Almighty; for the Imperial throne of Persia is confirmed and the Crown of
the Sovereignty of the East is protected,. Undoubtedly the noble purpose
of His Imperial Majesty will play an important role in the development of
Persia. May God help and send victory from the Supreme Kingdom, the
heavenly powers become supporters and the mercy and bestowal of His
Highness the Merciful One become the Helpers! Be ye engaged in prayer that
with the utmost good-pleasure the nation obey the government, comply with
the wise counsels of the attendants of the central dominion, give no
attention to the hearsay of the agitators and rise not to quarrel with and
to protest against the government like unto the Russian Douma, so as to
throw the whole empire, the nation and the kingdom into a sea of anarchy
and lawlessness. Much prayer is needed so that God may help and protect.
The marks of kindness that thou hast shown to his honor Mr. ... became
highly acceptable. You must treat the strangers, at all times, in this
manner and help, as far as possible, all the nations of the world.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Truly, I say, thou art firm and have
arisen to perform the conditions of firmness. This very matter of his
honor Mr. ... is a sign of wonder to all men and the greatest proof of the
power of the Word of God and the penetration of the servitude of
Abdul-Baha. As thou art walking in this road and art steadfast in this
path, know thou of a certainty that the assistance of Providence with
descend upon thee and the confirmation of the Kingdom unveil herself to
thee.
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
An article in the Broadway Magazine of September, 1906, written by G. A.
Dobson and published in New York, was read. It is entitled, "The Strangest
Religion in New York." Unquestionably, you get that magazine and read it.
The writer complains of the Ottoman government and its treatmet towards
the Bahai community. There is no doubt that this article will be read by
His Excellency the Turkish Minister or the members of the Legation. The
truth is that His Imperial Majesty the Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan hath
exercised the utmost justice toward Abdul-Baha. Although the internal and
external enemies entered into an alliance, wrote reports full of pure
calumnies and baseless impositions, became themslves the complainers and
witnesses, a body of examiners came from Constantinople for the
investigation of the true situation and that committee of commissioners
became united with the outside and inside enemies, ratifying all the
impositions and adding to those some more important matters, yet His
Imperial Majesty Abdul Hamid Khan--may God assist him! --acted with
delilberation until it became known and evident that all these calumnies
were founded upon rancor and hositility. Therefore, he hath treated us,
until the present time, with the utmost justice and because of this
treatment we are exceedingly happy. If there were any other king beside
His Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan, he would exercise his
autority in another way in the face of these unjust imputations and the
conspiracies of the external and internal foes. Nevertheless, the justice
and equity of the Sultan prevented the attacks of the enemies and the
reports of the people of oppositions and falsehood from producing any
effect. Therefore, all the friends must pray from their hearts in behalf
of their Imperial Majesties the Padeshah of the Ottomans and the Shah of
Persia. As in these days His Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan is
in a state of illness and indisposition, therefore the believers of God,
in meetings and assemblages, in private and public, but invoke from the
Threshold of Oneness swift recovery for him. The friends and strangers
must know and realize that all the believers of God have the utmost love
for His Majesty the Padeshah of the Ottoman empire and that they are
entreating for him protection and confirmation.
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
The International Congress of Religions was organized this year(228) in
the capital of Japan. Many souls hastened to that empire from different
parts of the world, in order that they might talk of and discuss the
principles of their own religions, each one longing to convert that
assembly to his own religion and establish the validity of his own
particular belief. This congress had under discussion the politics of the
religions., In truth, it is a political affair and not the attraction of
the heart, faith, advancement toward God nor enkindlement with the fire of
the love of God. This congress will not produce a lasting effect, for it
is essentially politico-religious. What is effective and conducive to the
penetration of the Word of God and the attraction of hearts is the
fragrances of holiness and the divine glad-tidings, which the members of
the congress do not in the least comprehend.
Consequently, if the believers of God go to that country--not to the
congress--and through the power of the Word of God, the breath of the Holy
Spirit, the reading of the verses of Oneness and associating with the
individual inhabitants of that kingdom, undoubtedly untold and tremendous
results will be realized and the sweet fragrance of the rose-garden of
mysteries will perfume the nostrils of the people of those regions. It is
significantly useful if some of the friends of God put forth and effort
and hasten from America to those parts (Japan).
O thou servant of God! Unquestionably, through the manifestation of the
Infinite Power in this glorious age, wonderful signs will appear in the
world and great changes are seen in the present and promised in the
future, for the Word of God is like unto the Spirit, and the contingent
world like unto the embryo in the womb of the mother. Through the power of
the Spirit such various changes and metamorphoses become apparent,
transforming them from one form to another. Especially in Persia, through
the power of the Word of God, wonderful signs will appear.
O thou servant of the True One! Though I had not the opportunity of
reading one line of the paper * * * yet I read it with the utmost
attention. Truly, I say, it was a superior paper and the details of the
reception of the two great ambassadors in the house of the favored and
attracted maid-servant of God, Miss ..., became known. Such receptions are
very acceptable and praiseworthy. You must all show forth the utmost
consideration to these two ambassadors, neither do ye fall short in
serving them in whatever manner possible.
It is very acceptable for you to present to them the excellent praises
which the Blessed Perfection hath made in behalf of these two governments,
the exhortations which He hath delivered for obedience to them and the
prayers He hath written for the confirmation and protection of His
Imperial Majesty the Shah. Likewise, the advices and recommendations that
this servant (Abdul-Baha, himself) hath written in Tablets to Persia and
America; also the irrefutable command that the Blessed Perfection hath
given in Tablets that the believers must obey the kings with the utmost
sincerity and fidelity, and He hath forbidden them to interfere at all
with political problems. He hath even prohibited the believers from
discussing political affairs.
Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to the favored maid-servant of
God, Miss ..., the the utmost kindness and announce to her: "These
services and self-sacrifices of thine in the Kingdom of God are
acceptable."
O thou servant of the Blessed Perfection! Since I have found this paper
very eloquent, I send it to Persia.
O thou dear friend! I entreat from His Highness the Desired One that He
may grant divine confirmation to that illumined youth to such an extent
that he may become the main-spring of spiritual emotions in those regions.
Convey respectful greeting with the utmost longing to all the friends of
God on behalf of this servant.
"Thy letters were received. Although thou hast..."
Thy(229) letters were received. Although thou hast complained on account
of not receiving answers to the petitions of the people, yet thou hast no
right to do so, for the letters coming from those regions are like unto a
sea--who is able to answer all of them? Some of the letters are not
received and this is not the fault of the friends and, as the
administration of the post is not well organized, many letters are lost in
the mail. But to those letters which are received, God willing, no neglect
will be displayed so far as there is time to answer them.
Thou hast written regarding the formation of three gatherings for
spreading the Tablets; this is very acceptable.
Convey greeting on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, Miss .... I have
written two Tablets with my own hand to her so that she may realize that
her services are accepted. Likewise, I have written a Tablet to his honor
Mr. ..., with my own hand, so that he may known also that his endeavors
are praised.
Thou hast forwarded the copies of six letters addressed to thee form
different assemblies in America. I have not yet found time to read them,
but, God willing, I will read them. Rest thou assured.
I have not time at the present for more than this. Upon thee be greeting
and praise!
"O thou who are firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who are firm in the Covenant!
Thou has written regarding the articles and papers which are written by
the believers of God and the forwarding of them to this land for
correction. This servant, on account of the multitude of works and
occupations, hath no time whatever to attend to this matter. If this
articles are read in the spiritual assembly of each city in America and
the printing and spreading of them is advised and approved by the
assembly, it is acceptable. This permission is granted so that those souls
do not become disappointed and may be engaged in the composition and
printing of instructive papers. Mr. ... will arrive here and we will
discuss with him regarding this matter.
Say to Mr. ...: "If he writeth any article and the spiritual assembly of
Washington doth approve its circulation, the spreading will be of good
results."
His honor ... hath not displayed the slightest shortcoming or omission in
forwarding the letters and papers to this land. Know ye this for a
certainty. Some of the letters have been received, but there hath not yet
been time to answer them; while on the other hand some of them are lost in
the mail. Whatever hath been received, its answer dependeth upon time and
opportunity.
But regarding the articles: These articles must be revised and corrected
by those souls who know the history of the Cause. If they approve their
circulation undoubtedly it will lead to the rapid promotion of the Cause.
For this servant hath no time whatever (to revise those articles).
Regarding the receipt of letters and their early acknowledgment: A new and
complete system is organized. God willing, it will become perfected and
put into execution.
O thou who are firm in the Covenant! Convey the longing greeting of this
servant to his honor Professor .... The association which he hath
organized is acceptable and beloved. God willing, he will become assisted
and the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha will descend. Today any soul
who is planted, like a tree, along the steam of this divine rose-garden,
will grow and develop through the infinite outpourings. For the rays of
the Sun of Truth will shine forth, the Divine Husbandman will irrigate and
the soul-refreshing breeze will waft from the direction of grace.
Consequently, that tree will find the utmost freshness and delicacy,
producing delicious fruits. Deliver to him the enclosed Tablet.
Thou hast written regarding his honor Mr. .... This personage is a
believer and assured; he is attracted, enkindled and of the utmost
sincerity. The believers of God must have the utmost consideration toward
him; they must not avoid him; they must seek his companionship in a
cheerful manner,. For this servant (Abdul-Baha) is intoxicated with the
wine of servitude and he is happy and joyful in the thralldom of God.
Therefore, all must declare and do whatever is the wish of his heart and
soul. The point is there: The believers must associate with Mr. ... with
joy and love.
Thou hast written regarding the reception at the Persian Legation and the
presence of the people of intelligence, His Excellency the Turkish
Minister, and the conversation of the attracted maid-servants of God, ...
and .... This news imparted the greatest joy and happiness.
"O heavenly one!..."
O heavenly one!
The maid-servant of God ... hath praised thee! I hope thou wilt acquire
great proficiency in writing literature, composition, eloquence of tongue
and fluency of speech, co-operating with the maid-servant of God in the
service of God, becoming an esteemed servant in the Threshold of Oneness
and partaking of a share of the heavenly gifts, and progressing day by day
until thou attain to the apex of the excellencies of this human world.
"O ye illumined friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful!..."
O ye(230) illumined friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful!
When the darkness of ignorance and heedlessness concerning the realm of
eternity and bereavement (or deprivation) from the True One had encircled
the universe, then the resplendent Luminary dawned and the brilliant Light
illumined the horizon of the East. Hence, the Sun of Realty shone forth,
scattering the sparkling lights of the Kingdom to the East and to the
West. Those who had seeing eyes found the Most Great Glad-Tidings, began
to cry the call, "O blessed are we! O blessed are we!"--and have beheld the
reality of things in themselves, have discovered the mysteries of the
Kingdom, were released from superstition and doubts, perceived the lights
of Truth and became so intoxicated with the cup of the love of God, that,
wholly forgetting themselves and the world while dancing, they ran with
utmost joy and ecstasy to the city of Martyrdom, sacrificing their minds
and their lives upon the altar of Love.
But those who were blinded became astonished and on account of these
joyous acclamation were bewildered and beginning to cry, "Where is the
light?" and said, "We do not behold any light, we do not see any rising
sun! It is void of any truth! This is pure imagination!"
However, they have hastened bat-like in the darkness below the ground, and
according to their own thoughts they have found a little comfort and
tranquility. Nevertheless, it is yet the early dawn and the strength of
the heat and the rays of the Sun of Truth have not yet made their torrid
and complete impression. When it reacheth the zenith, the heat will
interpenetrate with such great intensity that it will move and spur to the
greatest velocity even the insects below the earth. Alhtough they are not
able to behold the light, yet the penetration of the heat will move and
agitate all of them.
Consequently, O ye friends of God, be ye thankful that in the Day of the
Effulgence ye have turned your faces to the Orb of the regions and beheld
the Lights! Ye have received a portion from the rays of Truth and are
endowed with a share from the Everlasting Outpouring. Therefore, ye must
not rest one minute, but thank Him for this bestowal.
Be ye not seated and silent! Diffuse the glad-tidings of the Kingdom far
and wide to the ears, promulgate the Word of God, and put into practice
the advices and covenants of God; that is, arise ye with such qualities
and attributes that ye may continually bestow life to the body of the
world, and nurse the infants of the universe up to the station of maturity
and perfection. Enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of
the love of God, gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost
loving-kindness, show forth your love to the strangers just as you show
forth to your relations. If a soul is seeking to quarrel, ask ye for
reconciliation; if he blame ye, praise [him]; if he give you a deadly
poison, bestow ye an all-healing antidote; if he createth death,
administer ye eternal life; if he becometh a thorn, change ye into roses
and hyacinths. Perchance, though such deeds and words, this darkened world
will become illuminated, this terrestrial universe will become transformed
into a heavenly realm, and this satanic prison become a divine court;
warfare and bloodshed be annihilated, and love and faithfulness hoist the
tent of unity upon the apex of the world.
These are the results of the divine advices and exhortations, and the
epitome of the teachings of the Bahai Cycle.
"O thou who art advanced toward the Kingdom!..."
O thou who art advanced toward the Kingdom!
Thy letter was received and its contents created joy, for it showed thy
faith and assurance. Thou hast written that they have expelled thee from
the church and thy friends are manifesting aversion toward thee. This is
the beginning of thy trials. There are greater trials than these.
Therefore, be thou not sad, nay rather, be thou happy and full of
glad-tidings. There is no harm done if they have expelled thee from the
church. Thou hast stepped into the Kingdom of God. Thou hast entered into
the Heavenly Jerusalem and discovered the Way to the Holy of Holies of the
Kingdom. That church is of stone and cement, whereas this Holy of Holies
is of overwhelming Light.
But the more the tormenting friends shun thee, go thou the nearer to them.
The more they deride and blame thee, show thou forth the greater love and
affection. Do not look upon their shortcomings. Look thou upon all of them
as the people of God and endeavor thou in right-doing and well-meaning.
Ignorant are they; understand they do not. Therefore they are avoiding,
criticizing and scorning thee.
Do not pursue thy friend, ...; leave him to himself.
In the time of invocation to God, I remember thee and supplicate and
entreat Him to confirm thee and assist thee in the service of His holy
vineyard.
"O thou yearner after the Kingdom of God!..."
O thou yearner after the Kingdom of God!
The maid-servant of God, Aseyeh, hath mentioned thy name in her letter,
praising and commending thee. Likewise thy letter was received. I was
exceedingly happy on account of the love of the maid-servant of God,
Aseyeh, for thee. The advent of the prophets and the revelation of the
Holy Books is intended to create love between souls and friendship between
the inhabitants of the earth. Real love is impossible unless one turn his
face towards God and be attracted to His Beauty. The maid-servants of the
Merciful should love each other with heart and soul; for though there be
many bodies, the spirit of the faith is one and the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit is universal. There is one Light but many lamps; there is one Wine
but the glasses differ. So thou shouldst love with all thy heart and soul
the maid-servants of the Merciful and associate with them in utmost
affection in order that thou mayest realize divine happiness and behold
the outpouring of mercy.
I beseech God that heavenly blessings may descend upon thee, guiding thy
relatives, adding day by day to thy joy and happiness, so that thou mayest
become a heavenly herald, leading others to the Light of Truth.
"O thou attracted maid-servant of God!..."
O thou attracted maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Its contents were redolent with spiritual
emotion. Praise be unto God! who hath created sanctified souls, illumining
them with the reflections of the Sun of Truth, and raising certain persons
for the service of the Kingdom and gardening in the divine orchard. I hope
thou wilt become a fruitful tree producing sweet fruits. Trust thou in the
bounties of God and engage thyself in His service.
Praise be to God! that thou feelest progress in the luminous realm through
divine love. This very fact denotes that, God willing, thou art to be a
fruitful tree; nay, rather, thou wilt become a rose-garden of the
hyacinths(231) of realities and significances. Supplicate God that thou
mayest become so. Verily this is not impossible for God to fulfill!
"O ye two dear maid-servants of God!..."
O ye two dear maid-servants of God!
Your longing to visit the Sacred Soil(232) is expressed and evident and
your presence will be a source of pleasure to me.
But the best of meetings is the spiritual meeting; for in these days
visits to these regions are accomplished with difficulty.
I ask God that the spiritual meeting become realized so that the illumined
bounty may prevail, the inner susceptibilities may be awakened and the
eternal meeting in the Kingdom of God may be attained.
"O ye two dear maid-servants of God!..."
O ye two(233) dear maid-servants of God!
Man must prove whatsoever he speaketh by deeds and actions. If he claim
faith, he must live and do according to the teachings of the Kingdom of
Abha.
Praise be to God! you have proved your words by deeds, were confirmed by
divine strength and have gathered together the Bahai children in the morn
and taught them communion (prayers). This deed is very acceptable and the
joy of hearts, that children gather every morn and turn to the Kingdom,
mention God and commune in the utmost of sweetness and bounty.
Those children are like plants and this teaching and praying as rain which
gives freshness and delicacy and as the zephyr of the love of God which
revives.
Blessed are ye and good is your end!
"Say to [Dr.] ... that "he studied physical..."
Say(234) to [Dr.] ... that "he studied physical medicine and he cured
physical diseases. I beg of God that he may become a spiritual physician
and heal the sickness of the ignorant ones."
"Convey my respectful greetings to [Dr.] ......"
Convey my respectful greetings to [Dr.] ... and say: "Have confidence in
heavenly bounty and be sure of the favor of the Lord of the Kingdom. Soon
thou shalt see that the East hath embraced the West and that the Occident
and Orient are attracted to each other. They will become as one soul, one
heart and one body."
"Express my affection to Mrs. ... and say:..."
Express my affection to Mrs. ... and say: "The grace of God hath chosen
thee and distinguished thee for His love, that thou mayest thank Him, a
thousand times in every moment. Because of this bounty, you must choose to
serve the maid-servants of the Merciful."
"O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!..."
O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!
Thou wert an extinguished candle; now--praise be to God! --thou art ignited;
silent wert thou, but how thou hast become a speaker, a seer, a hearer,
living and endowed with eternal life.!
Today, any soul who looseneth his tongue in the delivery of Truth and is
engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God, he shall undoubtedly be
assisted and confirmed by the Holy Spirit and can resist the attacks of
all the people of the world, [for the] power of the Realm of Might shall
prevail. That is why thou seest that, although the disciples of Christ
were physically weak and apparently vanquished by the persecution of every
king, yet in the end were victorious over all and brought them under their
protection.
"O thou maid-servant of God!..."
O thou maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast written of the organization of an
assembly in that city. Look not at the small number; nay, rather seek the
pure hearts. One holy soul is better than one thousand other souls. If a
few souls gather together in a beloved meeting with the feelings of the
Kingdom, with the divine attractions, with pure hearts and with absolute
purity and holiness, to consort in spirit and fragrance, that gathering
will have its effect upon all the world. The conditions, the words and the
deeds of that gathering will lead a world to eternal happiness and will be
an evidence of the favors of the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit will strengthen
them and the hosts of the Supreme Concourse will render them victorious
and the angels of Abha will come in succession. By angels is meant the
divine confirmations and heavenly powers. Angels are also those holy souls
who have severed attachment to the earthly world, who are free from the
fetters of self and passion and who have attached their hearts to the
Divine Realm and the Merciful Kingdom. They are of the Kingdom, heavenly;
they are of the Merciful One, divine. They are the manifestations of the
divine grace and the dawns of spiritual bounty.
O maid-servant of God! Thank God! Thy dear husband inhaled a breath of the
rose-garden of the Kingdom. Now thou must draw him nearer daily through
the love of God and good conduct.
The San Francisco(235) occurrences were great. Such events ought to awaken
people and they should attach themselves less to the mortal world; for the
earthly world hath such painful experiences and offers such cups from the
bitter wine.
"O thou dear maid-servant of God!..."