events in the Holy Land. On the contrary, (these events) must cause joy,
happiness and exultation, for this is the day of trial and the occasion
for the manifestation of the secrets of the soul and heart. Have the
utmost joy about the incidents in the Holy Land and do not consider from
any other viewpoint; for the deluge of affliction is surrounding always
the Holy Land and the sincere servant of the True One is like unto the
enkindled lamp around about which the adverse winds blow. Therefore, you
must engage in your own occupation, be familiar in spreading the
fragrances of God and characterized in promulgating the Word of God. For
instance, if you receive news that the Holy Land is entirely changed, you
must not become relaxed at all; nay, rather you must become firmer, more
steadfast and more attracted and more engaged in the service of the
Kingdom.
"What thou hast written was read and its contents..."
(212) What thou hast written was read and its contents became known. In
reality blessed days are coming. This is the time for the service of the
Kingdom and the period of spreading the divine Call. I hope that thou and
all of the friends will occupy their time in the service of the Kingdom at
this moment when Abdul-Baha is involved in he greatest danger, so that
this heart may become gladdened and that you may become strengthened by
the Word of God, causing also the strength of others.
Concerning thy presence in the Land of Desire, for the present postpone
(this matter) for some later time until the arrival of summer and the
passing of frosty winter. At that time it will be acted upon according to
the circumstances.
The petition concerning unity and harmony, signed by the majority of the
believers of God, was received. We have written a detailed answer for it
and it will be forwarded. This letter, which was signed by the majority of
the friends, brought me great, great joy.
The book that thou hast written thou wilt send and, after its translation,
it will be read.
Each letter that thou receivest from me, where in the ending there is the
command for its spreading, thou oughtest to publish that letter and
circulate it.
Endeavor so far as thou art able to create unity, harmony and
loving-kindness among the believers of God.
"Thy last letter was received and its contents brought..."
(213) Thy last letter was received and its contents brought joy. Thank
thou God, for thou art engaged in serving the Word of God and spending thy
time with the friends of God. If thou somewhat regard thy father and
mother, too, so that they may be somewhat pleased, this will be the cause
of pleasing me. Father and mother are worthy of esteem and it is necessary
(to secure their good pleasure); but this on condition that they may not
prevent one from nearness to the Threshold of the Almighty and may not
withhold one from walking in the path of the Kingdom. Nay, rather they
(parents) should encourage and inspire one (to walk in God's path).
As to living (or conduct) in accord with the Book of Akdas: We have spoken
of this to his honor Mr. ........, for there is freedom in those lands and
there are no obstacles.
Likewise, the Ishrakat, Tarazat, and Tajalliat(214) must be translated and
published (and spread) among the friends.
But, whatever writings and articles which the believers may write for the
spread of the Cause of God, these they must necessarily send to the Holy
Land, in order to be corrected and rectified (or approved of) and then to
be returned to them and then published. Before their being corrected here
and before securing permission from here, their publication is by no means
allowable.
As to the obligatory prayer (to be said three times a day): Each one must
say his prayer alone by himself, and this is not conditional on a private
place; that is, both at home and in the worshipping-place, which is a
gathering-place, it is allowable for one to say his prayer; but each
person must say his prayer by himself (i.e., not in company with others
who might recite the same words and continue the same postures together at
the same time). But if they chant supplications (communes, etc.) together
(and in company), in a good and effective voice, that is very good.
"O God!..."
(215) O God!
Grant Washington happiness and peace! Illuminate that land with the light
of the faces of the friends, make it a paradise of Glory, let it become an
envy of the green gardens of the earth! Help the friends, increase their
number, make their hearts sources of inspiration and their souls dawnings
of light. Thus may that city become a beautiful paradise and fragrant with
the fragrance of musk.
"O God!..."
(216) O God!
Make this youth illumined and this weak one strong! Bestow upon him
knowledge and give unto him an added strength at every dawn. Thus may he
be protected and sheltered in Thy protection from every sin to serve Thy
Cause, to guide those who are led astray, to lead those who are poor (or
weak), to free those who are in captivity (or bondage), to awaken those
who are in lethargy and to be happy with Thy remembrance and thought. Thou
art the Powerful, the Wise!
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
The short treatise which thou has written upon "Service in the Kingdom,"
forwarding it here and asking permission for its publication, was read.
Spread it among the believers.
Likewise, correspondence with all the believers in all parts is very
desirable.
The copy of the pamphlet that thou hast sent before, God willing, in
opportune time will be read and forwarded to thee.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Endeavor thou in the service in the
Kingdom and, God willing, in a seasonable time, permission will be given
to thee to come to the East.
Convey longing greetings to all the friends of God.
"O thou servant of Baha'!..."
O thou servant of Baha'!
Thy letter***was received. Correspondence between the believers of the
Orient and the Occident, as well as between the different states of
America, is of the utmost importance and is conducive to the enkindlement
and attraction of the hearts. Show thou great consideration to this
matter.
Thou hast written concerning the translation of Tablets. Perfect
translation will be made at a time when a committee of translators is
organized. The members of that committee must be composed of several
Persians and several Americans, all of whom must have the utmost
proficiency in both the Persian and English languages. Then the Tablets
will be translated through this committee. For the present the
organization of such a committee is not possible. Therefore, whenever the
publication of a Tablet becomes necessary, have a proficient person
translate it, then circulate it and the end will be attained.
Regarding the station of this servant: My station is Abdul-Baha, my name
is Abdul-Baha, my qualification is Abdul-Baha, my praise is Abdul-Baha, my
title is Abdul-Baha. All the friends of God must declare this word, in
order that all of them become united and harmonized upon it. No difference
must arise. Collect, translate, print and spread all the Tablets written
by me regarding this question.
Concerning the Book of Akdas: Undoubtedly it must be translated by a
scientific committee of translators. The translation of one person is not
sufficient.
Concerning the spiritual assembly of Washington: I supplicate God that it
may finally become the cause of the unification of all the nations of the
world.
The maid-servant of God, Miss ......., hath not yet returned from Persia.
God willing, we will direct her to travel to those parts.
Thou hast written regarding the believers of Baltimore. Undoubtedly
whenever opportunity affords, the believers of Washington must go to
Baltimore, become engaged in teaching the Truth, spread the carpet of
feasting and prepare the heavenly table.
Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, Miss
........, and say: "O thou divinely attracted one! Day and night, with an
eloquent tongue, teach thou the heedless ones; awaken those who are
speechless and silent. Undoubtedly the confirmation of the Holy Spirit
will descend upon thee."
Announce, on my behalf, respectful greeting to the attracted maid-servant
of God, Miss ........, and say: "O thou beloved maid-servant of God! Now
is the time, now is the moment in which, like unto Mary Magdalene (who
loosened her tongue in the city of great Rome), thou mayest arise and
become engaged in teaching the coming of the Kingdom of God and spread far
and wide to the ears the glad-tidings of the Realm of Eternity!"
In brief, O thou servant of Baha'! Strive ye that the souls be engaged, in
all parts of Europe, with the utmost purity and sanctification, in the
diffusion of the fragrances of God.
Undoubtedly teachers both from among the women as well as the men must go
to Australia and New Zealand whenever the means and opportunity are
brought about. Now make ye an effort that perchance through correspondence
some souls, in those parts, may become illumined with the light of the
Kingdom.
O thou servant of Baha'! Rest thou assured. I supplicate from God that
thou mayest be delivered wholly from passion and desire and become the
faithful and sincere servant of the Beauty of Abha.
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thou hast written to his honor ........ concerning the Feast.
This Feast was established by His Highness the Bab, to occur once in
nineteen days. Likewise, the Blessed Perfection [Baha'o'llah] hath
commanded, encourage and reiterated it. Therefore, it hath the utmost
importance. Undoubtedly you must give the greatest attention to its
establishment and raise it to the highest point of importance, so that it
may become continual and constant. The believers of God must assemble and
associate with each other in the utmost love, joy and fragrance. They must
conduct themselves (in these Feasts) with the greatest dignity and
consideration, chant divine verses, peruse instructive articles, read the
Tablets of Abdul-Baha, encourage and inspire each other with love for the
whole human race, invoke God with perfect joy and fragrance, sing the
verses, glorifications and praises of the Self-subsistent Lord and deliver
eloquent speeches. The owner of the house must personally serve the
beloved ones. He must seek after the comfort of all and with the utmost
humility he must show forth kindness to every one. If the Feast is
arranged in this manner and in the way mentioned, that supper is the
"Lord's supper," for the result is the same result and the effect is the
same effect.
O thou sincere servant of the Beauty of Abha! Thou hast written concerning
Baltimore. Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to Miss ........ and
say: "Exert thyself as much as thou canst in order that thou mayest
illumine Baltimore, lay there an eternal foundation and ignite a lamp
whose rays may shine throughout cycles and ages."
Thou hast written concerning the Tablet of Baka Ya Ali--Baka Ya Vafi
(Tablet of Protection). This Tablet is for the healing of ailments.
Whenever one is anxious about the recovery of an ill one, he may read this
prayer with a melodious voice while in a state of the utmost attention and
concentration.
Thou hast written regarding Buddha and Confucius. Buddha was an
illustrious personage. Confucius became the cause of civilization,
advancement and prosperity for the people of China. Now it is not the time
when we discuss concerning the stations and positions of those who are
passed away. We must concentrate our attention upon the present. What hath
transpired in a former time is past. Now is the time when we restrict our
discussion to the Most Great Luminary of Peace and Salvation in the Age,
to talk of the Blessed Perfection [Baha'o'llah] and to voice His
exhortations, behests and teachings. Buddha and Confucius were kings in
bygone ages who have disappeared. Their sovereignty in this world is ended
and their cycle is completed. Now the Throne of the Kingdom of Abha is
established and the Blessed Perfection is sitting upon the Throne of
Grandeur. We must raise this Call, promulgate the Word of God and live in
accord with the teachings and advices of the Beauty of Abha.
Thou hast written regarding ........, the resident of Calcutta (India),
that he hath forwarded to thee some addresses so that thou mayest
correspond with them about the Cause of God. If thou doest write to them
there is no harm done, nay, rather it is advantageous.
But regarding the tests: Undoubtedly they must be violent so that those
souls who are weak may fall back, while the souls who are firm and sincere
may shine forth from the horizon of the Most Great Guidance like unto the
sparkling stars.
"O thou sincere servant of God!..."
O thou sincere servant of God!
Thy letters are received regularly and by reading them joy was produced.
Thou hast written regarding the building of the Mashrak-el-Azcar in
Washington. This matter was discussed with the maid-servant of Baha', Miss
......... It hath been concluded that when she arrives in America she will
discuss this question with you. Whatever will be the conclusions of your
discussion write to Acca. The maid-servant of Baha' is in Paris; she will
go to America. These services of thine are in reality worthy of praises,
that thou hast sacrificed thyself wholly to the True One.
Mr. ........ and Mr. ....... arrived and stayed a few days here. The, with
the utmost joy and fragrance, they started toward India.
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter***was received and its contents became the cause of the
happiness of the heart of this grieved one, for it was an evidence of
exertion and magnanimity in the service of the Cause of God.
Thou hast written regarding the publication of a magazine. If thou
shouldst edit one magazine every six months--two in a year--then forward it
to the Holy Land to be corrected and returned, after due correction, for
its publication--it is very acceptable and will be the cause of the
penetration of the Word of God.***
Thy former articles were received. I have not yet had time to read them.
However, one of thy articles was corrected and forwarded and thou hast it
printed and circulated. Now write thou a new article and send it here to
be corrected. It is better.
Regarding the proposition which thou hast suggested that one of the
maid-servants of the Merciful reside in the Land of Desire and be the
medium for the regulation of correspondence, now it is not according to
wisdom.
Therefore, now edit thou a magazine in Persian and English, then forward
it here to be revised and sent back for publication.
Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to all the friends of God.*** ***O thou
my kind friend!
I have the utmost love for thee and I ask God that thou mayest become
assisted in the world and in the Kingdom and precede Paul and Peter in
spreading the Word of God and diffusing the fragrances of God and become a
manifest ensign in the regions of America.
Perhaps thou wilt meet a person in Paris who is thoughtless and followeth
his own desire. Forget thou wholly his vain sayings and know thou that in
future again thou wilt become in touch with such souls, but--praise be to
God!--the fire of thy love is to such a degree that the suggestions of such
souls do not at all affect thee.
In brief, arise thou in the service of thy Lord with the utmost firmness
and steadfastness. I was very much pleased with thee. Undoubtedly this
favor will become the cause of the greatest development for thee.
Likewise, thou and his honor Mirza ........ are two brothers and like unto
two birds living in one nest and singing one melody.
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant and Testament!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant and Testament!
Thy letter***was received and its contents became known. Thou hast written
regarding the election of a committee(217) . This is very acceptable, is
conducive to the glory of the Cause of God and the spreading of the
fragrances of God in those regions. I hope that this committee may
progress day by day until it become a merciful assembly.
Thou hast written regarding the correspondence with other parts, that from
now on it will be carried under the name of The Bahai Assembly of
Washington. This is also acceptable. I hope that this committee becometh
established and its members be of the utmost unity and affinity. If the
Bahai Assembly of Washington ariseth in a befitting manner to love,
service and magnanimity, the lights of the love of God will be cast upon
all sides from the Assembly and it will find more importance day by day,
until it attain to the Most Supreme Station. ***
"O thou my beloved friend!..."
O thou my beloved friend!
For a long time thou didst have the longing to visit the Blessed Spot and
the yearning to meet this imprisoned one. Finally this gift became
realized, but it was for one moment and as the dew to the rose-garden of
the hearts. The destiny was such and the means were brought about in this
way. I became sad and disappointed more than thyself. But I hope that this
meeting became as the wick of the lamp and the fire--that as soon as it was
touched it became ignited. I am expecting the results of this meeting,
that I may see thee lighted as a candle and burning thyself as a moth with
the fire of the love of God, weeping like unto the cloud by the greatness
of love and attraction, laughing like unto the meadow and stirred into
cheerfulness like unto the young tree by the wafting of the breeze of the
Paradise of Abha!
All the believers in the East and in this Spot are expecting the receipt
of letters from thee.
"The letter was received and its contents became evident...."
(218) The letter was received and its contents became evident. Thou hast
written regarding the days of summer, that thou hast vacation for three
months and a half. Shouldst though find any companions, make thou a trip
to Persia, for during three months and a half it is possible to reach
Teheran, stay there a few days and then return; but the time is not
sufficient to come to the Holy Land. If the trip to Persia cannot be
brought about, then to Ishkabad(219) .
Regarding the question of matrimony: Know thou that the command of
marriage is eternal. It will never be changed nor altered. This is divine
creation and there is not the slightest possibility that change or
alteration affect this divine creation (marriage).
Regarding the remains of his honor the beloved Breakwell--him who hath
attained to the meeting of the countenance of his Lord in His great
Kingdom--must be interred in that very land, not in some other place, for
to transfer the remains of the believers from one city to another city is
against the test of the Book.
Concerning the word Baha'o'llah: It must be written with O and not with U.
Regarding the Moronites: All the communities of the world will finally
become familiar with this great and most holy Cause and all of them will
enter under the shade of the Word of God.
Convey my respectful greeting to Mrs. ........ and say: "We hope that day
by day thou mayest take higher flights, attain to greater spiritual
attraction, thy word become more penetrative through the power of the
Spirit and through the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha become more
illumined. This is the path of salvation and prosperity. This is the
attractive power of the Holy Spirit from the Supreme Concourse."
"O thou who hast confessed and believed in the Words..."
O thou who hast confessed and believed in the Words of God!
Thank God, for He hath uncovered the veil from before thine eye, and that
thou hast witnessed the great signs of the greatest glad-tidings which
have been revealed in the Gospel, Bible and the Psalms; and wert confirmed
that verily those glad-tidings have been allusions to the appearance of
the Kingdom of God during this time, and that the horizons shall brighten
through the light of the effulgence in this age, which is the age of the
lights and the century of thy God, the Powerful, the Almighty!
What a great gift is this guidance, the standards of which are raised, the
traces of which are published and the breeze of which has blown, the
garden of which is ornamented, the basins of which have poured out, the
birds of which have sung and the joy of which is completed!
I beg God to cause thee to be a crier unto His Kingdom in that region,
wherein the Sun of Truth hath newly commenced to disseminate and the dawn
of guidance hath risen from its horizons.
"O thou who art assuredly believing in God!..."
O thou who art assuredly believing in God!
Verily, I am informed of thy letter which showeth how thou art praising
God, hast acknowledged the unity of God, art attracted to His kingdom and
art thanking Him for His favor; that He hath strengthened thee in
guidance, hath illumined thine inner sight with the light which is shining
forth from the Kingdom of El-Abha, hath caused thee to hear the Call of
the Merciful from the Supreme Concourse and hath made thee one of the
chosen ones in His brilliant and holy Threshold. O glad-tidings be unto
thee for this great gift! O blessed art thou for this worthy deed!
"O thou maid-servant of God!..."
O thou maid-servant of God!
What thou hast written was perused. It is evident that thou hast all thy
life been seeking the Lord of signs, until now thou hast found the path of
Truth and discovered the Lord of Hosts and attained His Kingdom.
If thou shouldst stand firm and steadfast, thou wilt progress day by day
in this condition, and this flame of fire will become a luminous lamp. If
it be possible for thee, turn thy face toward that city and be a cause of
guidance to some souls there. It is not now advisable for you to write
secretly; the time will come for that. When you go there yourself you will
be confirmed to teach some of the people.
"O thou who art advancing toward God!..."
O thou who art advancing toward God!
Verily, I read thy long letter, which showed thine abundant joy for the
appearance of the Kingdom of God and the longing of thy heart for the
knowledge of God. endeavor with thy soul, so that the fountain of
knowledge may flow within thy heart and the bounties of mysteries may pour
upon thee from the Kingdom of Lights. Then thou wilt understand the
meanings hidden and recorded in symbols in the Holy Scriptures.
O maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the Covenant which hath emanated from
the Supreme Pen and which is scintillating with the light of the Orb of
the Horizons. Know thou verily, Baha'o'llah is the Promised One in all the
Books and Tablets, and verily, this servant, is the herald of the Kingdom
of God.
And know thou, that verily, he earthly world is as a prison to the holy
souls and these long for the Kingdom of Sanctity, as birds long for their
nests in the gardens of beautiful and wonderful trees, flowers and fruits.
And know thou, verily, that those who were following the steps of Christ,
detached their souls from the desires of the world, and made their hearts
to depend on the bounties of heaven. Such as the people of the Kingdom and
they are in no need of return for apprehending the bounty of the Kingdom.
The consciences of such souls are clear, their inmost hearts are pure,
[they] have obtained their aim, have betaken themselves to the vicinity of
the mercy of their Mighty Lord, and thus they are in no need of being
refined, developed and again endowed with sight.
I beg of God to grant all thy wishes and to cause to appear unto thee the
reality of the Cause and the divine teachings through a heavenly bounty
from the heaven of the Covenant.
Send my greetings and peace to thy revered husband. Every one of my
household, the firm ones in the Covenant, present unto thee greetings and
praise.
"O thou who hast prayed to the Kingdom of God!..."
O thou who hast prayed to the Kingdom of God!
I have read thy letter and I have taken knowledge of God as to thy conduct
towards the Kingdom of God and also thy conflagration with the fire of
God's love. Be reassured by the grace of thy Lord and direct thyself
towards Him.
Consider attentively and with assiduity in the New Testament, as well as
the Bible, and thou shalt find new significances, very clear of this great
Manifestation.
I declare by the just God that thou wilt see therein a revelation of the
Holy Spirit which will aid thee in the good understanding of the Truth and
the mysteries and significances of the Books of God, the All-powerful and
the Eternal.