. For the veiled one who has good principles and character, deserves the pardon of God; whilst he who is a sinner, and has bad qualities and character, is deprived of the bounties and blessings of God: herein lies the difference. Therefore the blessed verse means that good actions alone, without the knowledge of God, cannot be the cause of eternal salvation, everlasting success, and prosperity, and entrance into the Kingdom of God. 8. THE EXISTENCE OF THE RATIONAL SOUL AFTER THE DEATH OF THE BODY Question. Ñ After the body is put aside and the spirit has obtained freedom, in what way will the rational soul exist? Let us suppose that the souL who are assisted by the 'Mirza Yahy4 Subbi Azal, half-brother of Baha'u'llah, and his irreconcilable enemy. [p237] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 237 bounty of the Holy Spirit attain to true existence and eternal life: but what becomes of the rational souis, that is to say, the veiled spirits? 1 Answer. Ñ Some think that the body is the substance and exists by itself, and that the spirit is accidental, and depends upon the substance of the body, although, on the contrary, the rational soui is the substance, and the body depends upon it. If the accident, that is to say the body, be destroyed, the substance, the spirit remains. Secondly, the rational soul, meaning the human spirit, does not descend into the body; that is to say, it does not enter it, for descent and entrance are characteristics of bodies, and the rational soul is exempt from this. The spirit never entered this body, so in quitting it, it will not be in need of an abiding-place: no, the spirit is connected with the body, as this light is with this mirror. When the mirror is clear and perfect, the light of the lamp will be apparent in it, and when the mirror becomes covered with dust or breaks the light will disappear. The rational soul, that is to say the human spirit, has neither entered this body nor existed through it; so after the disintegration of the composition of the body, how should it be in need of a substance through which it may exist? On the contrary, the rational soui is the substance through which the body exists. The personality of the rational soui is from its beginning; it is not due to the instrumentality of the body, but the state and the personality of the rational soul may be strengthened in this world; it will mak6 progress, and will attain to the degrees of perfection, or it will remain in the Lowest abyss of ignorance, veiled and deprived from beholding the signs of God. Question. Ñ Through what means will the spirit of man, that is to say the rational soul, after departing from this mortal world, make progress? Answer. Ñ The progress of man's spirit in the divine world, after the severance of its connection with the body of dust, is through the bounty and grace of the Lord alone, or through the intercession and the sincere prayers of other human souis, or through the charities and important good works which are performed in its name. THE IMMORTALITY or CHILDREN Question. Ñ What is the condition of children who die before attaining the age of discretion, or before the appointed time of birth? Answer. Ñ These infants are under the shadow of the favour of God; and as they have not committed any sin, and are not soiled with the impurities of the world of nature, they are the centers of the manifestation of bounty, and the Eye of Compassion will be turned upon them. 9. ETERNAL LIFE AND ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD You question about eternal life, and the entrance into the Kingdom. The outer expression used for the Kingdom, is heaven: but this is a comparison and similitude, not a reality or fact, for the Kingdom is not a material place, it is sanctified from time and place. It is a spiritual world, a divine world, and the center of the Sovereignty of God; it is freed from body and that which is corporeal, and it is purified and sanctified from the imaginations of the human world. To be limited to place is a property of bodies and not of spirits. Place and time surround the body, not the mind and spirit. Observe that the body of man is confined to a small place: it covers oniy two spans of earth, but the spirit and mind of man travel to all countries and regions Ñ even through the limitless space of the heavens Ñ surround all that exists, and make discoveries in the exalted spheres and infinite distances. This is because the spirit has no place, it is placeless; and for the spirit, the earth and the heaven are as one, since it makes discoveries in both. But the body is limited to a place, and does not know that which is beyond it. For life is of two kinds: that of the body, and that of the spirit. The life of the body is material life, but the life of the spirit, expresses the existence of the Kingdom, which consists in receiving the Spirit of God, and becoming vivified by the breath of the Holy Spirit. Although the material life has existence, it is pure nonexistence and absolute '~Vei1ed spirits' here signify rational souls, souTh not possessing the spirit of faith. Cf. 'Soul, Spirit, and Mind,' page 243. [p238] 238 THE BAHA'I WORLD death for the holy saints. So man exists, and this stone also exists, but what a difference between the existence of man and that of the stone! Though the stone exists, in relation to the existence of man it is non-ex-istent. The meaning of eternal life is the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the flower receives the gift of the season, the air, and the breezes of spring. Consider: this flower had life in the beginning like the life of the mineral; but by the coming of the season of spring, of the bounty of the clouds of the springtime, and of the heat of the glowing sun, it attained to another life of the utmost freshness, delicacy, and fragrance. The first life of the flower, in comparison to the second life, is death. The meaning is that the life of the Kingdom is the life of the spirit, the eternal life, and that it is purified from place, like the spirit of man which has no place. For if you examine the human body, you will not find a special spot or locality for the spirit, for it has never had a place; it is immaterial. It has a connection with the body, like that of the sun with this mirror. The sun is nor within the mirror, but it has a connection with the mirror. In the same way the world of the Kingdom is sanctified from everything that can be perceived by the eye or by the other senses Ñ hearing, smell, taste, or touch. The mind which is in man, the existence of which is recognised Ñ where is it in him? If you examine the body with the eye, the ear, or the other senses, you will not find it; nevertheless it exists. Therefore the mind has no place, but it is connected with the brain. The Kingdom is also like this. In the same way love has no place, but it is connected with the heart; so the Kingdom has no place, but is connected with man. Entrance into the Kingdom is through the love of God, through detachment, through holiness and chastity, through truthfulness, purity, steadfastness, faithfulness, and the sacrifice of life. These explanations show that man is immortal and lives eternally. For those who believe in God, who have love of God, and faith, life is excellent Ñ that is, it is eternal; but to those souls who are veiled from God, although they have life, it is dark, and in comparison with the life of believers it is nonexistent. For example, the eye and the nail are living; but the life of the nail in relation to the life of the eye is nonexistent. This stone and this man both exist; but the stone in relation to the existence of man is non-ex-istent, it has no being; for when man dies, and his body is destroyed and annihilated, it becomes like stone and earth. Therefore it is clear that although the mineral exists, in relation to man it is nonexistent. In the same way, the souL who are veiled from God, although they exist in this world and in the world after death, are in comparison with the holy existence of the children of the Kingdom of God, non-existing and separated from God. 10. INDUSTRIAL JUSTICE You have questioned me about strikes. This question is and will be for a long time the subject of great difficulties. Strikes are due to two causes. One is the extreme sharpness and rapacity of the capitalists and manufacturers; the other, the excesses, the avidity and ill-will of the workmen and artisans. But the principal cause of these diflicul-ties lies in the laws of the present civilization; for they lead to a small number of individuals accumulating incomparable f or-tunes, beyond their needs, whilst the greater number remains destitute, stripped and in the greatest misery. This is contrary to justice, to humanity, to equity; it is the height of iniquity, the opposite to what causes Divine satisfaction. This contrast is peculiar to the world of man: with other creatures, that is to say with nearly all animals, there is a kind of justice and equality. Thus in a shepherd's flock of sheep, in a troop of deer in the country, among the birds of the prairie, of the plain, of the hili or of the orchard, almost every animal receives a just share based on equality. With them such a difference in the means of existence is not to be found: so they live in the most complete peace and joy. It is quite otherwise with the human species, which persists in the greatest error, [p239] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 239 and in absolute iniquity. Consider an individual who has amassed treasures by colonizing a country for his profit: he has obtained an incomparable fortune, and has secured profits and incomes which flow like a river, whilst a hundred thousand unfortunate people, weak and powerless, are in need of a mouthful of bread. There is neither equality nor brotherhood. So you see that general peace and joy are destroyed, the welfare of humanity is partially annihilated, and that collective life is fruitless. Indeed, fortune, honors, commerce, industry are in the hands of some industrials, whilst other people are submitted to quite a series of difficulties and to limitless troubles: they have neither advantage nor profits, nor comforts, nor peace. Then rules and laws should be established to regulate the excessive fortunes of certain private individuals, and limit the misery of millions of the poor masses; thus a certain moderation would be obtained. However, absolute equality is just as impossible, for absolute equality in fortunes, honors, commerce, agriculture, industry would end in a want of comfort, in discouragement, in disorganization of the means of existence, and in universal disappointment: the order of the community would be quite destroyed. Thus, there is a great wisdom in the fact that equality is not imposed by law: it is, therefore, preferable for moderation to do its work. The main point is, by means of laws and regulations to hinder the constitution of the excessive fortunes of certain individuals, and to protect the essential needs of the masses. For instance, the manufacturers and the industrials heap up a treasure each day, and the poor artisans do not gain their daily sustenance: that is the height of iniquity, and no just man can accept it. Therefore, laws and regulations should be established which would permit the workmen to receive from the factory owner their wages and a share in the fourth or fifth part of the profits, according to the wants of the factory; or in some other way the body of workmen and the manufacturers should share equitably the profits and advantages. Indeed, the direction and administration of affairs come from the owner of the factory, and the work and labor, from the body of the workmen. In other words, the workmen should receive wages which assure them an adequate support, and when they cease work, becoming feeble or helpless, they should receive from the owner of the factory a sufficient pension. The wages should be high enough to satisfy the workmen with the amount they receive, so that they may be able to put a little aside for days of want and helplessness. 'When matters will be thus fixed, the owner of the factory will no longer put aside daily a treasure which he has absolutely no need of (without taking into consideration that if the fortune is disproportionate, the capitalist succumbs under a formidable burden, and gets into the greatest difficulties and troubles; the administration of an excessive fortune is very difficult, and exhausts man s natural strength). And, the workmen and artisans will no longer be in the greatest misery and want, they will no longer be submitted to the worst privations at the end of their life. It is, then, clear and evident that the repartition of excessive fortunes amongst a small number of individuals, while the masses are in misery, is an iniquity and an injustice. In the same way, absolute equality would be an obstacle to life, to welfare, to order and to the peace of humanity. In such a question a just medium is preferable. It lies in the capitalists being moderate in the acquisition of their profits, and in their having a consideration for the welfare of the poor and needy; that is to say, that the workmen and artisans receive a fixed and established daily wage, and have a share in the general profits of the factory. It would be well, with regard to the social rights of manufacturers, workmen and artisans, that laws be established, giving moderate profits to manufacturers, and to workmen the necessary means of existence and security for the future. Thus, when they become feeble and cease working, get old and helpless, and die leaving children under age, these children will not be annihilated by excess of poverty. And it is from the income of the factory itself, to which they have a right, that they will derive a little of the means of existence. In the same way, the workmen should no longer rebel and revolt, nor demand beyond [p240] 240 THE BAHA'I WORLD their rights; they should no longer go out on strike, they should be obedient and submissive, and not ask for impudent wages. But the mutual rights of both associated parties will be fixed and established according to custom by just and impartial laws. In case one of the two parties should transgress, the courts of justice would have to give judgment, and by an efficacious fine put an end to the transgression; thus order will be reestablished, and the difficulties settled. The interference of courts of justice and of the Government in difficulties pending between manufacturers and workmen is legal, for the reason that current affairs between workmen and manufacturers cannot be compared with ordinary affairs between private persons, which do not concern the public, and with which the government should not occupy itself. In reality, although they appear to be matters between private persons, these difficulties between patrons and workmen produce a general detriment; for commerce, industry, agriculture and the general affairs of the country are all intimately linked together. If one of these suffers an abuse, the detriment affects the mass. Thus the difficulties between workmen and manufacturers become a cause of general detriment. The court of justice and the Government have therefore the right of interference. When a difficulty occurs between two individuals with reference to private rights, it is necessary for a third to settle the question; this is the part of the Government: then the question of strikes Ñ which cause troubles in the country and are often connected with the excessive vexations of the workmen, as well as with the rapacity of the manufacturers Ñ how could it remain neglected? Good God! Is it possible that, seeing one of his fellow-creatures starving, destitute of everything, a man can rest and live comfortably in his luxurious mansion? He who meets another in the greatest misery, can he enjoy his fortune? That is why, in the Religion of God, it is prescribed and established that wealthy men each year give over a certain part of their fortune for the maintenance of the poor and unfortunate. That is the foundation of the Religion of God, and the most essential of the commandments. As now man is not forced nor obliged by the Government, if by the natural tendency of his good heart, with the greatest spirituality, he goes to this expense for the poor, this will be a thing very much praised, approved and pleasing. Such is the meaning of the good works in the Divine Books and Tablets. 11. THE UNITY OF RELIGION The greatest bestowal of God in the world of humanity is religion; for assuredly the divine teachings of religion are above all other sources of instruction and development of man. Religion confers upon man eternal life and guides his footsteps in the world of morality. It opens the doors of unending happiness and bestows everlasting honor upon the human kingdom. It has been the basis of all civilization and progress in the history of mankind. We will therefore investigate religion, seeking from an unprejudiced standpoint to discover whether it is the source of illumination, the cause of development and the animating impulse of all human advancement. How shall we determine whether religion has been the cause of human advancement or retrogression? We will first consider the founders of the religions Ñ the prophets Ñ review the story of their lives, compare the conditions preceding their appearance with those subsequent to their departure, following historical records and irrefutable facts instead of relying upon traditionary statements which are open to both acceptance and denial. Among the great prophets was His Holiness Abraham who, being an iconoclast and a herald of the oneness of God, was banished from His native land. He founded a family upon which the blessing of God descended; and it was owing to this religious basis and ordination that the Abrahamic house progressed and advanced. Through the divine benediction, noteworthy and luminous prophets issued from the lineage of His Holiness. There appeared Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon. There is another and more significant [p241] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 241 aspect to this religious impulse and impetus. The children of Israel were in bondage and captivity in the land of Egypt four hundred years. They were in an extreme state of degradation and slavery under the tyranny and oppression of the Egyptians. While they were in the condition of abject poverty, in the lowest degree of abasement, ignorance and servility, His Holiness Moses suddenly appeared among them. Although He was but a shepherd, such majesty, grandeur and efficiency became manifest in Him through the power of religion, that His influence continues to this day. His prophethood was established throughout the land and the law of His Word became the foundation of the laws of the nations. This unique personage, single and alone, rescued the children of Israel from bondage through the power of religious training and discipline. He led them to the Holy Land and founded there a great civilization which has become permanent and renowned and under which these people attained the highest degree of honor and glory. He freed them from bondage and captivity. He imbued them with qualities of progressiveness and capability. They proved to be a civilizing people with instincts toward education and scholastic attainment. Their philosophy became renowned; their industries were celebrated throughout the nations. In all lines of advancement which characterize a progressive people they achieved distinction. In the splendor of the reign of Solomon their sciences and arts advanced to such a degree that even the Greek philosophers journeyed to Jerusalem to sit at the feet of the Hebrew sages and acquire the basis of Israelitish law. When a movement fundamentally religious makes a weak nation strong, changes a nondescript tribal people into a mighty and powerful civilization, rescues them from captivity and elevates them to sovereignty, transforms their ignorance into knowledge and endows them with an impetus of advancement in all degrees of development (this is not theory, but historical fact) it becomes evident that religion is the cause of man 's attainment to honor and sublimity. But when we speak of religion we mean the essential foundation or reality of religion, not the dogmas and blind imitations which have gradually encrusted it and which are the cause of the decline and effacement of a nation. These are inevitably destructive and a menace and hindrance to a nation's life, even as it is recorded in the Torah and confirmed in history that when the Jews became fettered by empty forms and imitations the wrath of God became manifest. What then is the mission of the divine prophets? Their mission is the education and advancement of the world of humanity. They are the real teachers and educators, the universal instructors of mankind. If we wish to discover whether any one of these great souis or messengers was in reality a prophet of God we must investigate the facts surrounding His life and history; and the first point of our investigation will be the education He bestowed upon mankind. If He has been an educator, if He has really trained a nation or people, causing it to rise from the lowest depths of ignorance to the highest station of knowledge, then we are sure that He was a prophet. Furthermore we will establish the point that the foundations of the religions of God are one foundation. This foundation is nor multiple for it is reality itself. Reality does not admit of multiplicity although each of the divine religions is separable into two divisions. One concerns the world of morality and the ethical training of human nature. It is directed to the advancement of the world of humanity in general; it reveals and inculcates the knowledge of God and makes possible the discovery of the verities of life. This is ideal and spiritual teaching, the essential quality of divine religion and subject to change or transformation. It is the one foundation of all the religions of God. Therefore the religions are essentially one and the same. The second classification or division comprises social laws and regulations applicable to human conduct. This is not the essential spiritual quality of religion. It is subject to change and transformation according to the exigencies and requirements of time and place. Time changes conditions, and laws change to suit conditions. We must remember that these changing laws are not the essentials; they are the accidentaL of religion. The [p242] 242 THE BAHA'I WORLD essential ordinances established by a Manifestation of God are spiritual; they concern moralities, the ethical development of man and faith in God. They are ideal and necessarily permanent; expressions of the one foundation and not amenable to change or transformation. Therefore the fundamental basis of the revealed religion of God is immutable, unchanging throughout the centuries, not subject to the varying conditions of the human world. Christ ratified and proclaimed the foundation of the law of Moses. Muhammad and all the prophets have revoked that same foundation of reality. Therefore the purposes and accomplishments of the divine messengers have been one and the same. At the time when the Israelites had been dispersed by the power of the Roman empire and the national life of the Hebrew people had been effaced by their conquerors Ñ when the law of God had seemingly passed from them and the foundation of the religion of God was apparently destroyed Ñ Jesus Christ appeared. When His Holiness arose among the Jews, the first thing He did was to proclaim the validity of the Manifestation of Moses. He declared that the Torah, the Old Testament was the Book of God and that all the prophets of Israel were valid and true. He extolled the mission of Moses and through His proclamation the name of Moses was spread throughout the world. Through Christianity the greatness of Moses became known among all nations. It is a fact that before the appearance of Christ, the name of Moses had not been heard in Persia. In India they had no knowledge of Judaism and it was only through the Christianizing of Europe that the teachings of the Old Testament became spread in that region. Throughout Europe there was not a copy of the Old Testament; but consider this carefully and judge it aright; Ñ through the instrumentality of Christ, through the translation of the New Testament, the little volume of the gospel, the Old Testament, the Torah has been translated into six hundred languages and spread everywhere in the world. The names of the Hebrew prophets became household words among the nations, who believed that the children of Israel were verily the chosen people of God, a holy nation under the especial blessing and protection of God, and that therefore the prophets who had arisen in Israel were the daysprings of revelation and brilliant stars in the heaven of the will of God. Therefore His Holiness Christ really promulgated Judaism for He was a Jew and not opposed to the Jews. He did not deny the prophethood of Moses; on the contrary He proclaimed and ratified it. He did not invalidate the Torah; He spread its teachings. That portion of the ordinances of Moses which concerned transactions and unimportant conditions underwent transformation but the essential teachings of Moses were revoiced and confirmed by Christ without change. He left nothing unfinished or incomplete. Likewise through the supreme efficacy and power of the Word of God He united most of the nations of the east and the west. From another horizon we see Muhammad the prophet of Arabia appearing. You may not know that the first address of Muhanti-mad to His tribe was the statement "Verily Moses was a prophet of God and the Torah is a book of God. Verily, 0 ye people, ye must believe in the Torah, in Moses and the prophets. Ye must accept all the prophets of Israel as valid." In the Qur'Jtn, the Muhammadan Bible, there are seven statements or repetitions of the Mosaic narrative, and in all the historic accounts Moses is praised. Today the Christians are believers in Moses, accept Him as a prophet of God and praise Him most highly. The Mubammadans are likewise believers in Moses, accept the validity of His prophethood, at the same time believing in Christ. Could it be said that the acceptance of Moses by the Christians and Muhammadans has been harmful and detrimental to those people? On the contrary it has been beneficial to them, proving that they have been fair-minded and just. What harm could result to the Jewish people, then, if they in return should accept His Holiness Christ and acknowledge the validity of the prophethood of His Holiness Mi4iam-mad? By this acceptance and praiseworthy attitude the enmity and hatred which have afflicted mankind so many centuries would be dispelled, fanaticism and bloodshed pass [p243] EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 243 away and the world be blessed by unity and agreement. Christians and Muhammadans believe and admit that Moses was the Inter-locator of God. Why do you not say that Christ was the Word of God? Why do you not speak these few words that will do away with all this difficulty? Then there will be no hatred and fanaticism, no more warfare and bloodshed in the Land of Promise. Then there will be peace among you forever. Praise be to God! the medieval ages of darkness have passed away and this century of radiance has dawned, Ñ this century wherein the reality of things is becoming evident, Ñ wherein science is penetrating the mysteries of the universe, the oneness of the world of humanity is being established and service to mankind is the paramount motive of all existence. Shall we remain steeped in our fanaticisms and cling to our prejudices? Is it fitting that we should still be bound and restricted by ancient fables and superstitions of the past; be handicapped by superannuated beliefs and the ignorances of dark ages, waging religious wars, fighting and shedding blood, shunning and anathematizing each other? Is this becoming? Is it not better for us to be loving and considerate toward each other? Is it not preferable to enjoy fellowship and unity; join in anthems of praise to the most high God and extol all His prophets in the spirit of acceptance and true vision: Then indeed this world will become a paradise and the promised Day of God will dawn. ... The age has dawned when human fellowship will be come a reality. The century has come when all religions shall be unified. The dispensation is at hand when all nations shall enjoy the blessings of International peace. The cycle has arrived when racial prejudice will be abandoned by tribes and peoples of the world. 12. THE IMAGE OF GOD According to the words of the Old Testament, God has said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." This indicates that man is of the image and likeness of God; that is to say, the perfections of God, the divine virtues are reflected or revealed in the human reality. Just as the light and effulgence of the sun when cast upon a polished mirror are reflected fully, gloriously, so likewise the qualities and attributes of divinity are radiated from the depths of a pure human heart. This is an evidence that man is the most noble of God's creatures. Each kingdom of creation is endowed with its necessary complement of attributes and powers. The mineral possesses inherent virtues of its own kingdom in the scale of existence. The vegetable possesses the qualities of the mineral plus a virtue augmentative or power of growth. The animal is endowed with the virtues of both the mineral and vegetable plane pius the power of the senses. The human kingdom is replete with the perfections of all the kingdoms below it, with the addition of powers peculiar to man alone. Man is therefore superior to all the creatures below him, the loftiest and most glorious being of creation. Man is the microcosm, and the infinite universe the macrocosm. The mysteries of the greater world or macrocosm are expressed or revealed in the lesser world, the microcosm. The tree, so to speak, is the greater world, and the seed in its relation to the tree is the lesser world. But the whole of the great tree is potentially latent and hidden in the little seed. When this seed is planted and cultivated, the tree is revealed. Likewise the greater world, the macrocosm, is latent and miniatured in the lesser world or microcosm of man. This constitutes the universality or perfection of virtues potential in mankind. Therefore it is said that man has been created in the image and likeness of God. Let us now discover more specifically how he is the image and likeness of God and what is the standard or criterion by which he can be measured and estimated. This standard can be no other than the divine virtues which are revealed in him. Therefore every man imbued with divine qualities, who reflects heavenly moralities and perfections, who is the expression of ideal and praiseworthy attributes, is verily in the image and iikeness of God. If a man possesses wealth can we call him an image and likeness of God? Or is human honor and notoriety the criterion of divine nearness? [p244] 244 THE BAHA'I WORLD Can we apply the test of racial color and say that man of a certain hue Ñ white, black, brown, yellow, red Ñ is the true image of his creator? We must conclude that color is not the standard and estimate of judgment and that it is of no importance, for color is accidental in nature. The spirit and intelligence of man is the essential; and that is the manifestation of divine virtues, the merciful bestowals of God, the life eternal and baptism through the Holy Spirit. Therefore be it known that color or race is of no importance. He who is the image and likeness of God, who is the manifestation of the bestowals of God, is acceptable at the threshold of God whether his color be white, black or brown, it matters not. Man is not man simply because of bodily attributes. The standard of divine measure and judgment is his intelligence and spirit. Therefore let this be the only criterion and estimate; for this is the image and likeness of God. A man's heart may be pure and white though his outer skin be black; or his heart be dark and sinful though his racial color is white. The character and purity of the heart is of all importance. The heart illumined by the light of God is nearest and dearest to God; and in as much as God has endowed man with such favor that he is called the image of God, this is truly a su-prerne perfection of attainment, a divine station which is not to be sacrificed by the mere accident of color. [p245] TRANSFER OF THE REMAINS OF THE BROTHER AND MOTHER OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA TO MT. GARMEL 1 THE SPIRITUAL POTiENCJES OF THAT CONSECRATED SPOT By SHOGHI EFFENDI BLESSED remains (of) Purest Branch and Master's Mother safely:? transferred (to) hallowed precincts (of the) Shrines (on) Mount Carmel. Long inflicted humiliation wiped away. Machinations (of the) Cove-nant-breakers (to) frustrate plan defeated. Cherished wish (of) Greatest Holy Leaf fulfilled. Sister, Brother, Mother (and) Wife (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha reunited (at the) one spot designed (to) constitute focal center (of) Baha Administrative Institutions at Faith's World Center. Share joyful news (with) entire body (of) American believers. Ñ SHOGHI RABEANI. Cablegram received December 5, 1939. Christmas eve, (the) beloved remains (of) Purest Branch and Master's Mother laid in state (in) BTh's Holy Tomb. Christmas day, entrusted (to) Carmel's sacred soil. (The) ceremony (in) presence (of) representatives (of) Near Eastern believers profoundly moving. Impelled associate America's momentous Seven Year enterprise (with) imperishable memory (of) these two holy souis who, next (to) Twin Founders (of) Faith and (its) Perfect Exemplar, tower, together with Greatest Holy Leaf, above (the) entire concourse (of the) faithful. Rejoice privilege (to) pledge thousand pounds my contribution (to) Baha'i Khinum Fund designed (for) inauguration (of) final drive (to) insure placing contract next April (for) last remaining stage (in) construction (of) Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Time (is) pressing, opportunity priceless, potent aid providentially promised unfailing. Ñ SHOGHI! RABBANL Cable grain received December 26, 1939. To the beloved of God and the handinaids of the Merciful throughout the West. Dearly beloved friends: The transfer of the secred remains of the brother and mother of our Lord and Master 'Abdu'l-Baha to Mount Carmel and their final interment within the hallowed precincts of the Shrine of the Bib, and in the immediate neighborhood of the resting place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, constitute, apart from their historic associations and the tender sentiments they arouse, events of such capital institutional significance as oniy future happenings, steadily and mysteriously unfolding at the world center of our Faith, can adequately demonstrate. The circumstances attending the consummation of this long, this profoundly cherished hope were no less significant. The ~ These two cablegrams received by the National Spiritual Assembly on the dates mentioned preceded the following epistle which proclaims in detail the "Spiritual Potencies of that Consecrated Spot" on Mt. Carmel, the Mountain of God. 245 [p246] 246 THE BAHAI WORLD 'Abdu'l-Baha and His brother the Purest Branch. (The Purest Branch is seated on the left.) Tablet revealed by Baha'u'llah at the time when the Purest Branch was being prepared for the grave in His presence. [p247] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 247 swiftness and suddenness with which so delicate and weighty an undertaking was conducted; the surmounting of various obstacles which the outbreak of war and its inevitable repercussions necessarily engendered; the success of the long-drawn-out negotiations which the solution of certain preliminary problems imposed; the execution of the plan in the face of the continued instability and persistent dangers following the fierce riots that so long and so violently rocked the Holy Land, and despite the smoldering fire of animosity kindled in the breasts of ecciesiastics and Covenant-break-ers alike Ñ all combined to demonstrate, afresh and with compelling power, the invincible might of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. The Purest Branch, the martyred son, the companion, and amanuensis of Baha'u'llah, that pious and holy youth, who in the darkest days of Baha'u'llah's incarceration in the barracks of 'Akka entreated, on his deathbed, his Father to accept him as a ransom for those of His loved ones who yearned for, but were unable to attain, His presence, and the saintly mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha, surnamed NavvTh by Baha'u'llah, and the first recipient of the honored and familiar title of "the Most Exalted Leaf," separated in death above half a century, and forced to suffer the humiliation of an alien burial-ground, are now at long last reunited with the Greatest Holy Leaf with whom they had so abundantly shared the tribulations of one of the most distressing episodes of the Heroic Age of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Avenged, eternally safeguarded, befittingly glorified, they repose embosomed in the heart of Carmel, hidden beneath its sacred soil, interred in one single spot, lying beneath the shadow of the twin holy Tombs, and facing across the bay, on an eminence of unequalled loveliness and beauty, the silver-city of 'Akka, the Point of Adoration of the entire Baha'i world, and the Door of Hope for all mankind. "Haste thee, 0 Carmefl" thus proclaims the pen of Baha'u'llah, f!f or lo, the light of the coitntencrnce of God, the Ruler of the Kingdom of Names and Fashioner of the heavens, hath been lifted upon thee." erRejoice, for God hath in this Day established upon thee His throne, hath made thee the dawning-place of His signs and the days pring of the evidences of His Revel ation.~~ The machinations of Baha'u'llah Ñ the brother and lieutenant of the Focal Center of sedition and Archbreaker of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the deceased Muhammad-'Ali Ñ who with uncommon temerity and exceptional vigor addressed his written protest to the civil authorities, claiming the right to oppose the projected transfer of the remains of the mother and brother of 'Abdu'1 Ñ Bah&, have been utterly frustrated. So foolish a claim, advanced by one who in the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha has been denounced as an "alert and active worker of mischief," and whose life has been marked by so many instances of extravagance, of betrayal and folly, has been summarily rejected by the fairness and justice of the civil authorities, in whose custody the notorious S4dhij, the daughter of that same Baha'u'llah, is still retained, as a direct result of her ceaseless instigations to rebellion and terrorism, and whose acts constitute a clear and double violation of the civil law of the land and of the spiritual ordinances of Baha'u'llah, in Whose Faith she professes to believe. Unabashed by his appalling mistakes and blunders; undeterred by the galling failure of his persistent efforts, in conjunction with his brother, to establish, in the days following the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha their alleged right to the custody of the Most Holy Tomb; unrestrained by the memory of the abortive attempt of Muharnmad-'Ali to retain the Mansion of Baha'u'llah as a private residence for himself and his family; unchastened by the spiritual and material misery into which he and his kindred have sunk; and impotent to perceive the contrast between that misery and the consolidating strength and ever-enhancing prestige of the institutions heralding the birth of the World Order of Baha'u'llah at its international center, he has, with characteristic insolence, dared to raise once again his voice against the resistless march of events that are steadily accelerating the expansion and establishment of the Faith in the Holy Land. For it must be clearly understood, nor can it be sufficiently emphasized, that the conjunction of the resting-place of the Greatest [p248] ~Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thcnt shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of Hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the 'whole earth shall He be called. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. For the mountains s shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. 0 thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy wii~daws of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children ivhosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake." ,~ ~M9JL,Lk, "~ ~'~4P;b~)kfr9~J I;~.(t~A-,) ~ 1% L.< 'I' V4~ V~' . ~ ~ Persian script with translation. 248 [p249] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 249 Holy Leaf with those of her brother and mother incalculably re~nforces the spiritual potencies of that consecrated Spot which, under the wings of the B~.b's overshadowing Sepulchre, and in the vicinity of the future Mashriqu'l-Adhkar which will be reared on its flank, is destined to evolve into the focal center of those world-shaking, world-embracing, world-directing administrative institutions, ordained by Baha'u'llah and anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and which are to function in consonance with the principles that govern the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. Then, and then only, will this momentous prophecy which illuminates the concluding passages of the Tablet of Carmel be fulfilled: ~Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee (Carmel), and will manifest the people of Bab who have been mentioned in the Book of Names." To attempt to visualize, even in its barest outline, the glory that must envelop these institutions, to essay even a tentative and partial description of their character or the manner of their operation, or to trace however inadequately the course of events leading to their rise and eventual establishment is far beyond my own capacity and power. Suffice it to say that at this troubled stage in world history the association of these three incomparably precious souis who, next to the three Central Figures of our Faith, tower in rank above the vast multitude of the heroes, letters, martyrs, hands, teachers and administrators of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, in such a potentially powerful spiritual and administrative Center is in itself an event which will release forces that are bound to hasten the emergence in a land which, geographically, spiritually and ad. ministratively, constitutes the heart of the entire planet, of some of the brightest gems of that World Order now shaping in the womb of this travailing age. For such as might undertake, in the days to come, the meritorious and highly enviable pilgrimage to these blessed shrines, as well as for the benefit of the less privileged who, aware of the greatness of their virtue and the preeminence of their lineage, desire to commune with their spirits, and to strive to acquire an added insight into the glory of their position, and to follow in their footsteps, let these testimonies written by Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha be their inspiration and guidance in their noble quest: r~At this very moinent,~' Baha'u'llah testifies, ~My son is being washed before My face, after Our having sacrificed him in the Most Great Prison. Thereat have the dwellers of the Abhd Tabernacle wept with a great weeping, such as have suffered imprisonment with this Youth in the path of God, the Lord of the promised Day, lamented. Under such conditions My Pen hath not been prevented from remembering its Lord, the Lord of all nations. It sum-moneth the people unto God, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful. This is the day whereon he that was created of the light of Baha has suffered martyrdom, at a time when he lay imprisoned at the hands of his enemies." ~Upon thee, 0 Branch of God!" He sot-ernniy and most touchingly, in the same Tablet, bestows upon him His benediction, "be the remembrance of God and His praise, and the praise of all that dwell in the Realm of Immortality, and of all the denizens of the Kingdom of Names. Happy art thou in that thou has been faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament, until Thou didst sacrifice thyself before the face of thy Lord, the Almighty, the Unconstrained. Thou, in truth, hast been wronged, and to this testifieth the Beauty of Him, the Self-Subsisting. Thou didst, in the first days of thy life, bear that which bath caused all things to groan, and made every pillar to tremble. Happy is the one that reinembereth thee, and draweth nigh, through thee, unto God, the Creator of the Morn." ~Glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, my God!" He, in a prayer, astoundingly proclaims, ~Thon seest me in the hands of Mine enemies, and My son bloodstained before Thy face, 0 Thou in Whose hands is the king-doin of all names. I haije, 0 my Lord, offered up that which Thou has given Me, that Thy servants may be quickened and all that dwell on earth be united." ~B1essed art thou," He, in another Tablet affirms, ~'and blessed he that turneth unto thee, and visiteth thy grave, and draweth nigh, tbrou6 h thee, unto Gad, the Lord of all that was and shall be. I testify that [p250] A glimpse, between the trees of the garden, of the shrines of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha on Mt. Carmel, Haifa. [p251] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 251 thou didst return in meekness unto thine abode. Great is thy blessedness and the blessedness of them that hold fast unto the hem of thy outspread robe. Thou art, verily, the trust of God and His treasure in this land. Erelong will God reveal through thee that which He hath desired. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. When thou wast laid to rest in the earth, the earth itself trembled in its longing to meet thee. Thus hath it been decreed, and yet the people perceive not. Were We to recount the mysteries of thine ascension, they that are asleep ivoitid waken, and all beings would be set ablaze with the fire of the remembrance of My Name, the Mighty, the Loving." Concerning the Most Exalted Leaf, the mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'u'llah has written: "The first Spirit through which all spirits were revealed, and the first Light by which all lights shone forth, rest upon thee, 0 Most Exalted Leaf, thou who hast been mentioned in the Crimson Book! Thou art the one whom God created to arise and serve His own Self, and the Manifestation of His Cause, and the Dayspring of His Revelation, and the Dawning-Place of His signs, and the Source of His commandments; and Who so aided thee that thou didst turn with thy whole being unto Him, at a time when His servants and handmaidens had turned away from His Face. Happy art thou, 0 My handmaiden, and My Leaf, and the one mentioned in My Book, and inscribed by My Pen of Glory in My Scrolls and Tablets. Rejaice thou, at this moment, in the most exalted Station and the All-highest Paradise, and the Abhd Horizon, inasmuch as He Who is the Lord of Names hath re-membereth thee. We bear witness that thou didst attain unto all goad, and that God hath so exalted thee, that all honor and glory circled around the&' "0 Navvdb!" He thus, in another Tablet, addresses her, "0 Leaf that hath sprung from My Tree, and been My cwn~panioli! My glory be upon thee, and My loving-kind-ness, and My mercy that hath surpassed all beings. We annoii~nce unto thee that which will gladden thine eye, and assure thy soul, and rejoice thine heart. Verily, thy Lord is the Corn passkmate, the All-Bountiful. God hath been and will be pleased with thee, ~rnd hath singled thee out for His own Self, and to serve Him, and hath made thee the coin-panjo of His Person in the daytime and the night-season." "Hear thou Me once again~," He reassures her, ~'God is well-pleased with thee, as a token of His grace and a sign of His mercy. He hath made thee to be His corn panion in every o~ne of His worlds, and hath nourished thee ivith His meeling and presence, so long as His Name, and His Remembrance, and His Kin gdo-m, and His Empire shall endure. Happy is the handmaid that hath 'mentioned thee, and sought thy good-pleasure, and humbled herself before thee, and held fast unto the cord of thy love. Woe betide him that denieth thy exalted statian, and the things ordained for thee from God, th~ Lord of all names, and him that bath turned away from thee, and rejected thy staflon before God, the Lord of the mighty throne." "0 faithful ones!" Baha'u'llah specifically enjoins, "Should ye visit the resting-place of the Most Exalted Leaf, who bath ascended unto the Glorioits Coin~panio'n, stand ye and say: 'Salutatioii and blessing and glory upon thee, 0 Holy Leaf that hath sprung from the Divine Lole-Tree! I bear witness that thou has believed in God and His signs, and answered His Call, and turned unto Him, and held fast unto His cord, and clung to the hem of His grace, and fled thy home in His path, and chosen to live as a stranger, out of love for His presence and in thy longing to serve Him. May God have mercy upon him that draiveth nigh unto thee, and remembereth thee through the things which My Pen bath voiced in this, the most great station. We pray God that He may forgit~e sts, and forgive them that have turned unto thee, and grant their desires, and best cnv upon them, through His wondrous grace, whatever be their wish. He, verily, is the Boitntiful, the Generous. Praise be to God, He Who is the Desire of all worlds; and the Beloved of all who recognize Him." And finally, 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself in one of His remarkably significant Tablets, has borne witness not oniy to the exalted station of one whose "seed shall inherit the Gentiles," whose Husband is the Lord of [p252] The newly made graves of the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha showing the flowers still in place before work on the erection of their monuments was begun. Detail of one of the twin monuments marking the graves of the Mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha and of His Brother, on Mt. Carmel, Haifa. [p253] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 253 Hosts, but also to the sufferings endured by her who was His beloved mother. erAs to thy question concerning the 34th chapter of Isaiah," He writes, "This chapter refers to the Most Exalted Leaf, the mother of 'Abdu'l-Baha. As a proof of this it is said: 'For more are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife.' Reflect upan this statement, and then upon the following: tAnd thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.' And truly the humiliation and reproach which she suffered in the path of God is a fact which no one can refute. For the calamities and afflictions mentioned in the whole chapter are such afflictions which she suffered in the path of God, all of which she endured with patience and thanked God theref or and praised Him, because He had enabled her to endure afflictions for the sake of BaN. During all this time, the men and women (Covenant-breakers) persecuted her in an incwn parable manner, while she was patient, Godfearing, calm, bumble and contented through the favor of her Lord and by the bounty of her Creator." Your true brother, SHOGHI Haifa, Palestine December 21, 1939 2 THE BURIAL OF THE PUREST BRANCH AND THE MOTHER OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA THE garden is dark. Twilight has fallen on Mount Carmel and the veils of dusk have deepened over the bay of 'Akka. A group of men stand waiting by the gate, beneath the steps. Suddenly there is a stir, the gardener runs to illumine the entrance and amidst the white shafts of light a procession appears. A man clothed in black rests the weight of a coffin on his shoulder. It is the Guardian of the Cause and he bears the mortal remains of the Purest Branch, Baha'u'llah's beloved son. Slowly he and his fellow bearers mount the narrow path and in silence approach the house adjacent to the resting place of the Greatest Holy Leaf. A devoted servant speeds ahead with rug and candelabra from the Holy Shrines and swiftly prepares the room. The gentle, strong face of the Guardian appears as he enters the door, that precious weight always on his shoulder, and the coffin is laid temporarily to rest in an humble room, facing Baha, the Qiblih of the Faith. Again those devoted servants, led by their Guardian, return to the gate and again remount the path with another sacred burden, this time the body of the wife of Baha'u'llah, the mother of the Master.1 What a wave of joy seems to come onward with those simple processions! A joy indefinable, touched with deep tenderness and pathos. Like a great white pearl the marble temple marking the grave of Baha'u'llah Khinum glows in the light of its reflectors, seeming afire on the dark mountain side, lighting up and watching over those two approaching the scene of their last resting place. When we enter to pay our respects to those beloved, revered and long since departed ones, their presence seems to fill the room. Ar last, after seventy years, that saintly mother lies reunited beside her son of whom Baha'u'llah wrote: "He was created of the light of Baha." Side by side, facing 'Akka, the sweet fumes of attar of rose with which they have been anointed by the Guardian filling the room, they lie: And above them, lit by the flickering lights of the sentinel candles, the picture of The Greatest Holy Leaf hangs, her beautiful eyes, so full of love and that purity which is goodness itself, looking out over her mother and brother. What cause for joy and gratitude! That tender youth, born to affliction, reared in exile, died in prison, buried in 'By Navv&b, His first wife, Baha'u'llah had three children, 'Abdu'l-Baha's, His Successor, Baha'u'llah ~h~-num and MiMi, the Purest Branch. [p254] The burial-ground on Mount Carmel in which are laid to rest the immediate family of 'Abdu'l-Baha. On the right is the shrine of Baha'i KhAnum, His sister. On the left the twin monuments marking the resting-places of His mother and brother. Below them can be seen the dome of the monument of his wife, Munirih Khinum. [p255] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 255 solitary haste! Here he lies, raised up from the earth by the hands of the Guardian of his Father's Faith, removed from the ioneiy isolation of the Arab cemetery where he had been interred so long ago and placed beside his illustrious sister and holy mother, that mother who was affectionately known as "B~y~k Kh6nurn" or "Great Lady." Slender, stately, lovely to look on with white skin and blue eyes and dark hair; she who, when Baha'u'llah was thrown into the dungeon of Tihr~n, was abandoned by friend and foe alike and who purchased food for her children by selling the gold buttons of her robes; she who was forced to leave this same son, then a delicate child of four, behind her when she followed Baha'u'llah into exile; she whose tender hands, unaccustomed to work, bled as she washed the clothes of her family; who remained patient, devout, serene and selfless to the end of her life, and who was laid to rest near 'Akka in a cemetery away from her son, now lies beside him, so to remain forever more. As we meditate beside those two eloquent coffins, covered with woven cloths, strewn with jasmine from the Threshold of the Bab's Tomb, so all pervading is the presence of their spirits Ñ or maybe it is their memory, as perfume lingers when the flower is withered Ñ that the very room they rest in for so short awhile becomes itself filled with the sweet peace of a shrine. Not only has the Guardian raised them to rest in their rightful graves, put them where the whole world may see their honor and their glory, but in some mysterious way he has given them back to us. So long ago they passed away, so quietly, in days of such turmoil and oppression, were they laid to rest, that their places, at least to us of the 'West, were on written pages of the history of our Faith. But now their places are in our hearts. The veil of time and obscurity separating us has been rent asunder, and we find, to our joy and astonishment, two glowing and holy figures drawing nigh to us, entering into our lives, and ready to help us on that path which leads to their Lord and ours, Baha'u'llah. How warm and living his personality suddenly seems, no longer a name, albeit a revered one, Mihdi, the Purest Branch, but a sweet and selfless youth filled with love and devotion for Him who was not only his earthly but heavenly Father as well. Slight of frame, small of stature, black of hair, scarce twenty years of age, when at the time of his death he acted as the amanuensis of Baha'u'llah and the character of his script has remained to us as a tender reminder that he stood only on the threshold of manhood. Baha'u'llah Himself in numerous Tablets has mentioned this beloved son of His, recounting His long separation from him when he was left behind in tr~n and was deprived of his family; how later he suffered the exiles and imprisonments of his Father until that fateful day when, as Baha'u'llah wrote: "He has suffered martyrdom at a time when he lay imprisoned at the hands of his enemies." The cruelty of exile and banishment became the rigor of complete incarceration during Mihdi's short life time. Upon entering the prison city of 'Akka they were confined in the barracks itself, and it was during this strict period of Baha'u'llah's imprisonment, when they suffered the greatest privations and were the victims of terrible epidemics, that the Purest Branch passed away. No one of the devout and faithful, who, some on foot, some on mule back, made the long and arduous journey to see the face of their Lord, was admitted to His presence. They were forced to content themselves with a brief glimpse of Him as He stood in a window facing the little hill beyond the walls and moat where they were wont to await His appearance. It was under such circumstances that one night, whilst walking on the roof of the fortress, the Purest Branch fell through the opening leading below and was fatally injured. It was the custom of those prisoners to get what air and exercise they could in this manner, and no doubt that youth, lost to all but his thoughts and meditations, stepped unawares through the unguarded sky light. Although the ceilings of oriental rooms are very high, it was not a fall which necessarily would cause the death of a person. But the Purest Branch was terribly injured. He bled profusely from the mouth, and his thigh was so battered and bleeding that his garment could not be removed but was torn from him Ñ that pitiful relic which [p256] 256 THE BAHA'I WORLD the Greatest Holy Leaf preserved for posterity and which to this day may be seen with the stains of his life's blood upon it. He survived for about thirty hours after the fall. The doctors, hastily called in, were powerless to help him, but we cannot but believe that it lay within the power of his Father to spare his life, if He had so willed it. Baha'u'llah asked of His dying son if he desired to live, but he replied that his sole desire was that the gates of the prison should be opened so that the believers might visit their Lord. Baha'u'llah granted that youth's earnest wish and sat beside His youngest son as they made him ready for the grave, and it was in those tragic circumstances that He revealed the following: "At this very moment My son is being washed before My face after Our having sacrificed him in the Most Great Prison "Glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, My God! Thou seest Me in the hands of Mine enemies, and My son bloodstained before My face!" Such sentences as these were wrung from the heart of the Blessed Beauty as He gazed upon His child. But then thundering forth came these marvelous words: "I have, 0 My Lord, offered up that which Thou hast given Me, that Thy servants may be quickened and all that dwell on earth be united." The tremendous significance of these words is inescapable; Baha'u'llah designates to His own child the nile of blood offering in order that the unity of all men which He has proclaimed may come about. The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham is accomplished. After, in secrecy, poverty, and haste, the Purest Branch had been interred, his gentle mother, the victim of so many sorrows and deprivations, saddened and wept unceasingly. Baha'u'llah on learning of her plight came to her and assured her she had no cause for grief for God had accepted this precious son as His Ransom to draw not oniy the believers nigh unto their Lord but to unify all the sons of men. After hearing these words that saintly soui was greatly comforted and ceased to mourn her heavy ioss. And who was such a mother? Not merely a holy and faithful woman, willing in the path of God to sacrifice her all, but she of whom Isaiah,. in his 54th chapter, says:' ttFor thy Maker is thy husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall he be called." "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that bath mercy on thee." And she to whom Baha'u'llah revealed the following: "Hear thou Me once again, God is well pleased with thee He hail made thee to be His companion in every one of His worlds and hath nourished thee with His meeting and presence so long as His name and His remembrance and His kingdom and His empire shall endure." How fleeting and priceless the days that this mother and son lie side by side in that small room! To be privileged to draw close Ñ in that strange and pitiful closeness one feels to a coffin in which all that remains of dear ones after the soul has flown rests, a token and reminder of our common mortality and immortality Ñ is something never to be forgotten. Thousands will read these Prayers and Tablets of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha forever immortalizing them. They will supplicate those radiant spirits to intercede on their behalf. They will seek humbly to follow in their noble footsteps. But it will never, so it seems to me, be as sweet and touching as to see them lying there together under the watchful eyes of Baha'i Kininum. Whilst their tombs were still in process of excavation from the solid rock of the mountain, the Guardian had learned that the Covenant-Breakers were p+otesting against the right of the Baha'is to remove the Mother and brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha to new graves, actually having the temerity to represent to the government their so called claim as relatives of the deceased. As soon, however, as the civil authorities had the true state of facts made clear to them Ñ that these same relatives had been the arch-en-emies of the Master and His family, had left the true Cause of Baha'u'llah to follow their own devices, and had been denounced by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His Will and Testa-The authority for this statement is the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself in "Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha," vol. I., page 107. [p257] TRANSFER OF SACRED REMAINS 257 ment Ñ they approved the plan of the Guardian and immediately issued the necessary papers for the exhumation of the bodies. Without risking further delay Shoghi Effendi, two days later, himself removed tho Purest Branch and his mother to Mount Carmel where, watched over by the loving devotion of the believers, and safeguarder from any danger of insult or injury, they could await, close to Baha'i KhAnum's shrine, their reinterment. The last stone is laid in the two vaults, the floors are paved in marble, the name plates fixed to mark their heads, the earth smoothed out, the path that leads to their last resting place built, but storm and rain sweep unceasingly over the crest of the mountain postponing the final arrangements until the day before Christmas dawns, bright and clear, as if a sign that this is the appointed time. At sunset we all gather in that humble, twice blessed house, We hear the voice of one of the oldest and most devoted believers of the Near East raised, at the command of his Guardian, in prayer. Tremulous, faint, yet filled with a poignant faith and love hard to describe but never to be forgotten, he prays. As voice follows voice, one of them that of the Guardian himself, it seems as if one could almost hear the refrain of those prayers sung in triumphant joy by an invisible concourse on high. And now, again on the shoulder of the Guardian, they are borne forth to lie in state in the Holy Tomb of the Bib. Side by side, far greater than the great of this world, they lie by that sacred threshold, facing Baha, with candles burning at their heads and flowers before their feet. It is the eve of the birth of Christ, She who was foretold of Isaiah, he who was the son of Him of Whom Jesus said: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth," rest quietly here their last night before the earth hides them forever more from the eyes of men. The following sunset we gather once again in that Holy Shrine, The Guardian chants the Tablet of Visitation, first in the Tomb of the Bab, then in the Tomb of the Master. The privileged friends who have been able to make the pilgrimage to Haifa for this sacred occasion enter with the Guardian a second time the BTh's Shrine. Slowly, held aloft on the hands of the faithful, led by Shoghi Effendi, who never relinquishes his precious burden, first the mother of 'Abdu'1 Ñ BaM and then the Purest Branch are ushered from that Holy Spot. Once they circumambulate the Shrines, the coffin of beloved Mihdi, supported by the Guardian, followed by that of the Master's mother, passes us slowly by, Around the Shrine, onward through the lighted garden, down the white path, out onto the moonlit road, that solemn procession passes. High, seeming to move of themselves, above the heads of those following, the coffins wend their way. They mount the steps and once again enter that gate leading to Baha'i Kh~inum's resting place. They pass before us, outlined against the night sky, across whose face fitful clouds make sport of the full moon. They approach, the face of the Guardian close to that priceless burden he bears, They pass on toward the waiting vaults. Now they lay the Purest Branch to rest. Shoghi Effendi himself enters the carpeted vault and gently eases the coflin to its preordained place. He himself strews it with flowers, his hands the last to caress it. The mother of the Master is then placed in the same manner by the Guardian in the neighboring vault. Not six feet apart they rest. The silent faces of the believers in the bril-. kant light of the lamps, form a waiting circle. Masons are called to seal the tombs. Respectfully and deftly they fulfil their task. Flowers are heaped upon the vaults and the Guardian sprinkles a vial of attar of rose upon them. The pungent scent is caught up on the breeze and bathes our faces, And now the voice of Shoghi Effendi is raised as he chants those tablets revealed by Baha'u'llah and destined by Him to be read at their graves. Surely this is a dream? It cannot be I that stand here gazing at these new-made graves, laid in the breast of ancient Carmel! Beneath me stretches an endless vista. 'Akka gleams white across the bay, that onetime prison city where these two were so long captives, near which they were once buried. The reaches of the sea and plain lie before me, opening out to where the moon silvers the rims of the mountains of the Holy [p258] 258 THE BAHA'I WORLD Land, the Land of the stitutions will rise to Prophets, the Land of strengthen the soul and body the loved ones of God, of mankind. And forever the Land chosen to be interwoven with those the Seat of the Ark of institutions will be God in this most glorious the memory and example Day. Forever and increasingly aboutof these three holy persons. Their the resting place of way has become our way this mother, sister, and they lead us on before, brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha, heading the ranks of the life-giving activitiesBahi'-u'llah's followers. of their Faith will gather.RPHfYYIH Close to them, focused on their shrines, great in [p259] THE PASSING OF MUNJRJH KHANUM, THE HOLY MOTHER EPISODES IN THE LIFE OF MUNIRJH KEJANUM Quotations from an Autobiography P ROM the beginning of my life, and during the period of my childhood, there have come into my life wonders Ñ each one of which is a miracle, causing great astonishment. Were I to explain every incident fully, and to give thanks with my tongue for every blessing vouchsafed, I should be unable to go on with this account, and it would lead to prolixity. CCThe name of my father was Mirza Muhammad ~A1i Nahri, the son of HAj i Siyyid Mubammad Hendi (Indian). H4j i Siyyid Mubammad was born and lived in the village of Zavareh, a suburb of 1sf AhAn. Having reached the age of maturity, he travelled to India, and insamuch as he belonged to the family of Muhammad, the Prophet, and all the descendants of Muliammad are highly honored and respected all over the East, in time he married one of the Princesses of the ruling Indian family. The Indian Prince, in order to be related to a member of the sacred family of Mul2ammad, and thus receive spiritual blessing and benediction, gave his own daughter into marriage with HAj Siyyid Muhammad. Thus it came to pass that Hij i Siyyid Mu]jrnmmad sojourned in India, and for this reason he became known by the title of tlndian.S This family connection became conducive to much fame, wealth, and honor, and he lived in the style of a nobleman, a prince, with all the retinue of royalty. (cAfter some time, he became the happy father of two sons; the firstborn was named H&ji Siyyid Mehdi, who, later on, became the sole inheritor of all the wealth and pos. sessions of his father. This eldest son traveled from India to Najaf (one of the Holy Cities in Karbibi, Mesopotamia) and domiciled there. In the course of his life, he came into possession of much wealth and real estate, farms, houses, caravansaries, public baths and stores. These properties were in the cities of KarbiU and Naj af. After a while he spent one-third of his money constructing an aqueduct to carry water into the city, and for this reason he became known by the title ~Nahri' from the frinian word tNahr' Ñ a stream of water. This title Nahri was handed down through the family, and to this day his descendants are thus known. ttH~ji Siyyid Mul2ammad Naliri had several children, male and female. Amongst them was my father, whose name was Mirza M4iammad-'Ali Nahri, and my uncle, Mirza H~ji, who in time became the father of the wife of the King of the Martyrs." (cWhe the Call of the Mb arose from Shir~z, my father and uncle, as soon as they heard of it, without returning to their homes, or saying farewell to their families, started for ShirAz, and with the greatest haste traveled toward the Mount of the Beloved." ccLet me, likewise, detail a few words regarding my grandmother Ñ that is, the mother of my father. She was a holy, believing soul, may the spirit of the Lord be with her at all times! One night, in the world of dreams, she beheld two orbs rising out of the well in her home and entering 259 [p260] 260 THE IIAHA'1 WORLD The Holy Mother, Munirili KMnum, wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Holy Mother Munirili KMnurn ascended Abh& Kingdom stop With sorrowful hearts Baha world over recall divers phases her rich eventful life marked by unique services which by virtue her exalted position she rendered during darkest days 'Abdu'l-Baha's life stop All Ridvan festivities suspended stop Advise Convention delegates devote special session her memory hold befitting gathering Auditorium Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Ñ (Signed) SHOGHI. (Cablegram received ceived April 30, 1938.) her heart. She was so excited and exhilarated over this dream that she awoke from sleep, remained awake all night, and before sunrise, with the greatest happiness, went to the house of H6]ji Siyyid Muhammad Bagher. This latter was a very important theologian and learned man whose word was obeyed throughout all trim. He was peerless and without equal in his days. When my grandmother related her dream to him and requested an interpretation, he answered: cBe thou of good cheer and happy for God will grant thee two children who, like unto two luminous suns, will enlighten and illumine all your family and relatives.' (In the course of time) ccmy father, Mirza. Muhammad-'Ali was born and a year and three months later, my uncle, Mirza H~ji, was born." "When my father graduated from the college (tKaseh~Garan~), he started on a trip to visit the sacred cities, and in Karbifl enrolled himself as a student in the classes of H&ji Siyyid K~zim Rashdi. He became a firm and enthusiastic follower of the [p261] THE PASSING OF MUNIRIH KHANUM 261 teachings of this master and Shaykh Ahmad. These two brilliant orbs shine today in the world of existence, and were unequalled in fame and knowledge. After living for some time in that sacred city, he took unto himself a wife. "When they were attending the classes of HAji Siyyid KA4m, they repeatedly had met His Holiness the BTh, and had observed many wonderful traces and spiritual signs appearing from His Holy Temple." "Now concerning my father: On arriving at IsMMn, as his wife was living in Karbih, he took a room in the college of tKaseh-Garan.' About this time His Holiness BThu'1-B~b received a command from the BTh to leave Shiniz for I~fthAn. Having arrived in that city, he engaged in the promotion of the Cause, and guided many souis to this wonderful Movement. Among those who accepted the Message was my father. He was led to the path of knowledge and faith. After a while misfortune overtook him, as he received the news that his wife had ascended to the Kingdom. "While he was thus deprived of the corn Ñ forts of a home, he met and associated with Hiji Aga Mu1~ammad, a well known merchant of Isf&h4n and one of the new believers. He was very devoted to my father. One day he said to my father: tlnasmuch as your wife has passed away without issue, would it not be better for you to forsake your room in the college and come to live with us in our home; I have a sister, and if agreeable to you, I will be more than happy to arrange a marriage between you, so the bond of love and affection may thus be strengthened between you and our family.' My father readily consented to this wise suggestion, and HAj i Aga Mi4iammad, after consulting with his mother, found that she not oniy had no objections, but was most eager to bring about the union. His mother said: tLast night I saw, in the world of dreams, a nobleman (Siyyid) with luminous face visit our home. He carried in his hands two lamps. Now that Siyyid must be this personage, and unquestionably you must hasten the consummation of this marriage.' "Then HAji Aga Muijammad invited many friends to a betrothal feast, and his sister, who is my mother, was affianced to my father. It was well known that my father had no children from his first wife. Two years passed after his marriage with my mother, but no child was born. Then His Holiness the Bib, traveling from Shir~z, arrived in IsfThAn, and took up his abode in the home of Imim-Jum'ih. My uncle, Mirza Ibrihim, the father of the King of the Martyrs and the Beloved of the Martyrs, was appointed by Im~m-Jum'ih as host to His Holiness the Bab, to be ready at all times to serve Him under all circumstances. One night he invited to dinner His Holiness the BTh, who graciously accepted this invitation. Those present at that glorious feast received the bounties and favors of the Bib, and listened to His Words until supper was served. Then they all sat down to a spiritual and material feast. While partaking of the supper, His Holiness the Bab turned to one of those present and made inquiries about the children of my father. That person answered that, although he had been twice married, no children were born to him. His Holiness the Bab then offered my father a spoonful of sweets. He ate, and at that moment it occurred to his mind that the blessed will of the Lord had at last destined the birth of a child for him. When the feast was over and he had returned to his home, he mentioned this fact to my mother. Having kept a little of the sweets, he gave it to hen After eight months and nine days I was born into the world." "In compliance with the command of the Blessed Perfection (Baha'u'llah) Siyyid Mihdi Dhaji arrived in Persia, and later passed through I~ThhAn to promulgate the Cause of God. A great feast was prepared for him, and all the believers clustered around inquiring eagerly the news of the Holy Land, and all the details concerning the Blessed Family and an account of the imprisonment of the believers in the barracks of 'Akka. Among the inquirers was Shins Os Zoha, the wife of my uncle, and a member of the household of the King of the Martyrs. She asked of Siyyid Milidi: tWhule you were in the Presence of Baha'u'llah, did you ever hear whether any girl [p262] 262 THE BAHA'I WORLD had been spoken of or selected for the Master 'Abdu'l-Baha' He answered, tNo, but one day the Blessed Perfection was walking in the men's apartment and speaking. Then He turned His face to me and said, tAga Siyyid Mihdi! I had a remarkable dream last night. I dreamt that the face of the beautiful girl who is living in Tihr~n, whose hand in marriage we asked from Mirza Hasan for the Greatest Branch, became dark and obscure. At the same moment, the face of another girl appeared on the scene whose countenance was luminous and whose heart enlightened. We have selected her to become the wife of the Greatest Branch.' Except for the above talk from the lips of the Blessed Perfection, I have heard nothing. tCWh my aunt returned to the house and saw me, she declared by the One God that the very moment when Siyyid Milidi was relating to us the dream of Baha'u'llah, it had occurred to her mind that, without question, I was that girl, and ere long we would realize that she was right. I wept and answered: Tar be it, for I am not worthy of such a bounty. I beg of thee never let another word concerning the matter issue from thy lips; do not speak about it.' Munirili Kbinum continues the story of how she traveled to the Holy Land through successive instructions from Baha'u'llah to her relatives. En route to their destination they met many friends who tried to prevent them from going to the Holy Land, saying that in these days no one is permitted to go to 'Akka because some sad and unfortunate events had caused anew the incarceration of the friends, and the authorities did not permit any Baha'i to enter the city of 'Akka. "This news disturbed us a great deal, and we wondered what we should do, but Shaykh Salman assured us that these conditions did not apply to us, and made us feel confident that we should enter the Holy Land with the utmost ease and tranquillity, even if all the believers were thrown into prison and under chains." After many trials and difficulties on the way, they finally arrived in 'Akka. members of the Blessed Family came to visit and welcome us. I returned with them, and for the first time stood in the Presence of the Blessed Perfection. The state of ecstasy and rapture that possessed me was beyond description. The first words of Baha'u'llah were these: tWe have brought you into the Prison at such a time when the door of meeting is closed to all the believers. This is for no other reason than to prove to everyone the Power and Might of God.' I continued to live in the house of Kalim for nearly five months. I visited Baha'u'llah many times and then returned to my abode. Whenever Kalim returned from his visit to the Blessed Perfection he would tell me of His infinite bounties, and bring a material gift from Him for me. One day he arrived with a great happiness in his face. He said: ~I have brought a most wonderful gift for you. It is this Ñ a new name has been given you and that name is Munirih (illumined).' "Then the night of union drew nigh. I was dressed in a white robe which had been prepared for me by the fingers of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and which was more precious than the silks and velvets of Paradise. About nine o'clock. I was permitted to stand in the Presence of Baha'u'llah. Attended by the Greatest Holy Leaf, I listened to the words of the Blessed Perfection. He said: To are welcome! You are welcome! 0 thou My blessed leaf and maidservant. We have chosen thee and accepted thee to be the companion of the Greatest Branch and to serve Him. This is from My Bounty, to which there is no equal; the treasures of the earth and heaven cannot be compared with it. Thou must be very thankful, for thou hast attained to this most great favor and bestowal. May you always be under the protection of God I' "If I were to write the details of the fifty years of my association with the Beloved of the world, of His love, His mercy and bounty, I would need fifty years more of time and opportunity in order to write it; yet, if the seas of the world were turned into ink and the leaves of the forest into paper, I would not render adequate justice to the subject." During the Convention of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada held in the year nineteen hundred and thirty-eight in the Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu'1-. [p263] THE PASSING OF MUNIRIH KHANUM 263 Adhk~r in Wilmette, a cable from Shoghi Effendi was read announcing the death of Munirih Kh4num, better known to most of us as the Holy Mother, the beloved wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The gathering was unprepared for the shock the reading of the cable produced. Many of us knew that Munirih KLinum had looked forward with eagerness to the time when she would rejoin her beloved 'Abdu'l-Baha and we were aware she had reached a venerable age; but this knowledge did not mitigate the deep sense of loss experienced by the departure of this noble and inspiring woman. We realized one of the great souis of the Heroic Age of the Cause had passed on. The atmosphere of the gathering became instantly altered and in the influx of the spirit that enveloped us, our hearts and our sympathetic thoughts became focused in Haifa with the Guardian and the Holy Family. During During the springtime of nineteen bun Ñ dred and thirty-seven when our family had the honor of being the guests of Shoghi Effendi in the Pilgrim House in Haifa, I took several informal snapshots of members of the Holy Family. These were shown to Munirih Khinum and apparently interested her. Later on word was conveyed to me that she would be pleased to have me take her photograph. On a subsequent afternoon I was asked to go to 'Abdu'l-Baha's home, across the street from the Pilgrim House. There I had the honor of being received by Zia Khinum and of being presented to the Holy Mother and to the other ladies present who were gathered in the reception room in the rear of the home. There during certain afternoons it is the custom of Zia Kh4num and other ladies of the Holy Family to receive Baha'i ladies of Haifa and visiting pilgrims. On this occasion, as is usual at these gatherings, tea was served, and the conversation related to Baha'i matters. For the photographs taken that afternoon a small camera lent by Ruhiyyih KMnum was mostly used and they are, in reality, snapshot group pictures from which enlargements of Munirih Kh4num were made. The photographs have a historic value due to their being the only ones taken during the later years of her life. It was almost unbelievable that at the time they were made Munirih Kh4num had reached the venerable age of ninety-five. On occasions during the meeting the Holy Mother spoke treasured words and chanted for us in a clear voice of great beauty; it was indeed a great soui to whom we had the honor of listening. The rigors of a life in which great sufferings and hardships had been experienced side by side with her beloved 'Abdu'l-Baha, had failed to dim the sweetness of character and sympathetic personality of this noble woman, the surviving member in the immediate article of the Holy Family, of that great period in which the !CFaith~~ had its inception. W. S. MAXWELL October 1st, 1939. IN MEMORY OF MUNIRJH KHANUM A Tribute B~ CORINNE TRUE, Wilmette, Illinois IT WAS in February of 1907 that I made my first trip to Palestine to visit 'Abdu'l-Baha while He was still confined in the "Most Great Prison" at 'Akka. Our steamer arrived in the Bay of Haifa and we were taken to the quay in big boats propelled by Arab oarsmen. After passing through the Turkish Customs we went by carriage to the Carmel House, a very old hotel kept by German Adventists. At Port SaYd on our way to Haifa, Ahmad Effendi Yazdi came aboard our ship bringing with him an English lady, a Baha'i, then living in Brittany, Madam Scaramucci, who was also on her way to visit 'Abdu'l-Baha. She and my daughter (Ama) and I finished the journey together. We became the dearest of friends and were associated together in all the precious experiences of this memorable pilgrimage. Shortly after our first meal in the German Hospice in Haifa in the early evening, a [p264] 264 THE BAHA'I WORLD Monument erected on the site of the grave of Munirih Kh~num, the wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha, on Mt. Carmel, and beneath the shadow of the resting place of Baha'i KMnum The Greatest Holy Leaf. [p265] THE PASSING OF MUNIRIH KHANUM 265 note was delivered to us by a messenger from Cook's Travel Bureau in Haifa. This note requested that we three stroll up the avenue a few blocks where we were to be met by two Ba1A'i brothers who would accompany us to the Master's Haifa home, some six blocks up the mountain from our hotel. Such a night as this was; it was full moonlight, the weather was as balmy as May with flowers blooming everywhere! We met our two Baha'i escorts and they quietly guided us to 'Abdu'l-Baha's residence where first, as was the Oriental custom, we met a number of Baha'i men. They questioned us concerning the progress of the Cause in America and of our visit with the Egyptian Baha'is whom we had seen in Alexandria. In a short while these gentlemen excused themselves in or&r that we might meet the Ladies of the Holy Household of 'Abdu'l-Baha. At this time one of the daughters of 'Abdu'l-Baha's, Ruha Khinum was living in the Master's Haifa house because the enemies had stirred up fresh trouble for 'Abdu'l-Baha in Constantinople, causing Him to be reconfined within the old Penal Colony of 'Akka for a period of four years. This was done by order of the Turkish government. How thoughtful of our beloved Master to send His wife, the revered Munirih Kh6num and the little grandson, Shoghi Effendi, together with some other members of His Household, from 'Akka to Haifa to welcome us! Those Baha'is of today who may have known the Master as a free man, can scarcely comprehend the emotions of the early pilgrims going to Palestine to visit the World's Greatest Prisoner, who for forty years had been confined in that terrible Penal Colony of 'Akka, drawing not one breath of freedom! Had the local authorities known who we were, our safety might have been in jeopardy. But God mercifully protected us from any harm, and bestowed upon us the boundless favors of His shelter. We were permitted to have six days of indescribable joy associating with the members of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Household, with His wife and with His family. Words fail to depict to those who read what I write, the emotions of our hearts! Scarcely had our feet walked upon the soil of the sacred Mount of God when we found ourselves the recipients of 'Abdu'l-Baha's 's fatherly love and tenderness and were made the associates of His Holy Household. His wife had driven all the way from 'Akka to Haifa to greet us and to extend to us her most cordial welcome. It was the beloved Holy Mother, Munirih Khinum who gave us our first welcome. The day after our arrival in Haifa we visited the Shrine of the BTh on the slope of Mr. Carmel, accompanied by the holy women, and afterward we dined with them in the Master's house. Early on the second morning after our arrival a Baha messenger came to the door of our room in the hotel and said: "The Master has sent word from 'Akka that the three pilgrims are to hire a carraige and drive around the bay to His prison home in 'Akka" For six days we were guests in this home and daily saw the Holy Mother and the Master's Sister, the Greatest Holy Leaf, and with them the Master's daughters. Very early in the mornings we were permitted to meet in the large reception room where the beloved 'Abdu'l-Baha and His Family would gather together for an hour of communion. The Master would ask different members of the family to chant the Holy Utterances of Baha'u'llah and always the motherly presence of Munirih Khanum filled the atmosphere of that room with the benediction of her great mother heart. She seemed the personification of Universal Motherhood Ñ indeed the "Holy Mother." When I was standing beside her one morning the dear Master came and placed my hand in hers, and looking into my face said in English: "She is your Mother." When the hour for leaving this sacred prison home of 'Abdu'l-Baha came and we had to return to America, it seemed as if our hearts would break to have to say "good-bye" to these divinely precious members of the Holy Family! We wept, and they wept with us Ñ because of this parting. Through this sacred visit we had found a Heavenly Father in 'Abdu'l-Baha and a Heavenly Mother in His wife, Munirih Khanum. In November 1919, after a period of seven years, I was again permitted to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land; this time under very different circumstances. The [p266] 266 THE BAHA'I WORLD Turkish government had now passed from the hands of the SultAn, having been wrested therefrom by the Young Turk Party of Progress. One of the first acts of this new government was to give 'Abdu'l-Baha His freedom, which meant also the liberation of His entire family. The British forces commanded by General Allenby had but lately delivered Palestine from the hands of the Turks and the Holy Family had all moved to Haifa, where life was fairly comfortable after the terrific rigors of imprisonment for so many years. During this second Pilgrimage we were permitted more intimate association with the Greatest Holy Leaf and the Holy Mother, Munirih Kh4num. Almost daily we were received by them in the Master's garden where questions were asked and instructions given to us, clearing up many things that had puzzled the American friends. Here we saw this beloved wife of 'Abdu'l-Baha as a most wonderful teacher, and through her we grew in the knowledge of the Cause. In the early days one of the greatest privileges of the visiting women pilgrims was this infl-mate association with these two divine maidservants of Baha'u'llah, Baha'i Kh&num, the Greatest Holy Leaf, and Munirili Khinum, the Holy Mother. We seldom saw one without the other. These holy women had sacrificed everything to be the companions of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha in Their imprisonment. Could we have found in all the world a greater privilege than this: to sit at the feet of these holy women; to hear from them, first hand, the thrilling recital of their prison lives, of how God had sustained them when deprived of the very necessities of life; and to learn that they regarded this prison life with the Blessed Perfection and 'Abdu'l-Baha as infinitely more valuable to them than all the comforts and luxuries of life! These women are God's great heroines and we were indeed conscious of the great privileges that were granted us in their presence. The seeds of conviction that were born in our souis by this association planted roots of faith that assisted everyone to return to the outside world and lift the Banner of the Greatest Name before the eyes of all. On our second visit we saw Munirib Khinum not only as a Universal Mother loving every child of God, but as a great teacher and expounder of the principles of Baha'u'llah. She was a teacher who lived these principles before our eyes. Religious history has never known greater examples than these of devotion and sacrifice to God's Holy Messengers! Should we praise God throughout the coming centuries, we could not render praise sufficient for the priceless spiritual heritage bequeathed to us by these holy women. They are the archetypes for the Baha'i womanhood of the world. A LOVING TRIBUTE FROM AUSTRALIA M UNIRIH KUANUM! How well beloved a name throughout the Baha'i world! The unique circumstances of her birth seemed to foretell she was destined to hold an honored position in the history of the Ba1A'i Faith. This prophecy was fulfilled when she was chosen to be the loved and honored wife of our Beloved Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha. With radiant acquiescence she shared with Him the vicissitudes, trials and tribulations that were His lot during the long surveillance under the strict "Turkish Regime" in the "walled City of 'Akka." How her heart must have rejoiced when, through the overthrowing of the Ottoman Government, it was made possible for friends to come from different lands to freely visit and converse with her. Pilgrims from East and West, during their sojourn in Haifa, will always remember those happy hours spent in her company. They will ever picture in their mind their first meeting with her in the Master's drawing-room. They will see her seated beside her beloved sister-in-law Baha'i KhSnum (the Greatest Holy Leaf) in company with members of her family and the women and children of the Baha'i Community; they will recall her sweet eager face as they entered her presence, and they will hear her melodious voice welcoming and bidding them be seated near her. [p267] THE PASSING OF MUNIRIH KHANUM 267 Always assuring herself first regarding their physical health and bodily comfort, she would then revert to the theme uppermost in her mind, and eagerly inquire about the progress of the Baha'i Faith in the land from whence they came, and as they related the various activities and spread of the Teachings there, her spiritually illumined face would become radiant with joy. She loved to gather the women and children around her, and in her sweet voice chant with them the Holy Words and the poems written in praise of her Beloved One. She was a true exemplar of a faithful follower of Baha'u'llah, so firm and steadfast was she in His Covenant and Testament. Her radiant spirit was ever ready for the call of death, and gladly winged its flight to the "Realms of the Supreme Concourse" to join her loved ones there. The members of her family, those who were so intimately connected with her, and the many pilgrims whose privilege it was to meet her, found in her passing a very difficult experience to face. It was as though they were asked to play a chord in the CCGt Symphony of Life" which was too difficult for them. The rhythm seemed suddenly broken, the theme abruptly ended, but in that pause, listening ears heard the "Great Conductor s voice say, ~ on! 'tis part of the harmony. I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve?" So once again we take up the theme, and with vibrant strings play sweet harmonious chords, singing in unison, "There is no death! There is no death!" On the siopes of Carmel (God's Holy Mount) the mortal remains of Munirili Khinum were lovingly laid to rest near the tomb of her loved and revered sister-in-law Baha'i Khinum (the Greatest Holy Leaf), and not far distant from the Holy Tomb where lie the sacred remains of the BTh and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Down through the ages thousands of pilgrims will visit her resting place, and standing with bowed heads, reverently and fervently will pray: "0 God! 0 God! Assist us with the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse, and make us firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament.~~ Ñ EFnE E. BAKER [p268] Her Late Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania. The inscription reads: "To Shoghi Effendi with a message of love and faith. Marie." [p269] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA 1 WORDS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Cf We cherish the hope that one of the kings of the earth will, for the sake of God, arise for the triumph of this wronged, this oppressed people. Such a king will be eternally extolled and glorified. TRIBUTES PAID BY QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA TO THE BAHA FAITH A WOMAN brought me the other day a Book. I spell it with a capital letter because it is a glorious Book of love and goodness, strength and beauty. She gave it to me because she had learned I was in grief and sadness and wanted to help. She put it into my hands saying: "You seem to live up to His teachings." And when I opened the Book I saw it was the word of 'Abdu'l-Baha, prophet of love and kindness, and of His Father the great teacher of international goodwill and understanding Ñ of a religion which links all creeds. Their writings are a great cry toward peace, reaching beyond all limits of frontiers, above all dissension about rites and dogmas. It is a religion based upon the inner spirit of God, upon that great, not-to-be-overcome verity that God is love, meaning just that. It teaches that all hatreds, intrigues, suspicions, evil words, all aggressive patriotism even, are outside the one essential law of God, and that special beliefs are but surface things whereas the heart that beats with divine love knows no tribe nor race. It is a wondrous Message that Baha'u'llah and His Son 'Abdu'l-Baha have given us! They have not set it up aggressively, knowing ing that the germ of eternal truth which lies at its core cannot but take root and spread. There is oniy one great verity in it: Love, the mainspring of every energy, tolerance towards each other, desire of understanding each other, knowing each other, helping each other, forgiving each other. It is Christ's Message taken up anew, in the same words almost, but adapted to the thousand years and more difference that lies between the year one and today. No man could fad to be better because of this Book. I commend it to you all. If ever the name of Baha'u'llah or 'Abdu'l-Baha comes to your attention, do not put Their writings from you. Search out Their Books, and let Their glorious, peace-bringing, love-creating words and lessons sink into your hearts as they have into mine. One's busy day may seem too full for religion. Or one may have a religion that satisfies. But the teachings of these gentle, wise and kindly men are compatible with all religion, and with no religion. Seek them, and be the happier." (From the Torcmto Daily Star, May 4, 1926.) 2. Of course, if you take the stand that creation has no aim, it is easy to dismiss life 269 [p270] 270 THE BAHA'I WORLD and death with a shrug and a ~tthat ends it all; nothing comes after." But how difficult it is so to dismiss the universe, our world, the animal and vegetable world, and man. How clearly one sees a plan in everything. How unthinkable it is that the miraculous development that has brought man's body, brain and spirit to what it is, should cease. 'Why should it cease? Why is it not logical that it goes on? Not the body, which is only an instrument, but the invisible spark or fire within the body which makes man one with the wider plan of creation. My words are lame, and why should I grope for meanings when I can quote from One who has said it so much more plainly, 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who I know would sanction the use of His words: "The whole physical creation is perishable. Material bodies are composed of atoms. When these atoms begin to separate, decomposition sets in. Then comes what we call death. "This composition of atoms which constitutes the body or mortal element of any created being, is temporary. When the power of attraction which holds these atoms together is withdrawn, the body as such ceases to exist. CCWWith the soul it is different. The soul is not a combination of elements, is not composed of many atoms, is of one indivisible substance and therefore eternal. ctIt is entirely out of the order of physical creation; it is immortal! The soui, being an invisible, indivisible substance, can suffer neither disintegration nor destruction. Therefore there is no reason for its coming to an end. ccCosider the aim of creation: Is it possible that all is created to evolve and develop though countless ages with merely this small goal in view Ñ a few years of man's life on earth? Is it not unthinkable that this should be the final aim of existence? Does a man cease to exist when he leaves his body? If his life comes to an end, then all previous evolution is useless. All has been for nothing. All those eons of evolution for nothing! Can we imagine that creation had no greater aim than this? ttThe very existence of man's intelligence proves his immortality. His intelligence is the intermediary between his body and his spirit. When man allows his spirit, through his soui, to enlighten his understanding, then does he contain all creation; because man being the culmination of all that went before, and thus superior to all previous evolutions, contains all the lower already-evolved world within himself. Illumined by the spirit through the instrumentality of the soui, man's radiant intelligence makes him the crowning-point of creation!" Thus does 'Abdu'l-Baha explain to us the soul Ñ the most convincing elucidation I know. (From the Toronto Daily Star, September 28, 1926.) At first we all conceive of God as something or somebody apart from ourselves. We think He is something or somebody definite, outside of us, whose quality, meaning and so-to-say "personality" we can grasp with our human, finite minds, and express in mere words. This is not so. We cannot, with our earthly faculties, entirely grasp His meaning Ñ any more than we can really understand the meaning of Eternity. God is certainly not the old Fatherly gentleman with the long beard that in our childhood we saw pictured sitting amongst clouds on the throne of judgment, holding the lightning of vengeance in His hand. God is something simpler, happier, and yet infinitely more tremendous. God is All, Everything. He is the Power behind all beings. He is the inexhaustible source of supply, of love, of goad, of progress, of achievement. God is therefore Happiness. His is the voice within us that shows us good and evil. But mostly we ignore or misunderstand this voice. Therefore did He choose his Elect to come down amongst us upon earth to make clear His word, His real meaning. Therefore the Prophets; therefore Christ, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah, for man needs from time to time a voice upon earth to bring God to him, to sharpen the realization of the existence of the true God. Those voices sent to us had to become flesh, so that [p271] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 271 with our earthly ears we should be able to hear and understand. Those who read their Bible with "peeled" eyes will find in almost every line some revelation. But it takes long Life, suffering or some sudden event to tear all at once the veil from our eyes, so that we can truly see. Sorrow and suffering are the surest and also the most common instructors, the straightest channel to God Ñ that is to say, to that inner something within each of us which is God. Happiness beyond all understanding comes with this revelation that God is within us, if we will but listen to His voice. We need not seek Him in the clouds. He is the All-Father whence we came and to Whom we shall return when, having done with this earthly body, we pass onward. If I have repeated myself forgive me. There are so many ways of saying things, but what is important is the Truth which lies in all the many ways of expressing it. (From the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, Monday, September 27, 1926.) ccLately a great hope has come to me from one, 'Abdu'l-Baha. I have found in His and His Father, Baha'u'llah's Message of Faith all my yearning for real religion satisfied. If you ever hear of Baha'is or of the Baha'i Movement which is known in America, you will know what that is. What I mean: these Books have strengthened me beyond belief and I am now ready to die any day full of hope. But I pray God not to take me away yet for I still have a lot of work to do." 5. ttThe Baha'i teaching brings peace and understanding. ~tIt is like a wide embrace gathering together all those who have long searched for words of hope. "It accepts all great prophets gone before, it destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors open. ccSaddened by the continual strife amongst believers of many confessions and wearied of their intolerence towards each other, I discovered in the Baha'i teaching the real spirit of Christ so often denied and misunderstood. CCUnity instead of strife, hope instead of condemnation, love instead of hate, and a great reassurance for all men." "The Baha'i teaching brings peace to the soui and hope to the heart. "TO those in search of assurance the words of the Father are as a fountain in the desert after long wandering." 1934. "More than ever today when the world is facing such a crisis of bewilderment and unrest, must we stand firm in Faith seeking that which binds together instead of tearing asunder. CCTO those searching for light, the Baha'i Teachings offer a star which will lead them to deeper understanding, to assurance, peace and good will with all men." 1936. 3 QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA AND THE BAHA'I FAITH AMONG the Baha'i treasures about giving it expression. in the International She was at the time in Baha Archives at Haifa bitter need, in profound, there lies an exquisite overwhelming sorrow. and precious brooch, The sweetness, the tenderness, the preserved as a memorial depth of sympathy and of the first of the queens helpfulness which she of the world who recognizedfound at once in boundless measure and acknowledged the Revelationin the Divine Message of Baha'u'llah. made an instantaneous Queen Marie of Rumania appeal and opened her did not hesitate about heart to seek and welcome this recognition nor the knowledge of its was she diffident mani [p272] 272 THE BAHA'I WORLD fold beauty and truth. She felt the precious, warm lovingkindness of the Heavenly Teachers, the perfection of their understanding. Her soul was satisfied. Here at last was that for which she had hungered. Here was peace, the reality of peace: a breath upon a fevered world from that guarded inner shrine where peace has its inviolate home. She was in bitter need. Those who were near and dear to her surrounded her with love and sympathy and consolations; for they too knew grief and pain and felt with one who suffered so acutely as she. But anguish of spirit had awakened in her a desire for something other than the sincerest human condolence. She faced the mystery of death and love. No word, no touch, however gentle, that came only from a knowledge of this fleeting human life could suffice her now. Loneliness had broken the hold of earth on her. She longed, as she had never longed before, for God. And God came. Jesus Christ divided those to whom the Divine Message is communicated into four classes: those who are too self-absorbed to receive any impression, those who are able to receive oniy a shallow impression, and those who are deeply impressed by the truth but are also impressed by things not true, and finally those who are single-minded in the love and service of truth. It was the unique distinction of Queen Marie that, living in a special sphere where the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are at their maximum, she accepted and held fast to the New Revelation. She was the first to walk in that narrow path in which, when it is made broader, all the kings and queens and rulers of the earth will follow her. The time of an Advent is and ever has been an epoch of the severest test for humanity. CCWho may abide the day of His coming?" cried the ancient prophet; etand who shall stand when He appeareth?" For none is the test so hard as for the great and rich. "Know ye in truth," said Baha'u'llah, Cttht wealth is a mighty barrier between the seeker and his desire, the lover and his beloved. The rich, but for a few, shall in no wise attain the court of His presence nor enter the city of content and resignation." For none among the great and rich is the test so hard as for royalty. Alone among those of royal blood, alone among her sister-queens, Marie of Rumania recognized the dawning of the Day of Days and acclaimed in Baha'u'llah the glory of the Father. Therefore this signal privilege has been accorded her; and the ornament which she presented as a sign of gratitude to the Baha'i teacher who brought her the Divine message is honored with a place among the holy relics of the early heroes of the Cause who first upheld among man the Banner of the Manifest King of Kings. Marie, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Edinburgh, was born in the purple; but she had this special distinction that in her veins ran the blood of the only two royalties to whom Baha'u'llah, when He announced His Advent to the world's rulers, addressed words of commendation. She was on her mother's side the granddaughter of Czar Alexander H, who abolished serfdom, and on her father's side of Queen Victoria; both of whom Baha'u'llah addressed in words different from the stern or minatory terms used by Him towards the King of Prussia, the Emperors of Austria and France, and the Sultan of Turkey and the ShAh of Persia. She was herself an outstanding and radiant personality, vigorous and daring, devoted to idealistic and humanitarian projects. A traveler who in 1909, before her accession to the throne, visited her summer home in Sinaja, Rumania, at a time when it was unoccupied by her, wrote afterwards in The Baha'i Magazine: "We were deeply impressed with the spiritual atmosphere of her living apartment furnished largely with her own handiwork, the carving of the furniture, the paintings, the beautiful altar, all made by herself and all indicative of a deeply spiritual nature. Her books, her thoughts, as one gleaned in a hasty passage through her home, were such as to indicate the kind and spiritual ruler she has become." After her death, an old friend who had known her since they played as girls together in Malta in 1888 wrote of her as follows: "No one who ever had the privilege of personal or intimate acquaintance with Queen Marie could fail to be impressed by the greatness of her mind and spirit. Her [p273] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 273 own life story reveals so well her ardent and joyous nature, the depth of feeling that accompanied every thought and action. The world is the poorer for the passing of such a noble lady, and a blank, impossible to fill, is left in the lives of those who knew her personally. She had passed through and suffered so much, even her wonderful health was too sorely tried and we must be thankful in spite of the great ioss to us all that she is at rest and spared any further suffering. Her spirit is surely near us still and we must try to follow her noble example of great endurance and courage to face whatever may await us in these troublous times. LILIAN MCNEILL, World Order IV. 10. The first tidings of the Baha'i Teaching were brought to her in the early days of 1924 when her Majesty was in Bucharest and owing to personal sorrow was living in retirement. Martha Root, the best known of the pioneers of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, sent her a short note with a copy of Dr. Esslemont's Baha'u'llah and the New Era. The Queen accepted the book and was at once so keenly interested by its message that she sat up over it into the small hours, and the next morning she sent an invitation to Martha to visit her in the Palace on the following day at twelve o'clock. So quick and strong was the impression made through that interview that the Queen gave it utterance that same year in many ways public as well as private. She found a ready response to her enthusiasm in her young daughter Ileana, afterwards Archduchess Anton, to whom she taught these truths. She wrote to an American friend of hers in Paris, ttj have found all my yearnings for real religion satisfied. I am now ready to die any day full of hope; but I pray God not to take me away yet for I still have a lot of work to do." (BAHA'I WORLD VI. 580) In May and in September 1926 The Toronto Daily Star published from her pen two glowing tributes to the Baha'i Faith. "It is a wondrous Message," she wrote, ttthat Baha'u'llah and His son 'Abdu'l-Baha have given us. They have not set it up aggressively, knowing that the germ of eternal truth which lies at its core cannot but take root and spread. I commend it to you all. If ever the name of Baha'u'llah or 'Abdu'l-Baha's comes to your attention, do not put Their writings from you. Search out Their books and let Their glorious peace-bringing, love-creating words and lessons sink into your hearts as they have into mine. To the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin iii September the same year she contributed an article on the Faith in the course of which she testified expressly to her acceptance of the truth of a succession of Revelations, a succession of Prophets~~~~YChrist, Muham.-mad, Baha'u'llah," she wrote; continuing, ccthe voices [of Godi sent to us had to become flesh so that with our earthly ears we should be able to hear and understand. These three articles being syndicated were printed in nearly two hundred American newspapers, and afterwards appeared in several newspapers in the East. The Guardian of the Baha'i Cause gratefully acknowledged these spontaneous appreciations. "Moved by an irresistible impulse," he wrote in the Baha'i World for 19268, ttj addressed her Majesty in the name of the Baha'is of both East and West a written expression of our joyous admiration and gratitude for the queenly tribute which her Majesty has paid to the beauty and nobility of the Baha'i Teachings. The following is the letter which he received in reply: Bran, August 27th, 1926. Dear Sir, I was deeply moved on reception of your letter. Indeed a great light came to me with the message of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. It came as all great messages come at an hour of dire grief and inner conflict and distress, so the seed sank deeply. My youngest daughter finds also great strength and comfort in the teachings of the beloved masters. We pass on the message from mouth to mouth and all those we give it to see a light [p274] 274 THE BAHA'! WORLD suddenly lighting before them and much that was obscure and perplexing becomes simple, luminous and full of hope as never before. That my open letter was balm to those suffering for the Cause is indeed a great happiness to me, and I take it as a sign that God accepted my humble tribute. The occasion given me to be able to express myself publicly was also His work. For indeed it was a chain of circumstances of which each link led me unwittingly one step further, till suddenly all was clear before my eyes and I understood why it had been. Thus does He lead us finally to our ultimate destiny. Some of those of my cast wonder at and disapprove my courage to step forward pronouncing words not habituaL for crowned Heads to pronounce, but I advance by an inner urge I cannot resist. With bowed head I recognize that I too am but an instrument in greater Hands, and rejoice in the knowledge. Little by little the veil is lifting, grief tore it in two. And grief was also a step leading me ever nearer truth, therefore do I not cry out against grief! May you and those beneath your guidance be blessed and upheld by the sacred strength of those gone before you. MARIE. ~Letter addressed to the Guardian by H.M. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania.] Martha Root also wrote to her Majesty, and in the reply which she received were these words: The beautiful truth of Baha'u'llah is with me always, a help and an inspiration. What I wrote was because my heart overflowed with gratitude for the revelation you brought me. I am happy if you think I helped. I thought it might bring truth nearer because my words are read by so many. In the following year (1927) her Majesty gave another audience to Martha Root; a third audience in 1928 when with her daughter the Princess Ileana she was the guest of the Queen of Yugoslavia in Belgrade; and a fourth in 1929 in the Summer Palace at Baha'i. She contributed an encomium of the Cause, charged with warm feeling and beautifully expressed, to the fourth volume of the Baha'i World; and another more brief but not less significant to the fifth volume. CtT~ Baha'i Teaching," she wrote, tebrings peace to the soul and hope to the heart. To those in search of assurance the words of the Father are as a fountain in the desert after long wandering. It had been for some time her Majesty's wish and aspiration to visit in person the sacred shrines upon Mount Carmel and to meet in person Shoghi Effendi. In the year 1931 the opportunity, as it seemed, arrived. Accompanied by her youngest daughter her Majesty travelled to the Holy Land and arrived at Haifa with the intention of fulfilling her cherished desire. But fate had ruled otherwise. Unfriendly influences intervened. She did not reach her goal. In a sad letter to Martha Root dated June 2 8th, 1931, she told of her frustration and of the unwelcome pressure to which she had been subjected. ccBoth Ileana and I," she wrote, ttwere cruelly disappointed at having been prevented going to the holy Shrines and meeting Shoghi Effendi; but at that time we were going through a cruel crisis and every movement I made was being turned against me and being politically exploited in an unkind way. It caused me a good deal of suffering and curtailed my liberty most unkindly. But the beauty of truth remains and I cling to it through all the vicissitudes of a life become rather sad." Early in 1934 her Majesty again received Martha Root in audience in the Controceni Palace in Bucharest and expressed her delight that the Rumanian translation of Baha'u'llah and the New Era had just been published in Bucharest and that her people were to have the blessing of reading this precious Teaching. In the course of the interview the Queen told of an incident which had happened in Hamburg some months earlier when she was en route to Iceland. As she was driving down the street a girl tossed into the car a little note, and when her Majesty opened it she read the message, ~ am so glad to see you in Hamburg because you are a Baha'i." Martha Root's sixth and final interview [p275] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 27$ took place in February 1936 in the same Palace, and was in some respects the most touching and significant of all. Her Majesty spoke of various Baha'i books, for she used to purchase them as they came off the press. She spoke of the depth of the fq&n, and of the wonderful radiant force of Gleanings front the Writings of Baha'u'llah. "Even doubters," she said, "would find a powerful strength in it if they could read it alone and would give their souis time to expand." She told how in London she had met a Baha'i, Lady Blomfield, who had shown her the message that Baha'u'llah had sent to her Grandmother, Queen Victoria. She told, too, of a dear friend of her girlhood who lived in 'Akka, Palestine, and knew Shoghi Effendi and had sent from there pictures of 'Akka and Haifa. This friend (Mrs. McNeill) published afterwards a letter which the Queen wrote to her at this time: ttDear ~1ittle' Lilian," it began, "it was indeed nice to hear from you and to think that you are of all things living near Haifa and are, as I am, a follower of the Baha'i Teachings. It interests me that you are living in that special house; the Teachers so loved flowers, and being English, I can imagine what a lovely garden you have made in that Eastern climate. I was so intensely interested and studied each photo intently. It must be a lovely place and those southeastern landscapes and gardens attract me with a sort of homesickness ever since our Malta days. And the house you live in, so incredibly attractive and made precious by its associations with the Man we all venerate. Four days after this, the Queen sent for THE BAHA'I WORLD, her last public tribute to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. It was in due course reproduced in facsimile as a frontispiece to Volume VI, 193638, and runs as follows: CCMore than ever today when the world is facing such a crisis of bewilderment and unrest, must we stand firm in Faith seeking that which binds together instead of tearing asunder. To those searching for light, the Baha'i Teachings offer a star which will lead them to deeper understanding, to assurance, peace and goodwill with all men. MARIE, 1936." The end was drawing near. Her health undermined by her many troubles began to fail. After some months of illness, in July, 1938 she passed away, and leaving this world where for all her royal rank she had known so much of grief and tears she entered that Great Beyond of which she had thought so often and so deeply. Her death and obsequies were attended with all the ceremonial that befits the passing of a Queen. But who can tell what was the greeting that awaited her on the other side where she learned in an instant how true had been her intuitions of the manifestation of God and where she saw unobscured now by any mortal veil the white eternal splendour of the Truth that she, alone among the earth's queens, had risen to acclaim. The Guardian of the Cause and the Baha'is generally recognized the distinction of her spiritual station and the greatness of her service to the Cause. In July, 193 8 the Guardian on behalf of all the Baha'is sent a message of condolence to her daughter the Queen of Yougoslavia to which her Majesty replied expressing "sincere thanks to all Baha'i followers." To the Memorial Service held in the Cathedral of Washington, D. C., U. S. A. the Baha'is of the United States and Canada sent a tribute of flowers. The following sentences are from an account of that ceremony: ttOn July 25th, 1938, the first anniversary of the death of Queen Marie of Rumania, an impressive memorial service was held in her honor at the Cathedral of Washington in the national capital of the United States. In Bethlehem Chapel on this midsummer afternoon national dignitaries and humble citizens paid loving tribute to a royal personage whose name stands out with an especial lustre in the history of her time. The spiritual beauty of the service expressed the character of this noble Queen Ñ the first member of royalty to embrace the Faith of Baha'u'llah. ttArranged by the Rumanian Minister Radu Irimescu, the service was conducted by the Reverend Doctor Anson Phelps Stokes, canon of the Cathedral and former Secretary of Yale University. Among the diplomatists present were the British, French [p276] 276 THE BAHA'I WORLD and Italian Ambassadors and representatives of other European embassies and legations. The Secretary of State, Honorable Cordell Hull, headed the American delegation which included government officials and representatives of the Army and Navy. ceDircetly opposite the altar in this intimate chapel stood the imposing floral tribute tfrom the Baha'i Friends of America' Ñ a cross ten feet in height with a nine-pointed star at its centre. This emblem was designed by Charles Mason Remey and presented in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly. It was beside the Baha'i tribute that the Rumanian Minister stood at the conclusion of the service to greet the audience as they passed out, according to the continental custom on such occasions. "Not only did Queen Marie as the Dowager Queen of Rumania attest her faith in the Divine Cause through private letters; she claimed the spiritual bounty of calling the Teachings to the attention of others." In these dark and troublous times, this Day (or is it not rather this Night?) of Judgment, when there is no open vision and when the gift of spirituality is not esteemed, the connection of Queen Marie with the Baha'i Faith may seem to be but a small matter, the least episode among the multifarious activities of a crowded and brilliant life. But when this sleep in which the world's soui is shrouded ends at last; when men's spirits awakening behold the glories and the bounties and the opportunities that have lain about them, unwelcome and unregarded, all these many years, then they will look back upon the past with a new and horrified understanding. They will gaze with amazement and indignation and pity upon the incorrigible blindness of the mighty ones of Europe who despite the manifold warnings of God led their people through misery upon misery and flung them at last into the ultimate abyss of war. But amidst that universal darkness of failure and misrule that fills the palaces and chancelleries of the world men will see one solitary light shining in lone splendor and will acknowledge the true majesty of that one redeeming soui whose high faith caught and reflected far the glory of the breaking Dawn of God. In later times, when the prophecies of the Bible are fulfilled openly before the eyes of all, when the New Jerusalem estab Ñ lished in the top of the mountains and "the nations of them that are saved walk in its light and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it"; then men will see treasured among the sacred relics of the first champions of the Baha'i Faith one royal ornament, a brooch of silver and diamond, the memorial of the first Queen who recognized and acclaimed the Glory of Baha'u'llah; and the name and the deed of Queen Marie of Rumania will be on the lips of men forever. GEORGE TOWNSHEND 4 TREASURED MEMORIES B~ LILIAN MGNEILL IN AN article written by Martha L. Root in World Order, June, 1936, giving an account of various visits to Her (late) Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania, I found the following passage: Ct What a memorable visit it was! She told me she has a friend in 'Akka, Palestine, who knows Shoghi Effendi, and this friend has recently sent her Baha'i pictures of 'Akka and Haifa. The two were playfellows when they were children and met in Malta." I have the great happiness of being that friend and I would like Baha'is all over the world to share with me some treasured memories. In the winter of 188889, five happy little girls played together in the lovely, sunlit orange gardens of the palace of San Antonio, Malta. They were the four daughters of H. R. H. the Duke of Edinburgh, second son of Queen Victoria, afterwards Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who was at that time the Commander in Chief of the British fleet in the Mediterranean; and my [p277] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 277 self, daughter of Major Harry Barron, Royal Artillery, in later years Major General Sir Harry Barron, Governor of Malta for a short period, and then successively Governor of Tasmania and of Western Australia. Our ages ranged from thirteen years to five. I was youngest but one, and being rather delicate, on account of a fall from a pony, could not indulge in the wildest of the games and was taken great care of by the elder sisters, and always called tt1ittIe~~ Lilian, a name used ever afterward by Queen Marie. When in due course we all left Malta, our games were renewed in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and at Clarendon House, their home in London. But we all always treasured those Malta days in our memories as a dream of happiness unforgettable. Those times are fully described in Queen Marie's book, Story of My Life. We all married very young and our ways lay apart for many years, though we kept in touch. Queen Marie and I were reunited in close affection through the Baha'i teachings, with which we both became acquainted about the same time, she in Rumania, I in Palestine. Nearly ten years ago, making a voyage of discovery in this neighborhood, across country where then only the roughest of tracks existed, I came upon an old house, neglected, some parts almost ruinous. Two gigantic cypress trees, said to be hundreds of years old, stand sentinel beside it. An inside courtyard was surrounded by a thick, high wall. Outside was a little paved terrace through which flows the aqueduct which supplies the orange gardens and the town of 'Akka, and steps leading down to further terraces of gardens. There was a Bedouin family living in a tent in the garden, and the olive pickers from a village near Carmel had been allowed to live in the lower floor of the house three winters running during the olive harvest, so the state of the place can be imagined! Nevertheless I saw the possibilities and the poor old house with its vaulted lower rooms had an intense and almost weird fascination for me. This is how I found the house which in Dr. Esslemont's book, Baha'u'llah and the New Era, is described as the "palace of Mazra'ih." There Baha'u'llah and the whole family lived for about two years after leaving the town of 'Akka before the Mansion of Baha'i became their residence. (In a somewhat similar manner and at much the same time, Queen Marie discovered her castle in Transylvania that she called ccBrn the Beloved.") It was in May, 1931 when my husband retired from Government service that we took a lease of this house and it was our great privilege to be able to restore it, and make a garden Ñ a proper setting for a dwelling with such sacred associations. Although we found it a good deal altered on the second floor from its condition at the time when Baha'u'llah lived there, the main features are unchanged, the vaulted rooms on the ground floor particularly. There is a rough cement floor in the room downstairs which was Baha'u'llah's own special room. This I left as I found it, in the belief that His feet may have trodden it. Queen Marie was greatly interested in all we had done to the house, and we always hoped it would be possible for her to come here. This is our "jubilee" year, fifty years this autumn (1938) since we first met, and we had hoped somehow for a reunion. But her serious illness and the unsettled state of this country (Palestine) made it impossible to plan, and now No one who ever had the privilege of personal or intimate acquaintance with Queen Marie could fail to be impressed by the greatness of her mind and spirit. Her own life story reveals so well her ardent and joyous nature, the depth of feeling that accompanied every thought and action. Professor Seton-Watson in his History of the Roumanians has paid eloquent tribute to her heroism, devotion and courage in the Great War. Nobody is perfect and there are always critics, but I generally notice that the latter are almost invariably people who had never come into personal contact with her or perhaps never even seen her at a distance. What she did for Rumania is now history and can be best glimpsed in the touching last message to her people. The world is the poorer for the passing of such a noble lady, and a blank, impossible to [p278] 278 THE BAHA'I WORLD fill, is left in the lives of those who knew her personally. She had passed through and suffered so much, even her wonderful health was too sorely tried and we must be thankful in spite of the great ioss to us all that she is at rest and spared any further suffering. Her spirit is surely near us still and we must try to follow her noble example of great endurance and courage to face whatever may await us in these troublous times. The following extracts are taken from various letters to myself in recent years, and through these her own words we surely can feel that Queen Marie speaks to every one of us. "Dear little' Lilian, it was indeed nice to hear from you and to think that you are of all things living near Haifa and are, like me, a follower of the Baha'i teachings. It interests me that you are living in that special house; the Teachers so loved flowers, and being English, I can imagine what a ioveiy garden you have made in that Eastern climate. I was so intensely interested and studied each photo intently. It must be a lovely place and those southeastern landscapes and gardens attract me with a sort of homesickness ever since our Malta days. And the house you live in, so incredibly attractive and made precious by its associations with the Man we all venerate. Cer tainly the times we live in are not easy to understand for those who were brought up as we were. So much has been overthrown, so many conceptions been changed. The methods used today are different from those in our times, and I refrain from criticism though I cannot always admire. Everything seems to have become so much more vulgar somehow, so mercenary, so wanting in a fine ideal. Also money has changed hands, the rich of today are another class. Life has been hard on royalty ever since the war, and yet countries do not seem to have become more prosperous without them. Times are troubled, alas, and this unfortunate war (Ethiopian) has made all things so inflammable and events seem so out of control that one cannot help being anxious. "And yet who wants war? Who could stand a war today materially or even morally? I really hope that I shall die before there is another war! "I lead a very quiet life, my household has become small, but I have the feeling of being well loved in the country. My people and I are old associates, we have shared good and bad through forty-three years, and that counts! ~I wonder if I shall ever travel your way again? For the present I have no plans, I sit still and watch the black clouds, and pray for peace. With love and blessing, MARIE." 5 QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA B~ MARTHA L. ROOT eeHo,w great the blessedness that awaits the king who will arise to aid My Cause in My Kingdom, who u~ill detach himself from all else but Me! Such a king is numbered with the coin-panion~s of the Crimson Ark Ñ the Ark which God has prepared for the people of Baha. All must glorify his name, must reverence his station, and aid him to unlock the cities with the keys of My Name, the omnipotent Protector of all that inhabit the visible and invisible kingdoms. Such a king is the very eye of mankind, the luminous ornament on the brow of creation, the fountainhead of blessings inslo the whole world. Offer up, 0 people of Baha, your sub-sttrnce, nay, your very lives, for his assistance."' THE first Queen of the world to study and to promote Baha'u'llah's great Teachings has been Her Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania, one of the queens of this twentieth century who stands highest in intellect, in vision, in clear understanding of the 1Glean!ngs from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 212. [p279] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 279 new universal epoch now opening. Her Majesty received the book Baha'u'llah and the New Era by Dr. J. E. Esslemont and a note from the writer of this article who first visited Bucharest, Rumania, in January, 1926. The Rumanian Queen, grand-daugh-ter of the renowned Queen Victoria of the British Empire and of Czar Alexander II of Russia, both of whom received Tablets from Baha'u'llah in their day, read this vol. ume until three o'clock in the morning and two days later, on January 30, 1926, received me in audience in Controceni Palace, in Bucharest. Her first words after the greeting were, "I believe these Teachings are the solution for the world's problems today!" The account of that historic morning appeared in The Baha'i Magazine in Washington, in June, 1926, but very illuminating letters written by Her Majesty that same year show how deep was her confirmation. Here is one written to her loved friend Loje Fuller, an American then residing in Paris, which after these ten years can be published for the first time: tcLately great hope has come to me from one, 'Abdu'l-Baha, a personal follower of Christ. Reading, I have found in His and His Father Baha'u'llah's Message of Faith all my yearnings for real religion satisfied. If ybu ever hear of Baha'is or of the Baha'i Movement which is known in America you will know what that is! What I mean, these books have strengthened me beyond belief and I am now ready to die any day full of hope; but I pray God not to take me away yet, for I still have a lot of work to do." Other Letters record that first of all she was teaching her young daughter fleana about these beautiful truths. For ten years Her Majesty and her daughter, H.R.H. Princess Ileana (now Archduches Anton), have read with interest each new book about the Baha'i Movement as soon as it came from the press. As we know she wrote three marvelous articles about these Baha'i peace Teachings in 1926, and as they were syndicated each article appeared in nearly two hundred newspapers in the United States and Canada. Many millions of people were thrilled to read that a Queen had arisen to promote Baha'u'llah's plan for universal peace. Quickly these articles were translated and published in Europe, China, Japan, Australasia and in the Islands of the seas. Received in audience by Her Majesty in Pelisor Palace, Sinaja, in 1927, after the passing of His Majesty King Ferdinand, her husband, she graciously gave me an interview, speaking of the Baha'i Teachings about immortality. She had on her table and on the divan a number of Baha'i books, for she had just been reading in each of them the Teachings about Life after death. She asked the writer to give her greeting to Shoghi Effendi, to the friends in IrAn and to the many American Baha'is who she said had been so remarkably kind to her during her trip through the United States the year before. Also, she graciously gave the writer an appreciation of these Baha'i Teachings in her own handwriting, for Volume IV. of the BAHA'I WORLD. Meeting the Queen again on January 19, 1928, in the Royal Palace in Belgrade, where she and H. R. H. Princess Ileana were guests of the Queen of Jugoslavia Ñ and they had brought some of their Baha'i books with them Ñ the words I shall remember longest of all that Her dear Majesty said were these: ~'The ultimate dream which we shall realize is that the Baha channel of thought has such strength, it will serve little by little to become a light to all those searching for the real expression of Truth." Another happy audience was in Her Majesty's lovely summer palace ecTehna~ Yuva," at Baick, on the Black Sea, in October, 1929. Again in the home of Archduchess Anton at Madling near Vienna she and her mother received me on August 8, 1932, and in February, 1933, and Her Majesty made this great statement which was used as the frontispiece to BAHA'I WORLD, Volume IV.: "The Baha'i Teaching brings peace and understanding. It is like a wide embrace gathering together all those who have long searched for words of hope. It accepts all great prophets gone before, it destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors open. Saddened by the continual strife amongst believers of many confessions and wearied of their intolerance towards each other, I discovered in the Baha'i Teaching [p280] 280 THE BAHA'I WORLD the real spirit of Christ so often denied and misunderstood. Unity instead of strife, Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead of hate, and a great reassurance for all men. Then in the audience in Controceni Palace on February 16, 1934, when Her Majesty was told that the Rumanian translation of Baha'u'llah and the New Era had just been published in Bucharest, she said she was so happy that her people were to have the blessing of reading this precious Teaching. How beautiful she looked that afternoon Ñ as always Ñ for her loving eyes mirror her mighty spirit; a most unusual Queen is she, a consummate artist, a lover of beauty and wherever she is there is glory. Perhaps too, a Queen is a symbol, people like to have their Queen beautiful and certainly Queen Marie of Rumania is one of the most ioveiy in this world today. Her clothes, designed by herself, are always a ~ ensemble" creation so harmonious in colors they seem to dress her soui. She received me in her private library where a cheerful fire glowed in the quaint, builtin fireplace; tea was served on a iow table, the gold service set being wrought in flowers. There were flowers everywhere, and when she invited me into her bedroom where she went to get the photograph which I like so much, as I saw the noble, majestic proportions of this great chamber with its arched ceiling in Gothic design, I exclaimed in joy, "Your room is truly a temple, a Mashriqu'l-Adhkar!" There were low mounds of hyacinths, flowers which Baha'u'llah loved and mentioned often in His Writings; there was a bowl of yellow tulips upon a silken tapestry in yel-'ow gold, a tall deep urn of fragrant white lilacs, and an immense bowl of red roses. Controceni Palace is the most beautiful palace I have seen in any country in the blending of its colors and in its artistic arrangements. Her Majesty is a writer as well as an artist, and Her Memoirs entitled "The Story of My Life" were just then being published in The Saturday Evening Post. She told me she writes two hours every morning unless her time is invaded by queenly duties, charity duties, family duties. She was pleased with the sincere letters that were pouring in from all continents giving appreciations of her story. She told me the American people are so openhearted and that from the United States children, professors, farmers' wives and the smart people had written to her, the tone in all their letters revealing Her Majesty's entire sincerity and the deep humanity of her character. One teacher wrote Her Majesty that in her childhood each one lived through his own childhood: another said, "All who read your story have their own lives stirred!" The Queen remarked, ttAd this is a very satisfactory criticism for an author." A most pleasing letter had just arrived from Japan from a girl there who thanked God Who had allowed her to live in a period in which such a wonderful book had been written! "This," said the Queen, "is one of the nicest appreciations I have ever heard." Then the conversation turned again to the Baha'i Teachings and she gave a greeting to be sent to Shoghi Effendi in Haifa. Later she mentioned an incident in Hamburg when she was en route to Iceland in the summer of 1933. As she passed through the Street, a charming girl tossed a little note to her into the motor car. It was: "I am so happy to see you in Hamburg, because you are a Baha." Her Majesty remarked that they recognized a Baha'i and this shows a spirit of unity in the Baha'i Movement. Her Majesty said to me, "In my heart I am entirely Baha'i," and she sent me this wonderful appreciation: "The Baha'i Teaching brings peace to the soui and hope to the heart. To those in search of assurance the Words of the Father are as a fountain in the desert after long wandering." And now today, February 4, 1936, I have just had another audience with Her Majesty in Controceni Palace, in Bucharest. As I was starting to walk up the wide ivory toned stairs carpeted with blue IrAnian rugs to the third floor suites, at that very moment over a radio came the rich strains of the Wedding March from CtLohengrin,~~ played by an orchestra. It seemed.a symbol: the union of spiritual forces of the East and Europe! Again Queen Marie of Rumania received me cordially in her softly lighted library, for the hour was six o'clock. She [p281] THE PASSING OF QUEEN MARIE 281 was gowned in black velvet and wore her great strands of marvelous pearls. The fire in the grate beamed a welcome with its yellow-glowing fragrant pine boughs and large bowls of yellow tulips adorned the apartment. What a memorable visit it was! She told me she has a friend in 'Akka, Palestine, who knows Shoghi Effendi and this friend recently has sent her pictures of 'Akka and Haifa; the two were playfellows when they were children and met in Malta. She also told me that when she was in London she had met a Baha'i, Lady Blomfield, who had shown her the original Message that Baha'u'llah had sent to her Grandmother Queen Victoria in London. She asked the writer about the progress of the )Baha'i Movement especially in the Balkan countries. "Since we met two years ago," said Her Majesty, "so many sad events have happened! I look on with a great deal of sorrow at the way the different peoples seem to misunderstand one another; especially now that I have become very lonely in my home, I have all the more time to think over these problems, and I'm sometimes very sad that I can do so little. However, I know that the right spirit and the right thoughts go a long way towards that unity of hearts which I haven't given up the hope to see before I pass on." She spoke, too, of several Baha'i books, the depths of fqdn and especially of Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah which she said was a wonderful book! To quote her own words: "Even doubters would find a powerful strength in it, if they would read it alone and would give their souTh time to expand." Her Majesty kindly promised to write for BAHA'I WoRLD, Volume VI, a special appreciation and to send it after four days. I asked her if I could perhaps speak of the brooch which historically is precious to Baha'is, and she replied, "Yes, you may. Once, and it was in 1928, Her dear Majesty had given the writer a gift, a lovely and rare brooch which had been a gift to the Queen from Her Royal Relatives in Russia some years ago. It was two little wings of wrought gold and silver, set with tiny diamond chips and joined together with one A Floral Tribute to Her Majesty the Late Queen Marie of Roumania. Offered by the Baha'is of the United States and Canada on the occasion of the service held in Washington, D. C., July 25, 1938, to commemorate the first anniversary of her death. large pearl. "Always you are giving gifts to others, and I am going to give you a gift from me," said the Queen smiling, and she herself clasped it onto my dress. The wings and the pearl made it seem CeLight. bearing," Baha'i! It was sent the same week to Chicago as a gift to the Baha'i Temple, the Mashriqu'1-Aclhk6r and at the National Baha'i Convention which was in session that spring, a demur was made Ñ should a gift from the Queen be sold? Should it not be kept as a souvenir of the first Queen who arose to promote the Faith of Baha'u'llah Ñ However, it was sold immediately and the money given to the Temple, for all Baha'is were giving to the utmost to forward this mighty structure, the first of its kind in the United States. Mr. 'Willard Hatch, a Baha'i of Los Angeles, California, who bought the exquisite brooch, took it to Haifa, Palestine, in 1931 and placed it in the archives on Mt. Carmel where down the ages it will rest with the B~th~'j treasures. Inadequate as is any one article to portray [p282] 282 THE BAHA'I WORLD I-Icr Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania~s splendid spiritual attitude, still these few glimpses do show that she stands strong for the highest Truth, and as an historical record they will present a little of what the first Queen did for the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Washington, D. C. July 23, 1938 To His Excellency The Rumanian Minister Washington, D. C. Your Excellency: On behalf of the BabS'is of the United States and Canada, flowers in memory of Her late Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania will be sent to Washington Cathedral for the memorial service to be held there next Monday afternoon. Her Majesty's acceptance of the princi-pies of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and her public statements regarding His Cause have endeared her for all time to the followers of the Baha'i Movement the world around. It is with heartfelt sorrow and profound regret that the Baha have heard of Her Majesty's death. (For) Tnn NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF BAHA'IS OF UNITED STATES AND CANADA Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey (By) CHARLES MASON REMEY 2440 Massachusetts Avenue Washington, D. C. [p283] PART TWO [p284] [p285] TUE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 1. PRESENTDAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE BAHA'I FAITH INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT B~ HORACE HOLLEY IT HAS been the general characteristic of religion that organization marks the interruption of the true spiritual influence and serves to prevent the original impulse from being carried into the world. The organization has invariably become a substitute for religion rather than a method or an instrument used to give the religion effect. The separation of peoples into different traditions unbridged by any peaceful or constructive intercourse has made this inevitable. Up to the present time, in fact, no Founder of a revealed religion has explicitly laid down the principles that should guide the administra Ñ tive machinery of the Faith LIe has established. In the Baha'i Cause, the principles of world administration were expressed by Baha'u'llah, and these principles were developed in the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, more especially in His Will and Testament. The purpose of this organization is to make possible a true and lasting unity among peoples of different races, classes, interests, characters, and inherited creeds. A close and sympathetic study of this aspect of the Baha'i Cause will show that the purpose and method of Baha'i administration is so perfectly adapted to the fundamental spirit of the Revelation that it bears to it the same relationship as body to soui. In character, the principles of Baha'i administration represent the science of cooperation; in application, they provide for a new and higher type of morality worldwide in scope. In the clash and confusion of sectarian prejudice, the Baha'i religion is impartial and sympathetic, offering a foundation upon which reconciliation can be firmly based. Amid the complex interrelations of governments, the religion stands absolutely neutral as to political purposes and entirely obedient to all recognized authority. It will not be overlooked by the student that Baha'u'llah is the only religious teacher making obedience to just governments and rulers a definite spiritual command. In this brief analysis of the several features of the Baha'i system of administration the purpose is rather to place in the hands of the believers themselves a convenient summary of the available instructions than to clarify this aspect of the teachings to the non-Bah&'i. Until one has made contact with the spirit of the Baha'i teachings and desires to cooperate wholeheartedly with their purpose, the administrative phase of the Faith can have little real meaning or appeal. At the time of the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the organization was fully defined but not yet established among His followers. The responsibility for carrying out the instructions was placed by 'Abdu'l-Baha upon His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to whom was assigned the function of "Guardian of the Cause." Obedience to the authority of the Guardian was definitely enjoined upon all Baha'is by 'Abdu'l-Baha, but this authority carries with it nothing of an arbitrary or personal character, being limited as to pur 285 [p286] 286 THE BAHA'I WORLD pose and method by the writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Guardian unifies the efforts to bring into complete application those principles of world administration already clearly defined. To assist the Guardian in his manifold responsibilities and duties and particularly in the promotion of the teaching work, 'Abdu'l-Baha provided for the appointment of a group of coworkers to be known as "The Hands of the Cause of God." The appointment of this body is a function of the Guardian, and these from their own number are to elect nine persons who will be closely associated with the Guardian in the discharge of his duties. It is the function of the Guardian also to appoint his own successor, this appointment to be ratified by the nine Hands of the Cause. It is the genius of the Baha'i Faith that the principle underlying the administration of its affairs aims to improve the life and upbuild the character of the individual believer in his own local community, wherever it may be, and not to enhance the prestige of those relatively few who, by election or appointment, hold positions of higher authority. Baha authority is measured by self-sacrifice and not by arbitrary power. This fundamental aim can be seen clearly on studying the significant emphasis which 'Abdu'l-Baha placed upon the local Baha community. The local group, involving as it does men and women in all the normal activities and relations of life, is the foundation upon which rests the entire evolution of the Cause. The local Baha'i community is given official recognition oniy after its number of adult declared believers has become nine or more. Up to this point, the community exists as a voluntary group of workers and students of the Cause. In this connection, the word ttcommu-nity" is not used in the sense of any locality, exclusively Baha'i in membership, nor of any manner of living differing outwardly from the general environment, such as has been attempted by religionists and also members of philosophic and economic movements in the past. A Baha community is a unity of minds and hearts, an association of people entirely voluntary in character, established upon a common experience of devotion to the universal aims of Baha'u'llah and agreement as to the methods by which these aims can be advanced. A Baha'i community differs from other voluntary gatherings in that its foundation is so deeply laid and broadly extended that it can include any sincere soul. Whereas other associations are exclusive, in effect if not in intention, and from method if not from ideal, Baha'i association is inclusive, shutting the gates of fellowship to no sincere soul. In every gathering there is latent or developed some basis of selection. In religion this basis is a creed limited by the historical nature of its origin; in politics this is party or platform; in economics this is a mutual misfortune or mutual power; in the arts and sciences this basis consists of special training or activity or interest. In all these matters, the more exclusive the basis of selection, the stronger the movement Ñ a condition diametrically opposed to that existing in the Baha'i Cause. Hence the Cause, for all its spirit of growth and progress, develops slowly as regards the numbers of its active adherents. For people are accustomed to exclusiveness and division in all affairs. The important sanctions have ever been warrants and justifications of division. To enter the Baha'i religion is to leave these sanctions behind Ñ an experience which at first invariably exposes one to new trials and sufferings, as the human ego revolts against the supreme sanction of universal love. The scientific must associate with the simple and unlearned, the rich with the poor, the white with the colored, the mystic with the literalist, the Christian with the Jew, the Muslim with the Parsee: and on terms removing the advantage of long established presumptions and privileges. But for this difficult experience there are glorious compensations. Let us remember that art grows sterile as it turns away from the common humanity, that philosophy likewise loses its vision when developed in solitude, and that politics and religion never succeed apart from the general needs of mankind. Human nature is not yet known, for we have all lived in a state of mental, moral, emotional or social defense, and the psychology of defense is the psychology of inhibition. But the love of God removes [p287] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 287 fear; the removal of fear establishes the latent powers, and association with others in spiritual love brings these powers into vital, positive expression. A Ba1P'i community is a gathering where this process can take place in this age, slowly at first, as the new impetus gathers force, more rapidly as the members become conscious of the powers unfolding the flower of unity among men. Where the community is small and insignificant, in comparison with the population of the city or town, the first condition of growth is understanding of the Manifestation of Baha'u'llah, and the next condition is that of true humility. If these two conditions exist, the weakest soui becomes endowed with effective power in service to the Cause. The result of unity, in fact, is to share the powers and faculties of all with each. The responsibility for and supervision of local Baha'i affairs is vested in a body known as the Spiritual Assembly. This body (limited to nine members) is elected annually on April 1, the first day of Ri~Ivin (the Festival commemorating the Declaration of Baha'u'llah) by the adult declared believers of the community, the voting list being drawn up by the outgoing Spiritual Assembly. Concerning the character and functions of this body, 'Abdu'l-Baha has written as follows: cdt is incumbent upon everyone (every believer) not to take any step (of Baha'i activity) without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soui its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently and, after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause. "The prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His divine fragrance, humility and lowliness among~t His loved ones, patience and longsuffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of BaM shall be vouchsafed to them. In this day, Assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when every member expresses with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. ShouldQ anyone oppose, he must on no account feel hurt, for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. If after discussion a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise, the majority of voices must prevail. ctThe first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the Assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmohy of thought and absolute unity be nonexistent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that Assembly be brought to naught. !cThe second condition: They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on high and ask aid from the realm of Glory. Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters that pertain to the training of souls, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble throughout all classes in the world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the exaltation of His Holy Word. Should they endeavor to fulfill these conditions the grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them and that Assembly shall become the center of the divine blessings, and hosts of divine confirmation shall come to their aid, and they shall day by day receive a new effusion of spirit." The letters of Shoghi Effendi quote the fundamental instructions contained in the writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha on the character of Baha administration, and give them definite application: CCA careful study of Baha'u'llah's and 'Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets will reveal that other duties (besides teaching the Cause), no iess vital to the in [p288] 288 THE BAHA'I WORLD The Baha'i Community of Cincinnati, Ohio. The newly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Maywood, Illinois, in 1938. [p289] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 289 terests of the Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends in every locality. "They must endeavor to promote amity and concord amongst the friends and secure an active and wholehearted cooperation for the service of the Cause. "They must do their utmost to extend at all times the helping hand to the poor, the sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow, irrespective of color, caste and creed. "They must promote by every means in their power the material as well as spiritual enlightenment of youth, the means for the education of children; institute, whenever possible, Baha'i educational institutions; organize and supervise their work, and provide the best means for their progress and development. ctThey must bend every effort to promote the interests of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar (that is, House of Worship) 1 and hasten the day when the work of this glorious Edifice2 will have been consummated. "They must encourage and stimulate by every means at their command, through subscriptions, reports and articles, the development of the various Baha magazines. tcThey must undertake the arrangement of the regular meetings of the friends, the feasts and anniversaries, as well as the special gatherings designed to serve and promote the social, intellectual and spiritual interests of their fellowmen. !cThey must supervise in these days when the Cause is still in its infancy all Baha'i publications and translations, and provide in general for a dignified and accurate presentation of all Baha literature and its distribution to the general public. "These rank among the most outstanding obligations of the members of every Spiritual Assembly. In whatever locality the Cause has sufficiently expanded, and in order to insure efficiency and avoid confusion, each of these manifold functions will have to be referred to a special Committee, responsible to that Assembly, elected by it from among the friends in that locality, and upon whose work the Assembly will have to exercise constant and general supervision. "In every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult declared believers exceed nine, a local Spiritual Assembly must be forthwith established. "As the progress and extension of spirtual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual Assemblies, a Baha'i Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Baha'u'llah, who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expand it to promote the teaching campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Baha'i institutions, to extend in every way their sphere of service. "Nothing whatever should be given to the public by any individual among the friends, uniess fully considered and approved by the Spiritual Assembly in his locality; and, if this (as is undoubtedly the case) is a matter that pertains to the general interests of the Cause in that land, then it is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assembly to submit it to the consideration and approval of the National Body representing all the various local Assemblies. Not oniy with regard to publication, but all matters without any exception whatsoever, regarding the interests of the Cause in that locality, individually or collectively, should be referred exclusively to the Spirtual Assembly in that locality, which shall decide upon it, unless it be a matter of national interest, in which case it shall be referred to the National (Baha'i) Body. With this National Body also will rest the decision whether a given question is of local or national interest. (By national affairs is not meant matters that are political in their character, for the friends of God the world over are strictly forbidden to meddle with political affairs in any way whatever, but rather things that affect the 'Referring particularly to Spiritual Assemblies in America. 2 On the shore of Lake Michigan. [p290] 290 THE BAHA'I WORLD spiritual activities of the body of the friends in that land.) CCFuII harmony, however, as well as cooperation among the various local Assemblies and the members themselves, and particularly between each Assmbly and the National Body is of the utmost importance, for upon it depends the unity of the Cause of God, the solidarity of the friends, the full, speedy and efficient working of the spiritual activities of His loved ones. ttThe various Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the bedrock upon the strength of which the Universal House (of Justice) is in future to be firmly established and raised. Not until these function vigorously and harmoniously can the hope for the termination of this period of transition be realized. Bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority, but humble fellowship; not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Baha'i can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other." Experience in the life of a Baha'i community and participation in the details of its several activities impresses one with the fact that Baha'i unity has in it new elements which work powerfully to expand one's area of sympathy, deepen one's insight, develop one s character and bring order and stability into all of one's affairs. There can be no higher privilege than the experience of attempting to serve faithfully upon a Spiritual Assembly, conscious as its members are of the unique standard upheld by 'Abdu'l-Baha and bringing as it does the opportunity of dealing with a large range and diversity of human problems from an impersonal point of view. It is inevitable that the nine elected members shall exemplify diverse interests and types of character, with the result that unity of heart and conscience with the other eight members is a direct training to enter into spiritual unity with the larger body of mankind. No such schools of discipline and inspiration exist on earth today, for one must bear in mind that a Baha'i community can never be an exclusive group nor a closed circle of interests, but, on the contrary, its fundamental purpose is to unify and cooperate with every possible element in the surrounding population. The local Spiritual Assembly after elec-. tion organizes by electing from its own number a chairman, corresponding secretary, recording secretary and treasurer. It should appoint from its own members or from the local Baha'i community working committees responsible for the various permanent activities of the Cause. Since a Spiritual Assembly is established upon a new and higher ideal, the character, knowledge and purity of its members is essential to success. Wherever personal ambition, narrowness or impurity enters a Spiritual Assembly, the results are invariably to check the growth of the Cause and, if these conditions are prolonged, to destroy the foundation already laid. The careful student of the teachings will accept this result as one more vindication of the all-surrounding spirit protecting this Faith. The elimination of an unworthy group from the Baha'i Cause would be a bitter disappointment but not an evidence that the Cause had failed. On the contrary, the Cause could oniy be declared a failure if personal ambition, pride, narrowness and impurity should so prevail as to build a worldwide organization able to pervert the original purpose. The local Spiritual Assemblies of a country are linked together and coordinated through another elected body of nine members, the National Spiritual Assembly. This body comes into being by means of an annual election held by elected delegates representing the local Baha'i communities. The delegates are elected by all the adult declared believers of a community in which a Spiritual Assembly exists. The National Convention in which the delegates are gathered together is composed of an elective body based upon the principle of proportional representation. The total number of delegates is fixed by Shoghi Effendi for each country, and this number is fulfilled by assigning to each local community the number of delegates called for by its relative numerical strength. These National Con [p291] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 291 ventions are preferably held during the period of Ridvan, the twelve days begin-fling April 21, which commemorate the Declaration made by Baha'u'llah in the Garden of RiavAn near Baghdid. The recog Ñ nition of delegates is vested in the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly. A National Convention is an occasion for deepening one's understanding of Baha'i activities and of sharing reports of national and local activities for the period of the elapsed year. It has been the custom to hold a public Baha'i Congress in connection with the Convention. The function of a Baha'i delegate is limited to the duration of the National Convention and participation in the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly. While gathered together, the delegates are a consultative and advisory body whose recommendations are to be carefully considered by the members of the elected National Spiritual Assembly. Delegates unable to attend the Convention in person are permitted to vote for the new National Spiritual Assembly by mail. The relation of the National Spiritual Assembly to the local Spiritual Assemblies and to the body of the believers in the country is thus defined in the letters of the Guardian of the Cause: ~Regarding the establishment of National Assemblies, it is of vital importance that in every country, where the conditions are f a. vorable and the number of the friends has grown and reached a considerable size Ñ that a National Spiritual Assembly be incimedi-ately established, representative of the friends throughout that country. ccTts immediate purpose is to stimulate, unify and coordinate, by frequent personal consultations, the manifold activities of the friends as well as the local Assemblies; and by keeping in close and constant touch with the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct in general the affairs of the Cause in that country. "It serves also another purpose, no less essential than the first, as in the course of time it shall evolve into the National House of Justice (referred to in 'Abdu'l-Baha's Will as the tSecondary House of Justice') which according to the explicit text of the Testament will have, in conjunction with •the other National Assemblies throughout the Baha'i 'World, to elect directly the members of the International or Universal House of Justice, that Supreme Council that will guide, organize and unify the affairs of the Movement throughout the world. "This National Spiritual Assembly which, pending the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, will have to be reelected once a year, obviously assumes grave responsibilities for it has to exercise full authority over all the local Assemblies in its province, and will have to direct the activities of the friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, and control and supervise the affairs of the Movement in general. ctyital issues, affecting the interests of the Cause in that country, such as the matter of translation and publication, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar the teaching work, and other similar matters that stand distinct from strictly local affairs, must be under the full jurisdiction of the National Assembly. cdt will have to refer each of these questions, even as the local Assemblies, to a special committee, to be elected by the members of the National Spiritual Assembly from among all the friends in that country, which will bear to it the same relations as the local committees bear to their respective local Assemblies. "NVith it, too, rests the decision whether a certain point at issue is strictly local in its nature, and should be reserved for the consideration and decision of the local Assembly, or whether it should fall tinder its own province and be a matter which ought to receive its special attention. cdt is the bounden duty, in the interest of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the incoming National Assembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true sentiments of the assembled delegates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness from their midst, they should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates by whom they were elected, their plans, their hopes and their cares. They should familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will [p292] 292 THE BAHA'I WORLD have to be considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and weigh the opinions and judgments of the delegates. The newly elected National Assembly, during the few days when the Convention is in session, and after the dispersion of the delegates, should seek ways and means to cultivate understanding, facilitate and maintain the exchange of views, deepen confidence, and vindicate by every tangible evidence their one desire to serve and advance the common weal. ttThe National Spiritual Assembly, however, in view of the unavoidable limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent and longstanding sessions of the Convention, will have to retain in its hands the final decision on all matters that affect the interests of the Cause Ñ such as the right to decide whether any local Assembly is functioning in accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct and the advancement of the Cause. "The seating of delegates to the Convention (that is, the right to decide upon the validity of the credentials of the delegates at a given Convention), is vested in the outgoing National Assembly, and the right to decide who has the voting privilege is also ultimately placed in the hands of the National Spiritual Assembly, either when a local Spiritual Assembly is for the first time being formed in a given locality, or when differences arise between a new applicant and an already established local Assembly. "Were the National Spiritual Assembly to decide, after mature deliberation, to omit the holding of the Baha'i Convention and Congress in a given year, then they could, only in such a case, devise ways and means to insure that the annual election of the National Spiritual Assembly should be held by mail, provided it can be conducted with sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and dispatch. It would also appear to me unobjectionable to enable and even to require in the last resort such delegates as cannot possibly undertake the journey to the seat of the Baha'i Convention to send their votes, for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly oniy, by mail to the National Secretary.~~ Concerning the matter of drawing up the voting list to be used at the annual local Baha'i elections, the responsibility for this is placed upon each local Spiritual Assembly, and as a guidance in the matter the Guardian has written the following: "TO state very briefly and as adequately as present circumstances permit, the principal factors that must be taken into consideration before deciding whether a person may be regarded a true believer or not: Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author and the True Exemplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in 'Abdu'l-Baha's Will and Testament; unreserved acceptance of and submission to whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the presentday Baha'i administration Ñ these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision." 'Abdu'l-Baha's instructions provide for the further development of Baha organization through an International Spiritual Assembly to be elected by the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies. This international body has not yet come into existence, but its special character has been clearly defined: "And now, concerning the Assembly (Baytu'1-'Ad'1: that is, House of Justice) which God bath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. Its members must be manifestations of the fear of God, and daysprings of knowledge and understanding, must be steadfast in God's Faith, and the well-wish-ers of all mankind. By this Assembly is meant the Universal Assembly: that is, in each country a secondary Assembly must be instituted, and these secondary Assemblies must elect the members of the Universal one. CtUnto this body all things must be referred. It enacteth all ordinances and regulations that are not to be found in the explicit Holy Text. By this body all the difli-cult problems are to be resolved, and the Guardian of the Cause is its sacred head and the distinguished member, for life, of that body. Should he not attend in person its de [p293] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 293 liberations, he must appoint one to represent him. This assembly enacteth the laws and the executive enforceth them. The legislative body must reinforce the executive, the executive must aid and assist the legislative body, so that, through the close union and harmony of these two forces, the foundation of fairness and justice may become firm and strong, that all the regions of the world may become even as Paradise itself. "Unto the Most Holy Book everyone must turn, and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the Universal Assembly. That which this body, either unanimously or by a majority, doth carry, that is verily the truth and the purpose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that love discord, hath shown forth malice and turned away from the Lord of the Covenant." Even at the present time, the Baha'is in all parts of the world maintain an intimate and cordial association by means of regular correspondence and individual visits. This contact of members of different races, nationalities and religious traditions is con Ñ crete proof that the burden of prejudice and the historical factors of division can be entirely overcome through the spirit of oneness established by Baha'u'llah. The general student of religion will not fail to note four essential characteristics of Baha'i administration. The first is its completely successful reconciliation of the usually opposed claims of democratic freedom and unanswerable authority. The second is the entire absence from the Baha'i Cause of anything approaching the institution of a salaried professional clergy. The Baha'i con Ñ ception of religion is one which combines mysticism, which is a sacred personal experience, with practical morality, which is a useful contact between the individual and his fellow man. In the nature of things, some souis are more advanced than others, and the function of spiritual teaching is given special importance in the writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Baha'i teacher, however, has no authority over the individual conscience. The individual conscience must be subordinated to the decisions of a duly elected Spiritual Assembly, but this relationship is entirely different in character and results, from the relationship of an individual with minister or priest. The third characteristic is the absence of internal factionalism, that bane of all organized effort, and the sure sign of the presence of spiritual disease. The predominant spirit of unity which distinguishes the Baha'i Cause in its relation to the world, making its followers strive for reconciliation rather than partisan victory, creates an internal condition, unlike that which exists in movements which accept partisan victory, in one or another form, as their very reason for being. Such movements can but disintegrate from within; the Baha'i Order can but grow. Significant also is the fourth characteristic, namely, that the Baha'i Cause has within it an inherent necessity operating siowiy but surely to bring its administration into the hands of those truly fitted for the nature of the work. The Lesser vision gives way invariably for the larger vision, itself replaced by the still larger vision in due time. The result is an inevitable improvement in the qualities placed at the service of the Cause, until the highest attributes of humanity will be enrolled. In the Baha Cause we are actually witnessing the fulfillment of the strange and cryptic saying, "The meek shall inherit the earth." That the administrative machinery is not an end in itself but merely the means to spread everywhere the light of faith and brotherhood, is frequently expressed by the Guardian in his general letters, and this brief survey may well close with one of those passages: rrNot by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching Ñ no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character Ñ not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and skeptical age the sufrreine claim of the Abhd Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah." [p294] 294 THE BAHA'I WORLD A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada INTRODUCTION A PERUSAL of some of the words of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha on the duties and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in every land (later to be designated as the local Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of their activity, and the grave responsibility which rests upon them." Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI, March 5, 1922. "The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counselors to the number of Baha. It behooveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus bath the Lord your God commanded you. Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, 0 ye that perceive." Ñ BAHA' U'LLAH. ttlt is incumbent upon every one not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soui its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently and after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause. ~tTh prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrance, humility and lowliness-amongst His loved ones, patience and longsuffering in diflicul-ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of Bah& shall be vouchsafed to them.. In this day, Assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should any one oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth corneth forth only after the clash of differing opinions. If, after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise a majority of voices must prevail. "The first condition is absolute iove and harmony amongst the members of the Assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be nonexistent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that Assembly be brought to naught. The second condition: They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honored members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must obey and [p295] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 295 submit to the majority. It is again not permitted that any one of the honored members object to or censure, whether in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not right, for such criticism would prevent any decision from being enforced. In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with iove and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness. If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to cooiness and alienation that proceed from the Evil One. Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters that pertain to the training of souis, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the teip of the feeble throughout all classes in the world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the exaltation of His Holy Word. Should they endeavor to fulfill these conditions the grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and that Assembly shall become the center of the Divine blessings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall come to their aid and they shall day by day receive a new effusion of Spirit." Ñ 'ABDU'L-BAHA. ttThe importance, nay the absolute necessity, of these Local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into the local House of Justice, and at present provide the firm foundation on which the structure of the Master's Will is to be reared in the future. "In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and promptness, it is necessary that every one (that is, every member of the Baha'i community) should conscientiously take an active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their decision, enforce their decree, and cooperate with them wholeheartedly in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all regions. The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness of the Baha'i community and promote the common weal." Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI, March 12, 1923. CCLet us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurance that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness." Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI, February 23, 1924. I. FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY The various functions of the local Spiritual Assembly, and its nature as a constitutional body, are duly set forth in Article VII of the ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly, and are more definitely defined in the ByLaws of a local Spiritual Assembly approved by the National Spiritual Assembly and recommended by the Guardian. Each local Spiritual Assembly, and all members of the local Baha'i community, shall be guided and controlled by the provisions of those ByLaws. II. MEETINGS OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY In addition to its observance of the general functions vested in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly has need of a procedure for the conduct of its meetings. The following items represent the outline of the parliamentary rules of procedure which the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted and recommends to each and every local Spiritual Assembly throughout the United States and Canada. Calling of Meetings A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is valid only when it has been duly called, that is, when each and every member has been informed of the time and place. The general practice is for the Assembly to decide upon some regular time and place for its meetings throughout the Baha'i year, and this decision when recorded in the minutes [p296] 296 THE BAHA'I WORLD is sufficient notice to the members. When the regular schedule cannot be followed, or the need arises for a special meeting, the secretary, on request by the chairman or any three members of the Spiritual Assembly, should send due notice to all the members. Order of Business Roll call by the Secretary (or Recording Secretary). Prayer. Reading and approval of minutes of previous meetings. Report of Secretary (or Corresponding Secretary), including presentation of letters received by the Assembly since its last meeting, and of any and all recommendations duly adopted by the community at the last Nineteen Day Feast. Report of Treasurer. Report of Committees. Unfinished business. New business, including conferences with members of the community and with applicants for enrollment as members of the community. Closing Prayer. Conduct of Business A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its threefold function of a body given (within the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive, a legislative and a judicial capacity, is charged with responsibility for initiating action and making decisions. Its meetings, therefore, revolve around various definite matters which require deliberation and coi-lective decision, and it is incumbent upon the members, one and all, to address themselves to the subject under discussion and not engage in general speeches of an irrelevant character. Every subject or problem before an Assembly is most efficiently handled when the following process is observed: first, ascertainment and agreement upon the facts; second, agreement upon the spiritual or administrative Teachings which the question involves; third, full and frank discussion of the matter, leading up to the offering of a resolution; and fourth, voting upon the resolution. A resolution, or motion, is not subject to discussion or vote until duly made and seconded. It is preferable to have each resolution clear and complete in itself, but when an amendment is duly made and seconded, the chairman shall call for a vote on the amendment first and then on the original motion. An amendment must be relevant to, and not contravene, the subject matter of the motion. The chairman, or other presiding officer, has the same power and responsibility for discussion and voting upon motions as other members of the Assembly. Discussion of any matter before the Assembly may be terminated by a motion duly made, seconded and voted calling upon the chairman to put the matter to a vote or to proceed to the next matter on the agenda. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent any member or members from prolonging the discussion beyond the point at which full opportunity has been given all members to express their views. When the Assembly has taken action upon any matter, the action is binding upon all members, whether present or absent from the meeting at which the action was taken. Individual views and opinions must be subordinated to the will of the Assembly when a decision has been made. A Spiritual Assembly is an administrative unit, as it is a spiritual unit, and therefore no distinction between '~majority" and ccminority~~ groups or factions can be recognized. Each member must give undivided loyalty to the institution to which he or she has been elected. Any action taken by the Assembly can be reconsidered at a later meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and carried. This reconsideration, according to the result of the consultation, may lead to a revision or the annulment of the prior action. If a majority is unwilling to reconsider the prior action, further discussion of the matter by any member is improper. The Assembly has a responsibility in filling a vacancy caused by the inability of any member to attend the meetings. "It is only too obvious that unless a member can attend regularly the meetings of his local Assembly, it would be impossible for him to discharge the duties incumbent upon him, and to ful [p297] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 297 fill his responsibilities as a representative of the community. Membership in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, indeed, the obligation and capacity to remain in close touch with local Baha'i activities, and ability to attend regularly the sessions of the Assembly." Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI, January 27, 1935. The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent body, is responsible for maintaining all its records, including minutes of meetings, correspondence and I4nancial records, throughout its existence as a Rah4'i institution. Each officer, therefore, on completing his or her term of office, shall turn over to the Assembly all records pertaining to the business of the Assembly. III. CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY A. The institution of the Nineteen Day Feast provides the recognized and regular occasion for general consultation on the part of the community, and for consultation between the Spiritual Assembly and the members of the community. The conduct of the period of consultation at Nineteen Day Feasts is a vital function of each Spiritual Assembly. From Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, "The Nineteen Day Fast was inaugurated by the Bib and ratified by Baha'u'llah, in His Holy Book, the tAqdas,' so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed. The object is concord, that through this fellowship hearts may become perfectly united, and reciprocity and mutual helpfulness be established. Because the members of the world of humanity are unable to exist without being banded together, cooperation and helpfulness is the basis of human society. Without the realization of these two great principles no great movement is pressed forward." London, England, December 29, 1912. (Quoted in BAHA'I NEWS No. 33.) The Nineteen Day Feast has been described by the Guardian as the foundation of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. It is to be conducted according to the following program: the first part, entirely spiritual in character, is devoted to readings from Baha'i Sacred Writings; the second part consists of general consultation on the affairs of the Cause. The third part is the material feast and social meeting of all the believers, and should maintain the spiritual nature of the Feast. Baha'is should regard this Feast as the very heart of their spiritual activity, their participation in the mystery of the Holy Utterance, their steadfast unity one with another in a universality raised high above the limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, and personality, and their privilege of contributing to the power of the Cause in the realm of collective action. March21 April 9 April 28 May 17 June 5 June 24 Calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast November 23 December 12 December 31 January 19 February 7 March 2 July 13 August 1 August 20 September 8 September 27 October 16 November 4 The Spiritual Assembly is responsible for the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If the Baha'i calendar for some adequate reason cannot be observed, the Assembly may arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest possible date. Only members of the Baha'i community, and visiting Baha'is from other communities, may attend these meetings, but young people of less than twenty-one years of age, who have studied the Teachings and declared their intention of joining the community on reaching the age of twenty-one, may also attend. Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day Feast is incumbent upon every Baha'i, illness or absence from the city being the oniy justification for absence. Believers are expected to arrange their personal affairs so as to enable them to observe the Baha'i calendar. Order of Business for the Consultation Period The chairman or other appointed representative of the Spiritual Assembly presides during the period of consultation. [p298] 298 THE BAHA'I WORLD The Spiritual Assembly reports to the community whatever communications have been received from the Guardian and the National Spiritual Assembly, and provides opportunity for general discussion. The Assembly likewise reports its own activities and plans, including committee appointments that may have been made since the last Feast, the financial report, arrangements made for public meetings, and in general share with the community all matters that concern the Faith. These reports are to be followed by general consultation. A matter of vital importance at this meeting is consideration of national and international Baha'i affairs, to strengthen the capacity of the community to cooperate in promotion of the larger Baha interests and to deepen the understanding of all believers concerning the relation of the local community to the Baha'i World Community. Individual Baha'is are to find in the Nineteen Day Feast the channel through which to make suggestions and recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly. These recommendations are offered first to the local community, and when adopted by the community come before the local Assembly, which then may in its discretion forward the recommendation to the National Spiritual Assembly accompanied by its own considered view. Provision is to be made for reports from committees, with discussion of each report. Finally, the meeting is to be open for suggestions and recommendations from individual believers on any matter affecting the Cause. The local Baha'i community may adopt by majority vote any resolution which it wishes collectively to record as its advice and recommendation to the Spiritual Assembly. Upon each member of the community lies the obligation to make his or her utmost contribution to the consultation, the ideal being a gathering of Baha'is inspired with one spirit and concentrating upon the one aim to further the interests of the Faith. The Secretary of the Assembly records each resolution adopted by the community, as well as the various suggestions advanced during the meeting, in order to report these to the Spiritual Assembly for its consideration. Whatever action the Assembly takes is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day Feast. Matters of a personal nature should be brought before the Spiritual Assembly and not to the community at the Nineteen Day Feast. Concerning the attitude with which believers should come to these Feasts, the Master has said, CCYOU must free yourselves from everything that is in your hearts, before you enter." (Baha'i News Letter of the N. S. A. of Germany and Austria, December, 1934.) B. The Annual Meeting on April 21, called for the election of the Spiritual Assembly, provides the occasion for the presentation of annual reports by the Assembly and by all its Committees. The chairman of the outgoing Assembly presides at this meeting. The order of business includes: Reading of the call of the meeting, reading of appropriate Baha'i passages bearing upon the subject of the election, appointment of tellers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the spiritual guidance of the voters, the election, presentation of annual reports, tellers' report of the election, approval of the tellers' report. C. The Annual Meeting for the election of Convention delegate (or delegates) is likewise presided over by the Assembly chairman, and except for the annual reports the order of business is similar to that observed at the meeting held each April 21. It is preferable for the Spiritual Assembly to arrange a special meeting for the election of delegates, and not to hold this election during the consultation period of a Nineteen Day Feast. D. In addition to these occasions for general consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is to give consultation to individual believers whenever requested. During such consultation with individual believers, the Assembly should observe the following principles: the impartiality of each of its members with respect to all matters under discussion; the freedom of the individual Baha'i to express his views, feelings and recommendations on any matter affect-kg the interests of the Cause, the confiden [p299] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 299 tial character of this consultation, and the principle that the Spiritual Assembly does not adopt any resolution or make any final decision, until the party or parties have withdrawn from the meeting. Appeals from decisions of a local Spiritual Assembly are provided for in the ByLaws and the procedure fully described in a statement published in BAHA'I NEWS, February, 1933. When confronted with evidences of unhappiness, whether directed against the Assembly or against members of the community, the Spiritual Assembly should realize that its relationship to the believers is not merely that of a formal constitutional body but also that of a spiritual institution called upon to manifest the attributes of courtesy, patience and loving insight. Many conditions are not to be remedied by the exercise of power and authority but rather by a sympathetic understanding of the sources of the difficulty in the hearts of the friends. As 'Abdu'l-Baha has explained, some of the people are children and must be trained, some are ignorant and must be educated, some are sick and must be healed. Where, however, the problem is not of this order but represents flagrant disobedience and disloyalty to the Cause itself, in that case the Assembly should consult with the National Spiritual Assembly concerning the necessity for disciplinary action. Members of the Baha'i community, for their part, should do their utmost by prayer and meditation to remain always in a positive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing in mind the Tablets which call upon Baha'is to serve the world of humanity and not waste their precious energies in negative complaints. IV. BAHAI ANNIVERSARIES, FESTIVALS AND DAYS OF FASTING The Spiritual Assembly, among its various duties and responsibilities, will provide for the general observance by the local community of the following Holy Days: Feast of Ridvan (Declaration of Baha'u'llah) April 21-May 2, 1863. Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844. Ascension of Baha'u'llah, May 29, 1892. Martyrdom of the Mb, July 9, 1850. Birth of the Bab, October 20, 1819. Birth of Baha'u'llah, November 12, 1817. Day of the Covenant, November 26. Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha, November 28, 1921. Period of the Fast, nineteen days begin-fling March 2. Feast of Nawruz (Baha New Year), March 21. THE ANNUAL BAHA'! CONVENTION A Statement by the National Sfritual Assembly (Approved by the Guardian) DESPITE the repeated explanations given by the Guardian on this subject, there seems to exist each year, prior to and also during the Convention period, some misunderstanding as to the nature of the Annual Meeting. In order to establish a definite standard of Convention procedure, the following statement has been approved and adopted, and in accordance with the vote taken by the National Assembly, a copy of the statement is placed in the hands of the presiding officer of the Convention to control the Convention procedure, after being read to the delegates by the officer of the National Spiritual Assembly by whom the Convention is convened.' "The delegates present at this Annual Baha'i Convention are called upon to render a unique, a vital service to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Their collective functions and responsibilities are not a matter of arbitrary opinion, but have been clearly described by the Guardian of the Cause. If civil governments have found it necessary to adopt the doctrine that tignorance of the law is no excuse,' how much more essential it is for Baha'is, individually and collectively, to base their responsible actions upon thorough corn-This This reference to "being read to the delegates" was in connection with the 1934 Convention only. The statement is here published for the general information of the believers. [p300] 300 THE BAHA'I WORLD prehension of the fundamental principles which underlie that Administrative Order which in its maturity is destined to become the World Order of Baha'u'llah. (!Cidbl confusion would have been avoided at Conventions held during the past three years had the delegates, and all members of the National Spiritual Assembly itself, given sufficient consideration to the fact that BAHA'I NEWS of February, 1930, contained an explanation of the Annual Convention which had been prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, submitted to Shoghi Effendi, and definitely approved by him. It is because this statement of four years ago has gone unnoticed that successive Conventions, acting upon some matters as a law unto themselves, have inadvertently contravened the Guardian's clear instructions. ~tThe National Spiritual Assembly now calls attention to two specific portions of the 1930 statement approved by the Guardian which have been neglected in subsequent Conventions: first, the ruling that non-dele-gates do not possess the right to participate in Convention proceedings; and, second, that the time of the election of members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be fixed in the Agenda at such a time as to allow the outgoing Assembly full time to report to the delegates, and to allow the incoming Assembly to have full consultation with the assembled delegates. It is surely evident that a procedure or principle of action once authorized by the Guardian is not subject to alteration by any Baha'i body or individual believer to whom the procedure directly applies. "In order to remove other sources of misunderstanding, the National Spiritual Assembly now feels it advisable to point out that the Guardian's letters on the subject of the Convention, received and published in BAHA'I NEWS this year,1 do not, as some believers seem to feel, organically change the character and function of the Annual Meeting, but reaffirm and strengthen instructions and explanations previously given. In the light of all the Guardian's references to this subject, compiled and published by the National Spiritual Assembly in BAHA' NEWS of November, 1933 and February, 1934, the following brief summary has been prepared and is now issued with the sole purpose of contributing to the spiritual unity of the chosen delegates here present: Ñ ~ The Annual Baha'i Convention has two unique functions to fulfill, discussion of current Baha'i matters and the election of the National Spiritual Assembly. The discussion should be free and untrammeled, the election carried on in that spirit of prayer and meditation in which alone every delegate can render obedience to the Guardian s expressed wish. After the Convention is convened by the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and after the roll call is read by the Secretary of the Assembly, the Convention proceeds to the election of its chairman and secretary by secret ballot and without advance nomination, according to the standard set for all Baha'i elections. "2. Non-delegates may not participate in Convention discussion. All members of the National Spiritual Assembly may participate in the discussion, but oniy those members who have been elected delegates may vote on any matter brought up for vote during the proceedings. tt3• The outgoing National Spiritual Assembly is responsible for rendering reports of its own activities and of those carried on by its committees during the past year. The annual election is to be held at a point midway during the Convention sessions, so that the incoming Assembly may consult with the delegates. "4. The Convention is free to discuss any Baha'i matter, in addition to those treated in the annual reports. The Convention is responsible for making its own rules of procedure controlling discussion; for example, concerning any limitations the delegates may find it necessary to impose upon the time allotted to or claimed by any one delegate. The National Assembly will maintain the rights of the delegates to confer freely and fully, free from any restricted pressure, in the exercise of their function. ~ The Convention as an organic body is limited to the actual Convention period. It has no function to discharge after the 1February. 1934. [p301] 301 THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH close of the sessions except that of electing a member or members to fill any vacancy that might arise in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly during the year. "6 The Convention while in session has no independent legislative, executive or judicial function. Aside from its action in electing the National Spiritual Assembly, its discussions do not represent actions but recommendations which shall, according to the Guardian's instructions, be given conscientious consideration by the National Assembly. tt7 The National Spiritual Assembly is the supreme Baha'i administrative body within the American Baha'i community, and its jurisdiction continues without interruption during the Convention period as during the remainder of the year, and independently of the individuals composing its membership. Any matter requiring action of legislative, executive or judicial nature, whether arising during the Convention period or at any other time, is to be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly is responsible for upholding the administrative principles applying to the holding of the Annual Convention as it is for upholding all other administrative principles. If, therefore, fore, a Convention departs from the principles laid down for Conventions by the Guardian, and exceeds the limitations of function conferred upon it, in that case, and in that case alone, the National Spiritual Assembly can and must intervene. It is the National Spiritual Assembly, and not the Convention, which is authorized to decide when and why such intervention is required. tt8. The National Spiritual Assembly feels that it owes a real duty to the delegates, and to the entire body of believers, in presenting any and all facts that may be required in order to clarify matters discussed at the Convention. There can be no true Baha'i consultation at this important meeting if any incomplete or erroneous view should prevail. tC9• The National Assembly in adopting and issuing this statement does so in the sincere effort to assure the constitutional freedom of the Convention to fulfill its high mission. The path of true freedom lies in knowing and obeying the general principles given to all Baha'is for the proper conduct of their collective affairs. 'While the entire world plunges forward to destruction, it is the responsibility of the National Spiritual Assembly to uphold that Order on which peace and security solely depends." THE NONPOLITICAL CHARACTER OF THE BAHA'I FAITH A Statement Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in Response to the Request for Clarification of the Subject Voiced by the 1933 Annual Convention It is the view of the National Spiritual Assembly that the Guardian's references to the nonpolitical character of the Baha'i Faith, when studied as a whole, are so clear that they can be fully grasped by all believers and rightly applied by all Local Spiritual Assemblies to any problems they may encounter. Should special circumstances arise, however, the National Assembly will make every effort to assist any Local Assembly to arrive at fuller understanding of this important subject. The first reference to consider is taken from the letter written by Shoghi Effendi on March 21, 1932, published under the title of "The Golden Age of the Cause of Baha'u'llah." ~ feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, now that the time is ripe, the importance of an instruction which, at the present stage of the evolution of our Faith, should be increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its application to the East or to the West. And this principle is no other than that which involves the nonparticipation by the adherents of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, whether in their individual capacities or coi-lectively as local or national Assemblies, in any form of activity that might be interpreted, either directly or indirectly, as an [p302] 302 THE BAHA'I WORLD interference in the political affairs of any par. ticular government. "Let them refrain from associating themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective na-dons, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions. In such controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that worldwide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster. Let them beware lest they allow themselves to become the tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be entrapped by the treacherous devices of the plotters and the perfidious among their countrymen. Let them so shape their lives and regulate their conduct that no charge of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimidation may, however ill-founded, be brought against them. It is their duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as they possibly can, and if needed with the aid of their elected representatives, such posts and functions as are either diplomatic or political, from those that are purely administrative in character, and which under no circumstances are affected by the changes and chances that political activities and party government, in every land, must necessarily involve. Let them affirm their unyielding determination to stand, firmly and unreservedly, for the way of Baha'u'llah, to avoid the entanglements and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician, and to become worthy agencies of that Divine Polity which incarnates God's immutable Purpose for all men. ttLet them proclaim that in whatever country they reside, and however advanced their institutions, or profound their desire to enforce the laws and apply the principles enunciated by Baha'u'llah, they will, unhesi Ñ tatingly, subordinate the operation of such laws and the application of such principles to the requirements and legal enactments of their respective governments. Theirs is not the purpose, while endeavoring to conduct and perfect the administrative affairs of their Faith, to violate, under any circumstances, the provisions of their country's constitution, much less to allow the machinery of their administration to supersede the government of their respective coun. tries." This instruction raised the question whether believers should vote in any pub. lic election. A Tablet revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha to Mr. Thornton Chase was sent to the Guardian, and the following reply was received, dated January 26, 1933: "The Guardian fully recognizes the authenticity and controlling influence of this instruction from 'Abdu'l-Baha upon the question. He, however, feels under the responsibility of stating that the attitude taken by the Master (that is, that American citizens are in duty bound to vote in public elections) implies certain reservations. He, therefore, lays it upon the individual conscience to see that in following the Master's instructions no Baha'i vote for an officer nor Baha'i participation in the affairs of the Republic shall involve acceptance by that individual of a program or policy that contravenes any vital principle, spiritual or social, of the Faith." The Guardian added to this letter the following postscript: ~cJ feel it incumbent upon me to clarify the above statement, written in my behalf, by stating that no vote cast, or office undertaken, by a Baha'i should necessarily constitute acceptance, by the voter or office holder, of the entire program of any political party. No Baha'i can be regarded as either a Republican or Democrat, as such. He is, above all else, the supporter of the principles enunciated by Baha'u'llah, with which, I am firmly convinced, the program of no politi.-cal party is completely harmonious.~~ in a letter dated March 16, 1933, the Guardian sent these further details: (CAS regards the nonpolitical character of the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels that there is no contradiction whatsoever between the Tablet (to Thornton Chase, referred to above) and the reservations to which he has referred. The Master surely never desired the friends to use their influence towards the realization and promotion of policies contrary to any of the principles of the Faith. The friends may vote, if they can do it, without identifying themselves with one party or another. To enter the arena of party politics is surely detrimental to the best interests of the Faith and will [p303] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 303 harm the Cause. It remains for the individuals to so use their right to vote as to keep aloof from party politics, and always bear in mind that they are voting on the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another. The matter must be made perfectly clear to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise their discretion and judgment. But if a certain person does enter into party politics and labors for the ascendancy of one party over another, and continues to do it against the expressed appeals, and warnings of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the right to refuse him the right to vote in Baha'i elections." CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAHA'1 RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS The instruction written by Shoghi Effendi concerning membership in non-Bahi'i religious organizations, published in the July, 1935, number of BAHA'I Nrws, has brought forth some interesting and important corn-munications from local Spiritual Assemblies and also from individual believers, to all of which the National Spiritual Assembly has given careful and sympathetic attention. The National Assembly itself, on receiving that instruction, made it the subject of extensive consultation, feeling exceedingly responsible for its own understanding of the Guardian's words and anxious to contribute to the understanding of the friends. In October, 1935, the Assembly sent in reply to some of these communications a general letter embodying its thoughts on the subject, and a copy of that letter was forwarded to Shoghi Effendi for his approval and comment. His references to its contents, made in letters addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly on November 29 and December 11, 1935, are appended to this statement. Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has been received, the National Assembly feels it desirable to publish, for the information •of all the American believers, the substance of the October letter. While so fundamental an instruction is bound to raise different questions corresponding to the different conditions existing throughout the Baha'i community, the most important consideration is our collective need to grasp the essential principle underlying the new instruction, and our capacity to perceive that the position which the Guardian wishes us to take in regard to church membership is a necessary and inevitable result of the steady development of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. This essential principle is made clear when we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further reference to the subject as published in BANAl NEWS for October, 193 5 Ñ words written by the Guardian's own hand. In the Light of these words, it seems fully evident that the way to approach this instruction is in realizing the Faith of Baha'u'llah as an ever-growing organism destined to become something new and greater than any of the revealed religions of the past. Whereas former Faiths inspired hearts and illumined souis, they eventuated in formal religions with an ecclesiastical organization, creeds, rituals and churches, while the Faith of Baha'u'llah, likewise renewing man's spiritual life, will gradually produce the institutions of an ordered society, fulfilling not merely the function of the churches of the past but also the function of the civil state. By this manifestation of the Divine Will in a higher degree than in former ages, humanity will emerge from that immature civilization in which church and state are separate and competitive institutions, and partake of a true civilization in which spiritual and social principles are at last reconciled as two aspects of one and the same Truth. No Baha'i can read the successive World Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi without perceiving that the Guardian, for many years, has been preparing us to understand and appreciate this fundamental purpose and mission of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. Even when the Master ascended, we were [p304] 304 THE BAHA'I WORLD for the most part still considering the Baha'i Faith as though it were oniy the "return of Christ" and failing to perceive the entirely new and larger elements latent in the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. Thus, in the very first of the World Order letters, written February 27th, 1929, Shoghi Effendi said: ttWho, I may ask, when viewing the international character of the Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the in.-creasing complexity of its affairs, the diversity of its adherents, and the state of confusion that assails on every side the in-f ant Faith of God, can for a moment question the necessity of some sort of administrative machinery that will insure, amid the storm and stress of a struggling civilization, the unity of the Faith, the preservation of its identity, and the protection of its interests?" Although for five years the Guardian had been setting forth the principles of Baha'i Administration in frequent letters, in 1927 he apparently felt it necessary to overcome some doubts here and there as to the validity of the institutions the Master bequeathed to the Baha'is in His Will and Testament. The series of World Order letters, however, goes far beyond the point of defending and explaining their validity as an essential element in the Faith of ,Baha'u'llah Ñ the Guardian vastly extended the horizon of our understanding by making it clear that the Administrative Order, in its full development, is to be the social structure of the future civilization. Thus, in that same letter quoted above, he wrote: "Not only will the presentday Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in future, but will be enabled also to add to their present functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the recognition of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, not merely as one of the recognized religious systems of the world, but as the State Religion of an independent and Sovereign Power. And as the Baha Faith permeates the masses of the peoples of East and 'West, and its truth is embraced by the majority of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign States of the world, will the Universal House of Justice attain the plenitude of its power, and exercise, as the supreme organ of the Baha'i Commonwealth, all the rights, the duties, and responsibilities incumbent upon the world's future super-state." This passage stands as the keystone in the noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has raised in his function as interpreter of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. The Master developed the Cause to the point where this social Teaching, always existent in the Tablets of Baha'u'llah, could be explained to the believers and given its due significance as the fulfillment of Baha'i evolution. As the Guardian expressed it: ctThat Divine Chili. zation, the establishment of which is the primary mission of the Baha Faith." (World Order of Baha'u'llah, pp. 34.) For us these words mean that a Baha'i is not merely a member of a revealed Religion, he is also a citizen in a World Order even though that Order today is still in its infancy and still obscured by the shadows thrown by the institutions, habits and attitudes derived from the past. But since the aim and end has been made known, our devotion and loyalty must surely express itself, not in clinging to views and thoughts emanating from the past, but in pressing forward in response to the needs of the new creation. That true devotion, which consists in conscious knowledge of the "primary mission," and unified action to assist in bringing about its complete triumph, recognizes that a Baha'i today must have singleness of mind as of aim, without the division arising when we stand with one foot in the Cause and one foot in the world, attempting to reconcile diverse elements which the Manifestation of God Himself has declared to be irreconcilable. The principle underlying the Guardian's instruction about membership in non-BabS'i religious bodies has already been emphasized by Shoghi Effendi in another connection Ñ the instruction about the nonpolitical character of the Faith which he incorporated in his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the Cause of Baha'u'llah." For example: "I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, now that the time is ripe, the importance of an instruction which, at the present stage of the evolution of our Faith, should be increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its [p305] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 305 application to the East or to the West. And this principle is no other than that which involves the nonparticipation by the adherents of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, whether in their individual capacities or collectively as local or national Assemblies, in any form of activity that might be interpreted, either directly or indirectly, as an interference in the political affairs of any particular government." Again, when the question was raised as to membership in certain non-Bah4'i organizations not directly religious or political in character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding association with the World Fellowship of Faiths and kindred Societies, Shoghi Effendi wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general principle that Baha'i elected representatives as well as individuals should refrain from any act or word that would imply a departure from the principles, whether spiritual, social or administrative, established by Baha'u'llah. Formal affiliation with and acceptance of membership in organizations whose programs or policies are not wholly reconcilable with the Techings is of course out of the question." (BAHA'I NEWS, August, 1933.) Thus, not once but repeatedly the Guardian has upheld the vital principle underlying every type of relationship between Baha'is and other organizations, namely, that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is an ever-growing organism, and as we begin to realize its universality our responsibility is definitely established to cherish and defend that universality from all compromise, all admixture with worldly elements, whether emanating from our own habits rooted in the past or from the deliberate attacks imposed by enemies from without. It will be noted that in the instruction published in July, 1935, BAHA'I NEWS, the Guardian made it clear that the principle involved is not new and unexpected, but rather an application of an established principle to a new condition. "Concerning membership in non-BaM'i religious associations, the Guardian wishes to reemphasize the general principle already laid down in his communications to your Assembly and also to the individual believers that no Baha'i who wishes to be a wholehearted and sincere cere upholder of the distinguishing principles of the Cause can accept f till membership in any non-BaM'i ecclesiastical organization. For it is oniy too obvious that in most of its fundamental assumptions the Cause of Baha'u'llah is completely at variance with outworn creeds, ceremonies and institutions. During the days of the Master the Cause was still in a stage that made such an open and sharp dissociation between it and other religious organizations, and particularly the Muslim Faith, not oniy inadvisable but practically impossible to establish. But since His passing events throughout the Baha'i world, and particularly in Egypt where the Muslim religious courts have formally testified to the independent character of the Faith, have developed to a point that has made such an assertion of the independence of the Cause not oniy highly desirable but absolutely essential." To turn now to the Guardian's words published in October BAHA'I NEWS: "The separation that has set in between the institutions of the Baha'i Faith and the IslAmic ecclesiastical organizations that oppose it imposes upon every loyal upholder of the Cause the obligation of refraining from any word or action that might prejudice the position which out enemies have of their own accord proclaimed and established. This historic development, the beginnings of which could neither be recognized nor even anticipated in the years immediately preceding 'Abdu'l-Baha's passing, may be said to have signalized the Formative Period of our Faith and to have paved the way for the consolidation of its administrative order. Though our Cause unreservedly recognizes the Divine origin of all the religions that preceded it and upholds the spiritual truths which lie at their very core and are common to them all, its institutions, whether administrative, religious or humanitarian, must, if their distinctive character is to be maintained and recognized, be increasingly divorced from the outworn creeds, the meaningless ceremonials and manmade institutions with which these religions are at present identified. Our adversaries in the East have initiated the struggle. Our future opponents in the West will, [p306] 306 THE BAHA'I WORLD in their turn, arise and carry it a stage further. Ours is the duty, in anticipation of this inevitable contest, to uphold unequivocally and with undivided loyalty the integrity of our Faith and demonstrate the distinguishing features of its divinely appointed institutions." Nothing could be clearer or more emphatic. These words, asserting again the essential universality of the Cause, likewise repeat and renew the warning that the organized religions, even in America, will be. come bitterly hostile to the Faith of Baha'u'llah, denounce and oppose it, and seek its destruction in vain effort to maintain their own "outworn creeds" and material power. Informed of this inevitable development, can a Baha'i any longer desire to retain a connection which, however liberal and pleasing it now seems, is a connection with a potential foe of the Cause of God? The Guardian's instruction signifies that the time has come when all American believers must become fully conscious of the implications of such connections, and carry out their loyalty to its logical conclusion. Shoghi Effendi's latest words are not merely an approval of the foregoing statement, but a most helpful elucidation of some of the problems which arise when the friends turn to their local Assemblies for specific advice under various special circumstances. "The explanatory statement in connec-don with membership in non-Bah6N religious organizations is admirably conceived, convincing and in full conformity with the principles underlying and implied in the unfolding world order of Baha'u'llah." (November 29, 1933.) t~The Guardian has carefully read the copy of the statement you had recently prepared concerning non-membership in non-Bah~'i religious organizations, and is pleased to realize that your comments and explanations are in full conformity with his views on the subject. He hopes that your letter will serve to clarify this issue in the minds of all the believers, and to further convince them of its vital character and importance in the present stage of the evolution of the Cause. In this case,1 as also in that of suf fering believers, the Assemblies, whether local or national, should act tactfully, patiently and in a friendly and kindly spirit. Knowing how painful and dangerous it is for such believers to repudiate their former allegiances and friendships, they should try to gradually persuade them of the wisdom and necessity of such an action, and instead of thrusting upon them a new principle, to make them accept it inwardly, and out of pure conviction and desire. Too severe and immediate action in such cases is not only fruitless but actually harmful. It alienates people instead of winning them to the Cause. ccTh other point concerns the advisability of contributing to a church. In this case also the friends must realize that contributions to a church, especially when not regular, do not necessarily entail affiliation. The believers can make such offerings, occasionally, and provided they are certain that while doing so they are not connected as members of any church. There should be no confusion between the terms affiliation and association. 'While affiliation with ecclesiastical organizations is not permissible, association with them should not only be tolerated but even encouraged. There is no better way to demonstrate the universality of the Cause than this. Baha'u'llah, indeed, urges His followers to consort with all religions and nations with utmost friendliness and iove. This constitutes the very spirit of His message to mankind." (December 11, 1935.) The National Spiritual Assembly trusts that the subject will receive the attention of local Assemblies and communities, and that in the light of the foregoing explanations the friends will find unity and agreement in applying the instruction to whatever situations may arise. In teaching new believers let us lay a proper foundation so that their obedience will be voluntary and assured from the beginning of their enrollment as Baha'is. In our attitude toward the older believers who are affected by the instruction let us act with the patience and kindliness the Guardian has urged. 1 A special case involving an aged believer, afflicted with illness, for whom severance of church relations might have been too great a shock. [p307] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 307 BAHA'IS AND WAR A Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly' One of the chief responsibilities of Baha'is in this transitional era is to grasp the principle upon which rests their loyalty to the Faith of Baha'u'llah in relation to their duty toward their civil government. This problem arises in its most difficult form in connection with our individual and collective attitude toward war. Nothing could be more powerful than the Baha'i teachings on the subject of peace. Not only does Baha'u'llah confirm the teachings of all former Manifestations which uphold amity and fellowship between individual human beings, and the supremacy of love as the end and aim of mutual intercourse and association, but He likewise extends the divine law of peace to governments and rulers, declaring to them that they are called upon to establish peace and justice upon earth, and uproot forever the dire calamity of international war. Despite His Revelation, a most agonizing and excruciating conflict raged in Europe for four years, and since that war many other wars and revolutions have dyed the earth, while at present the heaven of human hope is black with the approach of a final world-shaking catastrophe. What wonder that faithful Baha'is, abhorring and detesting war as insane repudiation of divine law, as destroyer of life and ruin of civilization, should now, in these fateful days, ponder how they may save their loved ones from the calamity of the battlefield, and how they may contribute their utmost to any and every effort aimed at the attainment of universal peace? Conscious of these heart-stirrings, and mindful of its responsibility toward all Aiterican believers, and particularly that radiant youth which would first of all be sacrificed in the event of a declaration of war by the government, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to express its view upon the matter, in the hope that the result of its study of the Teachings and of the Guardian s explanations will assist in bringing a unity of opinion and a clarification of thought among the friends. Concerning the duty of Baha'is to their government, we have these words, written by Shoghi Effendi on January 1, 1929 (see ttBah4'i Administration," page 152): "To all these (that is, restrictive measures of the Soviet r6gime) the followers of the Faith of Baha'u'llah have with feelings of burning agony and heroic fortitude unanimously and unreservedly submitted, ever mindful of the guiding principle of Baha'i conduct that in connection with their administrative activities, no matter how grievously interference with them might affect the course of the extension of the Movement, and the suspension of which does not constitute in itself a departure from the principle of loyalty to their Faith, the considered judgment and authoritative decrees issued by their responsible rulers must, if they be faithful to Baha'u'llah's and 'Abdu'l-Baha's express injunctions, be thoroughly respected and ioy-ally obeyed. In matters, however, that vitally affect the integrity and honor of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, and are tantamount to a recantation of their faith and repudiation of their innermost belief, they are convinced, and are unhesitatingly prepared to vindicate by their lifeblood the sincerity of their conviction, that no power on earth, neither the arts of the most insidious adversary nor the bloody weapons of the most tyrannical oppressor, can ever succeed in extorting from them a word or deed that might tend to stifle the voice of their conscience or tarnish the purity of their faith." In view of the fact that early Christians were persecuted because they refused to render military service, the question might be raised whether the above statement means that the Guardian includes refusal to bear arms as one of those matters which "vitally affect the integrity and honor of the Faith and are tantamount to a recantation of their faith and repudiation of their inner-"The Guardian has carefully read the N. S. A's statement on the Baha'i attitude toward war, and approves of its circulation among the believers." Ñ Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Haifa, Janu-. ary 10, 1936. [p308] 308 THE BAHA'I WORLD most belief" Ñ a question the more important in that the early Christians preferred persecution to military service. The answer to this question is that the Guardian instructs us that the obligation to render military duty placed by governments upon their citizens is a form of loyalty to one's government which the Baha'i must accept, but that the believers can, through their National Assembly, seek exemption from active army duty provided their government recognizes the right of members of religious bodies making peace a matter of conscience to serve in some noncombatant service rather than as part of the armed force. The National Spiritual Assembly has in Ñ vestigated carefully this aspect of the situation, and has found that, whereas the government of the United States did, in the last war, provide exemption from military duty on religious grounds, nevertheless this exemption was part of the Statutes bearing directly upon that war, and with the cessation of hostilities the exemption lapsed. In other words, there is today no basis on which any Baha'i may be exempted from military duty in a possible future conflict. The National Assembly, consequently, cannot at present make any petition for exemption of Baha'is from war service, for such petitions must be filed with reference to some specific Act or Statute under which exemption can be granted. The Assembly understands that, in the event of war, there will be some kind of provision for exemption enacted, but as far as Baha'is are concerned, no steps can be taken until this government declares itself in a state of war. This explanation, it is hoped, will satisfy those who for some years have been urging that protection be secured for American Ba1A'i youth. On the other hand it must be pointed out that it is no part of our teaching program to attract young people to the Cause merely in order to take advantage of any exemption that may later on be officially obtained for duly enrolled Baha'is. The oniy justifiable reason for joining this Faith is because one realizes that it is a divine Cause and is ready and willing to accept whatever may befall a believer on the path of devotion. The persecutions which have been inflicted upon Baha'is so frequently make it clear that the path of devotion is one of sacrifice and not of ease or special privilege. Another question encountered here and there among believers is what can Baha'is do to work for peace? Outside the Cause we see many organizations with peace programs, and believers occasionally feel that it is their duty to join such movements and thereby work for a vital Baha'i principle. It is the view of the National Spiritual Assembly that activity in and for the Cause itself is the supreme service to world peace. The Baha'i community of the world is the true example of peace. The Baha'i principles are the oniy ones upon which peace can be established. Therefore, by striving to enlarge the number of declared believers, and broadcasting the Teachings of Baha'u'llah, we are doing the utmost to rid humanity of the scourge of war. Of what use to spend time and money upon incomplete human programs when we have the universal program of the Manifestation of God? The firm union of the Baha'is in active devotion to the advancement of their own Faith Ñ this is our service to peace, as it is our service to all other human needs Ñ economic justice, race amity, religious unity, etc. Let nonbelievers agitate for disarmament and circulate petitions for this and that pacifist aim Ñ a Baha'i truly alive in this Faith will surely prefer to base his activities upon the foundation laid by Baha'u'llah, walk the path which the Master trod all His days, and heed the appeals which the Guardian has given us to initiate a new era in the public teaching of the Message. [p309] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 309 THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA Excerpts Made by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, by Direction of Shoghi Fifendi, Guardian of the Baha'i Faith INTERPRETATIONS OF THE WILL AND TESTAMENT WELL is it with him who fixeth his gaze upon the Order of Baha'u'llah and rendereth thanks unto his Lord! For He assuredly will be made manifest. God bath indeed ordained it in the Bay&n. Ñ THE BAn. (The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, pages 545 5.) The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System Ñ the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. Ñ BAHA'U'LLAH. (The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, page ¶4.) It is incumbent upon the Aglis in, the Afn~n and My kindred to turn, one and all, their faces towards the Most Mighty Branch. Consider that which We have revealed in Our Most Holy Book: "When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed. Who hath branched from this Ancient Root." The object of this sacred verse is none except the Most Mighty Branch ('Abdu'l-Baha's). Thus have We graciously revealed unto you Our potent Will, and I am verily the Gracious, the A11-Powerful. Ñ BAHA'U'LLAH. (The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, page 42.) There hath branched from the Sadratu'1-Muntahi this sacred and glorious Being, this Branch of Holiness; well is it with him that hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath His shadow. Verily the Limb of the Law of God hath sprung forth from this Root which God hath firmly implanted in the Ground of His Will, and Whose Branch hath been so uplifted as to encompass the whole of creation. Ñ BAHA'U'LLAH. (The Dispensation of Dahd'u'lIdh, page 43.) In accordance with the explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah hath made the Center of the Covenant the Interpreter of His Word Ñ a Covenant so firm and mighty that from the beginning of time until the present day no religious. Dispensation hath produced its like. Ñ 'ABDU'L-BAHA. (The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, page 44.) 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who incarnates an institution for which we can find no parallel whatsoever in any of the world's recognized religious systems, may be said to have closed the Age to which He Himself belonged and opened the one in which we are now laboring. His Will and Testament should thus be regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble link which the mind of Him Who is the Mystery of God has conceived in order to insure the continuity of the three ages that constitute the component parts of the Baha'i Dispensation. The creative energies released by the Law of Baha'u'llah, permeating and evolving within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Baha, have, by their very impact and close interaction, given birth to an Instrument which may be viewed as the Charter of the New World Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most great Dispensation. The Will may thus be acclaimed as the inevitable offspring resulting from that mystic intercourse between Him Who communicated the generating influence of His divine Purpose and the One Who was its vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the Child of the Covenant Ñ the Heir of both the Originator and the Interpreter of the Law of God Ñ the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha can no more be divorced from Him Who supplied the original and motivating impulse than from the One Who ultimately conceived it. Baha'u'llah's inscrutable purpose, we must ever [p310] 310 THE BAHA'I WORLD bear in mind, as been so thoroughly infused into the conduct of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and their motives have been so closely wedded together, that the mere attempt to dissociate the teachings of the former from any system which the ideal Exemplar of those same teachings has established would amount to a repudiation of one of the most sacred and basic truths of the Faith. The Administrative Order, which ever since 'Abdu'l-Baha's ascension has evolved and is taking shape under our very eyes in no fewer than forty countries of the world, may be considered as the framework of the 'Will itself, the inviolable stronghold wherein this newborn child is being nurtured and developed. This Administrative Order, as it expands and consolidates itself, will no doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal the full implications of this momentous Document Ñ this most remarkable expression of the Will of One of the most remarkable Figures of the Dispensation of Baha'u'llah. It will, as its component parts, its organic institutions, begin to function with efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not oniy as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind. Ñ SHOGHI EFFENOL (The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, pages 5152.) EXCERPTS FROM THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA All-praise to Him Who, by the Shield of His Covenant, hath guarded the Temple of His Cause from the darts of doubtfulness, Who by the Hosts of His Testament hath preserved the Sanctuary of His Most Beneficent Law and protected His Straight and Luminous Path, staying thereby the onslaught of the company of Covenant-break-ers, that have threatened to subvert His Divine Edifice; Who hath watched over His Mighty Stronghold and All-glorious Faith, through the aid of men whom the slander of the slanderer affects not, whom no earthly calling, glory and power can turn aside from the Covenant of God and His Testament, established firmly by His clear and manifest words, writ and revealed by His All-glorious Pen and recorded in the Preserved Tablet. Salutation and praise, blessing and glory rest upon that primal branch of the Divine and Sacred Lote-Tree, grown out, blest, tender, verdant and flourishing from the Twin Holy Trees; the most wondrous, unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam from out the Twin Surging Seas; upon the offshoots of the Tree of Holiness, the twigs of the Celestial Tree, they that in the Day of the Great Dividing have stood fast and firm in the Covenant; upon the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God that have diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His Proofs, proclaimed His Faith, published abroad His Law, de tached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in this world, and kindled the Fire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souis of His servants; upon them that have believed, rested assured, stood steadfast in His Covenant and followed the Light that after my passing shineth from the Dayspring of Divine Guidance Ñ for behold! he is the blest and sacred bough that hath branched out from the Twin Holy Trees. "Well is it with him that seeketh the shelter of his shade that shadoweth all mankind. 0 ye beloved of the Lord! The greatest of all things is the protection of the True Faith of God, the preservation of His Law, the safeguarding of His Cause and service unto His Word. Ten thousand souls have shed streams of their sacred blood in this path, their precious lives they offered in sacrifice unto Him, hastened wrapt in holy ecstasy unto the glorious field of martyrdom, upraised the Standard of God's Faith and writ with their lifeblood upon the Tablet of the world the verses of His Divine Unity. The sacred breast of His Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life be a sacrifice unto Him), was made a target to many a dart of woe, and in M6zindar6n, the Blessed feet of the Abh4 Beauty (may my life be offered up for His loved ones) were so grievously scouraged as to bleed and be sore wounded. His neck also was put into captive chains [p311] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311 and His feet made fast in the stocks. In every hour, for a period of fifty years, a new trial and calamity befell Him and fresh afflictions and cares beset Him. One of them: after having suffered intense vicissitudes, He was made homeless and a wanderer and fell a victim to still new vexations and troubles. In CIMq, the DayStar of the world was so exposed to the wiles of the people of malice as to be eclipsed in splendor. Later on He was sent an exile to the Great City (Con-stantinople) and thence to the Land of Mystery (Adrianople), whence, grievously wronged, He was eventually transferred to the Most Great Prison ('Akka). He Whom the world hath wronged (may my life be offered up for His loved ones) was four times banished from city to city, till at last condemned to perpetual confinement, He was incarcerated in this Prison, the prison of highway robbers, of brigands and of man-slayers. All this is but one of the trials that have afflicted the Blessed Beauty, the rest being even as grievous as this. According to the direct and sacred command of God we are forbidden to utter slander, are commanded to show forth peace and amity, are exhorted to rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and harmony with all the kindreds and peoples of the world. We must obey and be the well-wishers of the governments of the land, regard disloyalty unto a just king as disloyalty to God Himself and wishing evil to the government a transgression of the Cause of God. 0 God, my God! Thou seest this wronged servant of Thine, held fast in the talons of ferocious lions, of ravening wolves, of bloodthirsty beasts. Graciously assist me, through my love for Thee, that I may drink d~ep of the chalice that brimmeth over with faithfulness to Thee and is filled with Thy bountiful Grace; so that, fallen upon the dust, I may sink prostrate and senseless whilst my vesture is dyed crimson with my blood. This is my wish, my heart's desire, my hope, my pride, my glory. Grant, 0 Lord my God, and my Refuge, that in my last hour, my end, may even as musk shed its fragrance of glory! Is there a bounty greater than this? Nay, by Thy Glory! I call Thee to witness that no day passeth but that I quaff my fill from this cup, so grievous are the misdeeds wrought by them that have broken the Covenant, kindled discord, showed their malice, stirred sedition in the land and dishonored Thee amidst Thy servants. Lord! Shield Thou from these Covenant-breakers the mighty Stronghold of Thy Faith and protect Thy secret Sanctuary from the onslaught of the ungodly. Thou art in truth the Mighty, the Powerful, the Gracious, the Strong. 0 God, my God! Shield Thy trusted servants from the evils of self and passion, protect them with the watchful eye of Thy loving kindness from all rancor, hate and envy, shelter them in the impregnable stronghold of Thy Cause and, safe from the darts of doubtfulness, make them the manifestations of Thy glorious Signs, illumine their faces with the effulgent rays shed from the Dayspring of Thy Divine Unity, gladden their hearts with the verses revealed from Thy Holy Kingdom, strengthen their loins by Thine all-swaying power that cometh from Thy Realm of Glory. Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Protector, the Almighty, the Gracious! o ye that stand fast in the Covenant! When the hour cometh that this wronged and broken-winged bird will have taken flight unto the celestial concourse, when it will have hastened to the Realm of the Unseen and its mortal frame will have been either lost or hidden neath the dust, it is incumbent upon the Afn~n, that are steadfast in the Covenant of God, and have branched from the Tree of Holiness, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God (the glory of the Lord rest upon them), and all the friends and loved ones, one and all to bestir themselves and arise with heart and soul and in one accord, to diffuse the sweet savors of God, to teach His Cause and to promote His Faith. It behooveth them not to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. They must disperse themselves in every land, pass by every clime and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, without rest and steadfast to the end they must raise in every land the triumphal cry ~ Thou the Glory of Glories!" (Y~-BaM'-u'I-AbhA), must achieve renown in the world wherever they go, must burn brightly [p312] 312 THE BAHA'I WORLD even as a candle in every meeting and must kindle the flame of Divine love in every assembly; that the light of truth may rise resplendent in the midmost heart of the world, that throughout the East and throughout the West a vast concourse may gather under the shadow of the Word of God, that the sweet savors of holiness may be diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, hearts be filled with the Divine spirit and souis be made heavenly. In these days, the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance for it is the head cornerstone of the foundation itself. This wronged servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the Cause and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause of God was noised abroad in the world and the celestial strains from the Abh4 Kingdom roused the East and the West. The beloved of God must also follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Ba1A! The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the Divine Guidance, till at last they made the world another world, illumined the surface of the earth and even to their last hour proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of that Beloved One of God. Finally in various lands they suffered glorious martyrdom. Let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps! 0 my loving friends! After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghs4n (Branches), the Afn~n (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the AbhA Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi Ñ the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness Ñ as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghs~n, the Afnin, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the expounder of the words of God and after him will succeed the firstborn of his lineal descendants. The sacred and youthful branch, the guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the Universal House of Justice, to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abbi Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life be offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth against him and against them bath rebelled against God; whoso op-poseth him hath opposed God; whoso con-tendeth with them hath contended with God; whoso disputeth with him hath disputed with God; whoso denieth him hath denied God; whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in God; whoso deviateth, sepa-rateth himself and turneth aside from him bath in truth deviated, separated himself and turned aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce indignation, the venegeance of God rest upon him! The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the guardian of the Cause of God. It is incumbent upon the members of the House of Justice, upon all the Aghs&n, the Afnin, the Hands of the Cause of God to show their obedience, submissiveness and subordination unto the guardian of the Cause of God, to turn unto him and be iowiy before him. He that opposeth him hath opposed the True One, will make a breach in the Cause of God, will subvert His word and will become a manifestation of the Center of Sedition. Beware, beware, lest the days after the ascension (of Baha'u'llah) be repeated when the Center of Sedition waxed haughty and rebellious and with Divine Unity for his excuse deprived himself and perturbed and poisoned others. No doubt every vainglorious one that purposeth dissension and discord will not openly declare his evil purposes, nay rather, even as impure gold, would he seize upon divers measures and various pretexts that he may separate the gathering of the people of BaJA. My object is to show that the Hands of the Cause of God must be ever watchful and so soon as they find anyone beginning to oppose and [p313] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 313 protest against the guardian of the Cause of God cast him out from the congregation of the people of Baha and in no wise accept any excuse from him. How often bath grievous error been disguised in the garb of truth, that it might sow the seeds of doubt in the hearts of men! 0 ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon the guardian of the Cause of God to appoint in his own lifetime him chat shall become his successor, that differences may not arise after his passing. He that is appointed must manifest in himself detachment from all worldly things, must be the essence of purity, must show in himself the fear of God, knowledge, wisdom and learning. Thus, should the firstborn of the guardian of the Cause of God not manifest in himself the truth of the words:~~~ccThe child is the secret essence of its sire," that is, should he not inherit of the spiritual within him (the guardian of the Cause of God) and his glorious lineage not be matched with a goodly character, then must he (the guardian of the Cause of God), choose another branch to succeed him. The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number, nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the Hands of the Cause of God and these, whether unanimously or by a majority vote, must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the guardian of the Cause of God hail chosen as his successor. This assent must be given in such wise as the assenting and dissenting voices may not be distinguished (secret ballot). 0 friends! The Hands of the Cause of God must be nominated and appointed by the guardian of the Cause of God. All must be under his shadow and obey his command. Should any, within or without the company of the Hands of the Cause of God, disobey and seek division, the wrath of God and His vengeance will be upon him, for he will have caused a breach in the true Faith of God. The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, ing, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words. This body of the Hands of the Cause of God is under the direction of the guardian of the Cause of God. He must continually urge them to strive and endeavor to the utmost of their ability to diffuse the sweet savors of God, and to guide all the peoples of the world, for it is the light of Divine Guidance that causeth all the universe to be illumined. To disregard, though it be for a moment, this absolute command which is binding upon everyone, is in no wise permitted, that the existent world may become even as the AbhA Paradise, that the surface of the earth may become heavenly, that contention and conflict amidst peoples, kindreds, nations and governments may disappear, that all the dwellers on earth may become one people and one race, that the world may become even as one home. Should differences arise they shall be amicably and conclusively settled by the Supreme Tribunal, that shall include members from all the governments and peoples of the world. 0 ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor deprives himself of God's grace. It is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world, be they friends or strangers. So intense must be the spirit of love and loving Ñ kindness, that the stranger may find himself a friend, the enemy a true brother, no difference whatsoever existing between them. For universality is of God and all limitations earthly. Thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections, the light whereof may shine upon everyone. The light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful showers of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. The vivifying breeze reviveth every living creature and all beings endued with life obtain their share and portion at His heavenly board. in like manner, the affections and lovingkindness of the servants of the One [p314] 314 THE BAHA'I WORLD True God must be bountifully and universally extended to all mankind. Regarding this, restrictions and limitations are in no wise permitted. Wherefore, 0 my loving friends! Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, goodwill and friendliness; that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy of the grace of Baha, that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangement amidst the peo-pies and kindreds of the world may give way to the Light of Unity. Should other peoples and nations be unfaithful to you show your fidelity unto them, should they be unjust toward you show justice towards them, should they keep aloof from you attract them to yourself, should they show their enmity be friendly towards them, should they poison your lives sweeten their souis, should they inflict a wound upon you be a salve to their sores. Such are the attributes of the sincere! Such are the attributes of the truthful. And now, concerning the House of Justice which God hath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. Its members must be manifestations of the fear of God and daysprings of knowledge and understanding, must be steadfast in God's faith and the well-wishers of all mankind. By this House is meant the Universal House of Justice, that is, in all countries, a secondary House of Justice must be instituted, and these secondary Houses of Justice must elect the members of the Universal one. Unto this body all things must be referred. It enacteth all ordinances and regulations that are not to be found in the explicit Holy Text. By this body all the difficult problems are to be resolved and the guardian of the Cause of God is its sacred head and the distinguished member for life of that body. Should he not attend in person its deliberations, he must appoint one to represent him. Should any of the members commit a sin, injurious to the common weal, the guardian of the Cause of God hath at his own discretion the right to expel him, whereupon the people must elect another one in his stead. This House of Justice enacteth the laws and the government enforceth them. The legislative body must reinforce the executive, the executive must aid and assist the legislative body so that through the ciose union and harmony of these two forces, the foundation of fairness and justice may become firm and strong, that all the regions of the world may become even as Paradise itself. 0 ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon you to be submissive to all monarchs that are just and show your fidelity to every righteous king. Serve ye the sovereigns of the world with utmost truthfulness and loyalty. Show obedience unto them and be their well-wishers. Without their leave and permission do not meddle with political affairs, for disloyalty to the just sovereign is disloyalty to God himself. This is my counsel and the commandment of God unto you. Well is it with them that act accordingly. o dearly beloved friends! I am now in very great danger and the hope of even an hour's life is lost to me. I am thus constrained to write these lines for the protection of the Cause of God, the preservation of His Law, the safeguarding of His Word, and the safety of His Teachings. By the Ancient Beauty! This wronged one hath in no wise borne nor doth he bear a grudge against any one; towards none doth he entertain any ill-feeling and uttereth no word save for the good of the world. My supreme obligation, however, of necessity, prompteth me to guard and preserve the Cause of God. Thus, with the greatest regret, I counsel you say-mg:~~~ccGuard ye the Cause of God, protect His law and have the utmost fear of discord. This is the foundation of the belief of the people of Baha (may my life be offered up for them) ~ (C~~ Holiness, the Exalted one (the BTh), is the Manifestation of the Unity and Oneness of God and the Forerunner of the Ancient Beauty. His Holiness the AbM Beauty (may my life be a sacrifice for His steadfast friends) is the Supreme Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of His Most Divine Essence. All others are servants unto Him and do His bidding." Unto the [p315] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 315 Most Holy Book every one must turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the Universal House of Justice. That which this body, whether unani-rnousiy or by a majority doth carry, that is verily the Truth and the Purpose of God himself. Whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that iove discord, hath shown forth malice and turned away from the Lord of the Covenant. By this House is meant that Universal House of Justice which is to be elected from all countries, that is, from those parts in the East and West where the loved ones are to be found, after the manner of the customary elections in Western countries such as those of England. It is incumbent upon these members (of the Universal House of Justice) to gather in a certain place and deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book. Whatsoever they decide has the same effect as the Text itself. And inasmuch as this House of Justice bath power to enact laws that are not expressly recorded in the Book and bear upon daily transactions, so also it hath power to repeal the same. Thus for example, the House of Justice enacteth today a certain law and enforceth it, and a hundred years hence, circumstances having profoundly changed and the conditions having altered, another House of Justice will then have power, according to the exigencies of the time, to alter that law. This it can do because that law formeth no part of the Divine Explicit Text. The House of Justice is both the Initiator and the Abrogator of its own laws. And now, one of the greatest and most fundamental principles of the Cause of God is to shun and avoid entirely the Covenant-breakers, for they will utterly destroy the Cause of God, exterminate His Law and render of no account all efforts exerted in the past. 0 friends! It behooveth you to call to mind with tenderness the trials of His Holiness, the Exalted One and show your fidelity to the Ever-Blest Beauty. The utmost endeavor must be exerted lest all these woes, trials and afflictions, all this pure and sacred blood that hath been shed so profusely in the Path of God, may prove to be in vain. o ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with all your heart to shield the Cause of God from the onslaught of the insincere, for souls such as these cause the straight to become crooked and all benevolent efforts to produce contrary results. o God, my God! I call Thee, Thy Prophets and Thy Messengers, Thy Saints and Thy Holy Ones, to witness that I have declared conclusively Thy Proofs unto Thy loved ones and set forth clearly all things unto them, that they may watch over Thy Faith, guard Thy Straight Path and protect Thy Resplendent Law. Thou art, verily, the All-knowing, the All-wise! Whosoever and whatsoever meeting becometh a hindrance to the diffusion of the Light of Faith, let the loved ones give them counsel and say: "Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the AbM Beauty and teach the Cause of God." Caution and prudence, however, must be observed even as recorded in the Book. The veil must in no wise be suddenly rent asunder. The Glory of Glories rest upon you. 0 ye the faithful loved ones of 'Abdu'l-Baha! It is incumbent upon you to take the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi, the twig that hath branched from and the fruit given forth by the two hallowed and Divine Late-Trees, that no dust of despondency and sorrow may strain his radiant nature, that day by day he may wax greater in happiness, in joy and spirituality, and may grow to become even as a fruitful tree. For he is, after 'Abdu'l-Baha, the guardian of the Cause of God, the Afnin, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the beloved of the Lord must obey him and turn unto him. He that obeyeth him not, hath not obeyed God; he that turneth away from him, hath turned away from God and he that denieth him, hath denied the True One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret these words, and like unto them that have broken the [p316] 316 THE BAHA'I WORLD Covenant after the Day of Ascension (of Baha'u'llah) advance a pretext, raise the standard of revolt, wax stubborn and open wide the door of false interpretation. To none is given the right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular convictions. All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error. The Glory of Glories rest upon you. Let no one, while this System is still in its infancy, misconceive its character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source from which it derives its inspiration is no one less than Baha'u'llah Himself. Its shield and defender are the embattled hosts of the Abhi Kingdom. Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty thousand martyrs who have offered up their lives that it may be born and flourish. The axis round which its institutions revolve are the authentic provisions of the t~Wi11 and Testament" of 'Abdu'l-Baha Its guiding principles are the truths which He 'Who is the unerring Interpreter of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly enunciated in His public addresses throughout the West. The laws that govern its operation and limit its functions are those which have been expressly ordained in the Kitab Ñ i-Aqdas. The seat round which its spiritual, its humanitarian and administrative activities will cluster are the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar and its Dependencies. The pillars that sustain its authority and buttress its structure are the twin institutions of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice. The central, the underlying aim which animates it is the establishment of the New World Order as adumbrated by Baha'u'llah. The methods it employs, the standard it inculcates, incline it to neither East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, neither white nor colored. Its watchword is the unification of the human race; its standard the CCMOSt Great Peace"; its consummation the advent of that golden millenium Ñ the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah. Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI. (ttThe Dispensation of Baha'u'llah," pages 64 and 65.) EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI J HAVE been acquainted by the perusal of your latest communications with the nature of the doubts that have been publicly expressed, by one who is wholly misinformed as to the true precepts of the Cause, regarding the validity of institutions that stand inextricably interwoven with the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Not that I for a moment view such faint misgivings in the light of an open challenge to the structure that embodies the Faith, nor is it because I question in the least the unyielding tenacity of the faith of the American believers, if I venture to dwell upon what seems to me appropriate observations at the present stage of the evolution of our beloved Cause. I am indeed inclined to welcome these expressed apprehensions inasmuch as they afford me an opportunity to familiarize the elected representatives of the believers with the origin and character of the institutions which stand at the very basis of the world order ushered in by Baha'u'llah. We should feel truly thankful for such futile attempts to undermine our beloved Faith Ñ attempts that protrude their ugly face from time to time, seem for a while able to create a breach in the ranks of the faithful, recede finally into the obscurity of bblivion, and are thought of no more. Such incidents we should regard as the interpositions of Providence, designed to fortify our faith, to clarify our vision, and to deepen our understanding of the essentials of His Divine Revelation. It would, however, be helpful and instructive to bear in mind certain basic principles with reference to the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l Ñ Baha which together with the Kitab-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief depository wherein are enshrined those priceless elements of that Divine Civilization, the establishment of which is the primary mission [p317] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 317 of the Baha'i Faith. A study of the provisions of these sacred documents will reveal the close relationship that exists between them, as well as the identity of purpose and method which they inculcate. Far from regarding their specific provisions as incompatible and contradictory in spirit, every fair-minded inquirer will readily admit that they are not only complementary, but that they mutually confirm one another, and are inseparable parts of one complete unit. A comparison of their contents with the rest of Baha Sacred Writings will similarly establish the conformity of whatever they contain with the spirit as well as the letter of the authenticated writings and sayings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. In fact, be who reads the Aqdas with care and diligence will not find it hard to discover that the Most Holy Book fAqdas] itself anticipates in a number of passages the institutions which 'Abdu'l-Baha ordains in His Will. By leaving certain matters unspecified and unregulated in His Book of Laws (Aqdas], Baha'u'llah seems to have deliberately left a gap in the general scheme of Baha'i Dispensation, which the unequivocal provisions of the Master's Will has filled. To attempt to divorce the one from the other, to insinuate that the Teachings of Baha'u'llah have not been upheld, in their entirety and with absolute integrity, by what 'Abdu'l-Baha has revealed in his Will, is an unpardonable affront to the unswerving fidelity that has characterized the life and labors of our beloved Master. I will not attempt in the least to assert or demonstrate the authenticity of the WTi11 and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, for that in itself would betray an apprehension on my part as to the unanimous confidence of the believers in the genuineness of the last written wishes of our departed Master. I will only confine my observations to those issues which may assist them to appreciate the essential unity that underlies the spiritual, the humanitarian, and the administrative principles enunciated by the Author and the Interpreter of the Baha Faith. I am at a ioss to explain that strange mentality that inclines to uphold as the sole criterion of the truth of the Baha'i Teachings what is admittedly oniy an obscure and un authenticated translation of an oral statement made by 'Abdu'l-Baha, in defiance and total disregard of the available text of all of His universally recognized writings. I truly deplore the unfortunate distortions that have resulted in days past from the incapacity of the interpreter to grasp the meaning of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and from his incompetence to render adequately such truths as have been revealed to him by the Master's statements. Much of the confusion that has obscured the understanding of the believers should be attributed to this double error involved in the inexact rendering of an only partially understood statement. Not infrequently has the interpreter even failed to convey the exact purport of the inquirer's specific questions, and, by his deficiency of understanding and expression in conveying the answer of 'Abdu'l-Baha, has been responsible for reports wholly at variance with the true spirit and purpose of the Cause. It was chiefly in view of this misleading nature of the reports of the informal conversations of 'Abdu'l-Baha with visiting pilgrims, that I have insistently urged the believers of the 'West to regard such statements as merely personal impressions of the sayings of their Master, and to quote and consider as authentic only such translations as are based upon the authenticated text of His recorded utterances in the original tongue. It should be remembered by every follower of the Cause that the system of Baha'i administration is not an innovation imposed arbitrarily upon the Baha'is of the world since the Master's passing, but derives its authority from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, is specifically prescribed in unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of its essential features upon the explicit provisions of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. It thus unifies and correlates the principles separately laid down by Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, and is indissolubly bound with the essential verities of the Faith. To dissociate the administrative principles of the Cause from the purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings would be tantamount to a mutilation of the body of the Cause, a separation that can oniy result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself. [p318] 318 THE BAHA'I WORLD Spiritual Assembly of Helena, Montana, Newly Constituted, April 21, 1939. Spiritual Assembly of East Cleveland, Ohio, Newly Constituted, April 21, 1939, with members of the Baha'i Community. [p319] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 319 LOCAL AND NATIONAL Housrs or JUSTICE It should be carefully borne in mind that the local as well as the international Houses of Justice have been expressly enjoined by the Kitab-i-Aqdas; that the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly, as an intermediary body, and referred to in the Master's Will as the "Secondary House of Justice," has the express sanction of 'Abdu'l-Baha; and that the method to be pursued for the election of the International and National Houses of Justice has been set forth by Him in His Will, as well as in a number of His Tablets. Moreover, the institutions of the local and national Funds, that are now the necessary adjuncts to all Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, have nor only been established by 'Abdu'l-Baha in the Tablets He revealed to the Baha'is of the Orient, but their importance and necessity have been repeatedly emphasized by Him in His utterances and writings. The concentration of authority in the hands of the elected representatives of the believers; the necessity of the submission of every adherent of the Faith to the considered judgment of Baha'i Assemblies; His preference for unanimity in decision; the decisive character of the majority vote; and even the desirability for the exercise of close supervision over all Baha'i publications, have been sedulously instilled by 'Abdu'l-Baha, as evidenced by His authenticated and widely-scattered Tablets. To accept His broad and humanitarian Teachings on one hand, and to reject and dismiss with neglectful indifference His more challenging and distinguishing precepts, would be an act of manifest disloyalty to that which He has cherished most in His life. That the Spiritual Assemblies of today will be replaced in time by the Houses of Justice, and are to all intents and purposes identical and not separate bodies, is abundantly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself. He has in fact in a Tablet addressed to the members of the first Chicago Spiritual Assembly, the first elected Baha'i body instituted in the United States, referred to them as the members of the "House of Justice" for that city, and has thus with His own pen established beyond any doubt the identity of the present Baha'i Spiritual Assemblies with the Houses of Justice referred to by Baha'u'llah. For reasons which are not difficult to discover, it has been found advisable to bestow upon the elected representatives of Baha'i communities throughout the world the temporary appellation of Spiritual Assemblies, a term which, as the position and aims of the Baha'i Faith are better understood and more fully recognized, will gradually be superseded by the permanent and more appropriate designation of House of Justice. Not only will the presentday Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in future, but will be enabled also t~ add to their present functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the recognition of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, not merely as one of the recognized religious systems of the world, but as the State Religion of an independent and Sovereign Power. And as the Baha'i Faith permeates the masses of the peoples of East and 'West, and its truth is embraced by the majority of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign States of the world, will the Universal House of Justice attain the plenitude of its power, and exer-cisc, as the supreme organ of the BaUM Commonwealth, all the rights, the duties, and responsibilities incumbent upon the world's future superstate. It must be pointed out, however, in this connection that, contrary to what has been confidently asserted, the establishment of the Supreme House of Justice is in no way dependent upon the adoption of the Baha Faith by the mass of the peoples of the world, nor does it presuppose its acceptance by the majority of the inhabitants of any one country. In fact, 'Abdu'l-Baha, Himself, in one of His earliest Tablets, contemplated the possibility of the formation of the Universal House of Justice in His own lifetime, and but for the unfavorable circumstances prevailing under the Turkish r6girne, would have, in all probability, taken the preliminary steps for its establishment. It will be evident, therefore, that given favorable circumstances, under which the Baha'is of Inn and of the adjoining countries under Soviet Rule may be enabled to elect their national representatives, in accordance with the guiding principles laid down in 'Abdu'l-Baha's writings, the oniy remaining obstacle in the [p320] 320 THE BAHA'I WORLD way of the definite formation of the International House of Justice will have been removed. For upon the National Houses of Justice of the East and West devolves the task, in conformity with the explicit provisions of the WIll!, of electing directly the members of the International House of Justice. Not until they are themselves fully representative of the rank and file of the believers in their respective countries, not until they have acquired the weight and the experience that will enable them to function vigorously in the organic life of the Cause, can they approach their sacred task, and provide the spiritual basis for the constitution of so august a body in the Baha'i world. THE INSTITUTION OF GIJARDIANSHIr It must be also clearly understood by every believer that the institution of Guardianship does not under any circumstances abrogate, or even in the slightest degree detract from, the powers granted to the Universal House of Justice by Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and solemnly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His Will. It does not constitute in any manner a contradiction to the Will and Writings of Baha'u'llah, nor does it nullify any of His revealed instructions. It enhances the prestige of that exalted assembly, stabilizes its supreme position, safeguards its unity, assures the continuity of its labors, without presuming in the slightest to infringe upon the inviolability of its clearly defined sphere of jurisdiction. We stand indeed too close to so monumental a document to claim for ourselves a complete understanding of all its implications, or to presume to have grasped the manifold mysteries it undoubtedly contains. Only future generations can comprehend the value and the significance attached to this Divine Masterpiece, which the hand of the Master-builder of the world has designed for the unification and the triumph of the worldwide Faith of Baha'u'llah. Oniy those who come after us will be in a position to realize the value of the surprisingly strong emphasis that has been placed on the institution of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship. They oniy will appreciate the significance of the vigorous language employed by 'Abdu'l-Baha with reference to the band of Covenant-breakers that has opposed Him in His days. To them alone will be revealed the suitability of the institutions initiated by 'Abdu'l-Baha to the character of the future society which is to emerge out of the chaos and confusion of the present age. THE ANIMATING PURPOSE OF BAHA'I INSTITUTIONS And now, it behooves us to reflect on the animating purpose and the primary functions of these divinely-established institutions, the sacred character and the universal efficacy of which can be demonstrated oniy by the spirit they diffuse and the work they actually achieve. I need not dwell upon what I have already reiterated and emphasized that the administration of the Cause is to be conceived as an instrument and not a substitute for the Faith of Baha'u'llah, that it should be regarded as a channel through which His promised blessings may flow, that it should guard against such rigidity as would clog and fetter the liberating forces released by His Revelation. Who, I may ask, when viewing the international character of the Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the increasing complexity of its affairs, the diversity of its adherents,, and the state of confusion that assails on every side the infant Faith of God, can for a moment question the necessity of some sort of administrative machinery that will insure, amid the storm and stress of a struggling civilization, the unity of the Faith, the preservation of its identity, and the protection of its interests? To repudiate the validity of the assemblies of the elected ministers of the Faith of Baha'u'llah would be to reject these countless Tablets of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, wherein they have extolled their privi-. leges and duties, emphasized the glory of their mission, revealed the immensity of their task, and warned them of the attacks they must needs expect from the unwisdom of friends, as well as from the malice of their enemies. It is surely for those to whose hands so priceless a heritage has been committed to prayerfully watch lest the tool should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue concern for the minute details arising from the administration of the Cause obscure the vision of its promoters, lest partiality, am [p321] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 321 bition, and worldliness tend in the course of time to becloud the radiance, stain the purity, and impair the effectiveness of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. (February 27, 1929.) THE ADVENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE These recurrent crises which, with ominous frequency and resistless force, are afflicting an ever-increasing portion of the human race must of necessity continue, however impermanently, to exercise, in a certain measure, their baleful influence upon a world community which has spread its ramifications to the uttermost ends of the earth. How can the beginnings of a world upheaval, unleashing forces that are so gravely deranging the social, the religious, the political, and the economic equilibrium of organized society, throwing into chaos and confusion political systems, racial doctrines, social conceptions, cultural standards, religious associations, and trade relationships Ñ bow can such agitations, on a scale so vast, so unprecedented, fail to produce any repercussions on the institutions of a Faith of such tender age whose teachings have a direct and vital bearing on each of these spheres of human life and conduct? Little wonder, therefore, if they who are holding aloft the banner of so pervasive a Faith, so challenging a Cause, find themselves affected by the impact of these world-shaking forces. Little wonder if they find that in the midst of this whirlpool of contending passions their freedom has been curtailed, their tenets contemned, their institutions assaulted, their motives maligned, their authority jeopardized, their claim relected. In the heart of the European continent a community which, as predicted by 'Abdu'l-Baha, is destined, by virtue of its spiritual potentialities and geographical situation, to radiate the splendor of the light of the Faith on the countries that surround it, has been momentarily eclipsed through the restrictions which a regime that has sorely misapprehended its purpose and function has chosen to impose upon it. Its voice, alas, is now silenced, its institutions dissolved, its literature banned, its archives confiscated, and its meetings suspended. In central Asia, in the city enjoying the unique distinction of having been chosen by 'Abdu'l-Baha as the home of the First Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the Baha'i world, as well as in the towns and villages of the province to which it belongs, the sore-pressed Faith of Baha'u'llah, as a result of the extraordinary and unique vitality which, in the course of several decades, it has consistently manifested, finds itself at the mercy of forces which, alarmed at its rising power, are now bent on reducing it to utter impotence. Its Temple, though still used for purposes of Baha'i worship, has been expropriated, its Assemblies and committees disbanded, its teaching activities crippled, its chief promoters deported, and not a few of its most enthusiastic supporters, both men and women, imprisoned. In the land of its birth, wherein reside the immense majority of its followers Ñ a country whose capital has been hailed by Baha'u'llah as the errnother of the world" and the frdayspring of the joy of incrnkind" Ñ a civil authority, as yet undivorced officially from the paralyzing influences of an antiquated, a fanatical, and outrageously corrupt clergy, pursues relentlessly its campaign of repression against the adherents of a Faith which it has for well-nigh a century striven unsuccessfully to suppress. Indifferent to the truth that the members of this innocent and proscribed community can justly claim to rank as among the most disinterested, the most competent, and the most ardent lovers of their native land, contemptuous of their high sense of world citizenship which the advocates of an excessive and narrow nationalism can never hope to appreciate, such an authority refuses to grant to a Faith which extends its spiritual jurisdiction over well nigh six hundred local communities, and which numerically outnumbers the adherents of either the Christian, the Jewish, or the Zoroastrian Faiths in that land, the necessary legal right to enforce its laws, to administer its affairs, to conduct its schools, to celebrate its festivals, to circulate its literature, to solemnize its rites, to erect its edifices, and to safeguard its endowments. And now recently in the Holy Land itself, the heart and nerve-center of a world-em-bracing Faith, the fires of racial animosity, [p322] 322 THE BAHA'I WORLD of fraticidal strife, of unabashed terrorism, have lit a conflagration that gravely interferes, on the one hand, with that flow of pilgrims that constitutes the lifeblood of that center, and suspends, on the other, the various projects that had been initiated in connection with the preservation and extension of the areas surrounding the sacred Spots it enshrines. The safety of the small community of resident believers, faced by the rising tide of lawlessness, has been imperiled, its status as a neutral and distinct community indirectly challenged, and its freedom to carry out certain of its observances curtailed. A series of murderous assaults, alternating with outbursts of bitter fanaticism, both racial and religious, involving the leaders as well as the followers of the three leading Faiths in that distracted country, have, at times, threatened to sever all normal communications both within its confines as well as with the outside world. Perilous though the situation has been, the Baha Holy Places, the object of the adoration of a world-encircling Faith, have, notwithstanding their number and exposed position, and though to outward seeming deprived of any means of protection, been vouchsafed a preservation little short of miraculous. A world, torn with conflicting passions, and perilously disintegrating from within, finds itself confronted, at so crucial an epoch in its history, by the rising fortunes of an infant Faith, a Faith that, at times, seems to be drawn into its controversies, entangled by its conflicts, eclipsed by its gathering shadows, and overpowered by the mounting tide of its passions. In its very heart, within its cradle, at the seat of its first and venerable Temple, in one of its hitherto flourishing and potentially powerful centers, the as-yet unemancipated Faith of Baha'u'llah seems indeed to have retreated before the onrushing forces of violence and disorder to which humanity is steadily falling a victim. The strongholds of such a Faith, one by one and day after day, are to outward seeming being successively isolated, assaulted and captured. As the lights of liberty flicker and go out, as the din of discord grows louder and louder every day, as the fires of fanaticism flame with increasing fierceness in the breasts of men, as the chill of irreligion creeps relentlessly over the soui of mankind, the limbs and organs that constitute the body of the Faith of Baha'u'llah appear, in varying measure, to have become afflicted with the crippling influences that now hold in their grip the whole of the civilized world. How clearly and strikingly the following words of 'Abdu'l-Baha are being demonstrated at this hour: reTloe darkness of error that has enveloped the East and the West is, in this most great cycle, battling with the light of Divine Guidance. Its swords and its spears are very sharp and pointed; its army keenly bloodthirsty." ~~This day," He, in another passage has written, rethe powers of all the leaders of religion are directed towards the dispersion of the congregation of the All-Merciful, and the shattering of the Divine Edifice. The hosts of the world, whether material, cultural or political are from every side launching their assault, for the Cause is great, very great. Its greatness is, in this day, clear and manifest to men's eyes." CHIEF REMAINING CITADEL The one chief remaining citadel, the mighty arm which still raises aloft the standard of an unconquerable Faith, is none other than the blessed community of the followers of the Most Great Name in the North American continent. By its works, and through the unfailing protection vouchsafed to it by an almighty Providence, this distinguished member of the body of the constantly interacting Baha'i communities of East and West, bids fair to be universally regarded as the cradle, as well as the stronghold, of that future New World Order, which is at once the promise and the glory of the Dispensation associated with the name of Baha'u'llah. Let any one inclined to either belittle the unique station conferred upon this community, or to question the role it will be called upon to play in the days to come, ponder the implication of these pregnant and highly illuminating words uttered by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and addressed to it at a time when the fortunes of a world groaning beneath the burden of a devastating war had [p323] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 323 reached their lowest ebb. r%Jihe continent of America," He so significantly wrote, ~is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the inyst cries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous will abide, and the free assemble." His UNFAILING LIGHT Dearly-beloved friends! Though the task be long and arduous, yet the prize which the All-Bountiful Bestower has chosen to confer upon you is of such preciousness that neither tongue nor pen can befittingly appraise it. Though the goal towards which you are now so strenuously striving be distant, and as yet undisclosed to men's eyes, yet its promise lies firmly embedded in the authoritative and unalterable utterances of Baha'u'llah. Though the course He has traced for you seems, at times, lost in the threatening shadows with which a striken humanity is now enveloped, yet the unfailing light He has caused to shine continually upon you is of such brightness that no earthly dusk can ever eclipse its splendor. Though small in numbers, and circumscribed as yet in your experiences, powers, and resources, yet the Force which energizes your mission is limitless in its range and incalculable in its potency. Though the enemies which every acceleration in the progress of your mission must raise up be fierce, numerous, and unrelenting, yet the invisible Hosts which, if you persevere, must, as promised, rush forth to your aid, will, in the end, enable you to vanquish their hopes and annihilate their forces. Though the ultimate blessings that must crown the consummation of your mission be undoubted, and the Divine promises given you firm and irrevocable, yet the measure of the goodly reward which every one of you is to reap must depend on the extent to which your daily exertions will have contributed to the expansion of that niussion and the hastening of its triumph. Dearly-beloved friends! Great as is my love and admiration for you, convinced as I am of the paramount share which you can, and will, undoubtedly have in both the 'continental and international spheres of future Baha'i activity and service, I feel it nevertheless theless incumbent upon me to utter, at this juncture, a word of warning. The glowing tributes, so repeatedly and deservedly paid to the capacity, the spirit, the conduct, and the high rank, of the American believers, both individually and as an organic community, must, under no circumstances, be confounded with the characteristics and nature of the people from which God has raised them up. A sharp distinction between that community and that people must be made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, if we wish to give due recognition to the transmuting power of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, in its impact on the lives and standards of those who have chosen to enlist under His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and distinguishing function of His Revelation, which is none other than the calling into being of a new race of men, will remain wholly unrecognized and completely obscured. THE SUPREME FUNCTION or His REVELATION How often have the Prophets of God, not excepting Baha'u'llah Himself, chosen to appear, and deliver their Message in countries and amidst peoples and races, at a time when they were either fast declining, or had already touched the lowest depths of moral and spiritual degradation. The appalling misery and wretchedness to which the Israelites had sunk, under the debasing and tyrannical rule of the Pharaohs, in the days preceding their exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses; the decline that had set in in the religious, the spiritual, the cultural, and the moral life of the Jewish people, at the time of the appearance of Jesus Christ; the barbarous cruelty, the gross idolatry and immorality, which had for so long been the most distressing features of the tribes of Arabia and brought such shame upon them when Muhammad arose to proclaim His Message in their midst; the indescribable state of decadence, with its attendant corruption, confusion, intolerance, and oppression, in both the civil and religious life of Inn, so graphically portrayed by the pen of a considerable number of scholars, diplomats, and travelers, at the hour of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah Ñ all [p324] 324 THE BAHA'I WORLD demonstrate this basic and inescapable fact. To contend that the innate worthiness, the high moral standard, the political aptitude, and social attainments of any race or nation is the reason for the appearance in its midst of any of these Divine Luminaries would be an absolute perversion of historical facts, and would amount to a complete repudiation of the undoubted interpretation placed upon them, so clearly and emphatically, by both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. How great, then, must be the challenge to those who, belonging to such races and nations, and having responded to the call which these Prophets have raised, to unreservedly recognize and courageously testify to this indubitable truth, that not by reason of any racial superiority, political capacity, or spiritual virtue which a race or nation might possess, but rather as a direct consequence of its crying needs, its lamentable degeneracy, and irremediable perversity, has the Prophet of God chosen to appear in its midst, and with it as a lever has lifted the entire human race to a higher and nobler plane of life and conduct. For it is precisely under such circumstances, and by such means that the Prophets have, from time immemorial, chosen and were able to demonstrate their redemptive power to raise from the depths of abasement and of misery, the people of their own race and nation, empowering them to transmit in turn to other races and nations the saving grace and the energizing influence of their Revelation. In the light of this fundamental principle it should always be borne in mind, nor can it be sufficiently emphasized, that the primary reason why the Bib and Baha'u'llah chose to appear in IrAn, and to make it the first repository of their Revelation, was because, of all the peoples and nations of the civilized world, that race and nation had, as so often depicted by 'Abdu'l-Baha, sunk to such ignominious depths, and manifested so great a perversity, as to find no parallel among its contemporaries. For no more convincing proof could be adduced demonstrating the regenerating spirit animating the Revelations proclaimed by the Bib and Baha'u'llah than their power to transform what can be truly regarded as one of the most backward, the most cowardly, and perverse verse of peoples into a race of heroes, fit to effect in turn a similar revolution in the life of mankind. To have appeared among a race or nation which by its intrinsic worth and high attainments seemed to warrant the inestimable privilege of being made the receptacle of such a Revelation would in the eyes of an unbelieving world greatly reduce the efficacy of that Message, and detract from the self-sufficiency of its omnipotent power. The contrast so strikingly presented in the pages of Nab il's Narrative between the heroism that immortalized the life and deeds of the Dawn-Breakers and the degeneracy and cowardice of their defamers and persecutors is in itself a most impressive testimony to the truth of the Message of Him Who had instilled such a spirit into the breasts of His disciples. For any believer of that race to maintain that the excellence of his country and the innate nobility of its people were the fundamental reasons for its being singled out as the primary receptacle of the Revelations of the Bib and Baha'u'llah would be untenable in the face of the overwhelming evidence afforded so convincingly by that Narrative. To a lesser degree this principle must of necessity apply to the country which has vindicated its right to be regarded as the cradle of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. So great a function, so noble a rOle, can be regarded as no less inferior to the part played by those immortal souls who, through their sublime renunciation and unparalleled deeds, have been responsible for the birth of the Faith itself. Let not, therefore, those who are to participate so predominantly in the birth of that world civilization, which is the direct offspring of their Faith, imagine for a moment that for some mysterious purpose or by any reason of inherent excellence or special merit Baha'u'llah has chosen to confer upon their country and people so great and lasting a distinction. It is precisely by reason of the patent evils which, notwithstanding its other admittedly great characteristics and achievements, an excessive and binding materialism has unfortunately engendered within it that the Author of their Faith and the Center of His Covenant have singled it out to become the standard-bearer of the New World Order envisaged in their [p325] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 325 writings. It is by such means as this that Baha'u'llah can best demonstrate to a heedless generation His almighty power to raise up from the very midst of a people, immersed in a sea of materialism, a prey to one of the most virulent and longstanding forms of racial prejudice, and notorious for its political corruption, lawlessness and laxity in moral standards, men and women who, as time goes by, will increasingly exemplify those essential virtues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight that will fit them for the preponderating share they will have in calling into being that World Order and that World Civilization of which their country, no less than the entire human race, stands in desperate need. Theirs will be the duty and privilege, in their capacity first as the estab-ushers of one of the most powerful pillars sustaining the edifice of the Universal House of Justice, and then as the champion-builders of that New World Order of which that House is to be the nucleus and forerunner, to inculcate, demonstrate, and apply those twin and sorely-needed principles of Divine iustice and order Ñ principles to which the political corruption and the moral license, increasingly staining the society to which they belong, offer so sad and striking a contrast. Observations such as these, however distasteful and depressing they may be, should not, in the least, blind us to those virtues and qualities of high intelligence, of youthfulness, of unbounded initiative, and enterprise which the nation as a whole so conspicuously displays, and which are being increasingly reflected by the community of the believers within it. Upon these virtues and qualities, no less than upon the elimination of the evils referred to, must depend, to a very great extent, the ability of that community to lay a firm foundation for the country's future rOle in ushering in the Golden Age of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. How STAGGERING THE RESPONSIBILITY How great, therefore, how staggering the responsibility that must weigh upon the present generation of the American believers, at this early stage in their spiritual and administrative nistrative evolution, to weed out, by every means in their power, those faults, habits, and tendencies which they have inherited from their own nation, and to cultivate, patiently and prayerfully, those distinctive qualities and characteristics that are so indispensable to their effective participation in the great redemptive work of their Faith. Incapable as yet, in view of the restricted size of their community and the limited influence it now wields, of producing any marked effect on the great mass of their countrymen, let them focus their attention, for the present, on their own seives, their own individual needs, their own personal deficiencies and weaknesses, ever mindful that every intensification of effort on their part will better equip them for the time when they will be called upon to eradicate in their turn such evil tendencies from the lives and the hearts of the entire body of their fellow-citizens. Nor must they overlook the fact that the World Order, whose basis they, as the advance guard of the future Baha'i generations of their countrymen, are now laboring to establish, can never be reared uniess and until the generality of the people to which they belong has been already purged from the divers ills, whether social or political, that now so severely afflict it. Surveying as a whole the most pressing needs of this community, attempting to estimate the more serious deficiencies by which it is being handicapped in the discharge of its task, and ever bearing in mind the nature of that still greater task with which it will be forced to wrestle in the future, I feel it my duty to lay special stress upon, and draw the special and urgent attention of the entire body of the American believers, be they young or old, white or colored, teachers or administrators, veterans or new-corners, to what I firmly believe are the essential requirements for the success of the tasks which are now claiming their undivided attention. Great as is the importance of fashioning the outward instruments, and of perfecting the administrative agencies, which they can utilize for the prosecution of their dual task under the Seven Year Plan; vital and urgent as arc the campaigns which they are initiating, the schemes and projects which they are devising, and the funds which they are [p326] 326 THE BAHA'I WORLD raising, for the efficient conduct of both the Teaching and Temple work, the imponderable, the spiritual, factors, which are bound up with their own individual and inner lives, and with which are associated their human and social relationships, are no less urgent and vital, and demand constant scrutiny, continual self-examination and heart-search-ing on their part, lest their value be impaired or their vital necessity be obscured or £ or-gotten. SPIRITUAL PREREQUISITES Of these spiritual prerequisites of success, which constitute the bedrock on which the security of all teaching plans, Temple projects, and financial schemes, must ultimately rest, the following stand out as preeminent and vital, which the members of the American Baha community will do well to ponder. Upon the extent to which these basic requirements are met, and the manner in which the American believers fulfill them in their individual lives, administrative activities, and social relationships, must depend the measure of the manifold blessings which the All-Bountiful Possessor can vouchsafe to them all. These requirements are none other than a high sense of moral rectitude in their social and administrative activities, absolute chastity in their individual lives, and complete freedom from prejudice in their dealings with peoples of a different race, class, creed, or color. The first is specially, though not exclusively, directed to their elected representatives, whether local, regional, or national, who, in their capacity as the custodians and members of the nascent institutions of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, are shouldering the chief responsibility in laying an unassailable foundation for that Universal House of Justice which, as its title implies, is to be the exponent and guardian of that Divine Justice which can alone insure the security of, and establish the reign of law and order in, a strangely disordered world. The second is mainly and directly concerned with the Baha youth, who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the driving force of the life of the Baha'i community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it. The third should be the immediate, the univ&sal, and the chief concern of all and sundry members of the Baha'i community, of whatever age, rank, experience, class, or color, as all, with no exception, must face its challenging implications, and none can claim, however much he may have progressed along this line, to have completely discharged the stern responsibilities which it inculcates. A rectitude of conduct, an abiding sense of undeviating justice, unobscured by the demoralizing influences which a corruption-ridden political life so strikingly manifests; a chaste, pure, and holy life, unsullied and unclouded by the indecencies, the vices, the false standards, which an inherently deficient moral code tolerates, perpetuates, and fosters; a fraternity freed from that cancerous growth of racial prejudice, which is eating into the vitals of an already debilitated society Ñ these are the ideals which the American believers must, from now on, individually and through concerted action, strive to promote, in both their private and public lives, ideals which are the chief propelling forces that can most effectively accelerate the march of their institutions, plans, and enterprises, that can guard the honor and integrity of their Faith, and subdue any obstacles that may confront it in the future. This rectitude of conduct, with its implications of justice, equity, truthfulness, honesty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trustworthiness, must distinguish every phase of the life of the Baha'i community. C!The companions of God," Baha'u'llah Himself has declared, rare, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example." ~j swear by Him Who is the Most Great Ocean!" He again affirms, eewithin the very breath of such souls as are lure and sanctified far-reaching fiotenti-alities are hidden. So great are these ~o-tentialities that they exercise their influence upon all created things." rrHe is the true servant of God," He in another passage has written, frwho, in this day, were he to 4ass [p327] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 327 through cities of silver and gold, would not deign to look upon them, and whose heart would remain pure and unde filed from whatever things can be seen in this world, be they its goods or its treasures. I swear by the Sun of Truth! The breath of such a man is endowed with potency, and his words with attraction." ~By Him Who shineth above the DaySpring of sanctity!" He, still more emphatically, has revealed, ~If the whole earth were to be converted into silver and gold, no man who can be said to have truly ascended into the heaven of faith and certitude wmld deign to regard it, much less to seize and keep it. They who dwell within the Tabernacle of God, and are established upon the seats of everlasting glory, will refuse, though they be dying of hunger, to stretch their hands, and seize Un-law fully the property of their neighbor, however vile and worthless he may be. The ~ur pose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness and wisdom. His object is to array every man with the mantle of a sainily character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds." crWe have admonished all the loved ones of God," He insists, frto take heed lest the hem of Our sacred vesture be smirched with the mire of unlawful deeds, or be stained with the dust of reprehensible conduct." ~Cleave unto righteousness, 0 peo-pie of Baha," He thus exhorts them, ~This, verily, is the commandment which this wronged One hath given unto you, and the first choice of His unrestrained will for every one of you." ~A good character," He explains, 1~is, verily, the best mantle for men from God. With it He adorneth the temples of His loved ones. By My Life! The light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof." !~One righteous act," He, again, has written, ~is endowed with a potency that can so elevate the dust as to cause it to pass be Ñ yond the heaven of heavens. It can tear every bond asunder, and hath the power to restore the force that hath spent itself and vanished.. Be pure, 0 people of God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous.Say: 0 people of God! That which can insure the victory of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, His hasts and helpers on earth, have been set down in the sacred Books and Scriptures, and are as clear and manifest as the sun. These hosts are such righteous deeds, such conduct and character, as are acceptable in His sight. W/hoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid Our Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy character and ufrright conduct, the in flu-ence from such an action will, most certainly, be diffused througho t the whole world." r~The betterment of the world," is yet another statement, ~can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." r~Be fair to yourselves and to others," He thus counseleth them, ~that the evidences of justice may be revealed throitgh yoitr deeds among Our faithful servants." ~rEquity,~~ He also has written, ~is Ihe most fundamental among human virtues. The evaluation of all things must needs depend upon ii." And again, t~Observe equity in your judgment, ye men of understanding heart! He that is unjust in his judgment is destitute of the characteristics that distinguish man's station." ~~Beautify you~r tongues, 0 people," He further admonishes them, ~with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, 0 people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the tru,stees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His gen~ erosity amidst His people." r~Let your eye be chaste," is yet another counsel, !rycrnr hand faithful, your tongue truthful, and your heart enlightened." ~Be an ornament to the countenance of truth," is yet another admonition, ~a crawn to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue." ~~Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning," is still another admonition, t~suffer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe of forbearance and justice, that the sweet savors of holiness may be wafted from your hearts upon all created things. Say: Beware, 0 people of Baha, lest ye walk in the ways of [p328] 328 THE BAHA'I WORLD them whose words differ front their deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth His coinnsandnsen is. Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind, for the professions of most men, be they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is through your deeds that ye can distin Ñ guish yourselves from others. Through them the brightness of your light can be shed u~un the whole earth. Happy is the man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts prescribed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." rr~ army of God!" writes 'Abdu'l-Baha, reThrough the protection and help vouchsafed by the Blessed Beauty Ñ may my life be a sacrifice to His loved ones Ñ ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye inaj; stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a center of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faith Julness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truth fulness and lovingkindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the fleaple of that city may cry out and say: !This man is unquestionably a Baha'i, for his manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and dis-~usition reflect the attributes of the Baha'is.' Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faith fill to the Covenant and Test ainent of God." rrThe most vital ditty, in this day," He, moreover, has written, r!is to purify your characters, to correct your manners, and improve your conduct. The beloved of the Merciful must show forth such character and conduct among His creatures, that the fragrance of their holiness may be shed ufion the whole 'world, and 'may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the dawning of the limitless lights of the Invisible is to educate the souls of men, and refine the character of every living man. Truthfulness," He asserts, ee;5 the foundation of all human virtues. Without truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also be acquired." Such a rectitude of conduct must manifest itself, with ever-increasing potency, in every verdict which the elected representatives of the Baha'i community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may be called upon to pronounce. It must be constantly reflected in the business dealings of all its members, in their domestic lives, in all manner of employment, and in any service they may, in the future, render their government or people. It must be exemplified in the conduct of all Baha'i electors, when exercising their sacred rights and functions. It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards nonacceptance of political posts, nonidentification with political parties, nonparticipation in political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations and ecclesiastical institutions. It must reveal itself in the uncompromising adherence of all, whether young or old, to the clearly enunciated and fundamental principles laid down by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His addresses, and to the laws and ordinances revealed by Baha'u'llah in His Most Holy Book. It must be demonstrated in the impartiality of every defender of the Faith against its enemies, in his fair-mindedness in recognizing any merits that enemy may possess, and in his honesty in discharging any obligations he may have towards him. It must constitute the brightest ornament of the life, the pursuits, the exertions, and the utterances of every Baha'i teacher, whether laboring at home or abroad, whether in the front ranks of the teaching force, or occupying a less active and responsible position. It must be made the hallmark of that numerically small, yet intensely dynamic and highly responsible body of the elected national representatives of every Baha'i community, which constitutes the sustaining pillar, and the sole instrument for the election, in every community, of that Universal House whose very name and title, as ordained by Baha'u'llah, symbolizes that rectitude of conduct which is its highest mission to safeguard and enforce. So great and transcendental is this principle of Divine justice, a principle that must be regarded as the crowning distinction of all Local and National Assemblies, [p329] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 329 in their capacity as forerunners of the Universal House of Justice, that Baha'u'llah Himself subordinates His personal inclination and wish to the all-compelling force of its demands and implications. ~God is My witness!" He thus explains, ~were it not contrary to the Law of God, I would have kissed the hand of My wouldbe murderer, and would cause him to inherit My earthly goods. I am restrained, however, by the binding Law laid down in the Book, and am Myself bereft of all worldly posessions." ~Knoiv thoit, of a truth," He significantly affirms, ~these great oppressions that have befallen the world are preparing it for the advent of the Most Great Justice." ~Say," He again asserts, N~~Ie hath appeared with that Justice wherewith mankind hath been adorned, and yet the people are, for the 'most part, asleep." ~The light of men is Justice," He moreover states, ~Quench ~f not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of l4nity among men." ~No radiance," He declares, ~can compare with that of justice. The organization of the world and the tranquillity of mankind depend upon it." ~O people of God!" He exclaims, ~That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world." ~Justice and equity," is yet another assertion, ~are two guardians for the ~rotecfion of man. They have appeared arrayed in their mighty and sacred names to maintain the world in uprightness and protect the nations." ~Bestir yourselves, 0 people," is His emphatic warning, ~in antici~atian of the days of Divine justice, for the promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye fail to apprehend its un port, and be accounted among the erring." ~rThe day is approaching," He similarly has written, ~when the faithful will behold ~he daystar of justice shining in ifs full splen-tior from the days pring of glory." "The shame I was made to bear," He significantly remarks, Thath uncovered the glory with which the whole of creation had been invested, and throii~gb the cruelties I have endured, the daystar of justice hath manifested itself, and shed its splendor upon men." The world," He again has written, ~zs in great turmoil, and the minds of its people are in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under all conditions." And again, ~There can be no doubt whatever that if the daystar of justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed." ~eGod be praised!" 'Abdu'l-Baha, in His turn, exclaims, rrThe sun of justice hath risen above the horizon of Baha'u'llah. For in His Tablets the foundations of such a justice have been laid as no mind hath, from the beginning of creation, conceived." ~The canopy of existence," He further explains, ~resteth upon the pole of justice, and not of forgiveness, and the life of mankind de-pendeth on justice and not on forgiveness." Small wonder, therefore, that the Author of the Baha'i Revelation should have chosen to associate the name and title of that House, which is to be the crowning glory of His administrative institutions, not with forgiveness but with justice, to have made justice the oniy basis and the permanent foundation of His Most Great Peace, and to have proclaimed it in His Hidden Words as ~the best beloved of all things" in His sight. It is to the American believers, particularly, that I feel urged to direct this fervent plea to ponder in their hearts the implications of this moral rectitude, and to uphold, with heart and soul and uncompromisingly, both individually and collectively, this sublime standard Ñ a standard of which justice is so essential and potent an element. As to a chaste and holy life it should be regarded as no less essential a factor that must contribute its proper share to the strengthening and vitalization of the Baha'i community, upon which must in turn depend the success of any Baha'i plan or enterprise. In these days when the forces of irreligion are weakening the moral fibre, and undermining the foundations of individual morality, the obligation of chastity and holiness must claim an increasing share of the attention of the American believers, both [p330] 330 THE BAHA'I WORLD in their individual capacities and as the responsible custodians of the interests of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. In the discharge of such an obligation, to which the special circumstances resulting from an excessive and enervating materialism now prevailing in their country lend particular significance, they must play a conspicuous and predominant role. All of them, be they men or women, must, at this threatening hour when the lights of religion are fading out, and its restraints are one by one being abolished, pause to examine themselves, scrutinize their conduct, and with characteristic resolution arise to purge the life of their community of every trace of moral laxity that might stain the name, or impair the integrity, of so holy and precious a Faith. A chaste and holy life must be made the controlling principle in the behavior and conduct of all Baha'is, both in their social relations with the members of their own community, and in their contact with the world at large. It must adorn and re~nforce the ceaseless labors and meritorious exertions of those whose enviable position is to propagate the Message, and to administer the affairs, of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. It must be upheld, in all its integrity and implications, in every phase of the life of those who fill the ranks of that Faith, whether in their homes, their travels, their clubs, their societies, their entertainments, their schools, and their universities. It must be accorded special consideration in the conduct of the social activities of every Baha'i summer school and any other occasions on which Baha'i community life is organized and fostered. It must be closely and continually identified with the mission of the BaJA'i Youth, both as an element in the life of the Baha'i community, and as a factor in the future progress and orientation of the youth of their own country. Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity, temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations. It demands daily vigilance in the control of one's carnal desires and corrupt inclinations. It calls for the abandonment ment of a frivolous conduct, with its excessive attachment to trivial and often misdirected pleasures. It requires total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, from opium, and from similar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the prostitution of art and of literature, the practices of nudism and of companionate marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, and all manner of promiscuity, of easy familiarity, and of sexual vices. It can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits, and the excess of a decadent age. Nay rather it seeks to demonstrate, through the dynamic force of its example, the pernicious character of such theories, the falsity of such standards, the hollowness of such claims, the perversity of such habits, and the sacrilegious character of such excesses. eeBy the righteousness of God!" writes Baha'u'llah, tT'he world, its vanities and its glory, and whatever delights it can offer, are all, in the sight of God, as worthless as, nay even more contemptible than, dust and ashes. Would that the hearts of men coidd comprehend it. Wash yourselves thoroughly 0 people of Ba/3d, from the defilement of the world, and of all that pertaineth unto it. God Himself beareth Me witness! The things of the earth ii! beseem you. Cast them away unto such as-may desire them, and fasten your eyes upon this most holy and effulgent Vision." re~ ye My loved ones!" He thus exhorts His followers, C rsu p. fer not the /9 cm of My sacred vesture to be sinirched and mired with the things of this world, and follow nut the firomptings of your evil and corrupt desires." And again, !!O ye the beloved of the one true God! Pass beyond the narrow retreats of your evil and corrupt desires, and advance into the vast immensity of the realm of God, and abide ye in the ineads of sanctity and of detachment, that the fragrance of your deeds may lead the whole of mankind to the ocean of God's unfading glory." erDis encumber yourselves," He thus commands them, ~?of all attachment to this world and the vanities thereof. Beware that ye approach them not, inasmuch as they prcnnpt you to walk after your own Lusts and covetous desires, and hinder you from entering the straight and glorious Path." CrES [p331] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 331 chew all manner of wickedness," is His commandment, ~!f or such things are forbidden unto you in the Book which none touch except such as God hath cleansed from every taint of guilt, and numbered among the purified." !~A race of men," is His written promise, ~incoin parable in character, shall be raised up 'which, with the feet of detach-inent, will tread under all who are in heaven and on earth, and will cast the sleeve of holiness over all that bath been created from water and clay." erThe civilization," is His grave warning, ~so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. If carried to excess, civilization ivill prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness l2hen. kept within the restrains of moderation." ~He hath chosen out of the whole world the hearts of His servants," He explains, ~~and made Ihein each a seat for the revelation of His glory. Where foi~e, sanctify them from every defilement, that the things for which they were created may be en graven upon them. This indeed is a token of God's bountiful favor." ~Say," He procliams, ~~He is naf to be nu~mbered with the people of Baha who follc~weth his mundane desires, or fixeth his heart on things of the earth. He is 'my true follower who, if he come to a valley of p~ire gold will pass straight through it aloof as a cloud, and will neither turn back, nor pause. Such a man is assuredly of Me. From his garment the Concoi~rse ois high ccrn inhale the fragrance of sanctity. And if he met the fairest and most comely of ivoinen, he would not feel his heart seduced by the least shadow of desire for her beauty. Such an one indeed is the creation of spotless chastity. Thus instructeth you the Pen of the Ancient of Days, as bidden by your Lord, the Almighty, the A1l-Boi~intiful." ~They that follow their lusts and corrupt inclinations," is yet another warning, ~have erred and dissipated their efforts. They indeed are of the lost." ~It bel.ioryveth the people of Baha," He also has written, ~~to die to the world and all that is therein, to be so detached from all earthly thin~gs that the inmates of Paradise may inhale fro~n their garment the sweet smelling savor of sanc tity. They that have tarnished the fair izame of the Cause of God by following the things of the flesh Ñ these are in palpable error!" ~Purity and chastity," He particularly admonishes, ~hav~ been, and still are, the most great orisaments for (he handmaidens of God. God is My Witness! The brightness of the light of chastity sheddeth its illumination upon the worlds of the spirit, and its fragrance is ivaf ted even unto the Most Exalted Paradise." ~God," He again affirms, ~!hath verily made chastity to be a crown for the heads of His hand-maide~ns. Great is the blessedness of that handmaiden that hath attained unto this great station." r!We verily, have decreed in Our Book," is His assurance, ~a goodly and bountiful reward to whosoever will (urn away from wickedness, and lead a chaste and godly life. He, in truth, is the Great Giver, the All-Bo~unkiful." ~V~7e have sustained the weight of all cakunities," He testifies, ~~to sanctify you from all earthly corruption and ye are yet indifferent. We, verily, behold your actions. If We perceive from them the sweet s1nefl~ng savor of purity and holiness, We will most cer-fidnly bless you. Then will the tongues of the inmates of Paradise utter your praise and magnify your names amidst them who have drawn nigh unto God." t~The drinking of wine," writes 'Abdu'l-Baha, ~ according to the text of the Mosi Holy Book, forbidden; for it is the cause of chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind." t~DrinJz ye, 0 handmaidens of God," Baha'u'llah Himself has affirmed, "7he Mystic Wine froin~ the cup of My words. Cast away, then, from you that which your minds abhor, for it hat/i been forbidden unto you in His Tab-lels and His Scriptures. Beware lest ye barter away the River that is life indeed for that which the soids of the fture-hearted detest. Become ye intoxicated with the wine of the love of God, and not with that which dead en eth your minds, 0 ye that adore Him! Verily, ~t bath been forbidden unto every believer, whether man or woman. Thus hath the sun of My commandment shone forlh above the horizon of My utter-an ce, thai the handmaidens who believe in Me may be illumined." [p332] 332 THE BAHA'I WORLD It must be remembered, however, that the maintenance of such a high standard of moral conduct is not to be associated or confused with any form of asceticism, or of excessive and bigoted puritanism. The standard inculated by Baha'u'llah, seeks, under no circumstances, to deny any one the legitimate right and privilege to derive the fullest advantage and benefit from the manifold joys, beauties, and pleasures with which the world has been so plentifully enriched by an All-Loving Creator. eeShould a man," Baha'u'llah Himself reassures us, aivish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God bath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. E~~t ye, 0 people, of the good things which God haTh allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wo drous bonn ties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and he of them that are truly thankful." T~r MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well nigh a century, has bitten into the fibre, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha'i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem, which the American believers are still far from having satisfactorily resolved, with an urgency and importance that can not be overestimated. White and negro, high and low, young and old, whether newly converted to the Faith or not, all who stand identified with it must participate in, and lend their assistance, each according to his or her capacity, experience, and opportunities, to the common task of fulfilling the instruc Ñ dons, realizing the hopes, and following the example of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Whether colored or noncolored, neither race has the right, or can conscientiously claim, to be regarded as absolved from such an obligation, as hay Ñ ing realized such hopes, or having faithfully followed such an example. A long and thorny road, beset with pitfalls, still remains untraveled, both by the white and the negro exponents of the redeeming Faith of Baha'u'llah. On the distance they cover, and the manner in which they travel that road, must depend, to an extent which few among them can imagine, the operation of those intangible influences which are indispensable to the spiritual triumph of the American believers and die material success of their newly-launched enterprise. Let them call to mind, fearlessly and determinedly, the example and conduct of 'Abdu'l-Baha while in their midst. Let them remember His courage, His genuine love, His informal and indiscriminating fellowship, His contempt for and impatience of criticism, tempered by His tact and wisdom. Let them revive and perpetuate the memory of those unforgettable and historic episodes and occasions on which Lie so strikingly demonstrated His keen sense of justice, His spontaneous sympathy, for the down-trod-den, His ever-abiding sense of the oneness of the human race, His overflowing love for its members, and His displeasure with those who dared to flout His wishes, to deride His methods, to challenge His principles, or to nullify His acts. To discriminate against any race, on the ground of its being socialty backward, politi-cafly immature, and numerically in a minor-fry, is a flagrant violation of the spirit that animates the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The consciousness of any division or cleavage in its ranks is alien to its very purpose, principles, and ideals. Once its members have fully recognized the claim of its Author, and, by identifying themselves with its Administrative Order, accepted unreservedly the principles and laws embodied in its teachings, every differentiation of class, creed, or color must automatically be obliterated, and never be allowed, under any pretext, and however great the pressure of events or of public opinion, to reassert itself. If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in [p333] THE WORLD ORDER 013 BAHA'U'LLAH 333 favor of the minority, be it racial or otherwise. Unlike the nations and peoples of the earth, be they of the East or of the West, democratic or authoritarian, communist or capitalist, whether belonging to the Old World or the New, who either ignore, trample upon, or extirpate, the racial, religious, or political minorities within the sphere of their jurisdiction, every organized community, enlisted under the banner of Baha'u'llah should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class, or nation within it. So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the qualifications for any office are balanced as between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community. In the light of this principle, and bearing in mind the extreme desirability of having the minority elements participate and share responsibility in the conduct of Baha'i activity, it should be the duty of every Baha'i community so to arrange its affairs that in cases where individuals belonging to the divers minority elements within it are already qualified and fulfill the necessary requirements, Baha'i representative institutions, be they Assemblies, conventions, conferences, or committees, may have represented on them as many of these divers elements, racial or otherwise, as possible. The adoption of such a course, and faithful adherence to it, would not only be a source of inspiration and encouragement to those elements that are numerically small and inadequately represented, but would demonstrate to the world at large the universality and' representative character of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, and the freedom of His followers from the taint of those prejudices which have already wrought such havoc in the domestic affairs, as well as the foreign relationships, of the nations. Freedom from racial prejudice, in any of its forms, should, at such a time as this when an increasingly large section of the human race is falling a victim to its devastating f&rocity, be adopted as the watchword of the entire body of the American believers, in whichever state they reside, in whatever circles they move, whatever their age, traditions, tastes, and habits. It should be consistently demonstrated in every phase of their activity and life, whether in the Baha'i community or outside it, in public or in private, formally as well as informally, individually as well as in their official capacity as organized groups, committees and Assemblies. It should be deliberately cultivated through the various and everyday opportunities, no matter how insignificant, that present themselves, whether in their homes, their business offices, their schools and coi-leges, their social parties and recreation grounds, their Baha'i meetings, conferences, conventions, summer schools and Assemblies. It should, above all else, become the keynote of the policy of that august body which, in its capacity as the national representative, and the director and coardinator of the affairs of the community, must set the example, and facilitate the application of such a vital principle to the lives and activities of those whose interests it safeguards and represents. ~O ye discerning ones!" Baha'u'llah has written, reverily the words which have descended from the heaven of the Will of God are the source of unity and harmony for the 'world. Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness." vrWe desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations," he proclaims, ~ that all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled." C!Bahd) u'lldh hath said," writes 'Abdu'l-Baha, erthat the various races of human kind lend a composite harmony and beauty of color to the whole. Let all associate, therefore, in this great human garden even as flowers grow and blend together side by side without discord or disagreement between them." frBahd~n~(ldh~) 'Abdu'l-Baha moreover has said, rconce compared the colored people to [p334] 334 THE BAHAI WORLD the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflectiois of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shine/h forth." ~God," 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself declares, '~maketh no distinction between the white and the black. If the hearts are pure both are acceptable unto Him. God is no re-spector of persons on account of either color or race. All colors are acceptable ~tnto Him, he they white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch as all were creakd in the image of God, we must bring o'u~rseIves to realize that all embody divine possibilities." ~In the estimation of God," He states, ~eall men are equal. There is no distinction or preference !or any soul, in the realm of His justice and equity." ~God did not make these divisions;" He affirms, ~these dk4sions have had their origin in man himself. Therefore, as they are against the plan and Inir pose of God they are false and imaginary." ~!In the estimation of God," He again affirms, ~there is no distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of servitide to Hi-rn. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matlereth not what the exterior may be if the heart is p~ere and white within. God doth not behold differences of hue and co-rn-plexiws. He looketh at the hearts. He whose morals and virlues are praiseworthy is preferred in the ftresence of God; he who is devoted to the Kingdum is most beloved. In the realm of genesis and creations the question of color is of least importance." ~Throughoi~tt the ai~iinal kin gdoin," He explains, r~we do not find the creatures separated because of color. They recognize unity of species and oneness of kind. If we do not find color distinc~iois drawn in a kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified among human beings, especially when we know that all have come from the same soitrce and belong to the same household? In origin and intention of creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and color have arisen afterward." !~Man is endowed with superior reasoning power and the faculty of perception"; He further plains, ~he is the manifestation of divine best owals. Shall racial ideas prevail and ob.-scure the creative purpose of unity in his kingdom?" NOne of the important questions," He significantly remarks, ~~which affect the unity and the solidarity of mankind is the fellowship and equality of the white and colored races. Between these two races certain points of agreement and points of distincticyn exist which u'arrant just and mutual consideration. The points of contact are many. In this country, the United States of America, patriotism is common to both races; all have equal rights to citizenship, speak one language, receive the blessings of the same civilization, and fallow the precepis of the same religion. In fact numerous points of partnership and agreement exist betweeis the two races; whereas the one point of distinction is that of color. Shall this, the lec~st of all distinctions, be allowed to separate you as races and individuals?" ~Tlois variety in forms and coloring," He stresses, ~which is mani-Jest in all the kingdoms is according to creative Wisdom and bath a divine purpose." ~The diversity in the human family," He claims, ~~should be The cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many dif Ñ ferent notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord." ~If you meet," is His admonition, ~Ihose of a different race and color from yoitrself, do not mistrust them, and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionally, but rather be glad and show the-rn kindness." ~In the world of being," He testifies, ~the meeting is blessed when the white and colored races meet together with infinite spiri~uai love and heavenly harmony. When such meetings are established, and the participants associate with each other with perfect love, 1~nity and kindness, the angels of the Kingdom praise them, and the Beauty of Baha'u'llah addresseth them, Tlessed are ye! Blessed are ye!'" ~!When a gathering of these two races is brought about," He likewise asserts, ~•that assemblage will become the magnet of the Concourse on high, and the confirmation of the Blessed Beauty will surround it." ~eSIrive earnestly," He again exhorts both races, ~and put forth your greatest endeavor toward the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing of this bond of brotherhood behveen you. Such an attainment is not possible without will and effort [p335] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 335 on the part of each; from one, expressions of gratitude and appreciation; from the other, kindliness and recagnit ion of equality. Each one should endeavor to develop and assist the other toward mutual advancement. Love and unity will be fostered between you, thereby bringing about the oneness of mankind. For the accomplishment of unity between the colored and white will be an assurance of the world's peace." ~7 hope," He thus addresses members of the white race, ~~that ye may cause that downtrodden race to become glorious, and to be joined with the white race, to serve the world of man with the utmost sincerity, faithfulness, love, and p-i~rity. This opposition, enmity, and prejudice among the white race and the colored cannot be effaced except through faith, assurance, and the teachings of the Blessed Beauty." '~This question of the union of the white and the black is very important," He warns, or if it is not realized, erelong great difficulties will arise, and harmful results will follow." elf this matter reinaineth without change," is yet another warning, ~en1nity will be increased day by day, and the final result will be hardship and may end in bloodshed." A tremendous effort is required by both races if their outlook, their manners, and conduct are to reflect, in this darkened age, the spirit and teachings of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Casting away once and for all the fallacious doctrine of racial superior~ ity, with all its attendant evils, confusion, and miseries, and welcoming and encouraging the intermixture of races, and tearing down the barriers that now divide them, they should each endeavor, day and night, to fulfill their particular responsibilities in the common task which so urgently faces them. Let them, while each is attempting to contribute its share to the solution of this perplexing problem, call to mind the warnings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and visualize, while there is yet time, the dire consequences that must follow if this challenging and unhappy situation that faces the entire American nation is not definitely remedied. Let the white make a supreme effort in their resolve to contribute their share to the solution of this problem, to abandon once for all their usually inherent and at times subconscious sense of superiority, to correct their tendency towards revealing a patronizing attitude towards the members of the other race, to persuade them through their intimate, spontaneous and informal association with them of the genuineness of their friendship and the sincerity of their intentions, and to master their impatience of any lack of responsiveness on the part of a people who have received, for so long a period, such grievous and slow-healing wounds. Let the negroes, through a corresponding effort on their part, show by every means in their power the warmth of their response, their readiness to forget the past, and their ability to wipe out every trace of suspicion that may still linger in their hearts and minds. Let neither think that the solution of so vast a problem is a matter that exclusively concerns the other. Let neither think that such a problem can either easily or immediately be resolved. Let neither think that they can wait confidently for the solution of this problem until the initiative has been taken, and the favorable circumstances created, by agencies that stand outside the orbit of their Faith. Let neither think that anything short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort, can succeed in blotting out the stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their common country. Let them rather believe, and be firmly convinced, that on their mutual understanding, their amity, and sustained cooperation, must depend, more than on any other force or organization operating outside the circle of their Faith, the deflection of that dangerous course so greatly feared by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the materialization of the hopes He cherished for their ioint contribution to the fulfillment of that country's glorious destiny. ... THE AWAKENING OF LATIN AMERICA No sooner is this initial step taken, involving as it does the formation of at least one nucleus in each of these virgin states and provinces in the North American continent, than the machinery for a tremendous [p336] 336 THE J3AHA'I WORLD intensification of Baha'i concerted effort must be set in motion, the purpose of which should be the reinforcement of the noble exertions which oniy a few isolated believers are now making for the awakening of the nations of Latin America to the Call of Baha'u'llah. Not until this second phase of the teaching campaign, under the Seven Year Plan, has been entered can the campaign be regarded as fully launched, or the Plan itself as having attained the most decisive stage in its evolution. So powerful will be the effusions of Divine grace that will be poured forth upon a valiant community that has already in the administrative sphere erected, in all the glory of its exterior ornamentation, its chief Edifice, and in the teaching field raised aloft, in every state and province, in the North American continent the ban-ncr of its Faith Ñ so great will be these effusions that its members will find themselves overpowered by the evidences of their regenerative power. The InterAmerica Committee must, at such a stage, nay even before it is entered, rise to the level of its opportunities, and display a vigor, a consecration, and enterprise as will be commensurate with the responsibilities it has shouldered. It should not, for a moment, be forgotten that Central and Southern America embrace no less than twenty independent nations, constituting approximately one-third of the entire number of the world's sovereign states, and are destined to play an increasingly important part in the shaping of the world's future destiny. With the world contracting into a neighborhood, and the fortunes of its races, nations and peoples becoming inextricably interwoven, the remoteness of these states of the Western Hemisphere is vanishing, and the latent possibilities in each of them are becoming increasingly apparent. When this second stage in the progressive unfoldment of teaching activities and enterprises, under the Seven Year Plan, is reached, and the machinery required for its prosecution begins to operate, the American believers, the stouthearted pioneers of this mighty movement, must, guided by the unfailing light of Baha'u'llah, and in strict accordance with the Plan laid out by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and acting under the direction of their National Spiritual Assembly, and assured of the aid of the InterAmerica Committee, launch an offensive against the powers of darkness, of corruption, and of ignorance, an offensive that must extend to the uttermost end of the Southern continent, and embrace within its scope each of the twenty nations that compose it. Let some, at this very moment, gird up the loins of their endeavor, flee their native towns, cities, and states, forsake their country, and, Cr rutting their whole trust in God as the best provision for their journey," set their faces, and direct their steps towards those distant climes, those virgin fields, those unsurrendered cities, and bend their energies to capture the citadels of men's hearts Ñ hearts, which, as Baha'u'llah has written, ~the hosts of Revelation and of utterance can subdue." Let them not tarry until such time as their fellow-laborers wiii have passed the first stage in their campaign of teaching, but let them rather, from this very hour, arise to usher in the opening phase of what will come to be regarded as one of the most glorious chapters in the international history of their Faith. Let them, at the very outset, ceteach their own selves, that their speech may attract the hearts of their hearers.~~ Let them regard the triumph of their Faith as their rrsupreme objective." Let them not ~consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle" that carries the measure of grace that God poureth forth in this age. Let them rrdisencumber themselves of all attachment to this world and the vanities thereof," and, with that spirit of detachment which 'Abdu'l-Baha exemplified and wished them to emulate, bring these diversified peoples and countries to the remembrance of God and His supreme Manifestation. Let His 'ove be a rrstorehouse of treasure for their souls," on the day when f!every pillar shall tremble, when the very skins of men shall creep, when all eyes shall stare up with terror." Let their !esouls be aglow with the flame of the undying Fire that burneth in the midmost heart of the world, in such wise that the waters of the universe shall be powerless to cool down its ardor." Let them be e~unrest rained as the wind" which r!neither the sight of desolation nor the evidences of prosperity can either rain or please." Let [p337] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 337 them ~run1oose their ton gites and proclaim unceasingly His Cause." Let them ~pro claim that which the Most Great Spirit will inspire them to utter in the service of the Cause of their Lord." Let them r~belvare lest they contend with any one, nay strk'e to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation." Let them ~ivholly for the saize of God pro-etaim His Message, and with that same spirit accept whatever response their words may evoke in their hearers." Let them not, for one moment, forget that the ~Faithfu1 Spirit shall strengthen them through its power," and that ~a company of His chosen an gets shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise." Let them ever bear in mind ~how great is the b(essedness that awaiteth them that have attained the honor of serving the Almighty," and remember that ~such a service is indeed the prince of all goodly deeds, and the orna-inent of every goodly act." And, finally, let these soul-stirring words of Baha'u'llah, as they pursue their course throughout the length and breadth of the southern American Continent, be ever ready on their lips, a solace to their hearts, a light on their path, a companion in their loneli-less, and a daily sustenance in their journeys: ~O wayfarer in the path of God! Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of the things that lie hidden in its depths. A dewdrop out of this ocean would, if shed upon all that are in the heavens and on earth, suffice to enrich them with the bounty of God, the Almighly, the All-Knowing ~he All-Wise. With the hands of renunciation draw forth fro in its life-giving waters, and sprinkle therewith all c~reated things, that they may be cleansed from all manmade limitations, and may approach the mighly seat of God, this hallowed and resplendent Spot. Be not grieved if thou performest it thyself alone. Let God be a!l-suf]icient for thee. Proclaim the Cause of thy Lord unto all who are in the heavens and on the earth. Should any man respond to thy call, lay bare before him the pectr!s of the wisdom of the Lord, thy God, which His Spirit hath sent down upon thee, and be thou of them that truly believe. And should any one reject thy offer, turn thou away from him, and pzd thy trust and confidence in the Lord of all worlds. By the righteousness of God! Whoso openet1~ his lips in this day, and maizeth men flon of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of my name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. On him shall also descend the Concourse on high, each bearing aloft ~ chalice of pure light. Thus halk it been foreordained in the realm of God's Revelation, by the behest of Him Who is the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful." Let these words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, gleaned from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ring likewise in their ears, as they go forth, assured and unafraid, on His mission: ~O ye apostles of Baha'u'llah! May my life be sacrificed for you! Behold the portals which Baha'u'llah hath opened before you! Consider how exalted and lofty is the station you are destined to attain; how unique the favors with udv~ch you have been endowed." ~My thoughts are turned towards you, and my heart leaps within me at your mention. Could ye know hoiv my soul gloweth with your love, so great a hap~-ness would flood your hearts as to cause you to become enamored with each other." r!The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance still u apprehended. Erelong ye will, with your own eyes, wit n~ess how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of Divine Guidance, and w~lI bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life." N fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements." ~The Almighty will no doubt grant you the help of His grace, will invest you with the tokens of His might, and will endue your souls with the sustaining power of His holy Spirit." ~Be not concerned w)th the smallness of your numbers, neither be oppressed by the multitude of an unbelieving world. Exert yourselves; your mission is isnspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America wilt assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the pleni [p338] 338 THE BAHA'I WORLD tude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established." It should be remembered that the carrying out of the Seven Year Plan involves, in so far as the teaching work is concerned, no more than the formation of at least one center in each of the Central and South American Republics. The hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Faith of RaM'-u'lUh should witness, if the Plan already launched is to meet with success, the laying, in each of these countries, of a foundation, however rudimentary, on which the rising generation of the American believers may, in the opening years of the second century of the Baha'i era, be able to build. Theirs will be the task, in the course of successive decades, to extend and reinforce those foundations, and to suppiy the necessary guidance, assistance, and encouragement that will enable the widely-scattered groups of believers in those countries to establish independent and properly constituted local Assemblies, and thereby erect the framework of the Administrative Order of their Faith. The erection of such a framework is primarily the responsibility of those whom the community of the North American believers have converted to the Divine Message. It is a task which must involve, apart from the immediate obligation of enabling every group to evolve into a local Assembly, the setting up of the entire machinery of the Administrative Order in conformity with the spiritual and administrative principles governing the life and activities of every established Baha community throughout the world. No departure from these cardinal and clearly enunciated principles, embodied and preserved in Baha'i national and local constitutions, common to all Baha'i communities, can under any circumstances be tolerated. This, however, is a task that concerns those who, at a later period, must arise to further a work which, to all intents and purposes, has not yet been effectively started. Tur SPECIAL POSITION or PANAMA Faithful to the provisions of the Charter laid down by the pen of 'Abdu'l-Baha, I feel it my duty to draw the special attention of those to whom it has been entrusted to the urgent needs of, and the special position enjoyed by, the Republic of Panama, both in view of its relative proximity to the heart and center of the Faith in North America, and of its geographical position as the link between two continents. ~A11 the above countries," 'Abdu'l-Baha, referring to the Latin States in one of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, has written, erhave importance, but especially the Republic of Panama, wherein the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans come together through the Panama Canal. It is a center for travel and passage from America to other continents of the world, and in the future it will gain most great importance." !fLikewise,~~ He again has written, C!ye must give great attention to the Republic of Panama, for in that point the Occident and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal, and it is also situated between the two great oceans. That place will become very import ant in the future. The teachings, once established there, will unite the East and the West, the North and the South." So privileged a position surely demands the special and prompt attention of the American Baha'i community. With the Republic of Mexico already opened up to the Faith, and with a Spiritual Assembly properly constituted in its capital city, the southward penetration of the Faith of Baha'u'llah into a neighboring country is but a natural and logical step, and should, it is to be hoped, prove to be not a difficult one. No efforts should be spared, and no sacrifice be deemed too great, to establish even though it be a very small group in a Republic occupying, both spiritually and geographically, so strategic a position Ñ a group which, in view of the potency with which the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha have already endowed it, cannot but draw to itself, as soon as it is formed, the outpouring grace of the Abh5 Kingdom, and evolve with such marvelous swiftness as to excite the wonder and the admiration of even those who have already witnessed such stirring evidences of the force and power of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Preference, no doubt, should be given by all wouldbe pioneers, as well as by the members of the InterAmerica Committee, to the spiritual needs of this privileged Republic, [p339] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 339 though every effort should, at the same time, be exerted to introduce the Faith, however tentatively, to the Republics of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica which would link it, in an unbroken chain, with its mother Assemblies in the North American continent. Obstacles, however formidable, should be surmounted, the resources of the Baha treasury should be liberally expended on its behalf, and the ablest and most precious exertions should be consecrated to the cause of its awakening. The erection of yet another outpost of the Faith, in its heart, will constitute, I firmly believe, a landmark in the history of the Formative Period of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the New World. It will create limitless opportunities, galvanize the efforts, and reinvigorate the life, of those who will have accomplished this feat, and infuse immense courage and boundless joy into the hearts of the isolated groups and individuals in the neighboring and distant Republics, and exert intangible yet powerful spiritual influences on the life and future development of its people. AN INSCRUTABLE WISDOM, AN ALL-COMPELLING WILL Such, dearly-beloved friends, is the vista that stretches before the eyes, and challenges the resources, of the American Baha'i community in these, the concluding years of the First Century of the Ba1A'i Era. Such are the qualities and qualifications demanded of them for the proper discharge of their responsibilities and duties. Such are the requirements, the possibilities, and the objectives of the Plan that claims every ounce of their energy. Who knows but that these few remaining, fast-fleeting years, may not be pregnant with events of unimaginable magnitude, with ordeals more severe than any that humanity has as yet experienced, with conflicts more devasting than any which have preceded them. Dangers, however sinister, must, at no time, dim the radiance of their newborn faith. Strife and confusion, however bewildering, must never befog their vision. Tribulations, however afflictive, must never shatter their resolve. Denunciations, however clamorous, must never sap their loyalty. Upheavals, however cataclysmic, must never deflect their course. The present Plan, embodying the budding hopes of a departed Master, must be pursued, relentlessly pursued, whatever may befall them in the future, however distracting the crises that may agitate their country or the world. Far from yielding in their resolve, far from growing oblivious of their task, they should, at no time, however much buffeted by circumstances, forget that the synchronization of such world-shaking crises with the progressive unfoldment and fruition of their divinely appointed task is itself the work of Providence, the design of an inscrutable Wisdom, and the purpose of an all-compelling Will, a Will that directs and controls, in its own mysterious way, both the fortunes of the Faith and the destinies of men. Such simultaneous processes of rise and of fall, of integration and of disintegration, of order and chaos, with their continuous and reciprocal reactions on each other, are but aspects of a greater Plan, one and indivisible, whose Source is God, whose author is Baha'u'llah, the theatre of whose operations is the entire planet, and whose ultimate objectives are the unity of the human race and the peace of all mankind. Reflections such as these should steel the resolve of the entire Baha'i community, should dissipate their forebodings, and arouse them to rededicate themselves to every single provision of that Divine Charter whose outline has been delineated for them by the pen of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Seven Year Plan, as already stated, is but the initial stage, a steppingstone to the unfoldment of the implications of this Charter. The impulse, originally generated through the movement of that pen, and which is now driving forward, with increasing momentum, the machinery of the Seven Year Plan, must, in the opening years of the next century, be further accelerated, and impel the American Baha'i community to launch further stages in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan, stages that will carry it far beyond the shores of the Northern Hemisphere, into lands and among peoples where that community's noblest acts of heroism are to be performed. [p340] 340 THE BAHA'I WORLD Sacramento, California Members of the Spiritual Assembly newly established on April 21, 1938. Photograph shows tree under which 'Abdu'l-Baha stood in 1912. Spiritual Assembly of Richmond Highlands, Washington, Newly Constituted April 21, 1939. [p341] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 341 THE ADVENT OF THE KINGDOM Let any one inclined to doubt the course which this enviable community is destined to follow, turn to and meditate upon these words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, enshrined, for all time, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and addressed to the entire community of the believers of the United States and Canada: frThe full measure of your success," He informs them, !rjS at yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprehended. Erelong, ye will, with your own eyes, witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate, in the firmament of your country, the light of Divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life. The range of your future achievements still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements. The hope, therefore, which Abdu'l-Baha cherishes for you is that the same success which has attended your efforts in America may crown your endeavors in other parts of the world, that through you the fame of the Cause of God may be diffused throughout the East and the West, and the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts be proclaimed in all the jive continents of the globe." ~The moment," He most significantly adds, ~this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America, and is propagated throughout the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Aus&alasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will all the leo-pies of the world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided. Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness." No reader of these words, so vibrant with promises that not even the triumphant consummation of the Seven Year Plan can fulfill, can expect a community that has been raised so high, and endowed so richly, to remain content with any laurels it may win in the immediate future. To rest upon such laurels would indeed be tantamount to a betrayal of the trust placed in that community by 'Abdu'l-Baha. To cut short the chain of victories that must lead it on to that supreme triumph when, ~the whole earth may be stirred and shaken" by the results of its achievements would shatter His hopes. To vacillate, and fail to ~pro-pa gate through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific" a Message so magnificently proclaimed by it in the American continent would deprive it of the privilege of being t~securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion." To forfeit the honor of proclaiming r~the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts" in ~all the jive continents of the globe" would silence those frpraises of its majesty and greatness" that otherwise would echo throughout ~the whole earth." Such vacillation, failure, or neglect, the American believers, the ambassadors of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, will, I am firmly convinced, never permit. Such a trust will never be betrayed, such hopes can never be shattered, such a privilege will never be forfeited, nor will such praises remain unuttered. Nay rather the present generation of this blessed, this repeatedly blessed, corn Ñ munity will go from strength to strength, and will hand on, as the first century draws to a close, to the generations that must succeed it in the second the torch of Divine Guidance, undimmed by the tempestuous winds that must blow upon it, that they in turn, faithful to the wish and mandate of 'Abdu'l-Baha, may carry that torch, with that selfsame vigor, fidelity, and enthusiasm, to the darkest and remotest corners of the earth. One more word in conclusion. Among some of the most momentous and thoughtprovoking pronouncements ever made by 'Abdu'l-Baha, in the course of His epochmaking travels in the North American continent, are the following: !~May this Amen.-can Democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of International agreement. May it be the first nation to proclain~ the unity of mankind. May it be the first to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great Peace." And again: reThe American people are indeed worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and pro [p342] 342 THE BAHA'I WORLD claim the oneness of mankind. For America hath developed powers and capacities greater and more wonderful than other nations. The American nation is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people... The American continent gives signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far-reaching. It will lead all nations spiritually." Tur DESTINY OF AMERICA The creative energies, mysteriously generated by the first stirrings of the embryonic World Order of Baha'u'llah, have, as soon as released within a nation destined to become its cradle and champion, endowed that nation with the worthiness, and invested it with the powers and capacities, and equipped it spiritually, to play the part foreshadowed in these prophetic words. The potencies which this God-given mission has infused into its people are, on the one hand, beginning to be manifested through the conscious efforts and the nationwide accomplishments, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Baha'i activity, of the organized community of the foLlowers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent. These same potencies, apart from, yet collateral with these efforts and accomplishments, are, on the other hand, insensibly shaping, under the impact of world political and economic forces, the destiny of that nation, and are influencing the lives and actions of both its government and its people. To the efforts and accomplishments of those who, aware of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah, are now laboring in that continent, to their present and future course of activity, I have, in the foregoing pages sufficiently referred. A word, if the destiny of the American people, in its entirety, is to be correctly apprehended, should now be said regarding the orientation of that nation as a whole, and the trend of the affairs of its people. For no matter how ignorant of the Source from which those directing energies proceed, and however siow and laborious the process, it is becoming increasingly evident that the nation as a whole, whether through the agency of its government or otherwise, is gravitating, under the influence of forces that it can neither comprehend nor control, towards such associations and policies, wherein, as indicated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, her true destiny must lie. Both the community of the American believers, who are aware of that Source, and the great mass of their countrymen, who have not as yet recognized the Hand that directs their destiny, are contributing, each in its own way, to the realization of the hopes, and the ful-fihiment of the promises, voiced in the above-quoted words of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The world is moving on. Its events are unfolding ominously and with bewildering rapidity. The whirlwind of its passions is swift and alarmingly violent. The New World is being insensibly drawn into its vortex. The potential storm centers of the earth are already casting their shadows upon its shores. Dangers, undreamt of and unpredictable, threaten it both from within and from without. Its governments and peoples are being gradually enmeshed in the coils of the world's recurrent crises and fierce controversies. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are, with every acceleration in the march of science, steadily shrinking into mere channels. The Great Republic of the West finds itself particularly and increasingly involved. Distant rumblings echo menacingly in the ebullitions of its people. On its flanks are ranged the potential storm centers of the European continent and of the Far East. On its southern horizon there looms what might conceivably develop into another center of agitation and danger. The world is contracting into a neighborhood. America, willingly or unwillingly, must face and grapple with this new situation. For purposes of national security, let alone any humanitarian motive, she must assume the obligations imposed by this newly created neighborhood. Paradoxical as it may seem, her only hope of extricating herself from the perils gathering around her is to become entangled in that very web of international association which the Hand of an inscrutable Providence is weaving. 'Abdu'1- [p343] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 343 Baha'is counsel to a highly placed official in its government comes to mind, with peculiar appropriateness and force. !CYOU can best serve your country if you strive, in your capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist in the eventual application of the principle of federalism, underlying the government of your own country, to the relationships now existing between the peoples and nations of the world." The ideals that fired the imagination of America's tragically unappreciated President, whose high endeavors, however much nullified by a visionless generation, 'Abdu'l-Baha, through His own pen, acclaimed as signalizing the dawn of the Most Great Peace, though now lying in the dust, bitterly reproach a heedless generation for having so cruelly abandoned them. That the world is beset with perils, that dangers are now accumulating and are actually threatening the American nation, no clear-eyed observer can possibly deny. The earth is now transformed into an armed camp. As much as fifty million men arc either under arms or in reserve. No less than the sum of three billion pounds is being spent, in one year, on its armaments. The light of religion is dimmed and moral authority disintegrating. The nations of the world have, for the most part, fallen a prey to battling ideologies that threaten to disrupt the very foundations of their dearly-won political unity. Agitated multitudes in these countries see them with discontent, are armed to the teeth, are stampeded with fear, and groan beneath the yoke of tribulations engendered by political strife, racial fanaticism, national hatreds, and religious animosities. "The w2nds of despair," Baha'u'llah has unmistakably affirmed, are, alas, blowing from every direction, and the strife that divides and afflicts the human race is daily increasing. The signs of impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned. The ills," 'Abdu'l-Baha, writing as far back as two decades ago, has prophesied, front which the world now suffers will multiply; the gloom which envelops it will deepen. The Balkans will remain discontented. Its restlessness will increase. The vanquished Powers will continue to agitate. They will resort to every measure that may rekindle the flame of war. Movements, newly-born and worldwide in their range, will exert their utmost for the advancement of their designs. The Movement of the Left will acquire great imfiortance. Its influence will spread." As to the American nation itself, the voice of its own President, emphatic and clear, warns his people that a possible attack upon their country has been brought infinitely closer by the development of aircraft and by other factors. Its Secretary of State, addressing at a recent Conference the assembled representatives of all the American Republics, utters no less ominous a warning. ttThese resurgent forces loom threateningly throughout the world Ñ their omninous shadow falls athwart our own Hemisphere." As to its Press, the same note of warning and of alarm at an approaching danger is struck. ccWe must be prepared to defend ourselves both from within and without. Our defensive frontier is long. It reaches from Alaska's Point Barrow to Cape Horn, and ranges the Atlantic and the Pacific. When or where Europe's and Asia's aggressors may strike at us no one can say. It could be anywhere, any time. We have no option save to go armed ourselves. We must mount vigilant guard over the Western Hemisphere." The distance that the American nation has traveled since its formal and categoric repudiation of the Wilsonian ideal, the changes that have unexpectedly overtaken it in recent years, the direction in which world events are moving, with their inevitable impact on the policies and the economy of that nation, are to every Baha'i observer, viewing the developments in the international situation, in the light of the prophecies of both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'1 Ñ Baha, most significant, and highly instructive and encouraging. To trace the exact course which, in these troubled times and pregnant years, this nation will follow would be impossible. We can only, judging from the direction its affairs are now taking, anticipate the course she will most likely choose to pursue in her relationships with both the Republics of America and the countries of the remaining continents. A closer association with these Republics, on the one hand, and an increased par [p344] 344 THE BAHA'I WORLD ticipation, in varying degrees, on the other, in the affairs of the whole world, as a result of recurrent international crises, appear as the most likely developments which the future e has in store for that country. Delays must inevitably arise, setbacks must be suffered, , in the course of that country's evolution n towards its ultimate destiny. Nothing, however, can alter eventually that course, ordained for it by the unerring pen of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Its federal unity having already y been achieved and its internal institutions s consolidated Ñ a stage that marked its coming of age as a political entity Ñ its further r evolution, as a member of the family of nations, must, under circumstances that cannot at present be visualized, steadily continue. . Such an evolution must persist until such time as that nation will, through the active and decisive part it will have played in the organization and the peaceful settlement t of the affairs of mankind, have attained d the plenitude of its powers and functions s as an outstanding member, and component t part, of a federated world. The immediate future must, as a result of this steady, this gradual, and inevitable absorption in the manifold perplexities and problems afflicting humanity, be dark and oppressive for that nation. The world shaking g ordeal which Baha'u'llah, as quoted in the foregoing pages, has so graphically prophesied, may find it swept, to an unprecedented d degree, into its vortex. Out of it it will probably emerge, unlike its reactions to the last world conflict, consciously determined mined to seize its opportunity, to bring the full weight of its influence to bear upon the gigantic problems that such an ordeal must leave in its wake, and to exorcise forever, in conjunction with its sister nations of both the East and the West, the greatest curse which, from time immemorial, has afflicted and degraded the human race. Then, and oniy then, will the American nation, molded and purified in the crucible of a common war, inured to its rigors, and disciplined by its lessons, be in a position to raise its voice in the councils of the nations, tions, itself lay the cornerstone of a universal and enduring peace, proclaim the solidarity, the unity, and maturity of mankind, and assist in the establishment of the promised reign of righteousness on earth. Then, and oniy then, will the American nation, while the community of the American believers within its heart is consummating its di-vinely-appointed vinely-appointed mission, be able to fulfill the unspeakably glorious destiny ordained for it by the Almighty, and immortally enshrined in the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Then, and only then, will the American nation accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history," !ebecoine the envy of the world and be blest in both the East and the West." December 25, 1938. SHOGHI. MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN Excer fits from Letters and Cablegrams Received by the American Bakd'is from Apr11, 1938 to April, 1940 MARCHING TOWARD THEIR GOAL I wish to reaffirm in person my sense of joy and gratitude, as expressed in my last cable to your Assembly, at the new spirit of alertness and determination which you have so clearly demonstrated while yet on the threshold of your year of stewardship in the service of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. I am filled with fresh hopes, and yearn to witness, ere the present year draws to a close, not only the fulfillment of an unexampled record of service but the revelation of such depths of consecration as will astonish, nay thrill, both the members of your own community and the rest of the Baha'i world. Pregnant indeed are the years looming ahead of us all. The twin processes of internal disintegration and external chaos are being accelerated and every day are inexorably moving towards a climax. The rumblings that must precede the eruption of those forces that must cause "the limbs of humanity to quake" can already be heard. ttThe time of the end," "the latter years," [p345] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 345 as foretold in the Scriptures, are at long last upon us. The Pen of Baha'u'llah, the voice of 'Abdu'l-Baha, have time and again, insistently and in terms unmistakable, warned an unheeding humanity of impending disaster. The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must leaven the lump, the chosen remnant that must survive the rolling up of the old, discredited, tottering order, and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute. The American believers, standard-bearers of this worldwide community and torch-bear-ers of an as yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners and stepped into the arena of service. Their Plan has been formulated. Their forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal. The hosts of the Abhi Kingdom are rushing forth, as promised, to direct their steps and reinforce their power. Through their initial victories they have provided the impulse that must now surge and, with relentless force sweep over their sister-communities and eventually overpower the entire human race. The generality of mankind, blind and enslaved, is wholly unaware of the healing power with which this community has been endowed, nor can it as yet suspect the role which this same community is destined to play in its redemption. Fierce and manifold will be the assaults with which governments, races, classes and religions, jealous of its rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will seek to silence its voice and sap its foundations. Unmoved by the relative obscurity that surrounds it at the present time, and undaunted by the forces that will be arrayed against it in the future, this community, I cannot but feel confident, will, no matter how afflictive the agonies of a travailing age, pursue its destiny, unde-flected in its course, undimmed in its serenity, unyielding in its resolve, unshaken in its convictions. (July 5,1938) UNBROKEN SOLIDARITY, UNQUENCHABLE ENTHUSIASM I feel truly exhilarated as I witness the ever-recurrent manifestations of unbroken solidarity and unquenchable enthusiasm that distinguish every stage in the progressive development of the nationwide enterprise which is being so unflichingly pursued by the whole American Baha'i community. The marked deterioration in worLd affairs, the steadily deepening gloom that envelops the storm-tossed peoples and nations of the Old World, invest the Seven-year Plan, now operating in both the northern and southern American continents, with a significance and urgency that cannot be overestimated. Conceived as the supreme agency for the establishment, in the opening century of the Baha'i Era, of what is but the initial stage in the progressive realization of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Plan for the American believers, this enterprise, as it extends its ramifications throughout the entire New World, is demonstrating its power to command all the resources and utilize all the facilities which the machinery of a laboriously evolved Administrative Order can place at its disposal. However we view its aspects, it offers in its functioning a sharp contrast to the workings of the moribund and obsolescent institutions to which a perverse generation is desperately clinging. Tempestuous are the winds that buffet and will, as the days go by, fiercely assail the very structure of the Order through the agency of which this twofold task is being performed. The potentialities with which an almighty Providence has endowed it will no doubt enable its promoters to achieve their purpose. Much, however will depend upon the spirit and manner in which that task will be conducted. Through the clearness and steadiness of their vision, through the un-vitiated vitality of their belief, through the incorruptibility of their character, through the adamantine force of their resolve, the matchless superiority of their aims and purpose, and the unsurpassed range of their accomplishments, they who labor for the glory of the Most Great Name throughout both Americas can best demonstrate to the visionless, faithless and restless society to which they belong their power to proffer a haven of refuge to its members in the hour of their realized doom. Then and only then will this tender sapling, embedded in the fertile soil of a Divinely appointed Ad [p346] 346 THE BAHA'I WORLD ministrative Order, and energized by the dynamic processes of its institutions, yield its richest and destined fruit. That the community of the American believers, to whose keeping so vast, so delicate and precious a trust has been committed will, severally and collectively prove themselves worthy of their high calling, I fo~ one, who in my association with them have been privileged to observe more closely than perhaps any one else the nature of their reactions to the momentous issues that have confronted them in the past, will refuse to doubt. (September 10, 1938) LOYALTY To WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH Loyalty world order Baha'u'llah, security its basic institutions, both imperatively demand all its avowed supporters, particularly its champion builders American continent, in these days when sinister uncontrollable forces are deepening cleavage sundering peo-pies, nations, creeds, classes, resolve despite pressure fast crystallizing public opinion abstain individually collectively in word, action, informally as well as in all official utterances publications from assigning blame, taking sides, however indirectly, in recurring political crises now agitating, ultimately engulfing human society. Grave apprehension lest cumulative effect such compromises disintegrate fabric, clog channel grace that sustains system God's essentially supranational, supernatural order so laboriously evolved, so recently established. (Cablegram September 24, 1938) M~ HEART BRIMS OVER WITH GRATITUDE I had scarcely dispatched my cable expressing my approval of your written suggestion to enter into a contract as soon as one-third of the estimated cost of the First Story of the Temple is in hand when the most welcome news reached me of your readiness to place an immediate contract for the making of the models, thus effecting considerable saving of time and expense in connection with the ornamentation of the remaining unit. I am thrilled by the news, and my heart brims over with gratitude as I witness on the one hand the evidences of your resourcefulness and unrelaxing vigilance, and observe on the other the ready and generous response of the individual believers at every critical stage in the prosecution of this magnificent enterprise. I feel so happy and thankful to have been able to associate, at this juncture, through my recent offering to the Temple Construction Fund, the name of the Greatest Holy Leaf, with the noble exertions of those who, through their unstinted support, both moral and financial, are so valiantly acquitting themselves of their task under the Seven Year Plan. The initial contract, proclaiming the opening of the final phase of a work that embodies the finest contribution ever made by the West to the Cause of Baha'u'llah, is now ready for your signature. The fourth of the successive steps outlined in my previous message is punctually being taken. The fond hopes cherished on the assumption of your exalted office are being amply fulfilled. The heroism displayed by the members of the American Baha'i Community in the face of these recurring, constantly widening opportunities is growing more apparent every day. With every fresh crisis that plunges a hapless humanity deeper and deeper into the morass of despair and degradation, the pioneers of the nascent Faith of Baha'u'llah are elevated to nobler heights of triumph, evince a rarer spirit of self-abnegation and courage, and disclose more compelling evidences of their capacity and power. Every operation, no matter how indirectly connected with the dual responsibilities assumed by the American believers, must continue to be conducted and supported with that selfsame assuidity, sternness of purpose and steadiness of vision that have garnered them thus far so rich a harvest. A work so auspiciously begun, so efficiently organized, so rapidly extended, so uniquely blessed, can never be allowed, however soin-her the clouds looming on the international horizon, to fall into abeyance or to even appear to have sustained the least injury from the world-shaking forces that now batter on the tottering institutions of hu [p347] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 347 man society. The adamant determination of those who support it will enable it to yield at the appointed time its destined fruit. (November 27, 1938) THE RAREST PRIVILEGE EVER CONFERRED B~ PROVIDENCE UPON TI-fE AMERICAN BANAl COMMUNITY I have, in a recent cable addressed to your Assembly, felt it necessary to stress the paramount need of maintaining the proper balance between the Temple construction work and the teaching activities which have been initiated and are being so energetically conducted under your direc-Lion in accordance with the Seven Year Plan. The twofold aim you are now pursuing should at no time become obscured, nor should either one of the dual responsibilities you have assumed be allowed to preponderate over the other. The urgency of the task connected with the ornamentation of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar has been rightly recognized, and its immediate needs have been generously and promptly met. A similar, nay a mightier effort should now be deliberately and persistently exerted in the field of pioneer teaching, in both the United States and Canada. Every facility and encouragement, moral and material, should be extended to the National Teaching Committee and its auxiliary agencies to insure the speedy termination of the first stage in the teaching campaign to which every American believer is now pledged. Very soon we shall be entering the second half of the last decade of this, the first century of the Baha'i Era. The five remaining years should essentially be consecrated to the imperative, the spiritual needs of the remaining Republics of both Central and South America, for whose entry into the fellowship of Baha'u'llah the Plan was pri-manly formulated. The prime requisite for the definite opening of what may come to be regarded as one of the most brilliant chapters in American BaUM history, is the completion of the initial task which American Baha pioneers must perform in the nine remaining States and Provinces as yet unassociated with the organic structure of the Faith. The period ahead is short, strenuous, fraught with mortal perils for human society, yet pregnant with possibilities of unsurpassed triumphs for the power of Baha'u'llah's redemptive Cause. The occasion is propitious for a display, by the American Baha'i Community, in its corporate capacity, of an effort which in its magnitude, character, and purpose must outshine its past endeavors. Failure to exploit these present, these golden opportunities would blast the hopes which the prosecution of the Plan has thus far aroused, and would signify the ioss of the rarest privilege ever conferred by Providence upon the American Baha'i Community. It is in view of the criticalness of the situation that I was led to place at the disposal of any pioneer willing to dedicate himself to the task of the present hour such modest resources as would facilitate the discharge of so enviable a duty. The Baha'i World, increasingly subjected to the rigors of suppression, in both the East and the West, watches with unconcealed astonishment, and derives hope and comfort from the rapid unfoldment of the successive stages of God's Plan for so blest a community. Its eyes are fixed upon this community, eager to behold the manner in which its gallant members will break down, one after another, the barriers that obstruct their progress towards a divinely-appointed goal. On every daring adventurer in the service of the Cause of Baha'u'llah the Concourse on high shall descend, e!each bearing aloft a chalice of pure light." Every one of these adventurers God Himself will sustain and inspire, and will cause the pure waters of wisdom and utterance to gush out and flow copiously from his heart." C!The Kingdom of God," w?ites 'Abdu'l-Baha, rr~~ pos Ñ sessed of limitless potency. Audacious must be the army of life if the confirming aid of that Kingdom is to he repeatedly vouchsafed unto it. Vast is the arena, and the time ripe to spur on the charger within it. Now is the time to reveal the force of one's strength, the stoutness of one's heart and the might of one's soul." Dearly-beloved friends! What better field than the vast virgin territories, so near at hand, and waiting to receive, at this very [p348] 348 TI-IE BAHA'I WORLD hour, their full share of the onrushing tide of Baha'u'llah's redeeming grace? What theatre more befitting than these long-neglected nine remaining states and provinces in which the true heroism of the intrepid pioneers of His World Order can be displayed? There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's own Plan has been set in mo-non. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory. (January 28, 1939) M~ PLEA, M~ SUPREME ENTREATY I have in two recent, successive messages, cabled to your Assembly, giving expression, as far as it lay in my power, to the feelings of overpowering gratitude which the response of so many pioneers to the call of teaching has evoked in my heart. I have moreover felt impelled to convey my congratulations to the members of your Assern Ñ bly who, through their resource, unity and singlemindedness, have lent so needed and timely an impetus to the mighty work asso Ñ ciated with the second year of the Seven Year Plan. There can be no doubt whatever that what the American believers, no less than their elected national representatives, have accomplished, the long and assiduous care of the former and the potent methods employed by the latter, have witnessed to the uprising of a new spirit on which the defamers of the Cause m~y well pause to reflect, and from which its lovers cannot but derive deep joy and solace. I again wish to thank with all my soul those whose acts have stirred the imagination of friend and foe alike. In my desire not to omit anything that might help to spur on or reinforce the community of the American believers as they move on to their destiny, I feel it necessary to add a word of warning in connection with the work that has been so splendidly begun lest it should be jeopardized or frustrated. The initial phase of the teaching work operating under the Seven Year Plan has at long last been concluded. They who have pushed it forward have withstood the test gloriously. By their acts, whether as teachers or administrators, they have written a glorious page in the struggle for the laying of a continent-wide foundation for the administrative Order of their Faith. At this advanced stage in the fulfillment of the purpose to which they have set their hand there can be no turning back, no halting, no respite. To launch the bark of the Faith, to implant its banner, is not enough. Support, ample, organized and unremitting, should be lent, designed to direct the course of that work and to lay an unassailable foundation for the fort destined to stand guard over that banner. The National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee, the Regional and local teaching committees, no iess than the itinerant teachers, should utilize every possible means calculated to fan the zeal, enrich the resources and insure the solidity and permanency of the work, of those who, actuated by so laudable and shining a spirit of self-sacrifice, have arisen to face the hazards and perils of so holy and historic an adventure. Indeed every believer, however humble and inexperienced, should sense the obligation to play his or her part in a mission that involves so very deeply the destinies not oniy of the American Baha'i community but of the nation itself. Whether through the frequency of their visits, the warmth of their correspondence, the liberality of their support, the wisdom of their counsels, the choice of the literature placed at the disposal of the pioneers, the members of the community should, at this hour when the sands of a moribund civilization are inexorably running out, and at a time when they are preparing themselves to launch yet another stage in their teaching activities, insure the security and provide for the steady expansion, of the work initiated in those territories so recently set alight from the torch of an inextinguishable Faith. This is my plea, my supreme entreaty. (April 17, 1939) [p349] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 349 PROVE THEMSELVES WORTHY OF THAT PRICELESS HERITAGE The concerted activities of the followers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent assume, as they multiply and develop, a dual aspect, and may be said to fall into two distinct categories, both equally vital and complementary to each other. The one aims at the safeguarding and consolidation of the work already achieved; the other is designed to enlarge the range of its operation. The former depends chiefly for its success upon the capacity, the experience and loyalty of wise, resourceful and judicious administrators, who, impelled by the very nature of their task, will be increasingly called upon to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in protecting the interests of the Faith, in resolving its problems, in regulating its life, in enriching its resources, and in preserving the pristine purity of its precepts. The latter is essentially pioneer in nature, demanding first and foremost those qualities of renunciation, tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor that can alone brave the dangers and sweep away the obstacles with which an infant Faith, struggling against vested interests and face to face with the entrenched forces of prejudice, of ignorance and fanaticism, must needs contend. In both of these spheres of Baha'i activity the community of the American believers, it is becoming increasingly evident, is evincing those characteristics which must be regarded as the essential foundation for the success of their dual task. As to those whose function is essentially of an administrative character it can hardly be doubted that they are steadily and indefatigably perfecting the structural machinery of their Faith, are multiplying its administrative agencies, and are legalizing the status of the newly established institutions. Slowly and patiently they are canalizing the spirit that at once directs, energizes and safeguards its operation. They are exploiting its potentialities, broadcasting its message, publicizing its literature, fostering the aspirations of its youth, devising ways and means for the training of its children, guarding the integrity of its teachings, and paving the way for the ultimate codification of its laws. Through all the resources at their disposal, they are promoting the growth and consolidation of that pioneer movement for which the entire machinery of their Administrative Order has been primarily designed and erected. They are visibly and progressively contributing to the enrichment of their unique community life, and are insuring; with magnificent courage and characteristic promptitude, the completion of their consecrated Edifice Ñ the embodiment of their hopes and the supreme symbol of their ideals. As to those into whose valiant and trusted hands Ñ and no believer, however humble is to think himself debarred from joining their ranks Ñ the standards of a forward marching Faith have been entrusted, they too with no less zest and thoroughness are pushing farther and farther its frontiers, breaking new soil, establishing fresh outposts, winning more recruits, and contributing to the greater diversification and more harmonious blending of the elements comprised in the worldwide society of its followers. The Edifice of this New World Order, which the Bib has heralded, which the mind of Baha'u'llah has envisioned, and whose features, 'Abdu'l-Baha, its Architect, has delineated, we, whatever our capacities, opportunities or position, are now, at so precarious a period in the world's history, summoned to found and erect. The community of the Most Great Name in the 'Western Hemisphere is, through the nature of its corporate life and the scope of its exertions, assuming, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a preponderating share in the laying of such a foundation and the erection of such a structure. The eyes of its sister communities are fixed upon it. Their prayers ascend on its behalf. Their hands are outstretched to lend whatever aid lies within their power. I, for my part, am determined to reinforce the impulse that impels its members forward to meet their destiny. The Founders of their Faith survey from the Kingdom on high the range of their achievements, acclaim their progress, and are ever ready to speed their eventual triumph. Far be it from me to underrate the gigantic proportions of their task, nor do I [p350] 350 THE BAHA'I WORLD for one moment overlook the urgency and gravity of the times in which they are laboring. Nor .do I wish to minimize the hazards and trials that surround or lie ahead of them. The grandeur of their task is indeed commensurate with the mortal perils by which their generation is hemmed in. As the dusk creeps over a steadily sinking society the radiant outlines of their redemptive mission become sharper every day. The present world unrest, symptom of a worldwide malady, their world religion has already affirmed must needs culminate in that world castastrophe out of which the consciousness of world citizenship will be born, a consciousness that can alone provide an adequate basis for the organization of world unity, on which a lasting world peace must necessarily depend, the peace itself inaugurating in turn that world civilization which will mark the coming of age of the entire human race. Fortified by such reflections, the American believers, in whichever section of the Western Hemisphere they find themselves laboring, whether at home or abroad, and however dire and distressing the processes involved in the disintegration of the structure of presentday civilization, will, I feel convinced, prove themselves, through their lives and deeds, worthy of that priceless heritage which it is their undoubted pnvi-lege to proclaim, preserve and perpetuate. (May 22, 1939) OFFICIAL INAUGURATION OF WORLD MISSION Newly-launched Central American campaign marks official inauguration (of) long-deferred World Mission constituting 'Abdu'l-Baha's distinctive legacy (to the) Baha'i Community (of) North America. Chosen Community broadening its basis, gaining (in) stature, deepening (in) consecration. Its vanguard now entering arena monopolized (by) entrenched forces (of) Christendom's mightiest ecclesiastical institutions. Laboring amidst race foreign in language, custom, temperament embracing vast proportion (of) New World's ethnic elements. American believers' isolated oversea teaching enterprises hitherto tentative, intermittent, now at end. New epoch opening, demanding exertions incomparably more strenuous, unflinchingly sustained, centrally directed, systematically organized, efficiently conducted. Upon alacrity, tenacity, fearlessness (of) present prosecutors (of the) unfolding mission depend speedy (and) fullest revelation, in the First (and) Second Centuries, (of the) potentialities (of the) birthright conferred (upon) American believers. Convey (to) pioneers (in) North, Middle (and) South America my eagerness (to) maintain with each direct, personal contact. Assure Teaching (and) InterAmerica Committees (my) delight (at) successive testimonies (of) believers' glowing spirit reflected (in) Minutes, letters (and) reports recently received. Entreat every section (of) community (to) labor unremittingly until every nation (in) Western Hemisphere (is) illumined (by) rays (and) woven (into) fabric (of) Baha'u'llah triumphant Administrative Order. (Cablegram May 28, 1939) FULFIL UNFLINCHINGLY THE REQUIREMENTS The readiness of your Assembly, as expressed in your recently cabled message, to transfer the National Baha'i Secretariat to the vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette has evoked within me the deepest feelings of thankfulness and joy. Your historic decision, so wise and timely, so surprising in its suddenness, so far-reaching in its consequences, is one that I cannot but heartily and unreservedly applaud. To each one of your brethren in the Faith, throughout the United States and Canada, who are witnessing, from day to day and at an ever-hasten-ing speed, the approaching completion of their National House of Worship, the great Mother Temple of the West, your resolution to establish within its hallowed precincts and in the heart of the North American continent the Administrative Seat of their beloved Faith cannot but denote henceforward a closer association, a more constant communion, and a higher degree of coordination between the two primary agencies providentially ordained for the enrichment of their spiritual life and for the conduct and regulation of their administrative affairs. To the far-flung Baha'i corn [p351] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 351 munities of East and West, most of which are being increasingly proscribed and ill-treated, and none of which can claim to have had a share of the dual blessings which a specially designed and constructed House of Worship and a fully and efficiently functioning Administrative Order invariably confer, the concentration in a single locality of what will come to be regarded as the fountainhead of the community's spiritual life and what is already recognized as the mainspring of the administrative activities, signalizes the launching of yet another phase in the siow and imperceptible emergence, in these declining times, of the model Baha'i community Ñ a community divinely ordained, organically united, clear-visioned, vibrant with life, and whose very purpose is regulated by the twin directing principles of the worship of God and of service to one's fellowmen. The decision you have arrived at is an act that befittingly marks the commencement of your allotted term of stewardship in service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Moreover, it significantly coincides with the inauguration of that world mission of which the settlement of Baha'i pioneers in the virgin territories of the North American continent has been but a prelude. That such a decision may speedily and without the slightest hitch be carried into effect is the deepest longing of my heart. That those who have boldly carried so weighty a resolution may without pause or respite continue to labor and build up, as circumstances permit, around this administrative nucleus such accessories as the machinery of a fast evolving administrative order, functioning under the shadow of, and in such close proximity to, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar must demand, is the object of my incessant and fervent prayer. That such a step, momentous as it is, may prove the starting point for acts of still greater renown and richer possibilities that will leave their distinct mark on the third year of the Seven Year Plan is a hope which I, together with all those who are eagerly following its progress, fondly and confidently cherish. The American believers, while straining to accomplish befittingly this particular task, must simultaneously brace themselves for another sublime effort to discharge, ere the present year draws to a close, their manifold responsibilities allotted to them under the Seven Year Plan. The placing of yet another contract for the casting of the ornamentation of the First Story of the Temple, the permanent settlement of the six remaining Republics of Central America, and the extension of continual support both material and moral, to those weaker States, Provinces and Republics that have been recently incorporated in the body of the Faith, combine to offer, at this hour when the fate of civilization trembles in the balance, the boldest and gravest challenge that has ever faced the community of the American believers both in the propagative and administrative spheres of Baha'i activity. In the field of pioneer teaching, and particularly in connection with the opening of the Republics of Haiti, Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominica and Guatemala, the utmost encouragement should at all times be vouchsafed by the elected representatives of the community to those who, out of the abundance of their hearts, and in direct response to the call of their Faith and the dictates of their conscience, have renounced their comforts, fled their homes, and hazarded their fortunes for the sake of bringing into operation the majestic Plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha's, while special support should be extended to those who appear to be best qualified for the strenuous labors which pioneering under such exacting circumstances demands. Care should be exercised lest any hindrance, should, for any reason, be placed in the way of those who have, whether young or old, rich or poor, so spontaneously dedicated themselves to so urgent and holy a mission. Towards this newly-appointed enterprise a more definite reorientation is needed. To its purposes a more complete dedication is demanded. In its fortunes a more widespread concern is required. For its further consolidation and speedy fulfillment a larger number and a greater variety of participants are indispensable. For its success a more abundant flow of material resources should be assured. Let the privileged few, the ambassadors of the Message of Baha'u'llah, bear in mind [p352] 352 THE BAnAl WORLD His words as they go forth on their errands of service to His Cause. NI behoveth whosoever willeth to journey for the sake of God, and whose intention is to proclaim His Word and quicken the dead, to bathe himself with the waters of detachment, and to adorn his tein pie with the ornaments of resignation and submission. Let trust in God be his shield, and reliance on God his provision, and the fear of God his raiment. Let patience be his helper, and praiseworthy conduct his succorer, and goodly deeds his army. Then will the concourse on high sustain him. Then will the denizens of the Kingdom of Names march forth with him, and the banners of Divine guidance and inspiration be unfurled on his right hand and before him." Faced with such a challenge, a community that has scaled thus far such peaks of enduring achievements can neither falter nor recoil. Confident in its destiny, reliant on its God-given power, fortified by the Consciousness of its past victories, galvanized into action at the sight of a slowly disrupting civilization, it will Ñ I can have no doubt Ñ continue to fulfill unflinchingly the immediate requirements of its task, assured that with every step it takes and with each stage it traverses, a fresh revelation of Divine light and strength will guide and propel it forward until it consummates, in the fulness of time and in the plenitude of its power, the Plan inseparably bound up with its shining destiny. (July 4, 1939) THIS, THE MOST FATEFUL HOUR IN THEIR HISTORY A triple call, clear-voiced, insistent and inescapable, summons to the challenge all members of the American Baha'i community, at this, the most fateful hour in their history. The first is the voice, distant and piteous, of those sister communities which now, alas, are fettered by the falling chains of religious orthodoxy and isolated through the cruel barriers set up by a rampant nationalism. The second is the plea, no less vehement and equally urgent, of those peoples and nations of the New World, whose vast and unexplored territories await to be warmed by the light and swept into the orbit of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The third, n-iore universal and stirring than either of the others, is the call of humanity itself crying out for deliverance at a time when the tide of mounting evils has destroyed its equilibrium and is now strangling its very life. These imperative calls of Baha'i duty the American believers can immediately if only partially answer. Their present status, their circumscribed resources, debar them, however great their eagerness, from responding completely and decisively to the full implications of this threefold obligation. They can, neither individually nor through their concerted efforts, impose directly their will upon those into whose hands the immediate destinies of their persecuted brethren are placed. Nor are they as yet capable of launching a campaign of such magnitude as could capture the imagination and arouse the conscience of mankind, and thereby insure the immediate and full redress of those grievances from which their helpless coreligionists in both the East and the West are suffering. They cannot moreover hope to wield at the present time in the councils of nations an influence commensurate with the stupendous claims advanced, or adequate to the greatness of the Cause proclaimed, by the Author of their Faith. Nor can V they assume a position or exercise such responsibilities as would enable them by their acts and decisions to reverse the process which is urging so tragically the decline of human society and its institutions. And yet, though their influence be at the present hour indecisive and their divinely-conferred authority unrecognized, the role they can play in both alleviating the hardships that afflict their brethren and in attenuating the ills that torment mankind is none the less considerable and far-reaching. By the range and liberality of their contributions to mitigate the distress of the bereaved, the exiled and the imprisoned; by the persistent, the wise and judicious intervention of their elected representatives through the authorities concerned; by a clear and convincing exposition, wherever circumstances are propitious, of the issues involved; by a vigorous defense of the rights and liberties denied; by an accurate and [p353] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 353 Newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1938. dignified presentation of the events that have transpired; by every manner of encouragement which their sympathies may suggest, or their means permit, or their consciences dictate, to succor the outcast and the impoverished; and above all by their tenacious adherence to, and wide proclamation of, those principles, laws, ideals, and institutions which their disabled fellow-be-lievers are unable to affirm or publicly espouse; and lastly, by the energetic prosecution of those tasks which their oppressed fellow-workers are forbidden to initiate or conduct, the privileged community of the American Baha'is can play a conspicuous part in the great drama involving so large a company of their unemancipated brethren in the Asiatic, the European and African continents. Their duties towards mankind in general are no less distinct and vital. Their impotence to stem the tide of onrushing calamities, their seeming helplessness in face of those cataclysmic forces that are to convulse human society, do not in the least detract from the urgency of their unique mission, nor exonerate them from those weighty responsibilities which they alone can and must assume. Humanity, heedless and impenitent, is admittedly hovering on the edge of an awful abyss, ready to precipitate itself into that titanic struggle, that crucible whose chastening fires alone can and will weld its antagonistic elements of race, class, religion and nation into one coherent system, one world commonwealth. C!The hour is approaching" is Baha'u'llah's own testimony, rewhen the most great convulsion will have appeared I swear by Cod! The promised day is come, the day when tormenting trials will have surged above your heads, and beneath your feet, saying: Waste ye, what your hands have wrought.'" Not ours to question the almighty wisdom or fathom the inscrutable ways of Him in whose hands the ultimate destiny of an unregenerate yet potentially glorious race must lie. Ours rather is the duty to believe that the worldwide community of the Most Great Name, and in [p354] 354 THE BAHA'I WORLD particular, at the present time its vanguard in North America, however buffeted by the powerful currents of these troublous times, and however keen their awareness of the inevitability of the final eruption, can, if they will, rise to the level of their calling and discharge their functions, both in the period which is witnessing the confusion and breakdown of human institutions, and in the ensuing epoch during which the shattered basis of a dismembered society is to be recast, and its forces reshaped, redirected and unified. With the age that is still unborn, with its herculean tasks and unsuspected glories, we need not concern ourselves at present. It is to the fierce struggle, the imperious duties, the distinctive contributions which the present generation of Baha'is are summoned to undertake and render that I feel we should, at this hour, direct our immediate and anxious attention. Though powerless to avert the impending contest the followers of Baha'u'llah can, by the spirit they evince and the efforts they exert help to circumscribe its range, shorten its duration, allay its hardships, proclaim its salutary consequences, and demonstrate its necessary and vital role in the shaping of human destiny. Theirs is the duty to hold, aloft and undimmed, the torch of Divine Guidance, as the shades of night descend upon, and ultimately envelop the entire human race. Theirs is the function, amidst its tumults, perils and agonies, to witness to the vision, and proclaim the approach, of that recreated society, that Christ-promised Kingdom, that World Order whose generative impulse is the spirit of none other than Baha'u'llah Himself, whose dominion is the entire planet, whose watchword is unity, whose animating power is the force of Justice, whose directive purpose is the reign of righteousness and truth, and whose supreme glory is the complete, the undisturbed, and everlasting felicity of the whole of human kind. By the sublimity and serenity of their faith, by the steadiness and clarity of their vision, the incorruptibility of their character, the rigor of their discipline, the sanctity of their morals, and the unique example of their community life, they can and indeed must in a world polluted with its incurable corruptions, paralyzed by its haunting fears, torn by its devastating hatreds, and languishing under the weight of its appalling miseries demonstrate the validity of their claim to be regarded as the sole repository of that grace upon whose operation must depend the complete deliverance, the fundamental reorganization and the supreme felicity of all mankind. Though the obstacles confronting the followers of Baha'u'llah in the American continent in their efforts to completely emancipate their fellow-Bahi'is on the one hand, and to speedily rehabilitate the fortunes of their fellowmen on the other, be in the main unsurmountable, such impediments cannot as yet be said to exist that can frustrate their efforts to fully discharge the second duty now incumbent upon them in the intercontinental sphere of Baha'i teaching. The field, in all its vastness and fertility, is wide open and near at hand. The harvest is ripe. The hour is overdue. The signal has been given. The spiritual forces, mysteriously released, are already operating with increasing momentum, unchallenged and unchecked. Victory, speedy and unquestioned, is assured to whosoever will arise and respond to this second, this urgent and vital call. In this field, as in no other, the American believers can most easily evince the full force of their latent energies, can exercise in their plentitude their conspicuous talents, and can rise to the highest level of their God-given opportunities. Fired by their zeal, their love for and faith in Baha'u'llah; armed with that Holy Charter, wherein 'Abdu'l-Baha's mandate investing them with their world mission is inscribed; piloted through the instrumentality of those agencies which a divine, a smoothly functioning administrative Order has providentially placed at their disposal; disciplined and invigorated by those immutable verities, spiritual principles and administrative regulations that distinguish their religious beliefs, govern their individual conduct and regulate their community life; aspiring to emulate the example of those heroes and martyrs, the narrative of whose exploits they have admired and pondered, it behooves all members of the American Baha'i community to gird themselves as never before to the task of befittingly [p355] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 355 playing their part in the enactment of the opening scene of the First Act of that superb Drama whose theme is no less than the spiritual conquest of both the Eastern and 'Western 1-Jemispheres. Their immediate task, under the Seven Year Plan, the object of which is the establishment of a minimum of one Baha center in each of the Republics of Middle and South America, has flow been gloriously ushered in through the settlement of one pioneer in most of the Central American Republics, and bids fair to be recognized by posterity as the original impulse imparted to an enterprise that will go round the world. That impulse must, as time goes by, communicate itself to the farthest extremities of Latin America, and must be reinforced in every manner, by as many of the American believers as possible. The broader the basis of this campaign, the deeper its roots, the finer the flower into which it shall eventually blossom. That its call may be heeded, that its implications may be recognized and its potentialities progressively unfold, is my earnest prayer, and the supreme longing of my heart. (July 28, 1939) THE SEAL OF COMPLETE TRIUMPH The association of the First Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the West with the hallowed memories of the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother, recently re-interred under the shadow of the Bib's holy Shrine, inaugurates a new, and at long last the final phase of an enterprise which, thirty years ago, was providentially launched on the very day the remains of the Forerunner of our Faith were laid to rest by our beloved Master in the sepulchre specifically erected for that purpose on Mt. Carmel. The birth of this holy enterprise, pregnant with such rich, such infinite possibilities, synchronized with, and was consecrated through, this historic event which, as 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself has affirmed, constitutes the most signal act of the triple mission He had been prompted to perform. The site of the Temple itself was honored by the presence of Him Who, ever since this enterprise was initiated, had, through His messages and Tablets, bestowed upon it His special attention and care, and surrounded it with the marks of His unfailing solicitude. Its foundation-stone was laid by His own loving hands, on an occasion so moving that it has come to be regarded as one of the most stirring episodes of His historic visit to the North American Continent. Its superstructure was raised as a direct consequence of the pent-up energies which surged from the breasts of 'Abdu'l-Baha's lovers at a time when His sudden removal from their midst had plunged them into consternation, bewilderment and sorrow. Its external ornamentation was initiated and accelerated through the energizing influences which the rising and continually consolidating institutions of a divinely es~ tablished Administrative Order had released in the midst of a community that had identified its vital interests with that Temple's destiny. The measures devised to hasten its completion were incorporated in a Plan which derives its inspiration from those destiny-shaping Tablets wherein, in bold lief, stands outlined the world mission entrusted by their Author to the American Baha'i community. And finally, the Fund, designed to receive and dispose of the resources amassed for its prosecution, was linked with the memory and bore the name of her whose ebbing life was brightened and cheered by those tidings that unmistakably revealed to her the depth of devotion and the tenacity of purpose which animate the American believers in the cause of their beloved Temple. And now, while the Baha'i world vibrates with emotion at the news of the transfer of the precious remains of both the Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother to a spot which, watched over by the Twin Holy Shrines and in the close neighborhood of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, is to become the focus of the administrative institutions of the Faith at its world center, the mere act of linking the destiny of so far-reaching an undertaking with so significant an event in the Formative Period of our Faith will assuredly set the seal of complete triumph upon, and enhance the spiritual potentialities of, a work so significantly started and so magnificently executed by the followers of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent. The Plan which your Assembly has suggested to raise the sum of fifty thousand [p356] 356 THE BAHA'! WORLD Recently constituted Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Arizona. dollars by next April, which will enable you to place the necessary contracts for the final completion of the entire First Story of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, meets with my unqualified approval. It was specially in order to initiate and encourage the progress of such a plan that I felt impelled to pledge the sum of one thousand pounds in the memory of these two glorious souis who, apart from the Founders of our Faith and its Exemplar, tower together with the Greatest Holy Leaf, above the rank and file of the faithful. The interval separating us from that date is admittedly short. The explosive forces which lie dormant in the international field may, ere the expiry of these fleeting months, break out in an eruption that may prove the most fateful that mankind has experienced. It is within the power of the organized body of the American believers to further demonstrate the imperturbability of their faith, the serenity of their confidence and the unyielding tenacity of their resolve. We stand at the threshold of the decade within which the centenary of the birth of our Faith is to be celebrated. Scarcely more than four years stand between us and that glorious consummation. No community, no individual, neither in the East nor in the West, however afflictive the circumstances that now prevail, can afford to hesitate or falter. The few years immediately ahead are endowed with potencies that we can but dimly appreciate. Ours is the duty and privilege to utilize to the full the opportunities which these fate-laden years offer us. The American Baha'i community, already responsible, over such a long period, for such heroic acts, under such severe handicaps, cannot and will not hesitate or falter. The past is a witness of their splendid triumphs. The future will be no less a witness of their final victory. (December 30, 1939) THE AMERICAN BELIEVERS PURSUE THEIR GOD-GIVEN TASK The fourth year of the Seven Year Plan enters upon its course in circumstances that are at once critical, challenging, and unprecedented in their significance. The year that has passed has in so far as the rise and establishment of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the Western Hemisphere is concerned, been one of the most eventful since the Plan began to operate and exercise its potent and beneficent influence. Both within and without the Community of the Most Great Name, the events which the last twelve months has unfolded have in some mysterious way, whether directly or indirectly, communicated their force to the Plan's progressive unfoldment, contributed to the orientation of its policy and assisted in the consolidation of the diversified undertakings, both primary and subsidiary that fall within its orbit. Even the losses which the ranks of its stouthearted upholders have sustained will, when viewed in their proper perspective, be regarded as gains of incalculable value, affecting both its immediate fortunes as well as its ultimate destiny. The successive international crises which agitated the opening months of the year that has elapsed, culminating in the outbreak of the war in Europe, far from drowning the enthusiasm or daunting the spirit of the prosecutors of God's Plan, served by deflecting their gaze from a storm-tossed conti [p357] THE WORLD ORDER OP BAHA'U'LLAH 357 nent, to focus their minds and resources on ministering to the urgent needs of that hemisphere in which the first honors and the initial successes of the heroes of the Formative Age of the Faith of Baha'u'llah are to be scored and won. The sudden extinction of the earthly life of that star-servant of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, Martha Root, who, while on the last lap of her fourth journey round the world Ñ journeys that carried her to the humblest homes as well as the palaces of royalty Ñ was hurrying homeward to lend her promised aid to her fellow-countrymen in their divinely-appointed task Ñ such a death, though it frustrated this cherished resolution of her indomitable spirit, steeled the hearts of her bereaved lovers and admirers to carry on, more energetically than ever, the work which she herself had initiated, as far back as the year 1919 in every important city in the South American continent. The subtle and contemptible machinations by which the puny adversaries of the Faith, jealous of its consolidating power and perturbed by the compelling evidences of its conspicuous victories, have sought to challenge the validity and misrepresent the character of the Administrative Order embedded in its teachings have galvanized the swelling army of its defenders to arise and arraign the usurpers of their sacred rights and to defend the longstanding strongholds of the institutions of their Faith in their home country. And now as this year, so memorable in the annals of the Faith, was drawing to a close, there befell the American Baha'i community, through the dramatic and sudden death of May Maxwell, yet another ioss, which viewed in retrospect will come to be regarded as a potent blessing conferred upon the campaign now being so diligently conducted by its members. Laden with the fruits garnered through well-nigh half a century of toilsome service to the Cause she so greatly loved, heedless of the warnings of age and ill-health, and afire with the longing to worthily demonstrate her gratitude in her overwhelming awareness of the bounties of her Lord and Master, she set her face towards the southern outpost of the Faith in the New World, and laid down her life in such a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice as has truly merited the crown of martyrdom. To Keith Ransom-Kehier, whose dust sleeps in far-off Isf~h&n; to Martha Root, fallen in her tracks on an island in the midmost heart of the ocean; to May Maxwell, lying in solitary glory in the southern outpost of the 'Western Hemisphere Ñ to these three heroines of the Formative Age of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, they who now labor so assiduously for its expansion and establishment, owe a debt of gratitude which future generations will not fail to adequately recognize. I need not expatiate on other, though less prominent, events that have contributed their share to the furtherance of the Seven Year Plan, or marked its systematic development. The association of the Fund, specifically inaggurated for its prosecution, with the hallowed memories of both the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha; the establishment of at least one pioneer in each of the Republics of Central and South America; the ushering in of the last phase of the external ornamentation of the Temple; the conjunction of the institutions of the 171a?iratu'1-Quds and the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in the heart of the North American continent; the founding of yet another institution designed as a training school for Inter-America teaching work; the steady rise in the number of groups and Assemblies functioning within the Administrative Framework of the Faith of Baha'u'llah Ñ these stand out as further evidences of the animating Force that propels the Plan towards its final consummation. Varied and abundant as have been the past manifestations of this driving, resistless Force, they cannot but pale before the bril-. liant victories which its progressive and systematic development must achieve in the future. The American believers, standing on the threshold of the fourth year of the Seven Year Plan, pursue their God-given task with a radiance that no earthly gloom can dim, and will continue to shoulder its ever-grow-ing duties and responsibilities with a vigor and loyalty that no earthly power can either sap or diminish. (April 15, 1940) [p358] [p359] PART TWO (Continued) [p360] [p361] TIlE SPIRIT AND FORM OF THE BAHA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER r!And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting their interests with coin plete unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the one joy anti yearning of my life, for it is the fountainhead from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest." Ñ SHOGHI EFFENDI. FOREWORD THE 192627 National Spiritualmethods and relationships Assembly of the Baha'is of Baha'i collective association. of the United States The provision both in and Canada completed the Declaration and in a task which, while pertaining tothe ByLaws for amendments the outer and more materialin the future will permit aspects of the Cause, the National Spiritual nevertheless has a special Assembly to adapt this significance for its spiritdocument to such new administrative and inward sacred purpose. elements or principles This task consisted in as the Guardian may at creating in a legal form whichany time give forth. The gives proper substance Declaration, in fact, and substantial character is nothing more or less to the administrative than a legal parallel processes embodied in of those moral and spiritual the Baha'i Teachings. laws of unity inherent The form adopted was that in the fullness of the known as a Voluntary Trust,BaM'i Revelation and making a species of corporation it the fulfillment of recognized under the commonthe ideal of Religion law and possessing a in the social as well long and interesting history.as spiritual realm. Because, The famous Covenant adoptedin the Baha'i Faith this by the Pilgrim Fathers perfect correspondence on the Mayflower, the exists between spiritual first legal document and social laws, the in American history, is Baha'is believe that of the same nature as the administrative success Declaration of Trust is identical with moral voted by the National success; and that nothing Spiritual Assembly. This less than the true Baha'i spirit Declaration of Trust, of devotion and sacrifice with its attendant By-Laws,can inspire with effective is published for the informationpower the worldwide of the Baha'is of the world.body of unity, revealed Careful examination of by Baha'u'llah. Therefore the Declaration and its it has seemed fitting ByLaws will reveal the factand proper to accompany the that this document containsDeclaration of Trust no arbitrary elements with excerpts from the nor features new to the letters of Shoghi Effendi Baha'i Cause. On the contrary,which furnished the source it represents a most conscientiouswhence the provisions effort to reflect those of the Declaration were very administrative principlesdrawn, and which furthermore and elements already set give due emphasis to forth in the letters that essential spirit of the Guardian, Shaghi without which any and Effendi, and already every social or religious determining the form is but a dead and soulless body. HORACE HOLLEY. 361 [p362] 362 THE BAHA'! WORLD Certification of Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha of the United States and Canada. [p363] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 363 Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. [p364] 364 THE BAHA'I WORLD DECLARATION OF TRUST By the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bab4'is of the United States and Canada We, Allen B. McDaniel of Washington, D. C., Horace Holley of New York City, N. Y., Carl Scheffler of Evanston, Ill., Roy C. Wilhelm of West Englewood, N. J., Florence Morton of Worcester, Mass., Amelia Collins of Princeton, Mass., Ali-Kuli Khan of New York City, N. Y., Mountfort Mills of New York City, N. Y., and Siegfried Schop-flocher r of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, duly chosen by the representatives s of the Bab~i'is of the United States and Canada at the Annual Meeting held at San Francisco, Calif., on April 29, April 30, May i, and May 2, 1926, to be the National Spiritual Assembly y of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, with full power to establish a Trust as hereinafter set forth, hereby declare that from this date the powers, responsibilities, rights, privileges and obligations s reposed in said National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada by Baha'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith, by 'Abdu'l-Baha, its Interpreter and Exemplai-, and by Shoghi Effendi, its Guardian, shall be exercised, administered and carried on by the above-named National Spiritual Assembly and their duly qualified d successors under this Declaration of Trust. The National Spiritual Assembly in adopting this form of association, , union and fellowship, and in selecting for itself the designation of Trustees of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, does so as tbe administrative body of a religious community which has had continuous existence and responsibility for over, eighteen years. In consequence of these activities the National Spiritual Assembly is called upon to administer such an ever-increasing diversity and volume of affairs and properties for the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, that we, its members, now feel it bath desirable and necessary y to give our collective functions more definite legal form. This action is taken in complete unanimity and with full recognition of the sacred relationship thereby created. We acknowledge in behalf of ourselves and our successors in this Trust the exalted religious standard d established by Baha'u'llah for Baha'i administrative bodies in the [p365] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 365 utterance: "Be ye Trustees of the Merciful One among men"; and seek the help of God and His guidance in order to fulfil that exhortation. Article I The name of said Trust shall be the National Spiritual Asscm~,ly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. Article II Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts of our fellow Baha'is to establish, uphold and promote the spiritual, educational and humanitarian n teachings of human brotherhood, radiant faith, exalted character r and selfless love revealed in the lives and utterances of all the Prophets and Messengers of God, Founders of the world's revealed religions Ñ and given renewed creative energy and unh~ersa1 application n to the conditions of this age in the life and utterances of Baha'u'llah i Ñ we declare the purposes and objects of this Trust to be to administer r the affairs of the Cause of Baha'u'llah for the benefit of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada according to the principles of Baha'i affiliation and administration created and established by Baha'u'llah, defined and explained by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and amplified and applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and successors under the provision of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. . These purposes are to be realized by means of devotional meetings; ; by public meetings and conferences of an educational, humanitarian n and spiritual character; by the publication of books, magazines and newspapers; by the construction of temples of universal worship and of other institutions and edifices for humanitarian service; by supervising, unifying, promoting and generally administering the activities of the Baha of the United States and Canada in the fulfilment t of their religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any other means appropriate to these ends, or any of them. Other purposes and objects of this Trust are: a. The right to enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every sort and kind for the furtherance of the objects of this Trust with any person, firm, association, corporation, private, public or municipal or body politic, or any state, territory or colony thereof, or any foreign government; and in this connection, and in all transactions under the terms of this [p366] 3 6~ THE BAHA'I WORLD Trust, to do any and all things which a copartnership or natural person could do or exercise, and which now or hereafter r may be authorized by law. b. To hold and be named as beneficiary under any trust established d by law or otherwise or under any will or other testamentary y instrument in connection with any gift, devise, or bequest in which a trust or trusts is or are established in any part of the world as well as in the United States and Canada; to receive gifts, devises or bequests of money or other property. c. All and whatsoever the several purposes and objects set forth in the written utterances of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi, under which certain jurisdiction, powers and rights are granted to National Spiritual Assemblies. d. Generally to do all things and acts which in the judgment of said Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, are necessary, proper and advantageous to promote the complete and successful administration n of this Trust. Article III Section x. All persons, firms, corporations and associations extending, ing, credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, and the members thereof, of any character whatsoever, whether legal or equitable and whether arising out of contract or tort, shall look solely to the funds of the Trust and to the property of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity, or for the payment of any debt, damage, judgment or decree or any money that may otherwise become due or payable from the Trustees, so that neither the Trustees nor any of them, nor any of their officers or agents appointed by them hereunder, nor any beneficiary or beneficiaries ficiaries herein named shall be personally liable there for. Section 2. Every note, bond, proposal, obligation or contract in writing or other agreement or instrument made or given under this Trust shall be explicitly executed by the National Spiritual Assembly, as Trustees by their duly authorized officers or agents. Article IV The Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, shall adopt for the conduct of the affairs entrusted to them under this Declaration of [p367] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 367 Trust, such bylaws, rules of procedure or regulations as are required to define and carry on its own 'administrative functions and those of the several local and other elements composing the body of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, not inconsistent with the terms of this instrument and all in accordance with the explicit instructions given us to date by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, which instructions are already known to the Baha'is of the United States and Canada and accepted by them in the government and practice e of their religious affairs. Article V The central office of this Trust shall be located in the City of New York, State of New York, United States of America. Article VI The seal of this Trust shall be circular in form, bearing the following description: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. Declaration of Trust, 1927. Article VII This Declaration of Trust may be amended by majority vote of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada at any special meeting duly called for that purpose, provided d that at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for said meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary. Art. V amended to read located in the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, the site of the Baha'i House of Worship." [p368] 368 THE BAHA'I WORLD BYLAWS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Article I The National Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfilment of its sacred duties under this Trust, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all the activities and affairs of the Baha'i Cause throughout the United States and Canada, including paramount authority in the administration of this Trust. It shall endeavor to stimulate, unify and coordinate the manifold activities of the local Spiritual Assemblies (hereinafter defined) and of individual Baha'is in the United States and Canada and by all possible means assist them to promote the oneness s of mankind. It shall be charged with the recognition of such local Assemblies, the scrutiny of local membership rolls, the calling of the Annual Meeting or special meetings and the seating of delegates to the Annual Meeting and their apportionment among the various local Baha'i communities. It shall appoint all national Baha'i committees s and shall supervise ihe publication and distribution of Baha'i literature; the reviewing of all writings pertaining to the Baha'i Cause, the construction and administration of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar and its accessory activities, and the collection and disbursement of all funds for the carrying on of this Trust. It shall decide whether any matter lies within its own jurisdiction or within th~ jurisdiction of any local Spiritual Assembly. It shall, in such cases as it considers suitable and necessary, entertain appeals from the decisions of local Spiritual Assemblies s and shall have the right of final decision in all cases where the qualification of an individual or group for continued voting rights and membership inilie Baha'i body is in question. It shall furthermore represent the Baha'is of the United States and Canada in all their cooperative and spiritual activities with the Baha'is of other lands, and shall constitute the sole electoral body of the United States and Canada in the formation of the Universal House of Justice provided for in the Sacred Writings of the Baha'i Cause. Above all, the National Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek td' attain that station of unity in devotion to the Revelation of Baha'u'llah which will attract the confirmations s of the Holy Spirit and enable the Assembly to serve the founding of the Mast Great Peace. In all its deliberation and action For amendments made to April 20, 1940, sec notes at foot of pages 370, 373, 374, 375. [p369] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 369 the National Assembly shall have constantly before it as Divine guide and standard the utterance of Baha'u'llah "It behooveth them (i.e., Spiritual Assemblies) to F~ the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to consider themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all thai dwelt on earth. It is incumbent t upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly." Article II The Baha'is of the United States and Canada, for whose benefit this Trust has heen established, shall consist of all persons resident in the United States and Canada who are recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly as having fulfilled the requirements of voting membership p in a local Bab~'i community. To become a voting member of a Baha'i community a person shall a. Be a resident of the locality defined by the area of jurisdiction of the local Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article VII, Section 12, of this instrument. b. Have attained the age of 21 years. c. Have established to the satisfaction of the local Spiritual Assembly, embly, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, tbat he possesses the qualifications of Baha'i faith and practice required quired under the following standard: Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner (the BTh), the Author (Baha'u'llah), and 'Abdu'l-Baha the True Exemplar of t~e Baha'i Cause: unreserved served acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of 'Abdu'l-Baha's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of presentday Baha'i administration ration throughout the world. Article III The National Assembly shall consist of nine members chosen from among the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, who shall be elected by the said Baha'is in manner hereinafter provided, and who shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their successors s shall be elected. [p370] 370 THE BAHA'I WORLD Article IV The officers of the National Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Assembly taken by secret ballot. Article V The first meeting of a newly-elected National Assembly shall be called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of votes or, in case two or more members have received the same said highest number of votes, then by the member selected by lot from among those members; and this member shall preside until the permanent t Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the Assembly at the request of the Chairman n or~ in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chairman, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by a majority vote of the Assembly, as hereinafter provided. Article VI Five members of the National Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting g a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these ByLaws, and with due regard to the principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the National l Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, who shall supply copies of the minutes to the Assembly members after each meeting, and preserve the minutes in the official records of the Assembly. Artkle VII Whenever in any locality of the United States and Canada, be it city, town or village, the number of Baha'is resident therein recognized d by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds nine, these may on April 21st of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a local administrative e body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual As-Article ticle IV, amended to read by a majority vote of the Assembly taken by secret ballot." [p371] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 371 sembly of the Baha'is of that community. Every such Spiritual Assembly y shall be elected annually thereafter upon each successive 21st day of April. The members shall hold office for the term of one ye~ir and until their successors are elected and qualified. When, however, the number of Baha'is in any community is exactly nine, these may on April 21st of any year, or in successivc years, constitute themselves the local Spiritual Assembly by joint declaration. Upon the recording of such declaration by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, said body of nine shall become established with the rights, privileges and duties of a local Spiritual Assembly as set forth in this instrument. Section x. Each newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at once proceed in the manner indicated in Articles IV and V of these ByLaws to the election of its officers, who shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as the Assembly finds necessary for the conduct of its business and the fulfilment t of its spiritual duties. Immediately thereafter the Secretary chosen shall transmit to the Secretary of the National Assembly the names of the members of the newly-elected Assembly and a list of its officers. Section 2. The general powers and duties of a local Spiritual As-sembjy y shall be as set forth in the writings of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha i and Shoghi Effendi. Section 3. Among its more specific duties, a local Spiritual Assembly y shall have full jurisdiction of all Baha'i activities and affairs within the local community, subject, however, to the exclusive and paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly as defined herein. Section 4. Vacancies in the membership of a local Spiritual Assenib~y shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local Baha'i community duly called for that purpose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a quorum of the local Assembly impossible, the election shall be held under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 5. The business of the local Assembly shall be conducted in like manner as provided for the deliberations of the National Assembly y in Article VI above. Section 6. The Ioc2il Assembly shall pass upon and approve the qualifications of each member of the EaWi'i community before such members shall be admitted to voting membership; but where an individual l is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual Assembly [p372] 372 THE BAHA'I WORLD upon his Baha'i qualifications, such individual may appeal froni the ruling to the National Assembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdiction n of and finally decide the case. Section ~. On or before the 1st day of February of each year the Secretary of each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of the National Assembly a duly certified list of the voting members of the local Baha'i community for the information and approval of the National Assembly. Section 8. All matters arising within a local Baha'i community which are of purely local interest and do not affect the national interests s of the Cause shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of that locality; but decision whether a particular matter involves the interest and welfare of the national Bab~'i body shall rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 9. Any member of a local Baha'i community may appeal from a decision of his Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly, which shall determine whether it shall take jurisdiction of the matter or leave it to the local Spiritual Assembly for reconsideration. In the event that the National Assembly assumes jurisdiction of the matter, its finding shall be final. Section io. Where any dissension exists within a local Baha'i community y of such a character that it cannot be remedied by the efforts of the local Spiritual Assembly, this condition shall be referred by the Spiritual Assembly for consideration to the National Spiritual Assembly, , whose action in the matter shall be final. Section ii. All questions arising between two or more local Spiritual Assemblies, or between members of different BaWi'i communities, , shall be submitted in the first instance to the National Assembly. which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all such matters. Section 12. The sphere of jurisdiction of a local Spiritual Assembly, , with respect to residential qualification of membership, and voting tights of a believer in any Baha'i community, shall be the locality included within the dvii limits of the city, town or village, but Baha'is who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and can regularly attend the meetings of the local Baha'i community, may be enrolled on the membersh'zp list of the adjacent Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a local Spiritual Assembly in their home community. All differences of opinion concerning the sphere of jurisdiction of any local Spiritual Assembly or concerning the affiliation of any Baha'i [p373] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 373 or group of Baha in the United States and Canada shall be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in the matter shall be final. Article VIII The Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at which its members shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, and shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by the National Assembly, which shall give sixty days' notice of the meeting to each local Baha'i community through its Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly shall at the same time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the number of delegates s to the Convention it has assigned to the local Baha'i community in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation in such manner that the entire number of delegates composing the National Convention shall be ninety-five. Upon receipt of this notice each local Spiritual Assembly shall, within a convenient period and after giving due and sufficient notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting members on its rolls for the purpose of electing their delegate or delegates to the National Convention; and, not later than thirty days before the date of the Convention, the Secretary of each local Spiritual Assembly shall certify to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the names and adddresses of the delegates so elected. Section i. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by plurality vote of those present at their election. Section 2. All delegates to be seated at the Convention must be enrolled as voting members of the Baha'i community represented by them. Section 3. The rights and privileges of a delegate may not be assigned nor may they be exercised by proxy. Section 4. The recognition and seating of delegates to the National l Convention shall be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 5. Delegates unable to be present in person at the Convention n shall have the right to vote for members of the National Spiritual l Assembly by mail or telegram under such conditions as may be indicated by the National Assembly. Section 6. If in any year the National Spiritual Assunbly shall 'consider r tbat it is impracticable or unwise to assemble together the delegates s to the National Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly shall provide ways and means by which the business of the Convention may be conducted by correspondence or telegram. Any action taken Article VIII, amended to read number of delegates composing the National Convention n shall be one hundred seventy-one." Article VIII, Section 1, amended to read ". by plurality vote. Members who for illness or other unavoidable reasons are unable to be present at the election in person shall have the right to transmit their ballots by' mail or telegram under conditions acceptable to the local Spiritual Assembly." Article VIII, Section 6, amended to end with words by correspondence or telegram." [p374] 374 THE BAHA'I WORLD under such circumstances shall be by a majority vote of all the delegates. Section ~'. The presiding officer of the National Spiritual Assembly y present at the National Convention shall call to order the delegates, who shall then proceed to the permanent organization of the meeting, electing a presiding officer, a Secretary and such other officers as are necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Convention. Section 8. The principal business of the National Convention ~ha11 be the election of the nine members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, the consideration of the reports of the financial and other activities of the outgoing National Assembly and its various committees, , and deliberation upon the affairs of the Baha'i Cause in general, , it being understood, however, in accordance with the principles of Baha'i administration defined by the Guardian that all deliberation and action of the delegates at the National Convention, other than the election of the members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, shall constitute merely advice and recommendation for consideration by the said Assembly, final decision on all matters concerning the affairs of the Baha'i Cause in the United States and Canada being vested solely in that body. Section 9. The general order of business to be taken up at the National Convention shall be prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, , but any and all matters pertaining to the Cause introduced by any of the delegates may upon motion and vote be taken up as part of the deliberations of the Convention. Section lo. The election of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote of the delegates recognized by the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly, i.e., the members elected shall be the nine persons receiving the greatest number of votes on the first ballot cast by delegates present at the Convention and delegates whose ballot bas been transmitted to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram. In case by reason of a tie vote or votes the full membership is not determined on the first ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken until all nine members are elected. Section ii. All official business transacted at the National Convention n shall be recorded and preserved in the records of the National Assembly. Section 12. After the termination of the National Convention and until the next such Annual Meeting has been called in session, the delegates tes shall continue as a consultative body capable of rendering a dis-Article cle VIII, Section 7, amended to read electing by ballot a presiding officer," eta. Article VIII, Section 12, deleted. [p375] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 375 tinctive service to the work of the Cause, and they shall make every effort to contribute to the unified spirit, information and useful action of the National Spiritual Assembly throughout the year. Section 13. Vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by a plurality vote of the delegates composing the Convention which elected the Assembly, the ballot to be taken by correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National Spiritual Assembly. Article IX Where the National Spiritual Assembly has been given in these ByLaws exclusive and final jurisdiction, and paramount executive authority, in all matters pertaining to the activities and affairs of the Baha'i Cause in the United States and Canada, it is understood that any decision made or action taken up&n such matters shall be subject in every instance to ultimate review and approval by the Guardian of the Cause or the Universal House of Justice. Article X Whatever functions and powers are not specifically attributed to local Spiritual Assemblies in these ByLaws shall be considered vested in the National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorized to delegate e such discretionary functions and powers as it deems necessary and advisable to the local Spiritual Assemblies within its jurisdiction. Article XI In order to preserve the spiritual character and purpose of Baha'i elections, the practice of nominations or any other electoral method detrimental to a silent and prayerful election shall not prevail, so that each elector may vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection n have inspired him to uphold. Among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon those who bave been called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the affairs of the Cause as members of local or national Spiritual Assemblies s are To win by every means in their power the confidence and affection of those whom it is their privilege to serve; to investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments and the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obligation n to promote; to purge their deliberations and the general conduct Article VIII, Section 13, amended to be Section 12. [p376] 376 THE BAHA'I WORLD of their affairs of selfcontained aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness and of every word and deed that may savor of partiality, seif-centeredness and prejudice; and while retaining the sacred right of final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, ventilate grievances, welcome advice, and faster the sense of interdependence and copartnership, of understanding and mutual confidence between themselves and all other Baha'is. Article XII These ByLaws may be amended by majority vote of the National Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting' a copy of the proposed amendment or amendnients is mailed to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary. ~t4L~ :~4 1 Ñ ~ IfOTARY VUKjJ0 ~ew York ~o. ~ O1k~q0 29, Regi~t~~ No. 111174 e~prc~ -~iarch 30, 1931.. [p377] THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 377 ~4 ~ ~ ~.~] & bQk'1 L-L~.C'~--' U ~J ' • Yc~&K~'~ "v~:'c~IJU~-'I;fdLZ); ~ ~ ~ A, A, *~< JU~JI~JL,JL]~ ~ ~L~'L4 ~'/' ~JL~~A495~ ~ A Declaration of Trust and ByLaws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of I ran. [p378] 378 THE BAHA'I WORLD £ a ~ ~k))JC)'J~, 'dj/3),~A~] S S Ñ ft ~ '2' 'p ~ ~ ~ ''-'Ñ ~'' / .~, ~ )~ ~ [p379] 379 THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH L~Cy U,/jL~C~ -I;¼L' ~L' Z'~,~;&~A ~ -A~i;~0~'~ A~i;~0~'~ ~ ~ k-i-Ñ Ñ 4 a. LJL& J'~ ~ [p380] 380 THE BAHA'I WORLD d~L ~ .. Ñ Ñ . '~5I4)j.~ ~; Ñ -~Lb' Vt' ~ ~ ) -~"~A~ ~ ~ J;~ - j~ -~'2~w21'~ fr¼k~~]JU;,YA ~ ''~ '.~ ~ ~ Ñ / I '4'~ ~;~-¾'~A-';;t~ 4k ~ ~ Ñ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4 '~']"~ ~ ~A~.4