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BAHAWI THE BULLETIN UIL NEWS LETT 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 JANUARY, 1923 STATEMENT BY THE TREASURER ABDUT THE PLAN OF UNIFIED ACTION A little analysis of the accompanying financial 51:-sttment will bring to light a number of interesting facts. First and most important is that no perceptible progress is being made. toward its real purpose, that is, the accumulaticm of for the Temple structure. One does not have to figure very much to see that at the present rate of income it would take about nine years to accumulate. the amount a1'-rned at -by the Plan, even provided every activity Of the Cause that involved an ditu-re were stopped. The Temple property as it stands would have in do without 21 carfitaker, no moneys could be spent for maintainance. The teachers could not travel to present the Cause to new souls or to stimulate the life at older grnups. The Green Acre properties euuld not be maintained. The fact isr very likely they would net come into pussession of the -Cause at all, 1for unless we could administer them the Green Acre trustees would not be justified in making the transfer. The Star of the West would have to be discontinued, nor could any money be sent to the International Fund. In short, even were every activity of the Cause cut off and all income from every source devoted to the Temple, it would take more than nine years tn accumulate the amount -necessary to ‘begin construction on the Temple again. Is it not reasonable, however, to assume that if the Natitanal ‘Spiritual Assembly did adopt such an attitude and definitely cut nit all of these expenditures and so deprive the Cause in fiimeriea of these activities that the income we would definitely drop off, for it will be seen that quite a large proportion of the |:entri.huti0ns come to the treasurer designated fer a particular purpose. May it not be reasonable to assume that those who are interested in a particular activity will contribute teward it. The National Spiritual Assembly is to accept whatever service anyone wishes to render to the Cause, therefore, when one who has previously richly given toward the Plan of Unified Action and offers a specific contribution toward an activitgi that is a part of the program oi the Plan, the treasurer must of necessity accept such contributions. It has happened ‘£00, that friends have offered sums for purposes that were not in the Plan of Unified Action and there too, the National Spiritual Assembly has felt very much inclined to accept and to work with these interested unes as fear as possible. For is it not all directed toward the great end in view, the spread of the heavenly teachings. The Guardian, however, has repeatedly reminded the friends to hold to the Plan and not to inaugurate new activities, and it is thought now that fortified -by these instructions the National Spiritual Assembly will be able to point out to everyone the need of concentration during this period of the Plan. We must not lose sight of the fact that our finaneial report reveals an active -Cause in America. The various headings under which we -account for moneys received or expended show that these various departrnents are active, an ever-increasing number of believers are engaged directiy in the service of one or -more of them. We have these living departments that need the support of the .bc1icvers; is meaning of Urganization. Many of the friends throughout the country lament Tzwzcause they feel themselves to spread the Cause as they would wish to do. There are a number of communities that have for years been unable he grew and have not Ybeen able to add te their numliners. It is the purpose of the Plan of Unified Action to actively assist such communities, but it needs the support of these friends to enable it to increase the circuits of teachers and to -make effective the organized effort in every community. Should we not all welcome a. stronger organization and mail-re the necessary sacrifice tu assist? The P131; crf Unified Acticvn, it mus?
“The Nsws LETTER which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vita] function and has been started admirably well. urge you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devoticmal, hum.:|.nil:arian,~ financial, educational and otherwise. That it may attain its object it must combine the essential qualifies of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, and shouild become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahifi activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combat ing and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike in every corner of the globe. I cherish -great hopes for its immediate future, and I trust you wiil devote your special attention to its development, and by devising well-conceived and world-wide measures trans form this NEWS LETTER into what I hope will become the foremost Bahéfi journal of the world."Snocm Errzunx. BAHA'I NEWS LETTER be understood, is not only to enable us to build the Mashriq'ul-Adhkér, but to enable all unitedly to do what is necessary to keep the light of Bahi in this land and to enable all to unite in the spread of the Message, -so that in the end it my be found that we, through combined effort, were able to do what we as individuals found impossible. There is no question that the Plan of Unified Action requires us to make sacrifice. It is not a question of being really able to afford to give, it is rather a. question of the measure of Our devotion to the Cause; nor is it a question of policy for the Bahz't'i's to consider 'but rather a question of -loyalty toélle very foundation of the -Cause itse . The responsibility of the administration of the Cause was placed upon the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. These were chosen by the people and naturally they are entitled to their support. The Plan of Unified Action was conceived -by that body and the Guardian has himself given to it his approval and support. Of this there can The no doubt as will be seen by the quotations from letters that he has written to the treasurer (printed under a separate heading) when each month he _mal-ces his personal remittance to the Plan. Is it not therefore meet that we should, while there is still time, devise some way in which we may still do our part to carry the Plan through to success. Much precious time ‘is 'lost but the members of the -National Spiritual Assembly have received a number of intimations and suggestions that there are those who would make an extreme to make up -the deficit in the Budget Fund, so that the National Spiritual ‘Assembly could place these moneys in the permanent building fund for the Temple. Recently also word has come through a group of returned pilgrims that the Guardian wishes the community in Chicago tp undertake fitting the Temple foundalion structure so that same may become available for meetings. This will, of course, involve a considerable expense and it may well mean that the National Fund will be called upon to help to defray the sum in part, at least. The Chicago community is eager to undertake the work. The -National Spiritual Assembly stands ready to assist in every possible way, but the larger National issue that is before all of the believers is the actual carrying through to success of the Plan of Unified Action. _Pe;'haPS 311 these things are new g-uidances toward the ultimate of the Plan. Would it not be We'll for us all to accept this as so and carry forward together. Those who have large amounts that they could give should do so with every confidence in the National Spiritual Assembly that it will be placed in the Temple Building Fund when the immediate need of the Budget Plan has been met. Those who can give but little do so, so that the end of the three year period of the Budget Plan may still see it win and thereby gladden the heart of our beloved Guardian and inspire the world with the demonstration of faith in Bahé that may well be the means of the world’s salvation. SCHEFFLER, Treasurer. Extracts of Letters Written by the Guardian to the Treasurer of the National‘ Spiritual Assembly About the Plan of Unified Action Oct. 16, 1926. My dear co-worker: I am glad to hear from a recent -letter of the increasing interest and support of the friends to the Plan. We must continually repeat, appeal and urge them to realize a.-fresh the vital urgency of the task lbefore them. I am herewith enclosing the sum of $95 as my Uctaber contribution towards the Plan for Unified Action. Please assure the friends of my continued prayers for the success of their persistent efforts and devoted labors for the spread of the Cause. Your true brother, Snocm. Nov. 1, 1926. My dear co-worker: I am anxious to learn of the response of the friends to the Plan for Unified Action since June 30th. I attach extreme importance to it and I wish you to concentrate your splendid efforts on this so as to insure its success. So much that is vital depends upon this Plan. We must at all costs make it a success. for its -fai-lure would be a ajeflection on the Cause and would delay indefinitely and lamentably the construction of the Temple. Exert every effort along this line and rest assured of my constant prayers for the success of your cflforts. Your true lbrother, Saocm. Ian. 8, 192?. My dear and valued co-worker: It is my earnest hope and prayer that the -friends will more universally. substantially and regularly contribute to this Plan. They should be strenuously and continually urged to do so.
The National Assen1bly must be on their guard and watch carefully the deveiopments of the activities of the friends last any new issue should arise that would tend to obscure the most vital issue which is of paramount importance, lest it should dissipate the energies of the friends and cause this Plan to fall into the background. I will continue to supplicate the blessings of upon your highly valued efforts. Your true brother, Snocnr. March 23, 1927. My dear and valuad co-worker: I am enclosing my April contribution to the National Fund. It is a matter of deep concern to me that the response of the -‘believers to the cail embodied in the Plan of Unified Action has been so feeble and uncertain. The National Assembly, while not justified to oppose specific eomributjone for newly originated activities, should -by every means in its power impress upon the friends the paramount necessity of unlabelled contributions to the National Fund. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkér undoubtedly constitutes the most important item in the activities provided by the Plan, -but these must not be unduly restricted or neglected in order to further the interests of the Temple. I would be grieved to learn that any believer would ever attempt to support an activity that lies outside the province of the Plan and would neglect thereby his sacred obligation towards the Budget. May the believers, one and all, arise to support the Plan as they have never done before and With all the resources at their disposal secure its triumph. Saocm. 4 June 23, 1927. My dear Bahifi brother: I am instructed by my beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi, to forvgard to you the enclosed checque of $95 as his contrilbution to the Budget for the month of He earnestly hopes that the friends have by now realized the supreme necessity of contributing regularly and unlabelled towards the Plan of Unified Action which is the corner stone of administration for this coming year. Wishing you success in your un -sparing to promote the Plan, I am, Yours sincerely, R. RABBANI. August 1-6, 1927. Dear and valued co-worker: I know full weil how exacting your task is and I fully appreciate your difficult pusition. Perseverance will a-lone ensure the success of the work to which we are so closely attached and I trust that you will continue to acquaint the friends with every development of your work that confidence may grow deeper and result in a wider and more substantial response. Do lose heart and remember aiways the eventual success of God’s Divine Plan. Your true brother, SIHOGHI. September 29. 1927. My dear co-worker: It is my earnest hope that the Cause will not incur further liabilities this year and I want you to urge the Na tional Assernibly t0 be axceedingly careful in voting appropriations that are not strictly urgeni and necessa-ry at present. We must c|:mccntratc on vqhat is specified and stressed in the Budget for the coming yaar. With ‘best wishes, Snocm. Letter from Business Manager of Magazine Dear co-worker: A very recent letter from our Guardian encourages us to believe that the Star of the West is shining more brightly and radiating its effulgent rays more widely throughout the world. This message stimulates us to bring to your attention a plan for cooperation in securing the more effective use of our magazine as a -method of teaching the Cause. Our plan is a very simple one and we know that you will be glad to cooperate with this in carrying out the following recent wishes of our Guardian: . . . there should ‘be no difficulties concerning it, since every assembly and every individual will support it.” We take pleasure in offering you the opportunity-of securing 10 or more copies of the magazine of any one]-ssue at the rate of 15 cents per copy. We suggest that each believer, as far as practicable, ‘buy 10 or more copies of some recent issue and give them to friends and acquaintances. If you will send us the names and addresses of the people to whom you wish the magazine sent, we will mail them out with attractive greeting card. We hope that each and every believer that reads this letter will make it a matter of personal service, and rise to cooperate with us in bringing this most effective teaching medium to the attention of the people of this country and Canada. Through such service you will not only be doing direct teaching but assisting the National Spiritual Assembly to carry out the Guardian's wishes with relation to the consummation of the Plan for Unified Action. In the November issue just published appears the beginning of two most interesting series of articles; one by an English .'bel'iever that was brought to the attention of the editors by our Guardian and the other a thrilling recital of the recent experiences of one of our Canadian believers. All of your friends will find these articles, as well as the other material of each issue, of deep and timely interest. We are counting on you for your earnest cooperation in helping us carry out this plan. Your humble co-worker, A. B. MCDANIEL, Business Manager, The Bah5.’i Magazine. Recent Teaching Work of Mr. Albert R. Nail During the autumn Mr. Vail has been teaching in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Peoria and Urbana, and spent two weeks in Washington at the time of the Amity Convention in that city. He has 8.150 spoken often in Chicago and suburbs giving many addresses to the interracial gatherings which the Chicago committee has so splendidly arranged in forums, churches, cluibs, collegiate groups, and special classes on the south side of Chicago. The Amity Convention in Washington and the many meetings following it revealed also in new -brilliance the spiritual outpourings whidh descend upon those gatherings where the colored and white races come together. These meetings demonstrate to our strife threatened world the power of to establish the oneness of mankind. Mr. Vail has also spoken to various college gatherings and groups of students and educators who respond immediately to the program for universal, technical, scientific and spiritual education. There is arising a ~remarka.b1e group of new believers who have set themselves the glorious task of living the Bahé.'i life. Some of them have bad marvelous vision of the spiritual realof the Cause. Some have been quite reborn. They are adding new enthusiasm and spiritual efi'ec'tiveness to the teaching campaign. Change of Address Secretaries are requested to note the foilowing change in the directory sued to national committees and local Spirit-ual Assemblies last summer: Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Miss Anne M. Savage, secretary. Montreal Center, 1456 Union Avenue.
Staiement of Cash Receipts and Disbursement: for Period July 1, to October 31, 192? Meeting with Delegates of 1927 seven P, M. A public Inter-Racial will attend.‘ These sessions will be re Chicago, on Saturday, January 21, believers throughout the Middie West
able. Mankind." Consisting of sixty-four pages of text embodying the creative word and spirit of and on this most important subject, and attractively bound in strong paper covers, this compilation fills a great need especially in America, and will surely ‘be widely used by the friends both for study and for giving to interested souls. The price per is 25 cents. With the Guardian’s approval, a rnap drawn by Mr. J. F. Clevenger oi the B31151? community of Washi-ngton. D. C., to show the journeys of the Bab and Bahilfllih during Their period of exile and oppression has -been reproduced in the size of ten by twelve and ca-ne—ha1f inches, suitable for framing. This is a valuable euntri-bution to the documents of the Cause. Copies can be obtained at 10 cents each. Local secretaries and "believers de Siting to preserve their Baha'i PHIPETS may obtain leather hinders stamped with the Greatest Name in gold. This binder holds papers size 3 -by inches. The price is $1.50 each. The Publishing Committee needs copifis DE Severn Talks, and Tablets of 'Pub-du'1-Bahfl volumes one, two and three. Where local consignments of hanks will allow the return of copies of these books, full credit will -be allowed -the Assemblies. Copies sent should be in good condition. New Assembly Headquarters In addition to the new home occupied by the Bahrifis of Hunoluiu already mentioned, the believers of B05ton have recently taken rooms at 12 Huntington Avenue and the New York friends moved shortly after October first to 119 West 57th Street. This meetingplace has a leeture hall accummedating over two hundred people, charming library, also used for mittee meetings, and a large kitchen; Program of Detroit Assembly A beautifully printed program of sixteen pages has been issued by the Detroit believers. This contains all meetings and feasts, with subjects and names of s akers, from September F, 192?, to ‘Fine 2?, 1928. A vast arneunt of labor is implied by these comprehensive arrangements, and the new program will undoubtedly result in extending the teaching to many new people. A Radio Address On F, Mrs. Stuart W. Fremth of Pasadena, delivered a talk on the Principles at KFI- This important accnmplishment suggests the of a few talented friends making a to study the art of broadcasting and cuncentrating an the ideal of securing a. regular place on some radio program. Shurt_ talks on current events, from the point of view of world unity, would 1' E well prepared command the attention directors awake. tn the new possibiiities of this day. International Meeting; in Seattle The Spiritual Assembly of Seattle have begun a series of public meetings which are bringing great numbers of people to their hall. These meetings are in the nature of iuternat-icmal evenings. People of all races and nationalities are invited, and the program includes brief statements on arnity and cooperation by a few leading citizens of the city. The first meeting was followed by :1 supper conference attended by representatives of various religions and races to plan further efEort along cooperative lines. The good news also comes from Seattle that 3. Childrenfs Garden Feast brought out children, who responded delightfully to the message of inter-racial friendliness given by Mrs. Finch. The combined effort of Mrs. Finch and Mrs. Lorrel Luther has developed a study group at Monroe, 21 town some fifty miles from Seattle, by which four confirmed believers have already been added to the Cause. LETTERS FROM SI-IOGHI EFFENDI To the Honored Members of the Bahéfi National Spiritual Assemblies Throughout the West My dear fellow-workers: feelings of burning tion I find myself impelled to acquaint you with various events that have reeently transpired in Persia. Though in their immediatfl effect these happenings may prove gravely disquieting to the followers of the Faith in Persia and elsewhere, yet they cannot but eventually eentr-ibute-to the strengthening and of the Cause we steadfastly love and serve. I refer to the treacherous conduct of a professed adherent of the teaching of by the name of Avarih, hitherto regarded as a respected teacher of the Cause, and not unknown by a few of its followers in Europe. Of a nature and character whom those who have learned to know him well have never ceased to despise, even in the brightest clays ef his public career in the Cause, he has of late been driven by the force of circumstances which his shunt-sightedness has gravely rn1'scal— culated to throw off the mask which for so many years hid his hideous self. The sudden remove.-1 of the cornroaoding personality of our beloved t-he confused consternation. that seized His followers in the years immediately succeeding His passing; the reputation which to superficial eyes he had acquired by his travels in Europe; the success attending his voluminous compilation of the h-istory of the and other circumstances emboldened him to launch a carnpaign of insin-nation and fraud aiming at the eventual Overthrnw of the institutions expressly provided by He saw
clearly his chance in the complete disruption oi the Cause to capture the allegiance if not of the whole worldwide Bahi'i community of at least a considerable section of its followers in the East. No sooner had his evil whisperings reached the ears of the loyal and vigilant followers of than they arose with overwhelming force and unhes-itating determination to denounce him as a dangerous enemy seeking to undermine the faith and sap the loyalty of the adherents of the Cause of God. Shunned by the entire body of the believers, abandoned by his life-long and mostuintimaxe friends, cleser-ted by his wife, separated from his only child, refused admittance into even his own home, denied of the profit he hoped to derive from the sale and circulation of his book, -he found to his utter amazement and remorse his best hopes irretrievably shattered. Forsaken and bankrupt, and in desperate rage, he now with audacity sought to expose to friend and foe, the {utility and hollowness which he attributed to the Cause, thereby revealing the depths of his own degradation and folly. He has with bitter hatred conspired with the fanatical clergy and the orthodox members of foreign Missions in Tihran, allied himself with every hostile element in the Capital, directed with fiendish tlety his appeal to the highest dignitaries of the State and sought by every method to secure financial assistance for the furtherance of his aim. Not content with an infamous denunciation of the originality and cacy of the teachings and principles of the Cause, not satisfied with a tejection of the authenticity of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bah.5., he has dared to attack the exalted person of the Author and Founder of the Faith, and to impute to its Forerunner and true Exemplar the vilest motives and most incredible intentions. He has most ma.1~ignan-tly s-triven to revive the not unfamiliar accusation of representing the true lovers of Persia as the sworn enemies of every form of established authority in that land, the unrelenting disturbers of its peace, the chief obstacles to its unity and the determined wreckers of the venerated faith of Islam. By every artifice which a sordid and treachernus mind can devise he has sought in the pages of his book to strike terror in the heart of the confident believer, to sow the seeds of doubt in the mind of the well-disposed and friendly, to poison the thoughts of the indifferent and to reinforce the power of the assaulting weapon of the adversary. But, alas! he has labored in vain, oblivious of the fact, that all the pomp and powers of royalty, all the concerted efforts of the mightiest potentates of Islam, all the ingenious devices to which the crueilest torturemongers of a cruel race have for wellnigh a century resorted, have proved nne and all impotent to stem the tide of the beloved Faith or to extinguish its flame. Surely, if we read the history of this Cause aright, we cannot fail to observe that the East has already witnessed not a few of its sonsof wider experience, of a. higher standing, of a greater influence, apostatize their faith, find themselves 'to their utter consternation lose whatsoever talent possessed, recede swiftly into the shadows of oblivion and be heard of no more. Should ever his book secure widespread circulation in the West, should it ever confuse thc mind of the misinformed and stranger, I have no doubt that the various Bahzifi National Spiritual Assemblies, throughout the ern world, will with the wh0le-hearted and sustained support of local Assemblies and individual believers arise with heart and soul for the defence of the irnpregnable stronghold of the Cause of God, for the vindication of the sacredness and sublirnity of the Bashéfi Teachings, and for the condemnation, in the eyes of those who are in authority, of one who has so basely dared to assaii, not only the tenets, but the holy person of the recognized Founder of an established and world-wide Fa-ith. Your true brother, Haifa, Palestine; October l.7th, 1927. To the Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahffis of the United States and Canada DearIy~heloved co-workers: I have already expressed indirectly my views with regard to various secondary issues raised in your latest communications to me dated May 23, June 10, 21, July 11, I4, 15 and 25 August 7 and September 28; and I wish in this letter to deal more particularly with such matters of primary importance as the conduct and the growth of Bahéfi administration. The perusal of these communications replete with the news of steadily multiplying activities and newly conceived plans, all of w'hich I as heretofore appreciate and welcome, has made me feel however that the time seems now opportune to utter a word of caution and warning to those who with unceasing zest labor to give befitting embodiment to those latent energies released by the Message of lléh. Much as I rejoice in witnessing the abundant signs of unfaltering energy that characterize in various fields and distant lands the mission of the valiant warriors of the Cause, I cannot help observing that, driven by their impetous eagerness to establish the undisputed reign of on this earth, they may by an undue multiplication of their activities, and the conse— quent dissipation of forces, dethe very purpose which animates them in the pursuit of their glorious task. Particularly do I feel thatthis hecessity for a careful estimation of the resources at our ‘disposal and of restraint in handling them applies in a. peculiar manner to the swiftly expanding act.iv'it~ies of the American believers, whose mission increasingly appears to be to give the lead and set the example to their brethren across the seas in laying a secure foundation for the permanent institutions of the Faith. That I feel is chiefly the reason why such stress has been laid in the past upon the necessity for consultation on the part of individual believers with their elected national representatives in the matter of initiating plans of action above and beyond the plans which the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly have already evolved. In the matter of affiliation with bodies and organizations that advocate ideals and principles that are in sympathy with the Bahifi Revelation; in establishing magazines beyond those that ‘already are designed to advance openly and indirectly the interests of the Bah5.'i Teachings; in the financial support we may sooner or later be called upon to extend to philanthropic institutions and the Like; in advancing the cause of any particular activity to which we may feel sentimentally inc1ined;—tl1ese, as well as all similar undertakings, we should only approach after having definitely ascertained, through careful deliberation with those who are in a responsible position, that the institutions representing the paramount interests of the Cause are already assured of adequate and continuous assistance. Nothing short
of the spirit of earnest and sustained consultation with those whom we have prayerfully and of our own accord placed in the forefront of those who are the custodians of the priceless heritage bequeathed by nothing lcss than persistent and strenuous warfare against our own instincts and natural inclinations, and heroic selfsacrifice in subordinating our own likings to the imperative requirements of the Cause of God, can ensure our undivided loyalty to so sacred a principle principle that will for all time safeguard our bolcwcd Cause from the allurements and the tr-iv-ialities of the world without, and of the file self within. I entreat you, wellbeloved brethren, to resolve as you have never resolved before to pledge undying loyalty and sleepless ‘vigilance in upholding so essential a principle in the course of your manifold activities, th’at yours may be the abiding satisfaction of having done nothing that may tend in the least to impede the flow or obscure the radiance of the rejuvenating spirit of the Faith of Touching the recent decision of the National Spiritual Assembly to place as much as possible of the current details of the work in -the hands of its national committees, I feel I should point out that this raises -a fundamental issue of paramount importance, as it involves a unique principle in the administration of the Cause, governing the relations -that should be maintained between the central administrative body and its assisting organs of executive and legislative action. As it has been observed already, the role of these committees set up by the National Spiritual Assembly, the renewal, the membership and functions of should be reconsidered separately each year by the incoming National Assembly, is chiefly to make thorough and expert study of the issue entrusted to their charge, advise by their reports, and assist in the execution of the decisions which in vital matters are to be exclusively and directly rendered by the Nat-ion_al Assembly. The utmost vigilance, the most strenuous exertion is required by them if they wish to fulfill as befits -their high and responsible calling, the functions which it is theirs to discharge. They should, within the limits imposed upon them by present-day circumstances, endeavor to maintain the balance in such a manner that the evils of over-centralization which clog, confuse and in the long run depreciate the value of the services rendered shall on one hand he entirely avoided, and on the other the perils of utter decentralization with the consequent lapse of governing thority from the hands of the national representatives of the believers nitely averted. The absorption of the pebty details of administration by the personnel of the National Spiritual Assembly is manifestly injurious to eFficiency and an expert discharge of duties, whilst the granting of undue discretion to bodies that should be regarded in no other light than that of expert advisers and executive assistants would jeopardize the very vital and pervading powers that are the sacred prerogatives of bodies that in time will evolve into National Houses of Justice. I am fully aware of the strain and sacrifice which a loyal adherence to such an essential principle of administration—a principle that will at once ennoble and distinguish the Bahrffi method of administration from the prevailing systems of the world—demands from -the national representatives of the believers at this early stage of our evolution. Yet I feel I cannot refrain from stressing the broad lines along which the affairs of the Cause should be increasingly conducted, the knowledge of which is so essential at this formative period of administrative institutions. As already intimarted, I have read and re-read most carefully the final draft of the By-Laws drawn up by that highiy-ta‘-lented, much-loved servant of Bah:'L’u'llah, Moun-tfort Mills, and feel I have nothing substantial to add to this first and very creditable attempt at codifying the principles OE general administration. I heartily and unhesitatingly commend it to the earnest perusal of, and its loyal adoption by, every National Spiritual Assembly, whether constituted in the East or in -the West. I would ask you particularly to send copies of the text of this document of fundamental importance accompanied by copies of Declaration of Trust and the text of -the Indenture of Trust. to every existing National Spiritual Assembly, with my insistent request to study the provisions, comprehend its implications, and endeavor to incorporate it, to the extent that their own circumstances permit, within the frame work of their own national activitics. You can but faintly imagine how conforting a stimulant and how helpful a guide its publication and circulation will be to those patient and toiling workers in Eastern lands, and particularly Persia, who in the midst of. uncertainties and almost insuperable obstacles are straining every nerve in order to establish the world order ushered in by You can hardly realize how substantially it will contribute to pave the way for the elaboration of the beginnings of the constitution of the world-wide Community that will form the permanent basis upon which the blest and sanctified edifice of the first International Holuse justice will securely rest and flourish. I would specifically remind you that in the text of -the said By-1Laws which to the outside world represents the expression of the aspirations, the mortives and objects that animate the collective responsibilities of Feldue emphasis should not be placed only on the concentrated authority, the rights, the privileges and prerogatives enjoyed by the elected national representatives of the believers, but that special stress be Laid also on their responsibilities as willing ministers, faithful stewards and loyal trustees to those who have chosen them- Let it be made clear to every inquiring reader that among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon those who have been called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the affairs of the Cause, are those that require them to win by every means in their power the confidence and affection of those whom it is their privilege -to serve. Theirs is the duty to investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments, the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obligation to promote. Theirs is th_e duty to purge once for all their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs from that air of selfconfiained aloufrless, from the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness, in short, from every word and deed‘ that might savor of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice. Theirs is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide information, ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the most humble and insignificant members of the Family, expose their motives, set forth their plans, justify their actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the sense of inter-dependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual confidence between them on one hand and all local Assemblies and individual believers on the other. As to the state of in Persia,
where the circumstances related in a previous circular letter have had their share in intensifying the chronic state of instability and insecurity that prevail, grave concern has been felt lest the support, both moral and financial, anticipated from the bigoted elements of foreign Missions in the Capital should lead to an extension of its circulation in the W'cst, and thus inflict, however slight, a damage on the prestigc and fair name of our beloved Cans-.2. These internal a:gita.ti0nS, hhwever, coinciding as they have done with outbursts of sectarian fanaticism from without, accompanied by isolated cause of fresh persecution in Kirman and elsewhere, have failed to exasperate and exhaust the heroic patience of the steadfast lovers of -the Cause. They have even failed to becloud the serenity of their faith in the inevitable approach oi the breaking of a brighter dawn for their afflicted country. Undeterrcd and undismayed, they have replied -to the defiance of the traitor within, and the assaults oi the enemy without by a striking re-a umation of theif" unbroken solidarity ‘and ible resolve to build with infinite pa.ticnce and toil on the sure foundations laid for them by With. their traditinna_l_ fidelity and §:l_1aracteristicdrigor, Hie unimaginable hindrances they have to face, they have convened their first historic representative conference of various delegates from the nine leading provinces of Persia, -have evolved plans for holding every year as fully representative a convention of Bahéfi delegates in Persia as circumstances permit, and modelled after the method pursued by their brethren in the United States and Canada. They have reconstituted and defined limits of the hitherto confused administrative divisions throughout the length and breadth of their land. They have adopted various resolutions of vital importance, the chief ones among them aiming at the reorganization of the institution of the National Fund, the consolidation and extension of their national campaign of Teaching, the strengthening of the bonds that un-ite them with the local and national Assemblies at home and abroad, the establishment of primary educational institutions in towns and villages, the raising of the social and educational standard of women, irrespective of seat and cast, and the reinforcement of those forces that tend to raise the moral, cultural and material standard c-E their felloweountrymen. Surely, to an unbiased observer of the -present state of affairs in Persia, these resolutions, backed by BAH NEWS LETTER the creative energy inherent in the power of the Word of God, mark not only a milestone on the road of the progress of the Persian believers, but constitute as well a. notable landmark in the chequered history of their own country. The warm hospitality accorded by the National Spiritual Assembly and the American believers to my dear cousin and co-laborator, Ruhi Effendi, has deeply -touched me, particularly as I realize from the appreciative reports I have recently received that by his radiant and earnest spirit of service he has deserved well of his dear fellow-workers in that continent, and contributed substantially to their better appreciation of the Teachings of the Cause. Much as I desire him to work by my side here in -the Holy Land, I very gladly concur with your wish to further extend his sojourns with you, trusting that he will prove of great assistance to you all in the discharge of your noble task. And now in conclusion, may I be permitted to direct your attention to the lesson which the trend of world events brings home to us, the little band of His chosen workers who, aceording to the intelligent efforts we exert, can prove ourselves the determining factor in the immediate fortunes of the society we lrve ‘in. As we witness on all sides the growing restlessness of a. restless age, we are filled with mixed reelings of fear and hope —-fear, at the prospect of yet another deadly encounter, the inevitability of which is alas! becoming increasingly manifest; hope, in the serene assurance that whatever cataclysm may yet visit humanity, it cannot but hasten the approaching era of universal and lasting peace so emphatically proclaimed by the Pen of In the political domain, where we have lately witnessed, in the council of the leading nations of the world, the surrender of humanitgfls noblest conception to what may be regarded only as a transient phase in the life of peoples and nations; in the ind_ustria-1 world, where the representatives of the wage-earm Eng classes, either through violence or persuasion, are capturing the seats of authority and wielding the sceptre of power; in the field of religion, where we have lately witnessed widespread and organized attempts to broaden and simplify the basis of man's faith, to achieve unity in Christendom and restore the regenerating vigor of Islam; in the heart of society itself, where the ominous signs of increasing extrav agance and profligacy are but lending fresh impetus to the forces of revolt and reaction that are growing mare distinct every day—in these as in many others we have much cause for alarm, but much to be hopeful and thankful for 21-150. To take but One instance more fully: Observe the fierce and as yet unsilenced dispute which the proposal for the introduction of a binding and universal pact of sion among the nations of Europe has - aroused among the avowed supporters of the of Nations—a League so auspiciously welcomed for the ideal that prompted its birth, yet now so attenly inadequate in the actual prim ciples that underlie its present-day struoture 'and wqrking. And yet, in the -great outcry raised by post-war nationalism in blindly defending and upholding the unfettercd supremacy of its own sovereignty, and in repudiating unreservedly the conception of a world super-state, can we not discern the re-enactment only on a. larger scale of the drama:-ic struggles that heralded the birth of -the reconstructed and unified nations of the West? Has not authentic history clearly revealed in the case of these nations the painful yet inevitable merging of rival, -particularistic and independent cities and pr'in<.-ipalitierinto une unified na1-ional entity, the evolving of a crude and narrow creed into a nobler and wider conception? Is not a parallel struggle being new mnifested on the world stage of ever-advancing h1.1manity? Can it lead to any other result than It.1-nat which shall the truth of humanity’s onward march towards an ever-widening conception, and the ever-brightening glory of its destiny? Reverses and setbacks, such as we have already witnessed, no doubt will retard the ripening of the choicest fruit. on the tree of human development. Yet the fierceness of controversy, the weight of argument advanced in its disfavor, cannot but contribute to the broadening of the basis and the consolidation of the foundations upon which the stately edifice of unified mankind must ultimately rest. Let us take heart therefore, and labor with renewed vigor and deepened understanding to contribute our share to -those forces which, whether or not cognizant of the regenerating Faith of in this age, are operating, each in its respective sphere and under His all-encompassing guidance, for the uplift and the salvation of humanity. Your true brother, SHOGHI. Haifa, Palestine, Ottober 18, 1927.
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