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Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá
PREFACE
`Abdu'l-Bahás exposition of the Bahá'í Revelation is recorded
in His written works, in the many compilations of
His recorded utterances, and in His correspondence. The
written works such as "The Secret of Divine Civilization, A
Traveller's Narrative," the Will and Testament, are available
in English translations. Likewise many compilations of His
recorded utterances, among which may be mentioned "Some
Answered Questions, Memorials of the Faithful, Paris Talks," are
kept in print. Not for sixty years, however, has any large
compilation, in English, of His innumerable letters been
made; the three volumes of "Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá" published
in the United States between 1909 and 1916, although
running into second editions, have long been out of print.
The present compilation attempts a much wider selection
than was made for those early volumes, and its perusal will
give some indication of the vast range of subjects dealt with
by the Master in His correspondence. Included are a number
of Tablets translated by a Committee at the World Centre
using early drafts made by Shoghi Effendi during `Abdu'l-Bahás
lifetime, and a large number by Marzieh Gail, sent
to her from the World Centre's collection of more than
19,000 original and authenticated copies. Some famous
Tablets, such as the correspondence with Auguste Forel, or
the greater part of the Tablet to the Hague, have been
omitted since they are available in separate publications.
The happy and blessed recipients of the vast majority of
the Tablets here included were the early believers of the
east and west, whether individuals, groups, organized committees
or assemblies of the friends, and their value to the
nascent communities of the west in those days when
Bahá'í literature in English was meagre in the extreme,
cannot be overestimated.
It is believed that publication of these writings of the
Master's will serve to increase the fervour of His lovers in
responding to His call and add to their perception of that
wondrous harmony of the human and divine which He, the
Mystery of God, so perfectly exemplified.
Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá
PREFACE
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