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Wis LETTE THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA of the Secretary 129 EAST 10th STREET, NEW YORK CITY NOVEMBER, I92? THE CONFIRMING SPIRIT Editorial To the believers alone. has been granted final and Qroof of God: not merely that He exists, not that His will prevails, but that His spirit confirms the weakest and the least of men who arises to serve His Cause. Theories have multiplied down the ages, and passive belief in religion is claimed by the vast majority of people in all Iancls, but only those will take the step of positive action whose hearts are inspired w-i-th complete confident:-e that the Hosts of reinforcement await no farther away than their own outstretched hand. In the_buiIding of sectarian institutions and the promulgation of arbitaqr creeds we haw: no measure of the confirming spirit. The measure: of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ recognized throughout ordinary affairs applies only to the powers and faculties of men. The supreme experience of the soul surely consists in the effort of s selfless, well-infonned to teach according to the standard the divinely appointed Teacher, Eahé. Until a believcr focuscs every effort and__power upun teach-ing the Cause of he has only adopted a new terrninology and supplied his mental iduls with a new name. Faith and spiritual action are one and inseparable, because the Hosts respond only to the summons of faith. A living faith also brings a consuming thirst for 1-rnewledge, preparing itself for greater and greater service. The true believer has neither false humility nor secret ambition, but in whatever he does he responds to a guiding power. The friends in America have been -made conscious of a high and noble mission in the Cause. The building the first Mashriqu’I-Adhkar in the West is their -privilege. The spreading of the Message among the nations and throughout the islands has been made their particular task. At the recent -Convention time and again the voice of the delegates spoke poignantly of the need for -greater unity, greater sacrifice, greater obedience to the Plan of Unified Action, that the Temple construction might begin at -the appointed time Has this mighty outcome of our endeavnrs been so ieng postponed because we have avei-ded the essential Bahifi action whale-hearted, undaunted. fiery teaching of the great Message? Have we sought unity and collective power upon human terms and under human conditions, rather than upon the terms and conditions [aid down for us by the wisdom of We read in the texts of that even physical health comes to one who desires it for service to God. Does not the financial capacity to construct the Temple depend likewise upon absolute inner purity and divine motive? But fifteen months remain in whith to raise the necessary fund of four hundred thousancl dollars indicated in the eablegram ef Sheghi re eeived a few days after the Convention at Green Acre in 1925. Human eoncep-tions of time cannot control this might}; if we but make the effort, each one, individually and collectiveiy, to consecrate our lives to the will of the farce of many years can be concentrated into this brief period of time. Let us not allay our own inner doubts any longer by criticism of what others do or neglect to do. The can-firming spirit surrounds us all equally and is impartially near the small and the great. ‘When every -individual member of the spiritual family of has raised his own spiritual gaze to the Sun of Truth. made test of the power of faith in himself and for himself, then, and only then, can one plan he said to be superior or inferior to another plan, or one method compared with another method in efficiency. The unity capable of constructing the DvTa5hriqL1'l-Adhkar i5 not H unity imposed by any form of authority from without, rather is it a blending oi minds and hearts by the inrush crf that faith which transfurrns rnen. The blessed Cause in rlnierica awaits a. few pioneer souls who will become the very embodiment of faith in whose knowledge of the divine mysteries will shine through the twilight of false belief, whose power of action wiil break down every inertia, and whose ardor will create an -irresistible passion a-mung thousands in join in building the Temple of the Glory of G0-d. This is what the confirming Spirit has assured us to be the gual and outcome of living faith. Surely we all long for such a. complete inner renewal and Hlurnination. From one spark the awaiting hearts will catch fire with the love we knew in the ter, and which He but manifested to show us the new standard of reality’ granted to mankind.

NATIONAL S PIRIT UAL ASSEMBLY of the Bah:'1'is of the United States and Canada Allen McDaniui . . . Chairman Roy C. . . Vi-r:c-Cluirnnn Horace Holley . . . Secrctary . . . . Treasurer Florence Morton Amelia Collins May Maxwell Alfred E. Lunt Louis Gregory Cable address: Bahifi, New York “The Nnws which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function and has been started admirably well. I would urgc you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in time it may devote a special scction to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. That it may attain its object it must combine the essential qualifies of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom. It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahi’i activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating evil influences, and in upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should be made as representaitive as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike 5': every corner of the qlobe. I aha: 1 great hopes for is immcdia. future, and I trust you will dew-ate your special attention to its development, and by devising well-conceived and world-wide measures -transform this Nzws LETTER into what I hope will become the foremost Bahifi Journal of the world.’’---SH UGHI EFFENDI. American Bahéfis Contribute to Relief Fund at Jerusalem Acting in behalf of the American friends. the treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly cabled in August the sum of fifty pounds sterling to the chief secretary, jemsalem, toward the relief of those sufiering from the effects of the earthquake. By this contribution the believers were enabled to express something of that gratitude we all feel for the justice extended toward the Cause by the authorities in Palestine during the days fol-lowing the ascension of and likewise to assume our share of responsibility for conditions in the Holy Land, the center of the Cause. Renewed Appeal to Authorities in Baghdad On July 7 last, the National Spiritual Assembly sent the following ca.blegram to the British High Commissioner at Baghdad: "Bahé'is throughout the world deeply aroused at grievous delay in righting intolerable situation caused by unjust seizure Baghdad houses. We must point out that Bah5.'is have refrained from active measures nearly two years through reliance upon the justice and power of British Government and noble purposes of His M'a.jcsty King Faisal to restore property to rightful owners. Our responsibility to assist in overcoming bad of present situation throughout the Orient compels us to emphasize need of immediate action." Up to the present time no answer has been received. The general conditions were related to the delegates at the Convention by Mr. Mountfort Mill-s, who has been acting in this matter as the representative of Shoghi Effendi. It seems clear that the intention to restore the Houses of the future Shrine of international pilgrimage, is a fixed policy of the authorities, but that local religious and political difficulties have . compelled postponement of their con templatcd action. The larger local Assemblies of the United States and Canada sent -similar ag. ocals. It is by wholehearted, eriort of this nature to protect the permanent interests of the Cause that the power of effective administrative action will be developed among the believers throughout the world. Shoghi Effendi Establishes Accuracy of Bahéfi Texts In connection with the problem of rgviewing the diary notes of Ahmad Sohrab, which was referred to Shoghi Etfendi, the Guardian informed the National Assembly some time ago that any and all notes of utterances by ’Abdu'l-Bahzi not read and approved by the Master himself, are to be issued on the authority of the person taking the notes, and as -representing his impression of the utterances, and not as direct quotations. There -is a particular value and interest in all impressions and diary notes of the sayings and actions of ’Abdu’l-Bahi, but the Guardian's instruction makes it imperative for us to distinguish between such works and the authorized Bahifi texts composing thc teachings. Committee Plans and Activities Teaching On July 29 the National Teaching Committee issued to all Assemblies and groups an important letter setting Earth a. generai plan for increased eifort in the field of public teaching, and urging cooperation from the local bodies. With the letter was enclosed a brief statement of a National Plan for Bahi’i Public Conferences to be held in the United States and Canada this The special purpose of the present Teaching Committee -is to establish a platform in the various cities corresponding in force and character to the Conferences developed by the Wbrld Unity Conference Committee last year. No Bahifi activity at -present can surpass this intention, since it is only by cunccntrating all our collective forces upon intensive public teaching that we can quicken the spirit of our community life. The general plan was outlined by a special committee of the National Spiritual Assembly last March and reported to the delegates at Montreal. The experience acquired by the Unity Conferences should enable the friends to hold meetings of direct teaching with greatly increased facilities. The IOCELI Spiritual Assemblies are urged to appoint special committees to act as the representatives of the National Teaching Committee, and maintain close contact with that commit-tee throughout the In order to strengthen the facilities and resources of the Teaching Committee, the National Assembly ‘has added the following new members: Mr. W- H. Randall. Mrs. Fiorence Morton, Mrs. Amelia Collins, Mrs. E] Fleda Spaulding and Mrs. Robert

BAHA’I NEWS LETTER Ruhi Afnén Visiting American Assemblies The teaching work will be greatly reinforced during the next few weeks by Ruhi Afnim who, at the request of the Teaching Commictee, has arranged to extend his visit in this country. The following schedule has been planned, subject to minor changes: Geneva, New York, October 24 and 25; Buffalo, October 26 and 27; Cleveland, October 28 and 29; Detroit, Octotber 30; Chicago, October 31 to November 3. Ruhi Afnim wiil then proceed to California, where speaking appointments have already been assured in prominent educational institutions. Returning to Chicago after a stay of perhaps two weeks in California, he will then visit Bahéfi centers in the Middle West and proceed to New York via Washington, D. C., Baltimore and Philadelphia. During his stay at Green Acre, Ruhi Afnén prepared and delivered a. series of addresses developing the social significance of the Cause. These talks attracted many who are seeking a religion capable of improving the world and not merely offering a. new mysticism. It is hoped that each local 1Assembly in the above ci-ties_ wan arrange as many meetings as possible for Ruhi Afnan during his ali too brief stay, particularly at colleges and before liberal groups whose adherence would prove a valuable asset to the Faith. Inter-Racial Amity The public meetings held under the direction of the Inter-racial Amity Committee are a special aspect of Bahifi teaching which possesses extreme importance at this time for the American friends. All the believers are thoroughly aware of the vital need to present the principles of racial amity -as set forth by not only in word but also in deed. The Amity Conference held at Green Acre in Iuly was a model of how such meetings should be held. The program included non-Bahé.'i as well as Bahi’i speakers, but the foundation was entirely that created by the Cause. Similar conferences are being held in Boston and New York during October, while the friends in W'ashington are preparing for a powerful and brilliant Inter-racial ‘Amity Conference to be held on November 11 and 12, 1927. Among those who spoke at the Convention for Amity Between the C01ored and ‘White Races at Green Acre on Iuly and 23 were: M-r. Devere Allen, Editor of The World Tomor Change of Address On October 1, the Office of the Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the of rhe United States and Canada, was removed to 129 East 10th Street. New York City. Rev. \-Villiam Jones, First Unitarian Church, Portsmouth; Prof. Leslie Pickney Hi-11, State Normal School, Cheyney, Pa..; the respective chairmen being Mr. William H. Randall, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, Mr. Louis Gregory and Mr. Alfred E. Lunt. Mrs. Pauline Hannen has been asked to serve on the Inter-racial Amity Committee. in place of Miss Rievcs who is traveling abroad. Publications The friends will be gratified to learn that the entire edition of 5000 copies of Dr. Esslemont’-s book, published through Brentancfs, is now exhausted. After careful consideration, the Publishing Committee has decided to issue a new edition under its own auspices‘. This edition will consist of 2000 copies in flexible Fabrikoid (synthetic leather), a. most attractive, strongly bound book, to sell at 90-::; and 3000 copies in cloth and paper, to sail at 50c. This new cloth-and-paper edition wili be strong and durable. The book in both editions will be a convenient packet size. The unique usefulness of Dr. Esslemont’s book as an introduction to the Teachings will undoubtedly lead to large orders for these improved, yet lower priced editions, to be given as Christmas presents. The Publishing Committee believes that copies will be available by November 30. To facilitate ordering in quantity by individuals. a discount of 10 per cent will be allowed on all orders of fifty copies or more sent by individuals before December 15. This means that fifty copies in cloth-and-paper will cost $22.50, and fifty in fabrikoid, stamped in gold, $4-1.50, postage additional. Assembly librarians are also asked to order generously in advance, so that the book will be available to all the friends. The Committee is happy to announce :1 new edition of Hymns, by Shahnaz Waite, at a copy, of which the greater part is to go to the Temple Fund. This publication was made possible tluiough the generosity of Mrs. Hills Cole. The Master reveaicd many Tablet; to Shahnaz VVaite in reference to her hymns and “Verify thy vgrsgs shall be sung in the divine meetings and in the assemblages of the spiritual, in the course of ages and to come, for thou hast uttered the praise of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clemcnt. All poems shall be forgotten in the course of -time save those that are extraordinary. Thy poems shall be chanted with melody and bsst voices in the -Center of Worship (Mashriqu'lAdhkar) for evermote.” Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, assisted by Albert R. Vail and Marguerite McKay, has prepared a list of references and answers to the questions and topics for discussion compiicd by Louis G. Gregory. Like the admirable work, “God and His Manifestations," compiied by Mrs. Gii-t last year, Mrs. Kirkpatrick's references are invaluable for individual study and group discussion of the Teachings. In mimeographed form, IO: copy. The friends are reminded of the Compilation on Education re-issued some months ago in mimeographecl sheets at 35c. It will be impossible to use these stencils againBahifi ringstones, in sinall size, may be obtained from the Publishing Committee by recognized believers at 50:: each. A new prayer book has been published under the direction of the English Nationa-I Spiritual Assembly copies of which have been imported for sale to the friends in America. This attractive little booklet has been compiled with special reference to the needs of children and young people. Sold at 101: a copy. -The World Unity Conferences revealed the need of a new compilation of the American addresses of Bahi in the form of a condensation of the great historical work, "The Pm-mI.1.1*gati0_r| of Universal Peace." Such a book has recently been published, containing 112 pages, bound in strong paper, for sale at 75c. The title is “Foundations of Vforld Unity." For some time the friends have felt the need of some readily accessible Bahéfi calendar to coordinate the dates with those on the calendar in current use. This need has now been met by an admirably arranged “Perpetual Bahéfi Calendar" designed by‘ Dr.

Edna M. McKinney and published with the approval of Shoghi Effencli. Copies can be secured from the Publishing Committee at 5c each. All orders for publications should be sent to Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 343, Grand Central Station, New York. The Baha'i Magazine Contents of June, 1927, issue: Woman--In Tradition and History (Part 2) by Howard R. Hurlbut; Hymn of Marching Women, by Grace Van W. Hogcboom - Henderson; Prague and the» International Congress, by Martha L. Root; The Bahéfi Convention Montreal; Underlying Powers at Work in the \Norld of Business, by Harlan F. Ober; This Amazing Civilization, by Dale S. Cole; Through India and Burma, by Flor2111:: Evelyn Schopflocher; editorials. Contents of July issue: Editorial, by Stanwood Cobb; The Potency of the Ideal, by Dale S. Cole; The Moral Need of the World, by Charles Mason Remey ; The Return of Light, by Julie Chanler; Why by Christine French; The Abolition of Prejuclices, by Florence A. Clapp; Trees, by Walter B. Guy; A ‘Trip to Tahiti, by Louise Bosch; Excerpts from My Diary, by Keith Ransom-Kehler. Contents of August issue: Immortality. A Compilation from Teachings of 'Abdu’I-Bahia; Editorial, by Stanwood Cobb; Scientific Proofs of Life After Death, by Martha L. Root; Sbuvcnir Feast of ‘Abdul-Bahé, by Keith Ransom-Kehler; Flying in Material and Spiritual Atmospheres, by Florence Evelyn Schopflo-char; Creation As It Appears Today, by Dr. Orrol L. Harper; Amity at Green Acre, by Louis G. Gregory. Contents of September issue: Editorial, by Stanwood Cobb; The Task of SeIf—Edu<:ation, by Daie S. Cole; The Montezuma Method. by William john Meredith; Some Informal Opinions on Education, by Keith RansomKehler; New Ideals of Education, by Shahnaz Waite; The Unexpected Happens, by Florence Evelyn SchopSeventh Cangress of ‘World Associations, by Martha L. Root. Contents of October issue: Editurial, by Stanwood Cobb; On Earth as it is in Heaven, by Keith RansomKehler; Reflections on the Great Eclipse, by Florence E. Pinchon; The International School of Geneva, by Mme. Jeanne Stannard; Nineteenth Universal Congress of Esperanto, by Martha L. Root; The Conductor of the'Symphony on the Pacific, by Set suichi Aoki; The Background of the Chinese Wbmen, by Mrs- C. F. Wang; The Present Tendencies of the rcan People, by Helen C. Kim; Edututors in Council for “(arid Progress, by Henry ‘W. Hetzel; Some Experiences Among the Poor in Brazil, by Leonora Holzapplc; The Spiritual Need in Educatibfi, Excerpts from address of President Coolidge. THE BABE: DILAGAZINE, Star of the West, is published by News Service, 706 Otis Building, ton, D. C. Subscription, $3.00 per year. Articles on subjects of Bahifi interest are requested by the editors from believers throughout the world. Year Book The text for volume two of the Bahffi Year Book has beta sent to Shoghi Effcndi by the Year Book Committee, Aibert 'W'indust, secretary, and will be published according to his instructions whcn received. In order to develop greater facilities for the preparation of this international work, the National Spiritual Assembly has approved a suggestion of the Committee that new members be requested to serve in foreign countries. The her of those invited to serve on the Year Book Committee for volume three includes: ’Abdu‘l-Hossein Dehkan, Shiraz; Soheil Ainén, Haifa; Hashma.tullah, India and Burma; Mrs. Stannard, Geneva, Switzerland; Dr. Grossmann, Hamburg, Germany; Miss Martha Root, member at large; Mr. George P. Simpson, London, England; and M. Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney, Paris, France. The National Assembly has aiso appointed Mrs- Victoria Bedekian “Photograph Editor” of the Year Book Committec, with the request that she take steps to secure photographs nf Bahzfi interest and importance from Assemblies throughout the World. Finance Committee A new committee, to be called the Finance -Committee, was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly at its last meeting. The purpose of this body is to pass upon all appropriations and expenditures requested by committees or individuals of the National Assembly, and recommend action by the Assembly. By this appointment it is expected that stricter economy and better planning of expenditures will to the distinct advantage of the Temple Construction Fund which accumulates from balances left after the fixed expenditures itemized in the budget of the Plan of Unified Actiun have been made. Those appointed to the Contrary to the opimon ot some, the National Fund has never exceeded by a penny the amounts itemized in the budget of that Plan. On the other hand, certain donations have been made to the National Fund since the Plan of Unified Action was published, the purpose of which was fixed by the donors themselves. In these caseh the National Assembly could be regarded only as the agents of the donors, carrying out their will, and not as the originators of such extra-budget ex pauses. Green Acre The complete program carried out at Green Acre this last season was published in the Nmws LETTER during the spring. At this time it is cient to inform the friends that-the Institute of VVorl-:1 Unity carried out its remarkable series of courses as announced, bringing to Green Acre many who became permanently attached to this universal center. The direct teaching method was upheld with dignity and force by Mr. Albert R. Vail, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenieaf, Mr. Hooper Harris and other well known teachers, in addition to the series of Sunday morning talks delivered to some of the largest audiences in the history of Green Acre by Ruhi Afnim. The Executive Committee is at present planning program and improvements for flu: coming season, and detailed announcements will be made in a few months. The decision of Mrs. Emma Bliss to make 1927 her last season as manager of the Inn gives occasion to refer to a service of many years’ duration scarcely equalled among the American friends. Season after season Mrs. Bliss has maintairied the Inn with conspicuous efficiency and unfailing success, donating to the resources of Green Acre the entire profits each year. Her work was not merely one of supervision and direction, but included personal attention to important details vital to the welfare of the Inn. And this service was rendered by one who had every right and ample means to devote her summer months to personal comfort and repose. The history of this complete consecration to Green Acre can oniy be termed providential. Without this integrity, experience and unremitting physical and mental labor, it is doubtful whether Green Acre could have survived the problems con

fronting the friends in the difficult years following the passing of Miss Sarah I. Farmer. Mere words are no equivalent to deeds of this character; more important even than heartfelt gratitude and cordial memory would be the realization on the part of all who go to Green Acre in future that this universal center blessed by 'Abdu’1-Bahzi exists not merely for ease and relaxation but for active loyalty expressed by contributions of service and thought. World Unity Conferences The indirect teaching method described and endorsed by the Guardian is going forward into another year of activity w-iahout interruption or diminution. During October and November, Conferences have been or will be held as follows: New York City. October 10, 11 and 12; Cornell versity, October 23, 24 and 25; Geneva, New York, October 26; Brown University, October 31, November 1 and 2; Chicago, November 13, 14- and 15; Worcester, Mass., November 2?, 28 and 29. The New York meetings were held in the famous International House, and the program included such well known names as Dr. Franz Boas, Prof. Harry Overstrect, Dr. Mordecai Iohnson, Alfred W. Martin, Dr. William R. Shepherd and Dr. john Herman Randall. The following resolution respecting the World Unity Conferences was passed by the National Spiritual Assembly at its meeting in Boston on October 23: “It is the sense of this body that the dire-tzting the Wdrld Unity Conferences have no. longer an official connection with this body. Also, the funds supporting these activities are no longer drawn from the National treasury to any extent. Even in the past funds supporting these activities, with very few exceptions, have been special the National Fund. But now this channel for the transmission of these special funds, for reasons of wisdom is no longer used. “There continues, however, the strongest spiritual bond between the World Unity Conference Committee and this body and a. full understandingon our part of the nature and scope of the work undertaken by the said committee, who have as their aim the only (teaching) approach now possibie to many people of capacity, and to awakg; gradually within nhem a desire for the teachings and message of BAHA‘I NEWS LETTER and eventually to bring them into full understanding of the Divine Cause. This program contemplates the fulfilment of the wishes of Effendi that capable Bahéfi teachers should follow up such conferences and guide those most interested into a. knowledge of the Cause. The National Spiritual Assembly pledges its full coupemtion and prayerful support tn the World Unity Conference Committee to this noble and glorious end. “The list of National committees shall be amendcd in accordance with this resolution. The National Teaching Committee is asked to instruct its workers to clarify this relationship in the minds of the friends throughout America. and to present a teaching program for the correlation of the two direct indirect, and i". furtherance of the spirit of harmony and understanding.” That the friends may understand how the development of the Wbrld Unity activities, involving as they do both as speakers and cooperating associates many non-Bahifi individuals and groups, made such a resolution desirable, it is announced at this time that Dr. John Herman Randall has resigned as oge of the Ministers of the Community Church of New York City and is serving as Director of the World Unity activities. This step has made it possible for him to extend greatly the scope the World Unity Confer~ ences, which have -received the endorsement of several leading universities and progressive institutions. A recent letter from Shoghi Effcndi to Dr. Randall conveys the Guardian's confident hopes that his services will contribute to the future growth and power of the Cause, and urging cordial relations with promoting the direct activities. Publicity Committee The members of this committee, consisting of Mrs. Louise Boyle. Mrs. Doris McKay and Mr. Horace ley, are concerned with the important problem of developing adequate pub facilities in each local Assembly and group. The suggestion is placed before the friends that in each community some person be appointed who shall be responsible for placing in the hands of local newspaper editors such articles as are sent the Assembly or group by the National Assembly or its Publicity Committee. The person appointed should endeavor to make -cordial relations with the local press, and learn the best form and method by which to submit articles for publication. It should be remembered that newspapers welcome local news, and national news with local interest, but must receive it in a. form corresponding to their Editorial habits and requirements. The essential matter is to establish thc Bahéfi connection as one both completely reliable and at least fairly proficient. Nothing will take the place of actual experience, therefore this aspect of our Bahéfi work will improve as the local publicity committees enter upon their duties. To be fully efficient, the local com- mittee should learn how to secure attention for articles they receive already prepared, and also how to prapare Three articles have been sent to all local secretaries by the National Assembly since the Convention: on the martyrdom at Ardibil; on the election of Mr. Gregory to the National Assembly; and on Tablet revealed in 189? confirming the success of the Zionist Movement. Bahifi Summer School at Geyserville Since the close of the first season of this important new Bahéfi institution, the National Assembly has received a number of detailed reports, too extensive for reproduction in the NEWS LETTER, but unanimously declaring the remarkable success of the center esta-bl-ishecl through the‘ generosity of Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch. The best description of the methods and also results is to be found in the following (unfortunately brief) excerpts:— "In selecting a Center for the Bahffi Teaching Institute, consideration was given first and foremost to the opportunity for the direct descent of the Spirit of Truth, so that each and every heart might gain the pure influx of the water of life. . . . The facilities already available were sufficient to permit of operations of comprehensive type immediately without expense to the Cause. “While the Committee unanimously accepted the site as ideal, yet realizing that the success of any Activity within the Cause depends largely on the united thought and of the friends, it was decided to suggest a Teaching Institute for the month of August, 1927, so that the 1’-riends might join with enthusiasm in furthering the work, if they approved the action of ri

the Committee. The Committee realized that with such a program, the initial sessions would perhaps be small, but it would nevertheless lay a more Seture foundation for the superstructn-re later. “The fondest hopes of the Committee were far surpassed. We had felt that if only a few—a: most nine—attended the sessions the first year, and gained spiritual wisdom and greater desire and impetus to serve the Cause, the result would be very beneficial. However, during the month there was in attendance a total of forty of the confirmed believers, among them teen enthusiastic young souls, and in addition a number who were attracted recently to the Cause. Of the latter, six became confirmed four of these were from a family of international marriage, the mother an American, the father a Japanese. "It was Indeed a fulfilment of His promise, that after His ascension t-he force of His spirit would be even greater than during His minis:-ration on earth. Those who had been to the Holy Land stated that the spirit at the Teaching Institute was like that at thc Threshold." Among the teachers serving at Geyserville were L. C. Ioas, Miss Alice Rouleau, Shahnaz Wa.-ire, Dr. F . W. D'EveIyn, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Mr. H. R- Hurlbut, Mrs. Louise Bosch. Mrs. Kathryn Frankland, Mrs. Marian Yazdi, Mrs. Grace B. Holley, Mr. Iohn Bosch, Miss Sophronia Oaki, Mrs. Gladys Aoki, Mrs. Louise Caswell, Mrs. S. Emory, Mfr. Charles Bishop, M-rs. Nellie French, Mrs. E. G. Cooper. Mrs. Shahnaz Waite served notably as chairman of the Institute during most of the sessions. Changes in Bahéfi Directory Local secretaries and National committees who received copies of the international Bahéfi dii-ectory issued by the National Spiritual Assembly during july are requested to note the following changes: Berkeley, Calif Marian Yazdi, secretary, Bahifi Library, 1199 Spruce Street. Visalia, Calif.Miss Jane A. Barker, secretary. 1501 West Mair} Street. Washingzon, D. C.—-Miss Margaret Green, secretary, 3244 38th Street. Baltimore, Md.Mrs. F. Woodward Hipsley, secretary, 2803 Allendale Road. New York, N. Bertha Herklotz, secretary, Center, 119 57th Street. Cincinnati, Ohia-—Miss Hilda Stauss, 3640 Epsworth nue, Wgtwwd. Newark, N. Wm. Witman, secretary, Meetingplacc. 24 Park Place. Melbourne, A-ustralia-—secretary, Bahéfi Spiritual Assembly, G. P. O. Box. 1237, Bourke Street. Add following local Assemblies. Mrs. J. C. Craven, 2 Derbey Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, England. Miss G. Challis, Rizwan. Blandford Road, Broadstonc, Dorset, England. Wrs. Slade, Mollards Court, Stokenchurch, Bucks, England. The Dawn, the Journal of Burma, is to be addressed Mirza Zabiullah Zarquani, No. 21, 45th Street, Rangoon, Burma. Kindly send ail corrections in the Bahifi Directory to Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahz'1"is of the United States and Canada, 129 East 10th Street, New York City In Memoriam Mrs. Kate Ives, Eliot, Maine, April 30, 1927. Miss Isabelle Munson, San Francisco, 3, 1927. Mrs. Ella Nash, L05 Angeles, june 16. 1927. Mr. Edward Lindstrom, Kenosha, July 8, 1927. Mrs. Edward Struvcn, Wilmette, July 9, 1927. Dr. George Augur, Honolulu, September 13, 1927. Mrs. A. P. Dodge, New York, September 16, 192-7. Inter-Assembly Correspondence Circular letters have been issued in recent months by the following Spiritual Assemblies: Honolulu, T. H.; Vwfilmette, Illinois; Urbana, Illinois; Berkeley, -California. Miss Agnes Alexander informs the friends that a cottage belonging to Mrs. Baldwin, of the Honolulu Assembly, has been placed at the complete: disposal of the Cause in that city. This charming house is situated in 2. garden facing one of the main thoroughfares. It is now arranged for Bahifi service, with a. library, office and assembly room. The believers in Berkeley have adopted the "Semir1a.r" method for their weekly meetings, and have found it very successful. The friends take charge of the meeting in alphabetical order. The leader announces the topic at the preceding meeting, and all the believers come prepared to contribute to the discussion. The leader concludes the meeting with a summary of the teachings as brought out during the "Seminar." The Iuniurs of Berkeley have been divided into two ciasses, the younger group studying under Mrs. Frankland, the older children under Prof. Forsyth Ward. Prof. and Mrs. Ward have recently moved to Berk. eley from Ithaca, N. Y., and their presence greatly reinforces the work of the Berkeley Bahi'is. Mrs. Esther G. Harding, secretary of the Urbana Spiritual Assembly, gave a brief outline of current activities and a description of the opportunities afforded by the presence of the University of Illinois, in the circular letter recently issued by that Assembly. The weekly study class has been using Mrs. Gift’s reference outline. A class of young people of high school age is reading and discussing Dr. Esslemont's and the New Era.” The children have been made thoroughly_acquair_1tegl with the history and principles of the Cause. Th}: Bahifi work in Urbana began in 1393. when Moody was invited by Mrs. Kelley to come from Chicago and teach. The friends in Urbana. can secure important platforms for any visiting teacher of capacity. The founding of a Spiritual Assembly in brings a new element of enthusiasm and rcsponsibility for the service of the Temple. We quote from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi to the friends in Wilmette on March 30. “Please assure the members of the newly formed Assembly at Wilmette of my great joy in hearing of their plans and purpose, of my deep interest in their progress and welfare. and of my constant prayers for the success of their labors. May the fruit of their activity lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause and hasten the advent of the day which shall witness the resumption of the Temple building operations, so long delayed, yet so vital to the interests of our beloved Cause. Perseverance and unrelaxing faith will in time surmount every obstacle, and crown the combined efforts of the believers with success." Mr. Edward Struven, iocal secretary, informs the friends that “the mere foundation of the Temple is already of great interest to travelers and students. Visitors iron: all parts of this country and Canada, various parts of Europe, Persia, japan, Hawaii and Australia. have been on the grounds during the past nine months. They arrive singly and in groups of fifty and more at one time. Classes from the various general and religious educational institutions in and near Chicago make special visits to the Mas-hriqu’l-Adhkar and- re ceive information as to the scope and . purposes of the future Bahifi work to be carried on there. Invariably, if not the first, second question is

‘When do the Bahéfis expect to complete this structure? To Enhance Consultation with Convention Delegates In order to make possible a more eficctive relationship between Convention delegates and the members of the National -Assembly, opening up the springs of inspiration within the earth of the hearts, the National Spiritual Assembly in September appointed .21. Convention Committee consisting of Mr. Horace Holley, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt and Mr. Allen McDaniel with instructions to examine all the details incident to annual Bahziii Conventions and recommend a plan whereby this important meeting can in future attain new power and efficiency. The Convention Cmnmittee was also requested to draft a. letter to the clel-:— H‘ *7" 7977 them to meet with the ‘National Assembly at a. special joint session of consultation in Chicago on Ianuary 22, 1928. This letter is now in preparation and will be issued about the time the present News LETTER appears. It will be followed by an agenda placed in the hands of the delegates in ample time for them to give full consideration to the subjects selected on account of their importance to the work of the Cause at this time. The minutes of the 1927 Convention have been studied carefully, and suitable action has been ‘taken by the National Assembly on all matters voted at Montreal, as will be reported in detail at the meeting of informal consultation to be held during January. Although this mid-year consultation is not an institution established in the letters of the Guardian, nevertheless it corresponds to the nature of the spiritual relationship he desires to obtain between the secondary electors and the National Assembly, and there fore the consultation should be richly blessed. The exact program. including the public meeting to be held in connection with these sessions, will be announced at a later date. Recent Instructions from Shogl-ii The special attention of the friends throughout the United States and Canada is called to the following advices and instructions transmitted to the National Assembly by the Guardian of the Cause in a. letter written through his secretary and dated August 25, 192?. “The Kitib-5-Aqdas should not be published as the existing translation is most inadequate. As the Laws in the Aqdas are not all of them designed for immediate application, our Guardian hopes to make extracts of the more immediate and essential provisions of it for the guidance of the friends, who should be urged to adopt and enforce them within the limits imposed by thc civil law in their respective countries. “Regarding the our Guardian feels that the Natmnal Assernbljr should take no step ever concerning the interior desxgn or construction of the Temple if that step involves, however indirectly, any cial obligation on the part of the ‘National Fund, as the Temple Fund is solely for building purposes. As to tlje character oi the our Guardnaaj feels that this is a matter to be demderl -hy rhp and friends who have a special knowledge of such matters." LETTER FROM SI-IOGHI EFFENDI To the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the of the United States and Canada: Dearly-beloved co-workers: Your communications dated April 15th and May 6th and 9th have been received, with their enclosures, and carefully perused. The Declaration of Trust, the provisions of which you have so splendidly conceived, and formulated with such assiduous care, marks yet another milestone on the road of progress along which you are patiently and determinedly advancing. Clear and concise in its wording, sound in principle, and complete in its aflirmations of the fundamentals of Bahifi administration, it stands in its final form as a worthy and faithful exposition of the constitutional basis of Communities in every land, foreshadowing the final emergence of the world Commonwealth future. This document, when correlated and combined with the set of by-laws which I trust are soon forthcoming, will serve as a pattern to every National Bahzi’i Assembly. be it in the East or in the West, which aspires to conform, pending the formation of the First Universal House of Justice, with the spirit and letter of the world-order ushered in by I eagerly await the receipt of the complete set of the contemplated bylaws, the purpose of which should be to supplement the provisions, clarify the purpose, and explain more fully the working of the principle underlying the above—mentioned Declaration. I shall, after having given it my close and personal consideration, transmit it to you, in order that you may submit it to the Local Spiritual Assemblies, who in turn will endeavor to secure its ratification by the body of the recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada. I would urge you to insert the Text of the Declaration, the compiete set of the by-laws, and the accompanying Indenture of Trust, all combined, in the next issue of the Year Book, that sympathizers and believers alike in every land may obtain a clear and corrcct vision of the preliminary frame.work of that complete system of world administration implicit in the Teachings Of In connection with the best and to be adopted for the election of Spiritual Assem5Ties, I feel that in view of the fact that definite and detailed regulations defining the manner and character of Bahéfi elections have neither been expressly revealed by nor laid down in the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bahia, it devolves upon the members ‘of the Universal House of justice to formulate and apply such system of laws as would be in conformity with the essentials and requisites expressly provided by the Author and Interpreter of the Faith for the conduct of administration. I have consequently refrained from establishing a settled and uniform procedure for the election of the Assemblies of the East and the West, leaving them free to pursue their own methods of procedure which in most cases had been instituted and practised during the last two decades of the life of The general practise prevailing throughout the East is the one based upon the principle of plurality rather than absolute majority, whereby those candidates that have obtained the highest number of votes, irrespective of the fact whether they command an absolute majority of the votes cast or not, are automatically and definitely elected. I: has been felt, with no little justification, that this method, admittedly disadvantageous in its disregard of the principle that requires that each elected member must secure a majority of the votes cast, does away on the other hand with the more seri— ous disadvantage of restricting the freedom of the elector who, unhampered and unconstrained by electoral necessities, is called upon to vote for

none but those whom prayer and rehave inspired him to uphold. Moreover, the practise of nomination, so detrirnental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right to the majority Of a body that, in itself under the present circumstances, often constitutes a minority nf all the elected delegates, to deny that Godgiven right of every elector to mate only in favor of those who he is canscientiously convinced are the must won-thy candidates. Should this simple system be provisionally adopted, it _-gmuld safcrguard the spiritual principle -U-E the unfettered freedom of the voter, who wil[ thus preserve intact the sanctit}; of the ChUtCE. he first made. It would the inconvenience of securing advance nnrninafielns from absent delegates, and the '1mpraetieabil— it}; of assereiatin-g them with the asaernbhed electors in the subsequent hallots that are often required to meet the exigencies of majority vote. I would recommend these observations to your earnest consideration, and whatever decision you arrive at, all local Prfisemblies and individual belie?‘ era, 1 am certain, wi-ii upheld, for their spiritual obi-igaticrn and privilege is not only to cunsult freely and frequently with the National Spiritual Assembly, but to upheld ‘as well with confidence and cheerfulncss whatever is the considered verdict of their national represcntatives Vifishing you success from all my heart, I am, your true brother, 5110:1211Haifa, Palestine, May 3?, 192.7. OF THE BAHAIS OF THE 31, 1927 UNITED STATES AND CANADA TEMPLE . Caretaker's Salary . . . . . . . . . . $740.00 Statement if Du‘burscment_r for Light & Heat _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ V _ _ 2902 Period July 31,1927 Reéairs \Va.ter 5.00 Sundry 1.60 $830.73 CA-SH BALANCE APRIL 1, 1927 TEACHING Northern Trust Co‘ $5,371.35 Teacher's Allowances $1,462.79 Northern Trust Co. Savings Acc't 35000 Special Traveling . . . . . . . . . . .. 650,00 $2,112.79 Liberty Bonds ...........,... .. 50.00 S5,77L35 GREENACRE Caretaker $669.00 CASH RECEIPTS Printing 77.10 Temple 2,148.32 47.00 10,4-39,63 Improvememst0Land...,..‘, 643.50 None Repairs to Building....‘..... 921.09 Greenacre 1,208.00 Auto Repairs & Expense 31.70 Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V . 1,625.00 Publicity (contributed by Insti Interest . H 18.33 $15,439.28 t-ute of ‘Norld Unity 1,500.00 Caretal-cer’s Expense . . . . . . . 61.63 $21,210.63 Hired Help -..... 9800 $4,049.02 DISBURSEMENTS STAR OF THE \VEST Temple $83073 Deficits met $900.00 Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,112.79 INTERNATIONAL Greenacrc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 4,049.02 Regular Contribution . . . . . . . . . . $760.00 Star of the West .. . . . . , . . . . . .. 900.00 Australian Believers . . . . . . . . .. 25.00 International . . . . . . - . . . . V , . . . . 1,035.00 Jerusalem Earthquake Relief World Unity Conference .. . . .. 54.90 Fund .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 250.00 $1,035.00 Publishing .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1,422.45 WORLID UNIT CONFERENCE Administration 4,340.31 $54.90 Library 104.39 PUBLICATION Gene:-.11 Publicity 1,125.00 Publishing Commitkee, for new Inter-racial Amity . . . . . . . . M 200.00 $16,174-.59 publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,199.10 ——- Year 223.35 $1,422.45 $5,036.04 ADMINISTRATION CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Secretary Salary . . . . . . . V . . . . I $1,200.00 Temple Caretaker . . . . . . . . - . . . $172.00 Secretary Expense . . . . . 571.40 Ada/anres News Letter .....‘ 431060 Gift Shop-Greenacre ........ 500.00 Traveling 4-60.00 Arts Craft Shop~Greenacre .. 250.00 Trea5_ Supplies . . . . .. 101.05 Impmvements to Land-Temple. , 836.77 Exchange ... . . . . . .. . 0 . . . . . . . 9.37 Caretaker’s House-Temple . . . 96015 Conventiuu . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 813.43 Treasurer's Equipment. . . 92.50 Printing . . . . . .. 0 . . . V . . , , . , 29.38 Greenacrelnvestmcnt......... 674.87 Legal 150.00 Greenacre Equipment . . . . 0 . . 0 0 35.28 $2,657.57 SeEretar_\' Office Rem . . . . . V . . . 4-00.00 CASH BALANCE JULY 31, 1927 Hotel EXpense—N, S. Mes!Northern Trust Co. ings 43.68 Northern Trust Co. Savings. . .. 4-00.00 Donations-—F]0wErs 10.00 LibertyBunds‘,.............. 50.00 $2,378.47 Sundry 120.40 $4,340.31

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