Clara A. Edge is perhaps best known for her biographical novel Tahirih
(Grand Rapids, MI: Edgeway Publisher, 1964). The following biography of Edge
is provided on the back dust-jacket of this book:
Although she was prevented by ill health from continuing her education at
the University of Michigan in the United States, Clara Edge attended
Baha'i schools from 1937 until 1953, and later declared, "For my
studies at the University of Michigan in the United States, Clara Edge
attended Baha'i schools from 1937 until 1953, and later declared,
"For my studies and the work I have tried to do for the Faith, I feel
that my lack of formal education has been more than made up at the Baha'i
schools. Since the Manifestations of God are the educators of mankind, I
would not exchange my Baha'i education (if it were exchangeable) for many
degrees."
Miss Edge's debt to the Baha'i World Faith has been, she feels, repaid
just a little by her untiring efforts to lend expression to the faith.
Before commencing her work on this biographical story of Tahirih, she
contributed a column to a local newspaper in Prescott, Arizona, which was
an attempted exposition on the Baha'i belief in the oneness of God and the
oneness of the human race. (Tahirih, back dust-jacket)
HAIFA NOTES
BY CLARA EDGE
May 16-25
1954 [Online version provided by Robert Stauffer, 1997.
Any errors from original retained.]
[page 1]
It was Sunday evening shortly after 6:00 p.m. when I arrived at the
goal of my heart's desire - Haifa, magic word with all its great significance
for the believer in the Baha'i World Faith. The day had been spent sitting out
the hours at Lydda awaiting my baggage; just imagine, waiting from 8:00 a.m.
till 3:30 p.m. that near the Shrine of the Bab unable to go on without all my
belongings. Well one can get close to exhaustion, but that first glimpse of
the golden dome paid for all fatigue.
That precious little package of humanity - Jessie Revell, came to the door
of the American pilgrim house at the ringing of the bell. The latest pilgrim
was ushered into her room, advised to rest. However, rest is difficult,
particularly when one hears the voice of the dear residents of this charmed
place. After about a half hour, am sure it was no more, tea having been served
in the sitting room outside the rooms of Mason Remey, this pilgrim found
herself with the others comparing notes for the day and awaiting the coming of
the beloved Guardian, the 'Sign of God'. How does one ever think of the
possibility of going into that presence, unable to cast off the many, many
frailties to which we all seem too prone to fall heir, or take on. But one has
to forget if they can and bolster up their lagging spirits till the wonderful
moment finally comes when the announcment is made that the Guardian awaits us
at the table.
The latest arriving pilgrims, Lillian Richards (daughter of Solon Fieldman),
and I being given first place in the procession, walked down the winding
stairs, across the large hallway into his presence. With such a gracious
smile, he welcomes us so that all fears leave and we are seated across from
him eagerly awaiting the much anticipated message we feel sure he is going to
give us - especially suited to our particular needs.
Since there were two non-believers at the table, the conversation was
general. Moreover, whatever was said by the visitors was quickly brought to
the Baha'i view point. At first one feels disapointed to have the beloved
Guardian cramped in his message to all present; but the gracious kindness
shown to the visitors makes one feel ashamed of impatience, and ready to enjoy
the conversation and the handling of the situation by a pastmaster at meeting
difficulties.
The notes are few, but in response to conversational leads by one of the
non-believers, the following came out:
In America, the power is now in the hands of the masses. This is not good
for they can be and are swayed by the press. It is far better to elect, as the
Baha'is do, in a three way election, Local Spiritual Assembly, State
Convention, National Convention. The masses voting for a majority do not pick
for the best qualities for office, but from the influence as above. The
Baha'is is a three-way election. They pick the best for their spiritual and
practical qualities (see God Passes By - page 218). National civilization will
improve as soon as more emphasis is placed on spiritual qualities, rather than
on material. There is too much emphasis on material civilization in the West,
and we must balance it by spiritual civilization through, first, periods of
suffering and cleansing; second, through unification (could mean purging and
welding through fire); third, establishment of a Baha'i World State. There
will be great destruction, the friends should move out of the big cities to
villages. The Guardian was most gracious in expressing his gratitude to
Lillian and her husband for the service to the Cause in Ankara, Turkey.
May 19 - The Guardian in referring to the enthusiasm of the friends
at convention said, "This enthusiasm is fine at the Convention, but after
it is over, the friends forget. The American friends are very enthusiatic, but
they do not carry through consistently.
[page 2]
Mary Elston - "What nation do you think is the most stable on the
planet?
The Guardian: The British are the most stable and carry through their
undertakings. The Latin and Oriental are unstable and so are the Turkish,
immature and like children. They get very enthusiastic and then it fades away.
Do you have any success with the Jews? When the Jews turn to Baha'u'llah, they
have a deeper sense of reality than do others. When the Catholics come into
the Faith, they are devoted.
He asked Lillian Richards if there were many Jewish people in Turkey.
"Yes, there are and also a large American community, but I cultivate
mostly the Turkish people as they live there permanently." The Guardian
answered that it is more important to reach the native people in every
country. (There were three Persians who had left Istanbul and gone to Ankara.
The Guardian said they should return to Istanbul and reestablish the local
spiritual assembly because that would be the city were the Haziratu'l-Quds
would be built (partly because of the fact that it was the place where
Baha'u'llah suffered so greatly and also since it was the key to the whole
Black Sea area). The friends move where business is more convenient and where
their lives (at the time) are safer. They must GO WHERE THE CAUSE NEEDS THEM.
They must forget their material comforts and think of the spiritual. Material
civilization is DOOMED and WILL BE DESTROYED. It must be so. Mankind cannot be
purified and cleansed except through suffering. The Lesser Peace will be in
this century.
It is more important to concentrate on Istanbul (Constantinople) than in
Ankara even though it is the capital of Turkey - because Istanbul is the
ancient capital and was associated with Baha'u'llah's imprisonment and
persecution. (see Insert - p.6)
Question: "Do you mean by that, the 20th century?" Question,
"Will it be established by the youth of today. Answer "It is very
essential that the youth study deeply to help usher in the MOST GREAT PEACE.
The time of the Most Great Peace is a MYSTERY."
Question: Will the global crusade have an influence in establishing world
civilization?"
Answer: No. It will establish the Baha'i world Faith about the world and
will not have a direct influence in establishing the united states of the
world.
Question: Will the pioneers be expected to return to America, to help in
the reconstruction after the cataclysm?
Answer: RECONSTRUCT WHAT?
MAY 20 - The beloved Guardian was feeling better, more rested when
he arrived for dinner at almost 9:00 p.m. and was radiant. He reminded us of
certain pertinent statistics regarding membership of committees in several
countries as he had referred to them in cables to the national conventions,
making comparisons between a year ago and when the world crusade was first
instituted and the present. He spoke of Africa, Germany England, but his
happiness was so great in speaking of Uganda where the numbers are phenomenal
by comparison to American and other countries. He said that France has only 3
or 4 communities after over 50 years (See April News Letter we were told).
Question: Should bodies be embalmed before burial, in order to complete the
cycle back to the mineral etc.?
Answer: They should not be embalmed. If death comes in a State where the
law demands embalming and cement vault, the body could be taken to an
adjoining State where there might be no such law - since we must be obedient
to the law. Further, the time could come when a body could be taken the width
of a continent in an hour's time, and thus the Baha'i law could be kept.
The authentic cave of Elijah is the higher one where Baha'u'llah revealed
in a loud voice so that the priests could hear him - "The Tablet of
Carmel" - not the lower one where Moslem tradition places it. See
Gleanings 14, 21.
[page 3]
Asked about Baha'u'llah referring to Himself as This Youth, and its
meaning, the Guardian said Baha'u'llah was only 27 years old when He espoused
the Babi Cause, and 35 years of age at the time of His first declaration (of
being "HIM WHOM GOD WOULD MAKE MANIFEST") Afterward there was a
difference of opinion as to whether he said it expressed youth and vitality or
eternal youth.
He spoke of the many changes in Palestine under different influences. One
time it was the Land of Kings. The Jews have suffered much persecution.
Once it was part of the Roman empire, then under the Moslems (Arabs and
Turks), later mandated to the English. The Arabs have had the greatest
influence on Palestine.
At one time less than 1,000,000 Jews were surrounded by 40,000,000 Arabs,
yet they kept their freedom in a bloodless revolution. 1,000,000 Arabs fled
and 1,000,000 Jews moved in. The Jews suffered almost 2,000 years punishment
for three years' persecution of the Christ, who was the Son of God. Therefore,
the Moslem people will suffer much more than the Jews did. Baha'u'llah was the
Father, Christ the Son. The persecution of Baha'u'llah lasted for over 50
years, therefore that will cause the Moslems to suffer far greater punishment
than the Jews and in a very short period of time. The Moslems will be
scattered with great suffering.
When the beloved Guardian rose to leave, with sweetest and most expressive
smile, he spoke directly to Allen and Mary Elston (from Kamala, Uganda),
"I have extended your stay for another day, and you will have one day in
Jerusalem and one in Tel Aviv. I have a treasure for you to take back to the
people of Uganda.
MAY 21 - The Guardian though tired, spoke with great emphasis - his
voice rang out. He was discouraged, all too aparently with the American
believers, lashed out at them for their apathy, corruption, decadence of the
American people influence the Baha'i - too, too, much.
In referring to the American Baha'is he said, "I can urge them, but I
can't create the spirit." It is unhappiness for me and danger for them
(the believers) - that is what really counts. They SHOULD PICK UP AND GO. No
one has the right to prevent them WHEN THEY ARE INDEPENDENT. They should take
their passports, pack and go. The cause triumphs in spite of the inactivity or
inaction of a large number of its supporters.
There are 700 negro Baha'is in one year in Africa. If America does not
respond, they will suffer, they will suffer materially and spiritually. The
cause will not suffer, but the believers will suffer. In fifty (50) years
there are now only 500 negro believers in the United States, but 700 in
Africa.
This is a true eye-opener.
Those who do not respond will loss everything. Those who do respond will
gain everything. The large cities are centers of materialism and the believers
there will be caught in a trap. Cities like LONDON, PARIS, CHICAGO, NEW YORK,
SAN FRANCISCO, will suffer horribly - Abdul-Baha warned the people about the
danger of the racial problem in America, but they did nothing and had two
wars. The situation is very grave and wish the friends to realize it.
They calculate too much, there is not enough self- sacrifice, not enough trust
in God.
[page 4]
While they are calculating, the BLOW WILL BE STRUCK. They, themselves, WILL
EVAPORATE (go up in smoke), YES THEY WILL!!! The American continent is going
to suffer, particularly THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT. This is a very grave
challenge and if they don't face it, they will be very sorry.
To Mary Elston: "Did you ever dream of such results? (in Kampala).
Kampala has set an example to the whole Baha'i world. The Cause is stagnating
in America. Africa is full of vitality. America is a stagnant pool, everything
is declining there, manners, art, music, money is depreciating, there is
terrible corruption and immorality, they are full of fear and disillusionment.
These are all signs of decline and it is all because of this materialistic
civilization. They should be less materialistic, more spiritual, less
intellectual and more spiritual. People are going to church in fear.
Irreligion and agnosticism are increasing. There is so much godless ness
and it is increasing. Everything is carried to excess in the United States. An
ordeal will shake them. Fear is driving them to the churches. The Pope is
shaking in his shoes. Anything can happen. People are enveloped in fog. They
are fascinated by the life of the great cities, they have much contamination
in large cities and the Baha'is are effected by this through association.
The Guardian here read from material sent him from a large city in America.
He was disgusted with - what shall I say - almost puerility of admonishment to
the believers - in a vein in which Baha'is should not be addressed. But on the
other hand, they should be reminded from the teachings of their obligations
and responsibilities to the Cause. He spoke in no uncertain terms of his
disgust, etc.
The home front is an absolute failure. This was as of Feb. 14, 1954. Thirty
(30) cities have fallen below 9. There are 10 States with no assemblies. They
have SO MUCH ORGANIZATION and they have NO SPIRIT. They MUST BE FIRED WITH THE
SPIRIT. They feel an urge for a second, then it evaporates. They read
superficially. People say, "I have read the Iqan like a tourist who says:
"I have done Paris, I have done London in 2 hours and know all about
it." They have too much material preoccupations, they read so many
magazines, which are absolutely trivial; they should throw them away into the
wastebasket. This is what is called materialistic civilization. There is no
progress in this suffocating atmosphere, there is a great DANGER!!!
To Mary Elston, "You must be very grateful and proud of Africa."
After 5o years there are only 4 Indian tribes having believers in America. In
Africa there are believers in 70 tribes who have entered the Faith in 2 years.
Those with independent means should take passport, pack and go, they do not
have to ask the NSA. Those who are independent financially should take their
passports, pack and go, they can go anywhere they want to. They must have the
urge to go and be inspired to go, they must be consecrated. The Americans feel
they must have a car, a radio, one or 2 refrigerators, television (latest
model).
I CANNOT CREATE THE SPIRIT, all I can do is use the tools given me, I am
the person who will direct those who arise. When I find no response, I become
unhappy, I become paralyzed, I cannot do anything. This creates unhappiness
for me and danger for the believers. The friends know that a MASS RESPONSE
will make me happy. The Cause triumphs in spite of the inactivity of a large
number of its supporters. In some mysterious way the Cause triumphs. They
bring into their schools the American standard instead of driving it out.
In the British Isles sixty percent (60%) have left their homes. In America
the atmosphere is STIFLING, STAGNANT. The Baha'is reflect this atmosphere.
they MUST [undecipherable] THEIR ATMOSPHERE BY GETTING OUT. The Cause is
steadily rising in Africa, but this is not so in the States. There were 495
volunteers in the American Conference, only 200 actually left. There should
have been 3000. The Baha'is must PROMOTE THE BAHA'I STANDARD not the American
standard away. They should persevere and NOT FOR HOME, and NOT FOR HOME, SWEET
HOME.
[page 5]
Abdu'l-Baha said "Would to God I could go on foot." American has
cultivate such a high standard of living that it is difficult for the Baha'i
to lower those standards. They reflect the American standard. The standard
here in Haifa will be raised, but it will have to be lowered in America. He
asked, "What is sacrifice?" The answered, "We will go at any
cost." Americans have to alter their standards of living. They do
everything with the slightest (least) exertion, ride in cars. They have more
leisure and time to do non-essential things (Note: for unsensible things).
They should go to Africa and lead a strenuous life. There should be
MASS-MIGRATION, and they should dedicate themselves permanently to the task.
Africa and the Isles of the Seas will have a great future. The cause will
triumph in spite of the neglect of the Baha'is. If one country fails (falls
short) another country will make up for their failure. The friends must
realize that if they do not do their duty, they will LOSE EVERYTHING, but THE
CAUSE WILL TRIUMPH. Spanish Guiana is the only country not settled in Africa
(someone told us that a pioneer or more has settled there.) There are 195
centers in Africa, 700 colored Baha'is in Africa - 70 tribes - 30 languages.
The Guardian was asked if it were true if pioneers went out it was a
protection for those left at home and he replied, "GO FOR YOUR OWN
PROTECTION."
MAY 22 - The Guardian, much to our great relief and happiness, came
for dinner though we had been told he was too tired to come. He had brought a
letter or a copy of one written to the NSA of the United States (so we
understood) by a young man who was ready to go pioneering. It was as the
Guardian noted - very spiritual, and showed definite desire to consecrate his
life to the Cause wherever he might go. The Guardian in no uncertain terms
said that here was a young man eager to go pioneering, but he would be
discouraged from going - even prevented. Then, if he has the means he should
go anywhere he wishes. The NSA should back him up when he arrives at his post.
He does not need the permission from the NSA or any COMMITTEE. He is permitted
to go whether he is sponsored or not if he has the means. Ultimately, it is
the spirit that counts and that is something between God and the individual.
This is a CRISIS, a spiritual crisis. Baha'is (meaning NSA and whole Baha'i
Community and committees) time is occupied with details, details that are
absolutely dry and empty. I can visualise these things. The time is occupied
with the things in the cities. Baha'is will soon become involved. The large
cities have a very bad effect on morality, on spirituality. It is becoming
positively dangerous to live in the cities.
Non-Baha'is are even realizing that the great cities are doomed because
there is so much crime, immorality, etc. WE MUST GET TO A SIMPILER LIFE. NOW
IT IS LIKE BABYLON, ROME, POMPEII. The Master said that in Central Asia there
are cities which have been destroyed (leaving nothing to show how destroyed).
It is absolutely hopeless for those who are capable teachers in these cities.
God must remedy the situation. The Master warned them (people of the United
States) about the racial problem, but they were heedless to this warning. As a
result there have been two wars and it is not ended. For fifty (50) years the
fortunes of mankind have been steadily declining. There are two reasons for
this:
1. Mankind did not heed the Master.
2. Materialism which will lead to the BURNING OF THE CITIES.
The last war was only the beginning. The next conflict may give a chance
for the non-white to contribute its share. (The yellow race could come and
take possession of the U.S. and could be followed in same manner by the negro
race.) CITIES ARE DOOMED. WHITE people have done a great deal of harm and will
suffer. America will become a storm center of the future. THERE ARE VERY, VERY
DARK DAYS AHEAD. The situation is very, very grave. Anything can happen,
decrease in population, destruction of cities. WESTERN CIVILIZATION HAS
INVOLVED THE WORLD IN ONE OF THE GREATEST OF CRISIS. In 1912 Abdu'l-Baha saw
it and
[page 6]
warned them, now the people are beginning to see it. America is the most
disturbed nation on the earth. This is reflected in the Baha'is of the west,
in their activities. THEY ARE LIVING IN A FOOL'S PARADISE. The excesses to
which the Americans have gone have raised up enemies (induced hatred). R-----
is the greatest enemy. It is all in God's plan. Who would think the [time]
could come when America would have such fear! Anything can happen and any time
SUDDENLY. Baha'u'llah praised agriculture, A GREAT FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE. A
new race of men will appear after the cataclysm (catastrophe) We must have a
totally new mode of life - NEW CITIES - SIMPLER.
Tower of Babel was not a building, but it was carrying things to excess and
God stopped them. THE STORY OF NOAH IS RE-ENACTED NOW. Godlessness,
materialism - everywhere. We must have the right kind of education...
To the writer (/): "Now you know what to tell the friends at
home!"
Clara: In other words, I'm not to pull my punches." A sad smile was
his only response. He left us so overburdened with the worries of the Baha'i
world, tired to exhausted, and that was the last time Lillian and I were to
see him. He was unable to leave his bed the rest of our stay 23, 24 and 25.
INSERT to page 2 - He gave further instructions, but the important thing
was that she did not have to go home to tell these friends what they must do -
for the beloved Guardian turned to Leroy Ioas, gave him instructions to write
Ankara. This it was not to be through Lillian but directly to the members of
the Local Spiritual Assembly in Ankara from the Guardian, and there could be
no misunderstanding or difficulty caused for a pioneer in an older community.
Note: Prayer of Ahmad was revealed in Adrianople -"this remote
prison".
[end of Edge Notes]
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