(Most notes in [brackets] added by Sen McGlinn.)
Volume One
Volume Two
Vol. 2:1 Page 6
The following Tablet has been received from Abdul-Baha in regard to
the important matter of sending two teachers to the School of Tarbiat:
HE IS GOD.
O Thou Servant of the Blessed Perfection!
They have written from Teheran that there is need of a scientific
teacher for the School of Tarbiat. He must be efficient in science as well as the English
language; for at present there is no man in the School of Tarbiat who is a scientist or
linguist. They are in need of both, science and the English language.
Therefore, consult with the believers of God and select one soon,
from among the American Bahais, who is efficient in science and arts, and send him to
Teheran. He will receive a salary sufficient to sustain him with the utmost ease while
there.
Likewise select a woman teacher who may fill the position of
principal as well as teacher, and send her without delay. The woman must have a share of
the knowledge of sciences and be proficient in woman's work, such as sewing, housekeeping,
hygiene and household economics, etc.
This matter is very necessary, and you must give to it the utmost
importance and exert yourselves to bring this about; so that the association of the
Interdependence of the West may render assistance to the East.
Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, February 23, 1911
Vol. 2:1 Page 8
The following tablet to the Board of Officers, in answer to a supplication written to
Abdul-Baha by the Corresponding Secretary was received:
Through Agha Zia Effendi, son of M. Mostafa, to the maid-servants of God; Mrs.
Ida Brush, Mrs. Mary B. Grayson, Mrs. Fannie G. Lesch, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs.
Grace Foster, Mrs. Christine Loeding, Miss Laura E. Jones, Miss Mary Lesch, Shahnaz Khanum
(Mrs. Louise R. Waite).
HE IS GOD!
O ye believers who are attracted to the Center of Lights!
Verily there have been various assemblies in America which were
organized many times and out of these but few remained firm.
I supplicate to the Divine Majesty for the establishment of every
assembly which hath turned its face towards God, left the scattered desires, abandoned the
self and passion and become firm in the Cause of God as solid mountains, which are not
agitated by the winds and violent storms.
Then, O ye maid-servants of the Merciful, it is incumbent upon ye to
be firm, sincere and highly energetic and in great unity; severed from all save God;
effaced and annihilated in the love of God; sacrificing yourselves under all conditions
and circumstances; and glorious, so that ye may be filled with the love of El-Baha and
that in ye nothing remains except the abundance of El-Baha. Should ye arise for these
great gifts, ye may rest assured that the confirmations of the Holy Spirit will follow ye
in every time and instant.
Upon ye be El-Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Zia M. Bagdadi, Feb. 9, 1911
Vol. 2:1 page 10
NEW YEAR'S GREETING FROM ABDUL-BAHA.*
HE IS GOD!
O ye children of the Kingdom!
It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the
year. A year is the expression of a cycle (of the sun); but now is the beginning of a
cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a New Year.
Therefore, it is very blessed.
I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and
characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having
found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world, to
the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth appear; old ideas depart and
new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and new garments put on; ancient politics
whose foundation is war be discarded and modern politics founded on peace raise the
standard of victory; the new star shine and gleam and the new sun illumine and radiate;
new flowers bloom; the new spring become known; the new breeze blow; the new
* Revealed for the American friends in
1906, who had sent Abdul-Baha a New Year. (March 21st)
Greeting.
page 1
1
bounty descend; the new tree give forth new fruit; the new voice become raised and this
new sound reach the ears, that the new will follow the new, and all the old furnishings
and adornments be cast aside and new decorations put in their places.
I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and
partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor
until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of
light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built
up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the
Love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the
soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all
national anthems harmonized into one melody. Then this material realm will be Paradise,
the earth Heaven and the world of Satan become the world of Angels.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA Abbas.
Vol. 2.:1 page 11
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, to the attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. Corinne True,
Chicago, Ill.
HE IS GOD!
O thou beloved maid-servant of God!
Your detailed letter was perused and from its contents it became
evident that the debt on the land of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is clear. This news made the
hearts happy and caused infinite rejoicing.
Now it is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and
raise a great sum for the building, so that the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar may be
laid, and, perchance, God willing, the cornerstone of the foundation may be laid by the
hands of Abdul-Baha.
page 1
2
This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they
will all arise and endeavor with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that
every trace of difference may be uprooted and they may all become as one heart and one
soul.
Convey the wonderful ABHA greeting to all the friends and the maid
servants of the Merciful.
Upon thee be Baha Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, March 4, 1911.
Vol. 2:2 April 9 1911, page 3
TABLET REVEALED BY BAHA'O'LLAH
TO THE SULTAN OF TURKEY.
*[Lawh-i Ra'is III (Tablet to `Ali Pasha
III) See Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah Vol.
3 p. 33]
Describing the sufferings of himself and his followers, after his arrival in Akka.
HE IS THE POSSESSOR IN HIS MIGHT AND POWER!
The Supreme Pen proclaims:
O, thou personage, who considerest thyself the greatest of all men,
while looking upon the Divine Youth, thinking him to be the lowest of men, yet through him
the Eye of the Supreme Concourse is brightened and illumined. This Youth has never made
nor will he ever make a request of thee: For from the beginning every one of the
Manifestations of Mercifulness and the dawning-Places of the Glory of the Almighty, who
have stepped forth from the Realm of Immortality upon the arena of existence and shone
forth with great splendor for the quickening of the dead, men like thee have considered
those Sanctified Souls and Temples of Oneness upon whom the reformation of the world
depends, as the people of strife, and wrong-doers. Verily, their names (the deniers) are
forgotten and ere long thy name will also be forgotten and thou shalt find thyself in
great loss. According to thy opinion this quickener of the World and its Peace-Maker is
culpable and seditious. What crime have the women, children and suffering babes committed,
to merit thy wrath, oppression and hate? In every religion and community the children are
considered innocent, nor does the Pen of Divine Command hold them responsible, yet the
reign of thy tyranny and despotism has surrounded them. If thou art the follower of any
religion or sect, read thou the Heavenly Books, the Inspired Epistles and the Divine
Writings, so that thou mayest realize the irresponsibility of children. On the other hand,
even those people who do believe in God, have never committed such crimes. In
everything an effect is hidden, and no one has denied the effects of things except
an ignorant one who is completely denied and deprived of intelligence. Therefore,
undoubtedly the lamentation of these children and the cries of these wronged ones will
produce a great effect.
You have persecuted a number of souls who have shown no opposition
your country and who have instigated no revolution against the government; nay, rather,
days and nights they have been peacefully engaged in the mentioning of God. You have
pillaged their properties and through your tyrannical acts, all they had was taken from
them. When the order was issued for the banishment of this Youth, these souls began to
lament, but the officers who constituted my guard mentioned that these souls had committed
no wrong, nor has the government banished them, but if they desire they may follow you for
no one will oppose them. Consequently, they paid all their own
page 4
expenses and leaving their property behind, they were contented with the Countenance of
this Youth and trusting upon God they departed again with the True One, until the fortress
of Akka became the place of the incarceration of Baha'. The day after the arrival, the
officials of the army surrounded the men, women and children and carried them to the
gloomy dungeon of the barrack. The first night they were given neither bread nor water,
for the sentinels were guarding the door of the prison and permitted no one to leave the
place. They did not consider the plight of these wronged ones. Water was asked for, but it
was refused. It is now some time since we are all imprisoned in this dungeon; although we
were living for five years in Adrianople and all the people, whether ignorant or wise,
rich or poor, testified to the sanctity and holiness of these servants.
When departing from Adrianople one of the believers of God sacrificed
himself with his own hand, for he could not see this Wronged One in the hands of the
tyrants. On our way we were transferred three times, from one ship to another, and it is
evident that a number of the children suffered under these severe circumstances. When we
left the steamer, they separated four of the friends from us, and prevented them from
following, and upon the departure of this Youth, one of the four, named Abdul Gaffar,
threw himself into the sea and no one has ever found any trace of him. This is a drop of
the ocean of persecution which surrounded and encircled us. Notwithstanding these things,
they are not yet satisfied, and every day the officers of the government are increasing
their hard- heartedness, nor is it ended; day and night they are forming new intrigues and
adding to our sufferings. From the government supplies, these prisoners receive three
loaves of bread to last for twenty-four hours, and no one is able to eat it.
From the beginning of the world, no such persecutions have been seen
or heard of! I declare by the One who has commanded Baha' to speak, between the heavens
and the earth, there is no name or mention for you equal to those who sacrificed their
spirits, bodies and property for the love of God, the Mighty, the Powerful, the
Omnipotent! Before God, a handful of dust is greater than your kingdom, sovereignty, glory
and dominion, and should He desire, He would scatter you as the sand of the desert, and
ere long His wrath shall overtake thee, revolutions shall appear in your midst and your
countries will be divided! Then you will weep and lament and nowhere will you find help
and protection. The mentioning of these facts is not for the sake of your becoming
mindful, for already the wrath of God has surrounded you, but you have not nor will you
become mindful; neither is it for the sake of reciting the persecutions which have
descended upon these holy souls, for they are intoxicated with the Wine of the Merciful
and they are so exhilarated with the clear Salsabil of Divine Providence, that should the
persecutions of all the world descend upon them in the Path of God, they are satisfied,
nay, rather, grateful; they never had nor will they ever have any complaints to offer. At
every moment the blood in their bodies begs and supplicates from the Lord of both worlds,
that it be shed upon the ground in His Path; likewise their heads yearn to be raised upon
a spear for the sake of the Beloved of the heart and soul. For several times the tests of
God have descended upon you, and you were not mindful; one was a conflagration which
burned the city with the Fire of Justice, so much so that poets have composed poems about
it, declaring that such a conflagration has never appeared before; notwithstanding this
your negligence increased. Then the cholera came, and still you remained heedless. Be ye
watchful, for the wrath of God is prepared, and ere long ye shall behold that which is
descended from the Pen of Command. Have ye
page 5
thought that your glory is everlasting, or did ye dream that your kingdom would remain
forever? No, by the life of God! Your glory is not eternal, and our humiliation will not
last. This humiliation is the diadem of all the glories, and only man in his perfection
can comprehend it.
When this Youth was a child and had not yet reached the age of
maturity, one of my brothers intended to marry in Teheran and according to the custom of
that country, for seven days and nights they were engaged in feasting and banqueting. The
program for the last day of the entertainments for the guests was the play of Sultan
Salim. The ministers, the grandees and officials of the city were there in a great throng,
and this Youth was sitting in one of the galleries of the building and was observing the
scenes. Then they raised a great tent in the middle of the court; representations of human
forms only a few inches in height would come out of the tent and cry: "The king is
coming, arrange the seats in order." Then the other figures came out, sweeping the
round while a number were sprinkling the streets with water; then another picture was
presented, who was supposed to be the herald, acquainting the people to be ready for
review before His Majesty, the Sultan.
Then the ministers came, with hat and shawl, according to the Persian
custom; others were present with clubs, while a number of others were garbed chamberlains,
aides-de-camp, ferrashes and executioners with instruments of punishment. All these men
were lined according to their station and class. At last the king appeared, with sovereign
power and shining diadem upon his head, and with splendor and glory walked slowly and
majestically, and with perfect calmness, tranquility and composure, seated himself upon
the throne. At that moment the noise of the guns and the music of the national anthem was
raised, and the smoke surrounded the tent and the king. When the air was cleared, it was
seen that the king was on his throne, and the ministers, the magistrates and secretaries
had taken their places according to their rank. Immediately, a thief, captured by the
police, was brought before the king, and royal order was issued to behead him. Then the
chief of the executioners took the captive and decapitated him, and a red fluid, which was
like blood, was seen by all the spectators. While the Sultan was consulting with some of
his ministers, the news was brought in that a certain person had become a rebel. The
Sultan issued orders that several regiments of soldiers and artillerymen be sent to the
scene and quell the disturbance. After a few minutes the thunderous noise of guns and
artillery was heard behind the tent, and we were told they were engaged in battle. This
Youth became astonished and bewildered at these affairs. Then the review ended and the
curtain descended.
After twenty minutes a man came out from behind the tent with a box
under his arm. I asked him, "What is this box? Where is the king and all the
men?" He answered that all these great things and manifest objects, such kings,
princes and ministers, glory, majesty, power and sovereignty that we beheld were enclosed
in this box.
I declare by the Lord who has created all things through His Word,
that from that day all the conditions of this world and its greatness are like that play
before the eyes of this Youth. It has not nor will ever have the weight of a mustard seed.
I was wondering greatly that the people glorify themselves in these affairs,
notwithstanding this, the people of insight will discern with the eye of certainty the end
of the glory of every great one before beholding it. I have seen nothing except I have
discerned its transiency, and God testifies to this. It is incumbent upon every soul in
these few days of life to spend them in truthfulness and justice and if he be not
confirmed with the knowledge of the True One, he can at least walk in the path of equity
and intelligence.
page 6
Ere long all these apparent things, manifest treasuries, worldly
wealth, valiant soldiers, beautiful dresses and haughty souls, will he enclosed in the
box-like tomb, similar to the box which contained all the players, and all this quarrel,
strife and so-called honors are like the play of the children before the people of
insight. Be ye admonished, and be not of those who see the Truth and yet deny. These
things will not affect this Youth and the friends of the True One, for they are all
prisoners and enchained, and will not nor will ever make any request of people like thee.
The point is this, that thou mayest raise thy head from the bed of
negligence and become mindful and not oppose the servants of God without reason. Bear in
mind that so far as power and strength remain in the body, thou shouldst remove
persecutions from the oppressed ones. Shouldst thou have a little justice and behold with
the eye of certainty in the affairs and differences of the ephemeral world, thou shalt
acknowledge that all of them are like unto the above- mentioned play. Hearken unto the
word of Truth! Be thou not proud on account of the world. Where are those people who were
like unto thee, who claimed divinity in this earth without the permission of God, and
desired to extinguish the Light of God and to demolish the foundation of Truth? Dost thou
see any one of them? Be just! Then turn to God, perchance He may forgive the sins thou
hast committed in this ephemeral life. Yet we know that thou shalt not become assisted in
this, for through thy tyranny the Fire of Sinai flamed forth, the Spirit wept, and the
hearts of the angels bled.
O, ye people of the earth! Hearken to the voice of this Oppressed One
with the ear of the soul, and ponder ye deeply over the above- mentioned story. Perchance
ye may not be burned with the fire of passion and desire, and be not prevented from the
meeting of the True One, through the worthless things of the faithless world. Glory and
abasement, poverty and wealth, trouble and tranquillity, all shall pass away, and ere long
all the inhabitants of the earth shall return to the tomb. Therefore every possessor of
insight must behold the immortal outlook, that peradventure, through the Bounties of the
Eternal Sovereign, he may enter into the everlasting Kingdom and rest under the shade of
the Tree of Command. Although the world is the place of treachery and duplicity, yet under
all circumstances it reminds all the people with the idea of change. The passing of the
father is an admonition for the son, and it reminds him that he, too, must pass away. It
would have been well if the people of the world who are amassing great fortunes and are
deprived of the True One, knew what would become of their great wealth. By the Life of
Baha', no one is cognizant of this fact except God, Glorified is His Station!
The philosopher, Avicena -- peace be upon him -- says: "Be
admonished, O ye whose hearts are darkened, be ye admonished O ye, whose faces are covered
with the lines of age!" However, the majority of the people are asleep. The example
of those souls is like unto a person who was so intoxicated with wine that he was showing
the signs of affection to a dog, and showering upon him tender words of love and
affection. When the morning of intelligence dawned, and the horizons of the heaven were
illumined with the brilliant orb, he beheld that his beloved was only a dog; when ashamed
regretful and remorseful on account of his act, he returned to his home.
Do thou not think that thou hast made this Youth powerless, or that
thou hast conquered him. Thou art defeated by one of the servants, but knowest it not. The
worst and lowest of creatures ruled over thee, and that is thy passion and desire, which
has been condemned forever. If it were not on account of the consummate Wisdom of God thou
wouldst have seen thy
page 7
weakness and the weakness of the people of the earth. This humility is the glory of My
Cause, wert thou to know! This Youth has never loved nor will ever love to utter any word
which is against courtesy. Verily, courtesy is My Garment with which we have adorned the
temples of our favorite servants. Otherwise some of thy actions that thou thinkest are
unknown, would be mentioned in this Tablet. O, thou possessor of might! These little
children and these friends of God did not need the officers and soldiers as guards. After
our arrival, one of the officers presented himself and after much conversation expressed
his own innocence and thy crime. This Youth mentioned to him that: "Primarily, it was
necessary to bring about a meeting of the Ullamas of the time and Himself so that the
crimes of which these servants are accused might become evident. However, time has passed
and according to thy statement thou art commanded to imprison us in the 'most desolate
city.' But I have one wish to make of thee, and that is to request of His Majesty, the
Sultan, to grant Me an audience of ten minutes in order that he may ask proofs and
arguments which he thinks would establish the validity of the Word of God. If the proofs
which he desires are made manifest on the part of God, he should then liberate these
wronged ones and leave them to their own condition."
He promised to take this message and send an answer, but we heard
nothing more from him; although it is not the Station of this True One to present Himself
before any person, for all the people are created for His worship: Yet for the sake of
these little children and the number of women who are away from their country and people,
we volunteered this act, but notwithstanding this, no result was produced. Omar is living
and ready, ask of him so that the Truth may become manifest to thee. Now all these exiled
ones are sick and lying in prison. No one but God the Mighty, the Glorious, knows what
will happen to us.
During the first days two of these servants passed into the Supreme
Concourse. One day one of the officers commanded that they could not remove those blessed
bodies unless they were paid for the shroud and casket, although no one ever asked
anything of them. At that time we possessed no means, and when we insisted that they leave
the work to us and allow the friends to prepare the dead for burial, they refused. Finally
they took a rug to the bazaar and sold it at auction, and delivered the money to the
officers. Later on it became evident that they only dug the ground and laid the two
blessed bodies in the one grave, although they had been doubly paid for shrouds and
caskets. The pen is unable and the tongue is powerless to describe that which has
descended upon us; however, all these poisons of tests are sweeter to this Youth than
honey. I pray that under all circumstances the trials of the world in the Path of God and
the Love of the Merciful may descend upon this Ocean of Significances. We beg of Him
patience and endurance.
Thou art weak, and knowest it not. Couldst thou realize and be
perfumed with the fragrance wafted from the direction of the Ancient Beauty, thou wouldst
leave everything that thou hast in hand and hasten to come and live in one of the ruined
rooms of this Most Great Prison. Ask thou of God that thou mayest attain to the age of
maturity so that thou mayest recognize the beauty and ugliness of deeds and actions. Peace
be upon those who follow guidance!
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, especially for the STAR OF THE WEST.
Vol. 2:2 page 8
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA
HE IS GOD!
O thou Star of the West!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long,
thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou
art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although
for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet
shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the
center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the
future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto waves of the sea; thy
volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will
be raised and become world-wide -- and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the
world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS
To the Editors of the STAR OF THE WEST:
O ye Editors of the STAR OF THE WEST!
Your letter was received and your effort became known. I hope that,
day by day, you may add to your effort and give importance to this newspaper, for it shall
progress step by step and shall attain to the praiseworthy station.
The detailed Tablets of Abdul-Baha in regard to Exhortations and
Education are many. Ask for them and print them in the paper. You have permission.
Whenever, in the future, detailed Tablets are written, copies will be sent to you for
publication.
Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS
Extract from Tablet to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab in reference to the
foregoing Tablet: "A new Tablet is revealed for the Editors of the STAR OF THE WEST.
Translate and forward it to them. The volume of this newspaper, God willing, will grow to
the dimensions that you outline. There are many detailed and general Tablets by Abdul-Baha
upon purely exhortational matters, pertaining to moral and spiritual development. Print
them by degrees in the STAR OF THE WEST. Likewise, whenever, in the future, you receive
any detailed Tablets, you should print them in its columns. God willing, the number of its
subscribers shall also increase."
Vol. 2:3 (April 28, 1911) Jamal
WORDS OF BAHA'O'LLAH.
O my servant! O Joseph! Hear the tone of God and do not compare this day with any other
day, neither the wonderful, sweet Word of God with any other words; look to the apparent
matters with thine own eye and do not follow anyone in knowing the Greatest and Brilliant
Orb.
In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant
in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation, and must summon the people continually, with
great admonition and conciliating words, to the Religion of Majestic Oneness; because,
verily, in this day, to the soul who is the cause of guidance to another soul the
recompense of a martyr in the way of God will be assuredly recorded by the Pen of the
Cause, for his deed.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATERIAL CIVILIZATION AND DIVINE CIVILIZATION.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA* To Mr. Arthur S. Agnew, Chicago Ill.
Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH-el-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
Thou Servant of the Beauty of ABHA!
I received thy letter, and the books that thou hadst sent have been
received. Convey, on my behalf, most wonderful ABHA, greetings unto Mr. Herbert R.
Windust, Miss Gertrude Buikema and Miss Mary Lesch. During hours of leisure, when in the
middle of the night I engage in supplications, I shall beg for assistance and favor in
their behalf. Indeed, they have made a great effort in the printing and publication of the
Letters (i. e., Tablets).**
As to the difference between the natural (i. e., physical or material civilization which
is in the present day in force, and the Divine civilization shall be of the results of The
House of Justice: The material civilization prevents and safeguards people from committing
evil deeds, through the force of the laws of retaliation and correction. Thus, you see how
prohibitory laws and rules of correction are constantly in circulation and yet, by no
means, any (adequate) law of retribution is to be found; and in all the cities of Europe
and America spacious prison buildings have been founded and established for correcting and
punishing the criminals.
But the Divine civilization will so train
mankind that no soul will commit crimes, except rare (or few) individuals, which exception
is of no importance whatsoever. Consequently, there is much difference between preventing
people from evil actions and crimes through correction and retaliation or through violent
punishment, and so training them, enlightening them and
* First of a series of Tablets containing Exhortations to moral
and spiritual development.
** Refers to the compilation of three volumes of "Tablets of Abdul-
Baha," by the Bahai Publishing Society in America.
page 4
spiritualizing them that they will shun crimes and evil deeds without any fear (however)
of punishment, prevention or retaliation. Nay, they will consider crimes themselves as the
greatest punishment and mightiest retribution, will be attracted to the virtues of the
human world and devotedly spend their lives in that which is conducive to the
enlightenment of mankind and to spreading qualities acceptable in the Threshold of the
Almighty.
Consequently, consider what a difference and distinction is there
between the material civilization and the Divine civilization! The natural civilization
prevents men from doing harm and wrong through force and punishment and thus withholds
them from committing crimes. But the Divine civilization so trains men that the human
individuals avoid sins without having any fear from (material) punishment; and the very
sin itself becomes unto them as the severest punishment. And they will engage in acquiring
human virtues, gaining that by which mankind will be uplifted and that which will
enlighten the human world with the utmost zeal and fervor.
O Thou Creator! Bring the American friends nigh unto the Kingdom of
ABHA and suffer their deeds and actions to be in conformity with the Commandments and
Exhortations written in the Tablets. Make them firm in Thy Love and steadfast in Thy
Cause. Attract them unto the Bahai Beauty and cause them to attain infinite warmth and
fervor. Bestow upon them a firm footing and give them a heavenly power in order that they
may engage in Thy service and spread the Signs of the Kingdom.
Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty! Thou art the Compassionate, the
Gracious, the Seer! Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA!
Convey, on my behalf, the most wonderful ABHA, greeting to his honor,
Mr. MacNutt and Mrs. MacNutt.
Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
EXTRACT FROM RECENT TABLET TO THE FRIENDS IN KHORASSAN, PERSIA.
The news of the attraction of the hearts of the believers
of God ignited the candle of happiness and created spiritual joy. Abdul-Baha travelled to
the land of Joseph of Canaan and became well known in the servitude of the Holy Threshold.
Although the attack of the sects and the false rumors and statements in the newspapers are
intense, yet it is my hope that this journey may become fruitful and the Voice and Summons
of the Cause of God may move these regions; some seeds may be sown and watered and be
assisted by the downpour of the rain of the Mercy of the Almighty. Assuredly they will
grow and become green and verdant.
Praise be to God! that through the Bounty and Favor of the Most Great
Name -- May my life he a sacrifice to His believers -- the Voice of the Cause of God is
raised in all countries and the Fame and Melody of the Word of God is spread in every
region. In these days the Cause of God is progressing and advancing in America, and in
Asia there is the clamor of Turk and Tajik. The Bahais have founded an English newspaper
in the capital of Japan, which is edited and circulated by his honor, the learned
Professor Barakatullah, of India. Some of the American believers are expecting to make a
trip to China and Manchuria so that they may raise the Voice of the Kingdom in those
parts, and in Europe and Asia the Trumpet of the Supreme Concourse is heard.
God be praised! Notwithstanding this divine, Majestic Cause, the
promotion of the Word of Cod and the diffusion of the Fragrances of God, a few impotent
ones, who are less than the flies, desire to break the Covenant and violate the Testament.
How fruitless and weak is their endeavor! The screech of the owl is discordant before the
Melody of the Kingdom and the cawing of the crow is drowned before the harmony of the
page 5
Nightingale of Significance; the weak bat with its shattered broken wing cannot soar with
the white-winged Gabriel, and the darkness of humiliation and remorse cannot cover the
rays of the Sun of Truth. Were there any justice they would all testify that this Pen is
not moving the East and the West except through the Confirmation of the Blessed
Perfection, and this Melody is not imparting rejoicing and delight to the world except
through the assistance of the Most Great Name. When the blind souls deny the existence of
the sun, they think they have accomplished a great feat, while heedless of the fact that
they have proved more than anything else their own ignorance.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 2:4 May 17, 1911 Azamat. Page 6
TABLET TO THE AMERICAN FRIENDS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Translate this Tablet in great haste, and with its original, print and spread.
(Signed) ABDUL BAHA ABBAS.
Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab -- Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH! -- TO the friends of God and the
maid-servants of the Merciful:
Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O ye friends and the maidservants of the Merciful!
When the deposed Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdul Hamid, arose in
tyranny and oppression, Abdul-Baha was incarcerated in the prison of Acca and was
surrounded with the utmost surveillance of police, detectives and men of the Secret
Service. The door of communication was entirely closed and the means of correspondence was
prevented. If any soul approached the house he was searched; nay, rather, threatened with
dire persecution. The affairs reached to such a degree that, not being satisfied with
these restrictions, the Sultan sent an oppressive investigating Commission, so that with
all kinds of wiles, simulations, slander and fabrication of false stories they might
fasten some guilt upon Abdul- Baha in order that he might crucify Him, or cast Him into
the sea, or banish Him into the heart of the distant and unknown Sahara of Feyzan
(Africa). That oppressive investigating Commission exercised its rights with tyranny and
passed the sentence that Abdul-Baha merited all kinds of persecution. Finally they decided
to send Him to Feyzan, and when they cabled this decision to the palace of Abdul Hamid, an
answer was received that the matter of Feyzan was approved by the Imperial Order. Then
that unjust investigating Commission returned to Constantinople. They were in the midst of
the sea when the cannon of God boomed forth before the palace of Abdul Hamid, a charge of
dynamite was exploded, a number of people were killed, Abdul Hamid fled into the interior
of his residence, difficulties and trials surrounded him, and incidents and events
developed rapidly. Therefore he did not find the opportunity to oppress Abdul-Baha; public
revolution was started, which ended in his deposition, and the Hand of Divine Power
released the neck of Abdul-Baha from the chains of the prison of Joseph and the fetters
and manacles were placed around the unblessed neck of Abdul Hamid. Be ye admonished, O ye
people of insight! Now Abdul-Baha, with the greatest power, has hastened to the country of
Egypt from the land of prison. Praise be to God, that through the Bounty and Providence of
the Blessed Perfection, no sooner did he land in Alexandria than the Word of God was
promoted and the melody of the Kingdom of ABHA was heard. All the newspapers wrote
innumerable articles. Some gave the utmost praise; others raised a great cry, saying:
"The arrival of this personage in this land will shake the pillars of Religion and
will shatter to pieces ancient customs and conventions. He attracts every one he meets and
when he loosens his tongue in any meeting, it creates faith in the hearts of the
deniers." The papers are still writing detailed articles and will continue to do so.
Now the friends and the maid-servants in America have written
innumerable letters and all of them are pleading that Abdul-Baha make a trip to that
country. Their supplications and entreaties are insistent. In view of the differences
among the friends and the lack of unity among the maid-servants of the Merciful, how can
Abdul-Baha hasten to those parts? Is this possible? No, by God!
If the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful long for the
visit of Abdul-Baha, they must immediately remove from their midst differences of opinion
and be engaged in the practice of infinite love and unity. No Bahai must open his lips in
blaming another one, he must regard backbiting as the greatest sin of humanity, for it is
clearly revealed in all the Tablets of BAHA'O'LLAH that backbiting and faultfinding are
the fiendish instruments and suggestions of Satan and the destroyers of the foundation of
man. A believer will not blame any soul among the strangers, how much less against the
friends. Faultfinding and backbiting are the characteristics of the weak minds and not the
friends. Self-exaltation is the attribute of the stranger and not of the Beloved. It is
our hope that the believers and the maid-servants of the Merciful in America may become
the cause of the union of the East and the West, and unfurl the Standard of the Oneness of
the Realm of Humanity. Now, we observe that strangeness, lack of unity and the utmost
difference exists among the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. Under such a
condition, how can they arise to guide the people of the world and establish union and
harmony between the nations of the earth? His Highness Christ, addressing His disciples
said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith
shall it be salted?"
page 7
O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! If ye are yearning for my meeting, and if
in reality ye are seeking my visit, ye must close the doors of difference and open the
gates of affection, love and friendship. Ye must pulsate as one heart, and throb as one
spirit. You must be like the waves, though they are innumerable they constitute the
all-encircling sea.
O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! Praise be to God, ye
are the fish of one ocean, the birds of one rose-garden, the trees of one orchard and the
flowers of one paradise. Then why this difference? why this lack of harmony? Wherefore
this condition?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, were it not for this difference
amongst you, the inhabitants of America in all those regions would have, by now, been
attracted to the Kingdom of God, and would have constituted themselves your helpers and
assisters. Is it meet that you sacrifice this most glorious Bounty for worthless
imaginations? No, by God! Should you reflect for one moment, you shall become enabled to
destroy instantly the foundation of this difference by absolutely refraining from
backbiting and faultfinding amongst yourselves. Adorn with infinite love and concord the
assemblage of beatitude, bring about the meeting of happiness, establish the banquet of
the oneness of the realm of humanity, loosen your tongues in praising each other, and then
anticipate the presence of Abdul-Baha in your midst.
Aside from all these considerations, some of the nakazeens have come
secretly amongst you and are expressing their firmness in the Covenant and with all kinds
of intrigues and strategies are creating disorder and calamities, so that ye might be
deprived of the Lights of the Divine Testament and subjected to the darkness of violation.
Is it worthy of you to be engaged with differences amongst you and
thereby enabling the nakazeens to spread a noose and chase such firm believers as you are?
I beg of God to confirm you in union and concord that you may become
the cause of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Live and act in accord with the
Divine teachings, be abstracted from all the attachments of the human world, characterized
with merciful characteristics, release yourselves from the nether world, become heavenly
souls, spiritual beings and the angels of Paradise.
Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 28th, 1911.
RECORD OF THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION OF BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY. ... MONDAY, MAY 1, 1911.
..The commune of silence was followed by Mr. Mills reading the following Tablet,
revealed by Abdul-Baha:
HE IS GOD!
O my God! O my God! We are servants who have sincerely turned our
faces unto Thy Grand Face; severed ourselves from all else save thee in this Great Day and
are assembled together in this glorious meeting of one accord and desire, and unanimous in
thought to promulgate Thy Word amid Thy creatures.
O my Lord! O my Lord! Suffer us to be signs of guidance, standards of
Thy Manifest Religion throughout the world, servants of Thy Great Covenant -- O our
Exalted Lord! -- appearances of Thy Oneness in Thy Kingdom, the El-ABHA, and stars which
dawn forth unto all regions.
O Lord, make us as seas rolling with the waves of Thy Great
Abundance, rivers flowing from the mountains of Thy Glorious Kingdom, pure fruits on the
Tree of Thy illustrious Cause, plants refreshed and moved by the Breeze of Thy Gift in Thy
wonderful vineyard.
O Lord, cause our souls to depend upon the signs of Thy Oneness, our
hearts to be dilated with the Bounties of Thy Singleness, so that we may become united as
are ripples on a waving sea; become harmonized as are the rays which shine forth from a
page 1
6
Brilliant light; so that our thoughts, opinions and feelings become as one reality from
which the spirit of accord may be diffused throughout all regions.
Verily, Thou art the Beneficent, the Bestower! Verily, Thou art the
Giver, the Mighty, the Loving, the Merciful!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 2:4 Page 16
[Prayer at the closing of the convention]
HE IS GOD!
O God! O God! Thou dost look upon us from Thine unseen Kingdom of
Oneness (beholding) that we have assembled in this Spiritual meeting, believing in Thee,
Confident in Thy signs, firm in Thy Covenant and Testament, attracted unto Thee, set aglow
with the fire of Thy love, sincere in Thy Cause, servants in Thy vineyard, spreaders of
Thy religion, worshippers of Thy Countenance, humble to Thy beloved, submissive at Thy
door and imploring Thee to confirm us in the service of Thy chosen ones. Support us with
Thine unseen hosts, strengthen our loins in Thy servitude and make us submissive and
worshipping servants, communing with Thee.
O our Lord! We are weak, and Thou art the
Mighty, the Powerful! We are mortals and Thou art the Great Life-giving Spirit! We are
needy and Thou art the Powerful and Sustainer!
O our Lord! Turn our faces unto Thy Divine Face; feed us from Thy
heavenly table by Thy Godly grace; help us through the hosts of Thy supreme angels and
confirm us by the holy ones of the Kingdom of ABHA.
Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful! Thou art the Possessor
of great bounty and verily Thou art the Clement and Gracious!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 2:5 June 5 1911 Nur.
Page 3
BRIEF ANSWERS TO SEVEN QUESTIONS.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
[Second of a series of Tablets containing exhortations to moral and spiritual
development.-ED.]
Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and Mirza Raffie, to Mr. and Mrs. Ostburg, Boston, Mass.
HE IS GOD!
O ye two seekers of Truth!
Your letter was received and I became informed of its contents. Some
of the letters you have forwarded have not been received, while others have been received
at the time of the intense persecutions of the enemy, so it was impossible to reply. When
this last letter was received I found opportunity to answer it, notwithstanding the
multiplicity of occupations, so that you may know how much ye are beloved in this spot and
accepted in the Kingdom of God. As there is little time, brief answers are given to your
questions:
Answer to the first question: The spirits of the sons of the Kingdom
after the disintegration of this body ascend to the world of Eternal Existence; but should
you ask of the place, know thou that that world of existence is the world of unity, but
the grades are different. For instance, the mineral existence has a grade, but that
mineral being has no knowledge of the vegetable kingdom. It (the mineral existence) has no
information of a higher realm nay, rather, according to appearances, it may deny the
higher grade. Likewise the vegetable life has no knowledge of the animal kingdom. It is
entirely heedless and unconscious of that kingdom, because the grade of the animal is
higher than that of the vegetable. The vegetable, according to its limited environment, is
veiled from the knowledge of the animal kingdom, and it may deny it, although the animal,
the vegetable and mineral live in the world of existence. Likewise, the animal cannot
comprehend the intelligence of the faculties of man, which is the generalizer of the
universal and the discoverer of the mysteries of beings, so much so that while living in
the East he organizes and founds institutions in the West, and he reveals hidden things.
Though he abides in Europe he discovers America. Though he dwells upon the earth, he
unravels the realities of the solar system. The animal is entirely unconscious, nay,
rather, a denier of this intelligent force, which penetrates into the unknown and
comprehends the general as well as the particular ideas of this illimitable universe.
Likewise the people of the world lack the knowledge of the world of the Kingdom, nay,
rather, they deny it. Do we not hear from their lips the words, such as these: "Where
is the Kingdom? Where is the Lord of the Kingdom?" But these souls are like unto the
mineral and vegetable who know nothing of the animal and human kingdoms. They neither see
nor search. However, the mineral, the vegetable and the animal kingdoms all live in this
world of existence.
Answer to the second question: The Divine trials are in this world
not in the world of the Kingdom.
Answer to the third question: The human reality in the other world
has no physical likeness, nay, rather, it has the likeness of the Kingdom, which consists
of the harmonious element of the realm of the Spiritual Kingdom.
Answer to the fourth question: The center of the Son of Truth and of
the Supreme World is the Divine Kingdom. Those souls who are purified and sanctified,
after the disintegration of this elemental tabernacle, hasten to the Divine Realm, and
that Realm is in this universe, but the people of this world have no knowledge of it, just
as the mineral and vegetable kingdoms have no knowledge of the animal and human kingdoms.
page 4
Answer to the fifth question: His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, has raised
the Canopy of the Oneness of the Kingdom of Humanity. Whosoever enters under the shade of
this all-inclusive Tent, his heart and soul become detached from other tents.
Answer to the sixth question: Whenever a difference of opinion arises
between two parties, refer it to the Center of the Covenant; so that the difficulty might
be solved.
Answer to the seventh question: His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, has
appeared for the benefit of all humanity, summoning all to the Divine Table upon which is
spread the Heavenly Food. But today the majority of those who partake of this Heavenly
Food are poor. That is why His Highness, Christ, said: "Blessed are the poor."
Wealth prevents the people from entering the Kingdom, as it is stated by Christ: "It
is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into
the Kingdom of God." But should a rich person not be prevented from entering the
Kingdom because of wealth and riches, glory and influence of this world, that rich person
will become favored in the threshold of the Almighty and accepted by the Lord of the
Kingdom.
To be brief, BAHA'O'LLAH has manifested for the education and
training of all humanity. He is the Teacher of all, whether rich or poor, black or white,
oriental or occidental, northern or southern.
Regarding the people who come to Akka; some of them make wonderful
progress; extinguished lamps they were, they became ignited, withered were they, they
became fresh and young; dead were they, and they became alive, returning to their
respective countries electrified with the dynamic forces of the Most Great Glad-Tidings.
On the other hand, others have come and left without being touched by this great force.
O ye two attracted ones towards the Kingdom: Thank ye God that ye
have made your house the gathering-place and the assembly of the believers.
Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA ! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA Abbas.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, February 22, 1910.
RECENT TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
To the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful
-- New York (State):
Mrs. L. G. Stirling, Florence A. Cobb, Lilla A. Ressiguie, Clara A. Brink, Annie E.
Walrath, Dr. F. S. Blood, Wm. B. Remey, Harriet Rupert, Mrs. E. C. Woodworth, Pauline
Crandall, Mrs. B. Gustin, Mary M. Young, Bessie Knight, Ada C. Divine, Ella C. Quant, Dr.
W. E. House, Edith L. Whiting, Margaret La-Grange, Miss Bina Van Buren, Alice House, F. W.
Ackernecht, Mrs. Sarah Young, Elizabeth Chandler.
HE IS GOD!
O ye who are attracted to the Beauty of ABHA!
Your letter was received; it indicated that a new union and harmony
is created among those souls. This glad tiding produced a great happiness and a new hope
was seized that perchance the friends of New York, God willing, may become united and
harmonized with the heavenly power. Today the most beloved and acceptable deed before His
Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, is the union of the friends and the concord of men, and the most
unacceptable is difference and inharmony.
Praise be to God that ye have become assisted
with this Most Great Bounty, that is, unity and harmony, and become the cause of the
happiness of the heart of Abdul-Baha.
His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, said, That if Religion and Faith become
the cause of difference, enmity and hatred, undoubtedly its non-being is better than its
being. Consider ye how much emphasis He has placed upon love, harmony and affection.
Upon ye he Baha-el-ABHA! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by M.A. Sohrab, March, 1911.
Vol. 2:5 Page 5
To the believers of God and the maidservants of the Merciful,
Philadelphia. Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA
Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH!
HE IS GOD!
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!
It is some time since news has reached me from you. Today the
illumined photographs you forwarded fourteen months ago were received. By looking at these
pictures I remembered you and am writing you this tablet so that you may know I have not
forgotten you and am always engaged in your mentioning and your illumined pictures are
ever present.
O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance
toward the Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore endeavor
ye as much ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well- rooted tree and produce
blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing winds of tests and
trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its blossoms and fruits. Because the
apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most great
services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them uninterruptedly. If
ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with infinite resolution. Be ye not
discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that
that region may be illumined, the Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of
the Ho]y Spirit may quicken the souls. Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 28, 1911.
Vol. 2:5 Page 6
Through Zia Effendi Bagdadi to Mrs. Cecilia M. Harrison, Chicago.
HE IS GOD!
O thou attracted maid-servant of God!
Your letter was received. From its contents, heart attracting
meanings were understood; for they indicated entire attraction by the Kingdom of ABHA and
the attachment of the heart to the Supreme World.
The chanting of the verses, whether done individually or
collectively, is the cause of manifesting the effect of the Word of God in the hearts, and
the means of igniting the fire of the love of God in the breasts. But it is as thou hast
written that the Condition required is, the hearts must become like pure and polished
mirrors, and the spirits attain perfect joy and happiness by the divine glad-tidings.
Assuredly the blessed souls who direct their entire attention to the
Lord of Hosts, who are severed from the nether world and submerged in the outpourings of
the Realm of Might, if they travel in various parts of America, associating with all and
visiting the assemblies while surging with the love of God, they will certainly be the
cause of the unity of the friends and the maid- servants of the Merciful. This is indeed
most beloved and acceptable, productive of great results and conducive of great good.
The enclosed paper sent by thee contained beautiful expressions and
delightful statements. I ask God that thou mayst awaken the people of America thereby from
the sleep of negligence and prove to be to them the means of knowledge and wisdom.
Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA
ABBAS.
Translated by Dr. Ameen U. Fareed, June 2, 1911.
TABLET TO THE BAHAIS OF ENGLAND FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
HE IS GOD.
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!
Your letter which was written by heavenly inspiration, whose contents
and meanings are full of interest, and whose discrimination springs from hearts that
shine, has been received. Of a truth, the believers of London, being steadfast servants,
stand firm. They shall not slacken, nor, in the lapse of time, shall their light grow dim.
For they are Bahais, children of Heaven and of the light of the Godhead. Surely, without
doubt they shall be the cause of spreading God's Word, and the channel for spreading the
Divine Teachings and bringing about the unity and equality of mankind.
It is easy to accept the Kingdom, but it is difficult to endure
therein for the tests are hard and heavy. On all occasions the English are firm and are
not turned aside, being neither prone to begin a matter for a little while nor ready to
abandon it for a little reason through failing in zeal. Verily in every undertaking they
show firmness.
Though you dwell in the West, praise he to God, you have heard the
Divine Call from the East, and like unto Moses you have become warmed by the fire of the
Tree that has been lighted in Asia, and you have found the true Path, becoming kindled
like lamps, having entered into the Kingdom of God. Now in thanksgiving for this bounty
you pray for blessing upon the people of the world, till by light of the Kingdom of
Splendour their eyes become illuminated and their hearts become even as mirrors attaining
the rays of the Sun of Truth.
My hope is this: - that the outbreathing of the Holy Spirit be
inspired into your hearts, that your tongues begin to reveal the mysteries and to expound
the meaning and the truth of the Holy Books. May the friends become physicians to cure by
the Divine Teachings the deep-rooted diseases of the body of the world, to give sight to
the blind, hearing to the deaf, life to the dead and awakening to the sleepers. Be sure
that the blessing of the Holy Spirit will descend upon you, and that the Hosts of the
Kingdom will come to your aid.
Upon you be the Glory of God! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Given at Ramleh, Egypt, May, 1911. Translated by Tamadun ul Molk.
Vol. 2:5 Page 13
THE MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR IN AMERICA. TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
The maidservant of God, Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago. Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-
ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou dear maid-servant of God!
The question of the Mashrak-el-azkar is very important and is
superior to every matter; surely put forth utmost effort for it. In the fact that you have
registered the name of Abdul-Baha in the contribution book, I became very happy.
Concerning his honor, M. Moustafa Bagdadi,
indeed he was an honorable person, who devoted his days to service in the Kingdom of God,
became confirmed in excellent services, a cause of guidance to many, was firm in the
Covenant, a promulgator of the Religion of God. Regarding this a comforting letter was
written to Zia Effendi.
The receipt you have sent
was received.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
The following was written by Abdul-Baha's own hand at the bottom of the page:
HE (is GOD)!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Today in America no matter is greater for the elevation of the Word of God than the
Mashrak-el-Azkar. Surely give it the utmost importance. I am always waiting that a good
report regarding the Mashrak-el-Azkar should come.
In most of the cities of Persia, even in some of the villages, a
Mashrak-el-Azkar has been founded.
Now the beloved in America must make effort to establish one
Mashrak-el-Azkar.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-ABHA. (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA
ABBAS.
This double Tablet was translated by Dr. Zia M Bagdadi, June 1, 1911.
PORTION OF A RECENT TABLET TO MRS. I. D. BRITTINGHAM.
If the believers of God in New York and other cities of America establish, in a
befitting manner, union and harmony with spirit, tongue, heart and body, suddenly they
shall find Abdul-Baha in their midst. Unless this union is brought about, the Breath of
the Holy Spirit shall not have any effect, for the physical body must find capacity, so
that the life the Spirit may breathe through it. If the Beloved of the union of the
friends and the harmony of the believers become manifest, the East and the West of America
shall be perfumed through the sweet fragrance of the Paradise of ABHA, the
Mashrak-el-Azkar shall be constructed, the outpouring of the Sun of Reality shall descend,
the everlasting glory of the friends of God shall become apparent and the heavenly life be
attained.
Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA
ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 28, 1911.
Vol. 2:6 (June 24, 1911) Rahmat
page 3
[Begins with an extract from the Lawh-i Sultan, taken from Browne's translation in A
Traveller's Narrative page 395 with stylistic amendments]
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA TO THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF BAKU, RUSSIA.
Upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
HE IS GOD!
O ye friends of God! O ye manifestors of bounties and favors of the Beauty of ABHA!
That illumined Orb (BAHA'O'LLAH) hath risen from the horizon of
sanctity and holiness to shed Its Rays upon the expanse of the universe and that
mysterious Beloved hath rent assunder the veil of concealment and appeared in the
Assemblage of Humanity so that the wooers of His heart-captivating Beauty attained to His
meeting, and torrents of spiritual teachings have descended from His Holy Lips, that we
may be enabled to hear with the ear of the spirit, walk in the Path of the Beloved; see
His Attributes and Manners; behold His Character and Principles; drink the Cup of
Bestowal, taste the sweetness of His Reality, obey His Religion and emulate His glorious
Example.
O ye friends! His gentle nature was excellent and His sweet
disposition sublime. He was in the utmost humility and submission, and perfect kindliness
and praise. Worthy courtesy adorned His Being. He was a refuge for every affrighted one;
an asylum for every discomfitted one; a fountain for every thirsty one; a Highway of
Salvation for every wandering one; a healing to every sick one, and a dressing for every
wounded one. In brief, ye have undoubtedly heard and read His Holy Instructions. But alas!
we have entirely neglected them and are pursuing our own desires, following our own
opinions, seeking our own ideas, and chasing our own shadows! Is it not a shame to change
His Rose Garden into a bramble patch? His Delectable Paradise into a ruined abode? To seek
to eradicate His Foundation and completely destroy His structure? To forget the Divine
Instructions and cast behind our backs
page 4
the Commands of God; with our lips to speak of the waves of the tumultuous Ocean, while
inwardly we are dying of thirst; and while claiming divine wealth of consciousness, we are
so poverty-stricken in spirit as to be but illusive phantoms -- blown about by every wind?
I declare by the Bounty of the Blessed Perfection that nothing will
produce results save intense sincerity! Nothing will be productive of fruit save complete
advancement toward God! Everything is condemned save severance and every idea is fruitless
and unacceptable save supplication, communion, prayer and obedience ! We must entirely
collect our scattered thoughts, purify and sanctify the house of our existence from every
attachment and make the palace of our hearts the nest and shelter of the Dove of Holiness.
Then, and not till then will the significance of confirmation and assistance become
evident and known, the power of the Kingdom become apparent, and the hosts of the Supreme
Concourse run swiftly into the arena of heavenly conquest, to gain victory over the East
and the West of the hearts, and make the North and South of the spirits of men the flowery
regions of the Love of God!
Praise be to God that the Province of Caucasia -- Baku -- is a
glorious light in the Lamp of Oneness, a wonderful effulgence from the Sun of Beauty of
the Divine Beloved. Its believers arc sincere and its friends are the favored ones in the
Threshold of Oneness.
Truly I say this is a most great Bounty and a most eminent Gift!
Upon ye be the Glory of God
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol 2:6 page 5
PORTIONS OF TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Thou hast written concerning the meetings and gathering-
places of the believers of God. Such assemblies and gatherings will greatly aid the
promotion of the Word and all the audience, whether friends or not, will become affected.
But when the friends have the intention of entering into these meetings they must
disengage the heart from all other reflections, ask the Inexhaustible Divine Confirmation,
and with the utmost devotion and humility set their feet in the gathering-place. Let them
not introduce any topic in the meeting except the mentioning of the True One, neither must
they confuse that merciful assembly with complex outside questions. They must either teach
or open their tongue in propounding arguments, either commune or supplicate and pray to
God, either read Tablets or give out advices and exhortations.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
You have written concerning the spiritual meetings. The foundation of
he spiritual meetings must be the teaching and delivering of the Cause of God. In these
meetings the believers and maid-servants of the Merciful must proclaim the proofs and
arguments and explain the signs of the appearance of the beauty of ABHA -- May my life be
a sacrifice to the beloved ones! Meanwhile they may read some Tablets, and Communes, and
at the end of the meetings, if they desire to sing with the utmost supplication and
meekness, it is acceptable. But the fundamental principle of the establishment of
spiritual meetings is for the sake of teaching and delivering the Truth so that those
souls who are present may become informed of the Divine Evidences and Proofs.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Thou hast inquired regarding the teachings and instructions of
BAHA'O'LLAH! Thou must instruct the people of the world in the Love of God, that they may
eradicate the foundation of warfare and strife, be attracted by the Glad- tidings of the
kingdom of ABHA, lay the basis of love and amity, raise the melody of affinity, and the
oneness of the Kingdom of humanity; transmute tyranny and persecution into love and
faithfulness efface the traces of bloodshed and carnage; construct the edifice of
reconciliation, dispel the darkness of estrangement, diffuse the light of unity; change
the poison of animosity into the honey of sympathetic affection; destroy the religious,
national and social prejudices from the individuals of humanity; live and act, with and
toward each other as though they were from one race, one country, one religion, and one
kind.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
But regarding teaching the Truth: One must teach with wisdom,
amiability, good-naturedness and kindness. And should anyone circumscribe conditions (for
teaching the Truth) it will become rare.
But concerning the established (organized assemblies), altogether
outside conversation must not be introduced therein. Nay, rather, conversation must be
limited to the reading of verses, the perusing of Words and affairs which pertain to the
Cause of God, such as explaining proofs and evidences, delivering clear and irrefutable
arguments and announcing the signs of the Beloved of the creatures.
Those souls who are in that assembly before their entrance therein
must be adorned with utmost purity, turn their faces toward the Kingdom of ABHA
page 6
and enter with infinite humility and meekness, and when someone reads Tablets they must be
silent and attentive. Should anyone desire to speak, he must do it with the utmost
courtesy and with perfect eloquence and fluency by the consent and permission of the
people of the assembly.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
The believers of God must assemble and associate with each other in
the utmost love, joy and fragrance. They must conduct themselves (in the meetings) 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, read the verses of glorification
and praises of the Self-Subsistent Lord and deliver eloquent speeches.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Thy mission in America for the present is this: Thou must travel as
far as possible to every part and pass through cities and towns, summoning everyone to the
Beauty of ABHA, raising the Call of the Kingdom and proclaiming at the top of thy voice
"A hundred thousand glad-tidings be upon ye that the Sun of the
Reality of the Beauty of ABHA hath shone forth from the Horizon of the Contingent Being
and hath illumined the regions with the lights of the Most Great Guidance. The realities
of the Old Testament and the Gospel are already fulfilled and the Mysteries of the
Heavenly Books have become manifest. This is the century of the Merciful One and the
Period of Joy and Gladness. O ye heedless ones, become mindful! O ye sleeping ones, be
awakened! O ye blind ones, become seeing! O ye deaf ones, become hearing! O ye dumb ones,
become speakers! O ye dead ones, become living! O ye deprived ones, take a portion! This
is the effulgence of the Merciful and the moving of the Depthless Sea. This is the
outpouring of the wonderful and new springtime and the falling of the showers of the
Bounty of the Most Great Lord!" This is thy mission.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Thy letter was received and read. Thou hast invited me to America,
saying: "In that region and in that country there are many fragrant and multi-colored
flowers; likewise there are thorns and thistles; but Abdul-Baha should not look upon the
thistles of the desert. He must hasten to that country for the sake of the flowers."
This simile is very beautiful; but when a gardener invites a man to his garden, first he
will arrange all the flowers with the utmost elegance, beauty and art, then he will invite
his guest. Moreover, there are differences among the flowers. Therefore pray thou that
harmony may be created so that your country may find the capacity for the Presence of
Abdul-Baha. I have the utmost yearning to meet all of you; but unless the conditions which
have been previously mentioned are realized, my trip to those parts would be difficult,
for it would produce no results.
I hope that all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful may
be united with each other so that Abdul-Baha without any cloud may travel from the East to
the West. It is hoped that this unity may become realized.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 2:6, page 8
FOUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Questions, sent by Professor Cairns, Edinburgh, June 24th, 1910:
(1) Is it right to speak of the Bab and of Baha'o'llah as
Manifestations, or as Incarnations?
(2) Do the Bahais teach the doctrine of reincarnation?
(3) Did Baha'o'llah claim to supersede the Revelation of Jesus, the
Christ?
(4) Did Baha'o'llah claim to be greater than Jesus, the Christ?
Answers of Abdul-Baha (the servant of God), Haifa, July 20th, 1910
O daughter of the Kingdom!
Your letter has arrived. Its contents caused spiritual happiness and
heartfelt gladness.
I wish to answer in detail, but at present my health is not very
strong; I am fatigued, so am obliged to write in short. When I feel better, I will write
at length, for verily, you are occupied with the work of the Kingdom and are serving the
world of Humanity, and therefore are worthy of correspondence.
Now I will write shortly.
1st Answer. The Bahais believe that the incarnation of the Word of
God, meaning the changing of the nature of Divinity into Humanity and the transformation
of the Infinite into the finite, can never be. But they believe that the Bab and
BAHA'O'LLAH are Manifestations of a Universal Order in the world of humanity. It is clear
that the Eternal can never be transient, neither the transient Eternal.
Transformation of nature is impossible. Perfect man, Manifestation,
is like a clear mirror in which the Sun of Reality is apparent and evident, reflected in
its endless bounties.
2nd Answer. In the teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH, the reincarnation of the
spirit in successive bodies is not taught.
3rd Answer. BAHA'O'LLAH has not abolished the teachings of Christ. He
gave a fresh impulse to them and renewed them; explained and interpreted them; expanded
and fulfilled them.
4th Answer. BAHA'O'LLAH has not claimed himself
to be greater than Christ. He gave the following explanation: That the Manifestations of
God are the Rising Points of one and the same Sun; i.e., the Sun of Reality is One, but
the places of rising are numerous. Thus, Beauty is One, but it is shining upon several
mirrors.
Your own answers were good; and now I have myself answered in short.
Upon you be the Glory of the Most Glorious!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Monever Khanum.
Vol. 2:7 & 8 page 11
RECENT TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Through Mirza Ahmad to Mr. Thornton Chase.
Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou herald of the Kingdom!
I received thy two letters, an old one and one of recent date, and
both of them were read with the utmost attention. Praise be to God ! that thou didst not
waver before the tests; nay, rather thou didst remain firm and steadfast. When the tree
sends down its roots into the bowels of the earth, then, it will bring forth blossoms and
fruits. Now, Praise be to God ! that in this day of the kingdom thou art firm and
steadfast. Rest thou assured that thou wilt become the recipient of confirmation and
assistance and the object of infinite bounties.
Thou hast asked about the statement in the Hidden Words, which reads:
"O Son of Spirit ! Turn thy face so that thou mayest find Me within thee. Powerful,
Mighty and Supreme." This is the statement to which His Holiness the Christ, referred
His apostles in the Gospel, saying. "The Father is in the Son, and the Son is in
you."
page 1
2
This is evident that, when the hearts are purified and through divine
education and heavenly teachings become the manifestors of infinite perfections, they are
like clear mirrors, and the Sun of Truth will reflect with might, power and omnipotence in
such a mirror, and to such an extent that whatever is brought before it is illumined and
ignited. This is a brief interpretation because of the lack of time. Therefore, do thou
reflect and ponder over it so that the doors of significance may be opened before thine
eyes.
In regard to the philosophy of the Theosophists,
these people have borrowed some remarks and statements from the heavenly Books, but they
have not attained to the Reality. Notwithstanding this, they have made these appearances
the foundation of their faith and religion. However, the reality of the question of Unity
is thus: --
The Sun of Truth hath shone faith from the Horizon of Unity upon all
the regions. All contingent things are clad with the garment of existence through the rays
of the sun. Were it not for the rays of the sun no being would step forth upon the arena
of life. Everything would have remained hidden; nay, rather, the life of the terrestrial
beings is continued through the light and heat of the sun to such an extant that all the
infinitesimal atoms, which move through this realm of earth, owe their life to the
reflection of the sun. Of course, each being manifests its inward tendencies according to
its ability and capacity. However, no matter how much the sun reflects itself through all
the contingent beings, yet it never leaves its supreme height and exalted station. It (the
Divine Sun) is not divided among these beings, so that every being may became a part and a
portion of Divinity.
Descent, division, transmission and transmigration in the stations of
life are the conditions of the contingent beings, but the Eternal Reality is wholly beyond
and above these conditions; for when you behold that a being is subject to division,
descent and disintegration, this is a proof of the contingency and impermanency of that
being. The Ancient, the Ever-living, and the omniscient Lord, who is above the
comprehension of humanity and is qualified with self- existent perfections, will never
descend to the stations of life, and will not be divided so that every man may become an
atom or a part of Him. Children can understand the untenability of this proposition. This
is the pure imagination of the weak minds.
Therefore, according to their theory, the Manifestations of God are
infinite in number, and this would leave us to believe in the theory of the
"Concatenation of life"; but concatenation is false, and change is the essential
condition of the contingent realities, and not of the Eternal Reality. Ponder deeply over
the above explanation, so that it may become evident to thee that by Unity is meant the
outpourings of the Divine which appears and manifests in the realities of all existence
and especially in the unity of man.
The story of the cock that you have written is very appropriate.
(This refers to the play of Chanticleer wherein the Cock supposed the sun to be caused
page 1
3
to arise through his crowing, until be was chagrined to learn that
its rising was independent of him and his voice.)
Associate with the utmost love and friendship with the Theosophists,
and make them comprehend this unity of humanity, which is the unity of the outpouring of
the Divine, so they may attain to the essence of the facts.
In regard to the verse, which is revealed in the Koran, that His
Highness Christ, was not killed and was not crucified by this is meant the Reality of
Christ. Although they crucified this elemental body, yet the merciful reality and the
heavenly existence remain eternal and undying, and it was protected from the oppression
and persecution of the enemies, for Christ is Eternal and Everlasting. How can He die?
This death and crucifixion was imposed on the physical body of Christ, and not upon the
Spirit of Christ. * * *
Regarding my coming to America, it depends upon the realization of
conditions of which I have a]ready written to that country. If those conditions are
brought into fruition, rest thou assured that I will present myself, otherwise, it will be
difficult.
Upon thee be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, June 8, 1941. Washington, D. C.
Vol. 2:7 & 8 page 13
To the attracted maid-servant of GOD, Miss Juliet Thompson. Upon her be
BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letter was received and its contents became evident.
If America attains to the capacity of the Presence of Abdul- Baha, I
will travel to that country and all the difficulties shall be solved.
There is no doubt that the tests are severe. The more a soul resists
and shows firmness and steadfastness, the greater will be his progress, and he shall soar
to the sublimest heights of the Kingdom. * * *
O thou daughter of the Kingdom! Thou hast expressed the hope of my
Presence in America. It depends upon capacity and merit.
O thou who art attracted to the fragrances of God ! Endeavor thou as
far as thou canst to become the cause of the unity and harmony amongst the believers of
God. * * *
Announce on my behalf to Mrs. MacNutt "I do not forget thee and
my beloved friend, Mr. McNutt, for one breath; nay, rather, I beg continually for your
divine confirmations and supreme assistance." * * *
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. June 3. 1911.
Vol. 2:9 Aug 20, 1911, Kamal.
page 3.
[Reprinted from the Christian Commonwealth, Aug. 2, 1911]
.... Great interest was aroused on Thursday during the discussion on
Abdul-Baha's letter to the congress, the full text of which follows:
Alexandria, May 29, 1911.
"To the President, First Universal Races Congress.
My Dear Friend: -- Your letter of invitation has been received, and I
am much obliged for it. It is my utmost desire to be present at such a gathering, for I am
thoroughly confident that beneficial results shall surely follow these meetings, and that
they
page 4
will become the means of establishing friendship and love among the world's different
races. Thus the basis of enmity may be destroyed and the tent of unity of the world of
humanity be raised throughout all regions.
I regret much that circumstances may prevent me from attending, but I
will endeavor as much as lies in my power to attend. Failing to do so, pray excuse me.
With a sincere heart I supplicate at the Divine Threshold that this
congress may be successful in founding a noble institution which shall be permanent and
everlasting; that it may ignite a candle from which a heavenly light shall beam, and plant
a tree whose fruit may be friendship, love and unity between all the children of men, so
that conflict and warfare may be abolished, and patriotic, racial, religious and political
prejudices become unknown. Peace should replace strife, enmity be superseded by love,
estrangement annihilated, and unity established. The what has been spoken of in the
heavenly books will become well rotted in the hearts of all, and the glad-tidings of the
sacred writings be fulfilled. In conclusion I offer my utmost appreciation and respect to
such a blessed congress. (Sig.) ABBAS."
Vol. 2:9 page 5
LETTER FROM 'ABDU'L BAHA TO THE FIRST UNIVERSAL RACES CONGRESS
When travelling about the world we
observe an air of prosperity in any country, we find it to be due to the existence of love
and friendship among the people. If, on the contrary, all seems depressed and
poverty-stricken, we may feel assured that this is the effect of animosity, and of the
absence of union among the inhabitants.
Notwithstanding that such a state of things is obvious to the passing
traveller, how often the people themselves continue in the sleep of negligence, or occupy
themselves in disputes and differences, and are even ready to slaughter their fellow-men!
Consider thoughtfully the continual integration and disintegration of
the phenomenal universe. . . . Unification and constructive combination is the cause of
Life. Disunion of particles brings about loss, weakness, dispersion, and decay.
Consider the varieties of flowers in a garden. They seem but to
enhance the loveliness of each other. When differences of color, ideas, and character are
found in the human Kingdom, and come under the control of the power of Unity, they too
show their essential beauty and perfection.
Rivalry between the different races of mankind was first caused by
the struggle for existence among the wild animals. This struggle is no longer necessary:
nay, rather interdependence and co-operation are seen to produce the highest welfare in
nations. The struggle that now continues is cased by prejudice and bigotry.
To-day nothing but the power of the Divine Word, which embraces the
Reality of all things, can draw together the minds, hearts, and spirits of the world under
the shadow of the heavenly Tree of Unity.
The Light of the Word is now shining on all horizons. Races and
nations, with their different creeds, are coming under the influence of the Word of Unity
in love and in peace.
The Blessed One, Baha'u'llah, likens the existing world to a tree,
and the people to its fruits, blossoms and leaves. All should be fresh and vigorous,
page 6
the attainment of their beauty and proportion depending on the love and unity with which
they sustain each other and seek the Life eternal. The friends of God should become the
manifestors in this world of this mercy and love. They should not dwell on the
shortcomings of others. Ceaselessly should they be thinking how they may benefit others
and show service and co-operation. Thus should they regard every stranger, putting aside
such prejudices and superstitions as might prevent friendly relations.
To-day the noblest person is he who bestows upon his enemy the pearl
of generosity, and is a beacon-light to the misguided and the oppressed. This is the
command of Baha'u'llah.
O dear friends! the world is in a warlike condition, and its races
are hostile one to the other. The darkness of difference surrounds them, and the light of
kindness grows dim. The foundations of society are destroyed and the banners of life and
joy are overthrown. The leaders of the people seem to glory in the shedding of blood --
Friendship, straightness, and truthfulness are despised.
The call to arbitration, to peace, to love, and to loyalty is the
call of Baha'u'llah. His standard floats since fifty years, summoning all of what ever
race and creed.
O ye friends of God! acknowledge this pure light; direct the people
who are in ignorance, chanting the melodies of the Kingdom of God, until the dead body of
mankind quickens with a new life.
Guide the people of God. Inspire them to emulate the lives of the
holy ones who have gone before. Be ye kind in reality, not in appearance only. Be ye
fathers to the orphans, a remedy to the sick, a treasury of wealth to the poor, a
protector of the unfortunate.
Where love dwells, there is light! Where animosity dwells, there is
darkness!
O friends of God! strive to dissipate the darkness and reveal the
hidden meanings of things, until their Reality becomes clear and established in the sight
of all.
This Congress is one of the greatest of events. It will be forever to
the glory of England that it was established at her capital. It is easy to accept a truth;
but it is difficult to be steadfast in it; for the tests are many and heavy. It is well
seen that the British are firm, and are not lightly turned aside, being neither ready to
begin a matter for a little while, nor prone to abandon it for a little reason. Verily, in
every undertaking they show firmness.
O ye people! cause this thing to be not a thing of words, but of
deeds. Some congresses are held only to increase differences. Let it not be so with you.
Let your effort be to find harmony. Let Brotherhood be felt and seen among you; and carry
ye its quickening power throughout the world. It is my prayer that the work of the
Congress will bear great fruit. ABDU'L BAHA 'ABBAS.
Vol. 2:10 (September 8, 1911) Eizzat
Page 3
TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA. Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.
To Mohammad Ali Khan, Teheran, Persia.
HE IS GOD!
O thou intimate companion!
The flame of reformation is ignited in the heart
and soul of Persia and the spirit of every real reformer is longing for better conditions.
For Persia is sick and is suffering with intense agony. But the children of the East are
abiding under the shade of the banner of discord and are completely heedless and veiled
Now, what remedy can be applied! The sick Persia is flying away from the physician; nay,
rather that thirsty one is depriving himself of the sea of the salubrious water of health.
Therefore, this exiled one has found no other alternative than to turn his face towards
the West and raise the melody of the Kingdom; for to a certain degree the insight of the
people in those parts is open and they are familiar and associate with reason and
understanding. When Joseph found that his envious brothers and his jealous relations and
friends were heedless and unmindful, he unveiled his face in the market of the Egyptians,
so that in exile he might destroy the foundation of strangeness and raise the banner of
unity. Therefore, it is the aim of this exiled one, that, God willing, he may become the
Herald and carry the gladtidings of the Kingdom to the empires of the West. Perchance the
splendor of the Beauty of the real Joseph -- the Most Great Name -- May my life be a
sacrifice to Him -- may shine from the countries of the Occident; and I beg of God that
the glances of mercifulness may assist.
I hope that the bounties of the True One may become realized in thee,
but it is conditional upon thy serving the Real Master and living in accord with the
manners and behavior of the real Bahais and showing the utmost sincerity and beauty of
intention. Upon thee be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
To Anna M. Dahl, Pittsburgh, Pa.
HE IS GOD!
O thou seeker of Truth!
Thy letter was received and thy thankfulness became evident.
Glorification of God is the cause of attraction of confirmation and draws down the
bounties of the Glorious Lord. Therefore the glances of the providence of
page 4
the True One shall ere long encircle all the family. I pray God that Pittsburgh may be
blessed. It is not permitted to distribute Bahai pamphlets and literature through the
streets and markets.** On account of the lack of time a brief answer is given.
Upon thee be the Glory of God! (Signed.) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
To Adolph M. Dahl, Pittsburgh, Pa.
HE IS GOD!
O thou servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Praise be to God, that
the call of the Kingdom of ABHA reached Pittsburgh. Should the friends of God show
firmness and steadfastness, the ray of the light of the Kingdom of ABHA will shine and
that state and city will become illuminated.
Endeavor thou that thou mayest study the Persian language thoroughly,
so that thou mayest read the Tablets of BAHA'O'LLAH and comprehend their meanings.
**In reality, if someone should go to the Netherlands and engage in
teaching the Truth great results would follow. Although such a person cannot he found for
the present, yet before long he shall be discovered.
I supplicate and entreat at the Kingdom of ABHA and ask heavenly
confirmation for thee. Perchance, God willing. at some future date we may meet each other.
Upon thee be the Glory of God! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Through the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, to the Members of the Assembly of
Abdul-Baha, San Francisco, California.
HE IS GOD!
O ye faithful friends!
The maid-servant of the Kingdom of BAHA'O'LLAH has written the joyful
news that the friends in that region have established an Assembly, have engaged in the
spreading of the teachings of God and have arisen with the utmost endeavor, sincerity of
intention, and enkindlement with the fire of the Love of God so that that country may
become a main-spring of the signs, and that city become illumined, and a number of souls
like stars of the Horizon of Holiness may shine in the assemblage of the Kingdom of man
(humanity).
This Assembly was organized at the right time. It is my hope that it
may become a magnet of confirmation. If it remain firm and steadfast this Assembly will
become so illumined that it will be a full, refulgent moon in the Horizon of everlasting
Glory.
Report and write to me the services which are accomplished by this
Assembly so that they may become the cause of spiritual happiness and joy to the heart.
Upon thee be the Glory of God! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 2:10, Page 8
Extract from a Tablet received by Aga Mirza Taraz-o-llah of Gazwin,
Persia, concerning the STAR OF THE WEST:
In regard to the STAR OF THE WEST
which in Rasht fell into the hands of strangers. There was a wisdom in this. It will have
great effect in the future. The editors of the newspapers are mistaken. The literature of
the Bahais has encircled the world and not alone Persia. The derision and the scorn of the
editors of the newspapers will be the cause of their own undoing and regret. They must
loosen their tongues in thankfulness and praise and glorification that -- Praise he to
God! Persia has found such influence in America that a magazine like unto the STAR OF THE
WEST is founded. This behooveth them to be thankful and not complain. This is the cause of
the glory of Persia and the Persians and not their shame. How long this community does not
behold the wonders and miracles of Thy Lord!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
page 8
ADDRESS BY ABDUL BAHA [At the City Temple, London. This is almost identical to the version
in 'Abdu'l-Baha in London. Some of the differences (word order, plural for singular, etc,)
may be simply accidental, others are corrections of minor grammatical errors in this
version.]
"O noble friends, seekers after God, praise be to God! To-day the light of truth is
shining upon the world in its abundance. The breezes of the heavenly garden are blowing
throughout all regions. The call of the kingdom is heard in all lands, and the breath of
the Holy Spirit is felt in all hearts that are faithful. The Spirit of God is giving life
eternal. In this wonderful age the East is enlightened, the West is fragrant, and
everywhere the soul inhales the holy perfume. The sea of the unity of mankind is lifting
up its waves with joy; for there is real communication between the hearts and minds of
men. The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the
knowledge that this is a new day. This is a new cycle of human power. All the horizons of
the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise. It is
the hour of unity of the sons of men, and a drawing together of all races and all classes.
You are loosed from ancient superstitions which have kept men ignorant, destroying the
foundations of true humanity. The gift of God of this enlightened age is the knowledge of
the oneness of mankind and the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between
nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as
a new world, and all men shall live as brothers. In the days of old an instinct for
warfare was developed in the struggle with wild animals; this is no longer necessary; nay,
rather, co-operation and mutual understanding are seen to produce the greatest welfare of
mankind. Enmity is now the result of prejudice only. In the 'Hidden Words' Baha'u'llah
says 'Justice is to be loved above all.' Praise be to God, in this country the standard of
justice has been raised; a great effort is being made to give all souls an equal and a
true place. This is the desire of all noble natures. This is to-day the teaching for the
East and for the West; therefore, the East and the West will understand each other and
reverence each other, and embrace like long-parted lovers who have found each other. There
is one God; mankind is one; and the foundations of religion are one. Let us worship Him,
and give praise for all his great prophets and messengers who have manifested his
brightness and glory. The blessing of the Eternal One be with you in all his riches, that
each soul according to his measure may take freely of him! Amen.
After the service, in the City Temple vestry, Abdul Baha wrote a few
sentences In Persian In the pulpit Bible and added his signature, as follows:
This book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial inspiration. It is
the Bible of Salvation, the noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light.
It is the Divine Bounty, sign of the guidance of God. -- Abdu'l Baha Abbas.
--------end of Book 1 (Vol.1 and Vol.2 to Number 11)-------
Volume One
Volume Two