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I News Notes. . Editorials H Persian Section (Illustrated) . . . The Mashrak-el-Azkar—-A word of explanation by Charles Mason Rczney, and report of Financial Secretary.. Ghodsia Ashraf first Persian girl to be sent to America to complete her education . . sian-American Educational Society (Illustrated) 3 PAGE Report of First Annual Conference of the Per CONTENTS. Vol... II. August 1, 1911. Nos. 7 and 8..
STAR 011’ THE WEST ASSEMBLIES IN THE OCCIDEN1‘. AFRICA CAPE TOW.\'.—-Regular meeting held on the 19th of every month at the home of (.\Irs.) Agnes Cook, Gad‘s Hill, Avenue Peoiea, Sea Point. CANADA. MONTREAL, QUE.—Weckly -meeting held Friday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Maxwell, 716 Pine Avenue. ENGLAND. GERMANY. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AKRQN, OIIIO.—Meetings every Thursday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Russell L. Rrooker, 29 Hawthorne Avenue. Mn.—Regular weekly meetings Tuesday evening at 629 West North Avenue. and Sunday evening at 516 Broadway. Residence of Secretary, 629 West North Avenue. Barman, MIc11.——Meetings are held at alternate homes the first and third Sundays of the month. Address, Mr. Byron S. Lane, R. F. D. 5. CHICAGO, weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m., at Corinthian Hall, 17th floor Masonic Temple, State and Randolph Streets. Address of Assemlmly. P. O. Box 283. George Lesch, Secretary. Bahais coming to Chicago who wish to be met at the railroad station and be put into communication with the friends in this city. may address Mrs. Charles H. Greenleaf, 4855 Kenmore Avenue. Telephone Ravenswood 3025. CINCINNATI, 011I0.—1\Ieetings held Wednesday evening at the homes of the friends. R0sidence of Secretary, Mrs. Annle L. Parmerton, 543 Mitchell Avenue. Cnnvzmmn, OHIO.—RPgIllal‘ weekly meeting of the Assembly Friday evenings, at the apartment of Dr. Pauline Baa-1011-Peeke, 3606 Pros .\'Irs. Nels Peterson. Mrs. John Dermo, Secretary. NEW YORK, N. Y.—I{egular weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m., at Genealogical Hall, 226 West 58th Street. OAKLAND, C.u..--Charles R. Lee, Secretary. 1523 Jackson Street, San Francisco. Mrs. Cordic Cline, Corresponding Secretary, 233 Avenue, San Mateo, Cal. SEATTLE. WAsu.—Regular wc-ckly meeting held at 2916 Beacon Avenue, South.
STAR OF THE WEST Vol. II Chicago (Aug. 1, 1911) Asma Nos. 7 and 8 First Annual C0nfe1'e11ce of the Pe1'sia11-Ame1'ican Flclucaiioual Society, held at Washington, June 16-17', 1911, is now a matter of history, and the verdict of all concerned is unanimously to the effect that it was a complete success. Several societies and organizations sent delegates, the attendance at the sessions was gratifyingly large, eloquent speakers of national reputation and men of high position contributed their services, and immeasurable good was done, DELEGATES AND FRIENDS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE PERSIAN-AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY. not only for the erlueational work, but for the welfare of Persia. Thus great ends were server] by a united elfort, starterl little more than a year ago. Probably the central figure of attrac:tion—an interest shared, and justly so, by the able founder, Mirza Ahmad S0hrab—was Ghodsia Khanum, the little lady from Persia, whose arrival in this country for the purpose of obtaining an Am0ri('-an education was well-timed for the purposes of the Conference.
with her were published in the leading and her mception at Rauscher’s 1-lull, Sat111'day, June was a notable [eat11re of the The public sessions of the Conference were held in the hall of the Washington Public which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion with the emblems of Persia and the United States, while costly Persian rugs and curious brie-a-brac, loaned by the Persian Legation, mingled well with palms and oak leaves in a sumptuous oriental effect. The first session was called to order at 10 a. 1n., Friday, June 16th, with the President, Williarn H. Hoar, of New York City, in the Chair. The invocation was p1'0110unee(l by Rev. Willialn D. Moss. Following the Chairman’s opening zlddress, in which the objects of the Conference were ably set out, a commlulication and an address from Mirza Ali Kuli Khan, Charge of Persia, were read by the Secretary. The address most interestingly outlined the methods being followed in the education of the young Shah of Persia. Congratnlatory telegrams and cablegrams were read, the points represented being Teheran, Paris; New York, by Roy 0. Wilhelm; Boston, Mass., by Alfred E. Lunt; Kenosha, Wis, by B. M. Jaeobsen; Montreal, Canada, by Dr. Ameen ‘J. Fareed. The next speaker was Hon. Elmer Ellsworth Brown, U. S. Commissioner of Education, who discussed the topic of International Educational Relations. He was followed by Benj. F. Trueblood, Secretary of the American Peace Society. The Secretary then read extracts from his printed Annual Report, after which an adjournment was taken to permit photographs of the delegates and friends in attendance to be used by the American Press Association. The afternoon session of June 16th was ea led to order at 3 with Howard 1\-IacNutt, of Brooklyn, N. Y., in the Chair. The invocation was pronounced by Rev. W. W. Me1\-Iaster. The first address was by Hooper Harris, of York City, on the subject: “Is 1’ersia’s Future Safe?” He was followed by C. S. Donaldson, of the U. S. Bureau of Manufacturers, on “Commercial Relations between Persia and America.” Mrs. Fannie Fern Andrews, Secretary of the American School of Peace League, Boston, Mass., who was on the to speak, was unable to be present, on account of sudden illness, as announced in a telegranl. The concluding address was by Professor H. B. Ilollor, of Washington, who spoke on the aims of the Oriental L'nive1'sity. The third session commenced at 10 o’clock Saturday morning, June 17th, with Mr. Hooper of New York City, presiding. The opening prayer was delivered by Rev. W. R. Weddcrspoon. Prof. Edw. C. Gctsinger, of Washington, gave :1 talk on the subject of “Breakers Ahead of Persia,” warning the new against ,-'\merican financial methods as practiced by Wall Street. Howard of New York City, next spoke on “Reciprocity.” Professor Hermann Schoenfcld, of George Washington University, one-time Turkish Consul-General, gave an address on “Pcrsia’s Intornatio“.'1l Relations,” and Henry (3. lfinkelstein, Legal Attache of the Persian Lcgation, discussed “Persia and the Constitution.” Professor Arnauld Belmont, of the f:-iculty of
the Friends’ Select School, spoke on “The Future of the Orient, and the Responsibility of America.” Mirza Ahmad Sohrab presented a paper on the subject of “Persian Women,” and during the Convention talks and chants were given by (lhodsia Khanum. The Constitution of the “Orient-Occident was presented. A reception at Rausche1"s Hall the afternoon function of Saturday. The guest oi’ honor was The hall was beautifully decorated, and an at-tractive nulsical program was presented by Professor Arthur D. Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Richard P. Backing. An original poem was read by Mr. Joseph IT. Hannen. Refreshments, including sherbet, Persian punch and cakes, with bon-bons, were served, we the hall was crowded, despite an unusually raixiy afternoon. The closing session was on Saturday night. The newspapers had given liberal space and most comment, and the occasion had become well arherlised. The spacious Public Library Hall was filled to the doors. Mirza Almiad Sollrab presided. The reports of the Committees on Nominations and Resolutions were presented, after which, Hon. Theodore E. Burton, United States Senator from Ohio, spoke on “The Future International Policies of the United States.” This speech, which was eloquent and broad in its outlines, attractc(l considerable attention quite generally. Mrs. Lyda J. Yollng-Withee, of the League of American Pen-Women, gave an interesting and instructit-‘e talk on “Where is Persia?” and she was followed by Mirza S. with an illus~ trat/.-d lecture, “Persia, the Land of the Nightingale and the Rose,” which closely held the attention of the large audience until its close. Cablegralns, afterward sent to the Shah of Persia, the Persian Parliament, and the newspaper Iran were read, and thus closed one of the most successful gatherings of the many which have occurrecl in W ashington, “The Convention City.” The weather was most propitious, a cool and delightful spell inte1'\-'ening between the two warmer periods. All the sessions were well attended, particularly the two c-losing meetings. As the addresses of the speakers will be of general interest to the members of the Society, as well as others, it is planned to print them serially, instead of all in one v0lume—in- the form of monthly bul1etins—with a _photograph of each speaker as a frontispiece. At the end of the year, those who desire it, can bind them into one volume. All those desiring these interesting and instruc-tive addresses should subscribe for this bulletin, at the rate of one dollar per year. This subscription wil make them the associate members of the Society, entitle them to all its privileges. They will also receive the Secr0ta1'y’s repoi't—an illustrated fifty-page booklet, showing the activities of the Soeiety—as well as other literature issued at intervals from the headquarters. It is expected to publish the first bulletin in September, and all those who desire to receive it should subscribe without delay, as only a limited supply will be printed. No salaries are to be paid, therefore, all moneys contributed and subscribed will go toward printing and postage. Special arrangements will be made to those who desire
more than one copy for distribution among their i'rie11ds. All subsr:1'ipl.i0ns to be mailed to the 'J.‘1-casurer of the Persian.-American Educational Society, 1800 Belmont Roar], Washington, D. C. The first bulletin will contain a history of the Society, as Well as a penpicture of its first conference by an eye-witness. ‘The second issue will contain the address of the President of the Society on “What We Owe to 1’ersia"—a scholafly paper that every one will be greatly interested in reading. It will be of interest to all to know that Abdul-Baha heads the list of donors to the expenses of the Conference with the sum of $50.00. The total donations amounted to $399.64, while the expenses of the Conference amount to $148.16, showing a deficit of $48.52. We feel assured this deficit will be met promptly with the same generous spirit that .has'eha1'aeterized the noble supporters of this Conference. A llst of the Committees, the newl_y elected ofiicers, and a copy of the Resolutions, follows: OOMMITTEES. P-rog-ram Comm-itlce: Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Chairman, Joseph H. Hanncn, Arnauld Belmont. Rcsol-ut-ions Co1nm-ittec: Hooper Harris, Chairman, Mr. Howard Mr. E. (3. (letsinger. lfeccption Com-m-ittec: Mrs. Marian C. Hotchkiss, Chairman, Mrs. Howard S. R1-eside, Mrs. William C. Beck, Mrs. Leonard H. \Vilder, Miss Edith (lrosvenor, Mrs. J. A. De Tiangel, Miss Elizabeth Hopper, Miss Helen Miss Franii-es Hernc, Miss Margaret Green. Hall Committee: Arnauld Belmont, Chairman, Howard Struvon, Mrs. E. C. Dunlop, J. Woodward, Miss Hebe Moore, Miss Mary Little. Music Arthur D. Mayo, Chairnlan, Mrs. Walter Gawler, Mrs. W111. T. Reed, R. P. Backing, Miss Marion McFall, Miss Lillian Koo-ckling. Mirza Ahmad Soln-ab, Joseph H. Hannen, Edwin C. Reed, Elizabeth C. Dunlap, Mrs. Young-Withee. THE NEW OFFICERS. Mirza Ali K1111 Khan, Charge of Persia, Honorary President; William H. Hoar, of New York City, President; Howard S. Reoside, of Washington, First Vice-Prcsident ; Benjamin F. Trueblood, of Washington, Second Vice-President; Professor Herrmann Sohoenfeld, of Washington, Third Vice-President; Mrs. Agnes Parsons, of Washington, Fourth Vice-President; I-Ioopvr Harris, of New York City, Fifth Vice-President; Mirza. Ahmad Sohrab, of Treasurer ; Mrs. C. Dnnlop, of Kvashington, Assistant Treasurer; Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, of Washington, Secretary; Professor A1-nauld Belmont, of Washington, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Marian C. llotchkiss, of Washington, Librarian; Miss Margaret Green, of Washington, Assistant Librarian; Henry C. Finkclstein, 01' Washington, Gcneral Counsel. RESOLUTIONS. Whereas, The sentinlent of the age favors the establishment of closer bonds of friendship between the different members of the human family for their mutual advantage and in the interest of universal progress; therefore, be it That this Society holds itself in remliriess to co-operate with every organization and movement tending to create friendlier relations between the people of the Orient and the Occident. Whereas, The settlement of international diiferences by means other than war is rapidly coming to be recognized as a principle of modern civilization; therefore, be it Resolved, That this Conference endorses the action of President Taft and Sir Edward Grey in endeavoring to establish a. treaty between the United States and Great Britain providing for unlimited arbitration.
Wlmreas, The people of Persia are at this time engaged in a noble to establish their new Constitutional Government upon a firm political, commercial and financial basis; therefore, be it Resolved, That this Conference favors, and will do all in its power to bring about closer comnlerceial and financial relations between Persia and the United States. Whereas, The Persian Government asked for the appointment of a Commission of financial advisers by this country, to assist them in the reconstruction of its financial system, and such Commission has been appointed and is now in Persia; therefore, be it Resolved, That this Conference sincerely endorses the appointment of this Commission and confidently expects that it will be completely successful in its labors. l'-Vlwreas, At the present time the spread of public education in Persia is of prime importance to the people of that country and to the world; therefore, be it Resolved, That this Conference endorses the suggestion made during the course of its deliberations by Dr. Elmer Ellsworth Brown, Commissioner of Education of the United States, and recommends the appointment by the Persian Parliament of an Educational Commission to visit this country to study its public school system. Whereas, At the prvsent time Persia, Japan and China have no diplomatic relations with one another; therefore, be it Resolved, That this Conference suggests to these three countries the establishment of such diplomatic relations. Whereas, The interests of Persia and Turkey are closely interwoven and their territory adjacent; therefore, be it Resoivcd,‘ That it is the sincere desire of this conference that their interests be entirely reconciled and hearty co-operation established between them. Resolved, That the recommendations embodied in the report of the Secretary of the Persian-American Educational Society are hereby adopted. Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to send copies of these resolutions to the Charge of Persia. in this country, with the request -that he ofiicially forward copies of the same to the Persian Parliament and the Minister of Foreign Resolved, That we hereby record our sincere thanks and hearty appreciation of the kindness of the Trustees of the Public Library in permitting us to hold the sessions of our Conference in the Lecture Hall of this splendid building. Resolved, That this Conference offer a vote of thanks to our President, \Vil1iam Hoar, for his able work in furthering the aims of this Society. Resolved further That this Conference record its appreciation of th and ei¥ective work of’its Secretary, Joseph H. Hannen, in the preparation Zfuhisirizgofif 911:3 in the business of the Conferemi-e. P Resolved, That the name Persian-American lfiducational Society be retained - and Be it furt-72-er resolwd, That another Conference be called at the discretion of the of the Society, and that in the meantime the plan for the organization of the ()rientOccident Unity be perfected, to be presented at that Conference for adoption. It is hereby further resolve-(1, That we express and record our gratitude to our Persian brother and friend, "Mirza Ahma_d Sohrab, for untiring energy in furnishing the information and attending to the mnumerable details so indispensable to the work of this The following extract from the address on “Persian Women,” by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, delivered before the recent Conference of the Persian-American Education Society, fittingly introduces the reader to Ghodsia Ashraf Khanum,*
the charming young Persian girl who expects to make America her home for the next four years: For ages past the life of the Persian woman has been a monotonous dream, and on account of the stringent restrictions which hme been imposed upon her by the so-called lord and master of creation she has been kept in the background. The laws which were falsely instituted by the religious body of the country demanded her entire seclusion and her nonassociation with man. If she ever took any such privileges her life would have been forfeited. She could not take part in those activities which would naturally develop her innate noble nature. She was considered as an inferior being, created from a rib 01' man, a “weak croziture” who had to be looked after and in order to win the gracious smile of her husband she had to become less than a shadow and more of a fairy. Talk of freedom, she did not know even its meaning; she was a mere chattel in the household, and as such she land no right or power. However, the time when she was satisfied and put up with these dreary conditions is past. Since the declaration of the constitutional regime there has been great progress among the women of Persia. Notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of the priesthood, scores 01' modern schools have been established in different parts of the country where girls are educated and the new ideals of life ineuleat-ed in their careers. This new order of things is amply demonstrated by the presence of Ghodsia Khanum in this gathering. She has traveled thousands of miles and has risked everything in the search for knowledge. This is the first instance in the history of the modern development of Persian women that they have consented to send one of their number so far away. It is a. great compliment to America, a testimony to the courage and fcarlessncss of Persian women and a dem0nstra~ tion of the usefulness of this Society. If this Society has not accomplished during its short and yet useful career but this one service, it has amply shown it is a. living and dynamic organ, which will work in the future for the higher progress and advancement of Persian women. A few years ago it would have been impossible for any Persian woman to leave her country, for such a clamor would have been raised from the clergy as to create social chaos and disorder. But now we hope the chains are broken, the doors are opened and from now on many others will come every year to enter the Colleges and sezninaries in America, he imbued with the principles of social freedom and equality and carry back the same to their own sisters. Ghodsia, eldest daughter of Mirza Fazl Khan, was born in Tehci-an, Persia, Nov. 22, 1889. From her childhood she mani1'ested a great desire for l.earning. Her preliminary training was received in the Persian Girls’ School, after which she spent two years in the American School of Teheran. Her father having been born a Bahai, had always encouraged her in seeking knowledge. Abdul-Baha granted her permission to come to America to prepare herself for teaching, and when her studies here are completed she expects to return to Persia to assist in the educational work there. Ghodsia. is the first Persian girl who removed the veil, left her home and crossed land and sea for the sake of uplifting her people. She left Teheran April 16th, arriving in America June 3, 1911, and is now enrollerl as a student at the Lewis Institute in Chicago. educated abroad. I have heard that the Americans have much sympathy and afieciion for the Persians, who are so eager to study at this time. I am sure you will be glad to hear
something about the wonderful they are making, but as I know more about the ladies, I like to tell you about them. Persia has been very sick, and she could not be cured by any means; but in recent or six years ag0——she was awakened and she is now for progress. You wonder wlny I say this, but it is bceanse Persia has had its constitlltion only three years, while some other countries have had it for a longer period. 1 am proud of the Persian women, for they have done many great things in this short; period. had no girls’ schools in Persia, except the missionary schools and the Catholic schools, but the Persian women never went to the scllools until five years ago. Then they began to open schools for themselves. The Mohammedan clergy would not let them go to school; they did not know even anything about their religion because they did not any education. Several years ago some of the men had education. After the constitution they began to open schools, and especially in the city 01' '1‘eheran, from whivh I have come. It is very hard in Persia to gut able teachers, but Persian girls are making great. progress in spite of this difiiculty. The girls in America are educated, but 1 have this great news to tell you——as you are very to the the Persian girls are making" great progress. One girl in a school knows three languages already. All this seems wonderful to me they are not accustomed to educ-.ation. but they now go to school and do such good work that it seems wonderful. The women did everything they could to get. the constiuztion, and especially they wanted the cm1st»it-ution to have education. So now they are making great progress. I am not a stunple of the Persian girls, but T ean tell you they are advancing very rapidly. My object in speaking especially of the education of the girls is because, in my opinion, the education 01' the girls is the most important thing, for they are the mothers of the children and therefm-e should be cclm-.a'red to teach their 4-.hi1dr_en. lf they are not educated. how can their children be different from them? So they are trying to get freedom. and with freedonl, education. As the friends are helping them, I hope they will get both. When 1 was leaving Persia all the friends czunc to me and told me to give their grevtiug to the Amm'ir*ans. 1 am very fond of telling the good news, but I am sorry that I cannot Talk and so 1 hvg your pardon for my poor English. T came to America that I may he vclucated in your great country and go lmclz and help 1113' sisters in Persia. The Baliais do not have churches or temples for religious rites and eeremonies, su(h as have ellalacterized the spiritual aetivitie.=. of former religions. lflventlmlly, in every Bahai Center there will be a building (temple) set apart for the Lor(l"s use. Grouped about this as the center, will be various institutions for the benefit of man, such as hospitals, homes, hospices, colleges and other philanthropic enterprises. All of these buildings together will constitute the Masllrak-el-Azl<ar. The central building, or temple proper, will be a nine-sided structure surmounted by a dome, and surrounded by gardens. (The nun1b_er 9 is symbolic of the Spirit of God Manifest.) It is a sanctuary for the reading or chanting of the Words," for meditation and for prayer, a place of universal worship open to all, in which people of all races and religions can worship 10d individually in spirit and in truth, without the intermediary of church, priest or ritual.
The practical institutions of tlie Mashrak-cl-Azkar afford the opportunity for the cstablislmwent in the world of all branches of those progressive works for which. the Bahai Cause stands. In this day the religion is to be the direct source of inspiration in all secular affairs. This faith stands. as the promoter of advancement in every line of human activity and development, and, theret'01*e, every branch of these many draws its life from and is an integral part of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. In the Bahai teaching one finds exhortations to p1'ayer and worship upon the one hand, and exhortation to work and service to humanity upon the other. “Faith without deeds is not acceptable,” therefore, the Bahai religious work includes all work and service needful to man. This Faith stands for material and social progress in all branches. T his idea is brought. out in the Masl1rakel-Azkar. The Mashrak-el-Azkar is symbolic of the l\Ianifestation of God. The central building, or place of worship, may be compared to the heart or the innermost point of illumination, while the surrounding institutions may be compared to the fruit of (or service and good works performed by) the Manifestation. Within the place of worship the people will find their inspiration, while through the surrounding institutions they will manifest this inspiration to the world fhrollgli loving service to Not long since, in the city of Echkabad, in Russian Turkistan, such a Mashrak-el-Azkar was built. This work represented the combined efforts of the Bahais throughout the Orient. lts architectural beauty and size testifies to the loving offerings of those believers, while the idea for which it stands is so far above the trend of thought 01' the surronncling people as not to be colnpreliended by them. In this service of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, as well as in many others, the Bahais are laying the foundation for the betterment of many human evils, of the existence of which the world is now not aware. The people of the future will see and understand the far-sightedness of the Bahais of this day in their effort to bring all secular affairs under the spiritual guidance. The Bahais of the West are following in the steps of their Oriental brethren. In the city of Chicagoa movement. has been started for the erec-lion there of the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in the Occident. Already a considemble building site has been pllrcliased overlooking Lake Micliigan, and it is hoped that soon the building will be begun. Offerings for this work have been sent from Bahais in all parts the world. The Mashrak-el-Azkar represents the sum total of all of the Baliai activities. Abdul-Baha has repeatedly written to the believers in America that of all works the building of the Ma'sln'ak-cl-Azkar is the most. important. When it stands accomplished it will be as a haven of rest to those who seek spiritual communion with God within its sacred precincts; while. outwardly it will banner manifesting and demonstrating to the world what the Bahai Cause is. Charles Mason Remey.
Balance on hand at Convention, 1st and 2nd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370-L68 Received in contributions from Anicrlca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 955.32 Received in contributions from the Orient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Disbu1'sements.—Hall rent for (T0r1\‘e11ti011....................... 60.00 Intereston 37'5.()() Reduction on 1110rtgagc.........................................25U0.()() Total Balance on hanr]..........................................$l,725.()() This money from the Orient was sent in checks on the London bank, and has been placed in the bank for collection. The next interest day on the ten thousand dollar mortgage held against the Masllrak-cl-Azkar land will be December 24, 1911. Surely the friends of the vast and wealtlny continent of America have come into a deeper realization of the importance of the Mashrak-el-Azka1' and will bend effort to wipe out this entire indebtedness on the land by December, so that a fund for the building may be started. Then the architects will have some encouragement when plans are submitter] at the Conventioll of 1912. In a recent. Abdul-Balm says: “i am always waiting that a good report regarding the klaslnrak-cl-Azkar should come.” True, Financial Secretary. Through .\-Tirza Ahmad to Mr. Thornton Clause. Upon him be 1112 IS (301)! 0 than horalrl of Hm 1 received thy two letters, an old one and one of recent date, and both of them were read with. the utmost zittention. 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, the11_ it will bring Iorth blossoms and fruits. Now, Praise be to God! that in this day of the Kingdon1 thou art firm and steadfast. Rest thou assured that thou wilt boconie 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 Holiiieiss, the Christ, referred His apostles in the Gospel, sayilig, “The Father is in the Son, and the Son is in you.”
This is evident that, when the hearts are and through divine education and teac-llings become the manifcsiors of infinite are like clear and the Sun of Truth will reflect with might, power and 011mip0tenc-e in such a 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. do thou reflect and ponder over it so that the doors of significance may be opened before thine eyes. 111 regard to the philosophy of the Theosophists, these people have somo 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 T110 Sun of Truth hath shone forth from the Horizon of Tlnity upon all the All things are clad with the garment 01' existence tln-nugh the of tile sun. Were it not for the rays of the sun no being c-oulul step forth upon the arena of life. Everything would lmve renlained hidclen nay, the life of the terrestrial beings is continued through the light and heat of the sun to such an extent that all the infinitcstimal atoms_, which move through this realni of earth, owe their life to the reflection of the sun. Of course, each being nmliifests its inward tendencies according to its ability and capacity. However, no mat-ter 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 become a part and a portion of Divinity. Descent, division, transmission and transmigra-tion 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 subjcr-t to division, descent and disintegration, this is a proof of the colitingenqy ami impe1'1nanency that being. The Aiicicnt, the ]:]ver-living, and the Omnisciont Lord, who is above the comprehension of humanity and is qualified with self‘exist-ont perfections, will never descend to the stations of life, and will not be rlivirled so that man 1113)’ become an atom or a part of Him. Children can understantl the untenability of this proposition. This is the pure imagination of the weak minds. 'l‘heref0r0, according to their the Manifestations of God are infinite in number, and this would leave us to believe in the theory of the “Con_catenation of life”; but concatenation is false, and change is the essential condiiion of the contingent realities, and not of the Eternal lieality. Ponder deeply over the above explanation, so that it may bec-ome evident to thee that by is meant the outpouring of the Divine, Wliich appears and manifests in the realities of all existence, and especially in the unity of man.
to arise through his crowing, until he was chagrined to learn that its rising was independent of him and his voice.) Associate with the utmost love and friemlship with the 'l.'he0s0pl1isLs, and make them comprehend this unity of hllnlallity, which is the unity of the outpouring of the Divine, so they may attain to the essence of the facts. Tn regard to the verse, which is revealed in the Koran, that His Ilighness, Cllrist, was not killed and was not crucified, by this is meant the Reality of Cllrist. Altllougll they crucified this elemental lmdy, yet the merciful realit-ov and the heavenly existence remain eternal and umlying, 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 (.‘-lirist. * * * Regarding my coming to it depends upon the realization of conditions of which I have ali-oatly written to that count.ry. Tf those conditions are brollgllt into fruition, rest thou assured that I will present myself, otllcrwise, it will be Upon thee be the Glory of God (Signed) '.l‘rzu1slaferl by Mirza Ahmad Soln-ab, June 8, 1911. Washington, D. (1.
NEWS ITEMS. BOMBAY, ‘lNDIA.—On the 21st March we had a fine gathering, nearly a hundred college smmlunts were invited by Mirza Maheam to our assembly. He gave a short address on Bahaism, after which refreshnlents were served and the evening spent most cheerfully. We have elected a body of nineteen members to look after the spread of the Cause all over Tndia. Janlesheed Khodadad is appointed president, with other believers as corresponding secretaries, treasurer and the keeper of the seal. N. R. Vak-al. Julia Culver has gone to England to attend the Races Congress, and to be with Miss Buckton during the coming year. We shall greatly miss her, as she has been untiring in her efforts to further the Cause here. Recently Mrs. Marie Watson spoke to the friends assembled here, and she seemed like one with the divine spirit—such eloquence and fervor in such a little body! Mr. Stanwood Cobb, who received the Message while a senior at Harvard divinity school here at Cambridge, was also with us recently and spoke clearly and beautifully of yielding our will to God ’s Will and of the joy we should radiate in our everyday life, carr_ving with us the real Bahai spirit. Alice Ives Breed. principal news is the increased hope we have that Abdul-Baha is coming and will be here, or near by, to the Races Congress. The Bahais are uniting in prayer and concentration each evening at 9 o’clock, upon love and unity, and that we may be fittingly prepared as a fertile soil to 1'eeeive the seed which Abdul-Balm will sow in our midst; also other Societies of those who desire Abdul-Balm to come are joining us in this 9 o'clock concentration. Mr. Sydney Sprague, who arrived a. fertnight ago and left his wife with her father, Mix-za Assadullah, in Haifa, hears from her that Abdul-Baha has sent for Mirza Assadullah to join him in Egypt on purpose to accompany him to Europe. lnterest in the Races Congress is increasing, and this month is to be an active time for the Rahais in London, when it seems that our presence is to be made more felt and real in the midst of the people. Besides unity meetings, we are to have four succeeding evening lectures conlxmmcing 18th July, with the “Awakening of the East,” given by Mrs. Stannard; the 19th, “Personal Experiences of Bahais,” by Mr. Sydney Sprague and by Persians; 20tl1, “Arab Life and Religion,” by Mr. S. II. Leader, the author of “The Desert Gatewa_v,” and on 21st, “The Relation of the Bahai Work and Teaching to Christianity,” by Miss free, of course. We are glad to hear so many of the friends are coming from America on this great occasion. Arthur (lulhbert. SPOKANE, WASL1.--Since our last news budget we have been greatly favored by a visit from Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, who addressed a meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Killius. It was well attended and all listened with deep interest to the earnest words of this sim-ere ser\-"ant. At a recent unity feast at the home of F}. Mabel King, two (:11ild1'eu were ehrist(.~ned and Bahai baptism admiuistea-ed—tl1c daughter of Mrs. lsabclla M. (iamphell, Elizabeth Margaret, and the infant nephew of Mrs. Cora Ditmars, for whom Abdul-Baha sent the name of “Nur.” ()ur brother, Prof. Branlwell, has departed from the material presence among us. He was a faithful servant, always doing good. As we stood beside his body and performed the Bahai funeral service (in so far as we could) we caught the spirit of peace, and were drawn closer to one another. His life and death were, indeed, a benediction to all. 1). C-.—This assembly has been paniuularly fortunate recentl_y in having friends from other cities for visits which were only too short, but memorable in their
enjoyment and profit. Perhaps the principal item of news is the sojourn of Ghodsia Khanum, our dear little sister from Persia, who spent about ten days in our city while en route to Chicago. Words fail to describe our impressions of this charming visitor, as those who will be fortunate enough to meet her will realize. Each day was spent with the friends, and the evenings in meetings, and the little time given to sight-seeing ivas evidently begrudged by this severed soul, whose joy is centered in the of the Cause. Albert H. Hall was with us for two days, addressing the Wednesday evening meeting, and leaving directly thereafter for New York, from which point he sailed June 17th for London and Egypt. Late: in the same week came the delightful influx of friends, who were in attendance upon the Annual Conference of the Persian-American Educational Society. Among these were Mrs. Luella Kirchner, of Chicago; Miss Edma Bellora. of Syria and New York, some-time governess in the Holy Household; Messrs. William Hoar, Hooper Harris, Howard M‘acNutt, Edward and Howard Struven; Mrs. Hoar, Miss Lillian Kappes, who is preparing to go to Teheren, and Mirza Sinora of Persia. and New York. At the meeting of l*‘riday, June 16th, all these friends were present and delivered short addresses, making a. rare symposium, at which we heartily wish all the believers in America might have been present. The following Sunday morning and afternoon meetings were lnacle joyful oceasions by those of the friends mentioned, who remained over, and on Wedliesdziy, June 21st, Mr. and Mrs. Hoar addressed the colored believers, graphically describing their experiences while in Akka. have been conducting a special series of Sunday afternoon meetings at the Studio, choosing special subjects and announcing them through the medium of slips mailed to those on our address list, and also as an experiment by notices in the local newspapers. Several strangers have been attracted to each of these meetings, and the plan will be followed in our future work. Mrs. Wellesca Pollock Allen (“Aseyeh”) has purchased from Miss McNeal the studio at which our meetings are held, and it is now in Bahai hands, which ensures the perpetuity of our lease, with exceptional advantages, giving us truly a “Bahai Home” for our meeting-plat-e. “rs. Allen has entertained several of the visiting friends at her home, the Bahai Hospice, 804 B street, S. W. Mr. Louis G. Gregory returned from Egypt during the early part of June, and has shared with us in part. the wonderful treasures of Heavenly Wisdom obtained from his contact with Abdul-Baha. IIe has delivered several public lectures since his return, and will be more of a power than ever for the Cause, in his great and abundant field of oppm~tunit_v. Mr. Gregory accompanied Ghodsia Khanum from London to New York. He visited, on route from Egypt, the assemblies at Stuttgart, Paris and London, and gives interesting and inspiring reports of progress in the work everywhere. Several days were most pleasantly spent in Washington by Mr. William P. Ripley, who, with his family, was en route from Florida‘ to the summer home in Massachusetts, where they will sojourn for a while. The Unity Feast, in which the colored believers joined, was given recently at the hgme of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dyer, and was well attended. The meetings at this hospitable home continue to show growth. On a recent occasion three clcrgymen were present, zlnd all of them were profoundly impressed. Lectures on the subject of the Bahai Revelation have been given during the past season at the Oriental University, in this city, by Messrs. F. J. Woodward, E. C. Getsinger, Arnauld Belmont and E. H. Young. The work in Sumerduck, Va., was re-established in April, it having become necessary to discontinue the meetings for the lnidwinter months on account of the condition of the roads making it impracticable to reach that point, which is seven miles from the railroad. During the spring, Miss Knobloeh, Mrs. Hannen and the writer have alternated and the accustomed interest is being manifested Joseph H. Hannen.
[Continuin¢ the BAHAI NEWS] PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR By the BAHAI NEVVS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street., Chicago, Ill., U.S.A. Enxered as second-class maltcr April 9. 1911, at lhc post office at Chicago. Illinois, under the Act of March 3,1879. Tums: $1.00 per year; 10 cents per copy. Note — Umil further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE. P. O. Box 283. Chicago, lll.. U. S. A. Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A. As We go to press the eyes of the Bahai world are turned toward England, because of the F irst Universal Races Congress, now being held in London. and the belief that Abdul-Baha will attend this remarkable gathering in person; in fact, it seems that gloat events are being enacted in that world-renowned center at this time. The STAR or THE WEST reprints the following editorials and ser~ mon which indicates the thought of the hour, believing all the friends will be interested in reading them. The first is the leading editorial of The (.7hrisl1'an Monitor, issue of June 16th, wherein mention is also made of the recent (lonferem;-e of the Persian-American Educational Society in Washington, 1). C. The second is the sermon delivered by the Archbishop of York at the recent (?oronation of King George and Mary of England, the keynote of which is Servitude. The third is a remarkable editorial by W. T. Stead, of London, i11 his newspaper of June 25th, entitled, “Empire 01' Peace—the True Significant-e of the Coronation EAST AND WEST. From July 26 to July 29, inclusive. there will be held in London, England, a luliversal races congress, the first in the history of the world. Today and tomorrow there will be held
in Washington, D. (7., the annual confercnr-e of the Persian-Americall Educational Sovioty. This will be the last. meeting of that body under its present name and limitations. Hereafter it will be known as the Orient.-()m-ident. Unity Association. The \-\-'ashington and London gatherings have one great objer-t in e0mm0n—the bringing together of the East and West. The universal races congress has the support. of thirty presidents of parliaments in all parts of the globe, of a majority of the members of the pernlanent court of arbitration, of the delegates to the second Hague eouference, of twelve British governors and eight British premiers, of over forty colonial bishops, of hundreds of professors of international law, and of learned men in all <.-ountries. in the program arranged for the Washington confureuee appear the names of many eminent Americsau men and women and of some distinguislwd foreigners. lt will thus be seen that what J. H. DeForrest regards as the greatest international problem of the twentieth to get the populous and historic East into thetic relations with the aggressive. West. so that the two hal\'ex-s of the human race 111:1)’ make one fairly peaceful whole-—has already been brought forward for‘ serious discussion under excellent. auspir-es. The London congress proposes to take up the question of race in its widest. possible aspects. The innnediate object of the Washington conference 1s outlined in that of the establish 1-losvr relationships along all lines the people of the East. and West; to create a better mutual understanding and int(-rnatimial fellowship among the of the world; to uphold the beneficial laws of peace and arbitration between nations—in short. to cultivate a better acquaintance and a understanding hotwevn the two great branches of the human family than now exists. than has ever existml. The law of separation between the raves has come down to our period from the ages. Kipling has voiced it in the lines— For East. is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet Till earth and sky stand presently at great judgment seat and it has come to be taken fur granted by millions as a- fixed and indisputable and insurmountable fact. But modern thonglit is opposed to this theory. advance has been made in an opposite direction even within the last score of years. A great light has broken in upon the Caucasian, for instance, as to the intellectual capacity of the man whose skin happens to be of another tint. Not only individuals, but nations, are now being jmlgeil, not by origin, ravv or <-ustom. but by their achievements, upon their merits. In both the London congress and the Washington <-onferencc efforts will be directed toward showing the enormous debt of western society to the East. Tn both gatherings facts will be brought forward with the view of showing how unjust. how foolish it is for a single wing of the hmnan race to attempt to claim a right to, or possession of, all the credit for the world ‘s a(l\'ance1nent. The hope of the present, the hope of the future, is that “the twain” shall meet—not in some far off, remote time or place, but here on this earth—~and that they shall meet in high apprehension and revognitiun of each 0th0r’s worth, in friendship, fraternity and peac-e.—.The Chr-istian Science M0-n-ito-r. CORONATION SERMON. The Archbishop of York based his sermon in the Abbey on St. Luke 12:27: “I am among you as he that serveth.’ He said: The great day has come. Attended by the loving loyalty of millions of his suhjm-ts and uplift by their pra)'ers, the king is here to receive from God his hallowing and his crown. in the venerable home of its history and its faith an Empire comes into the presence of the King of Kings. Pause for one moment to hear a voice from Him, T am among you as he that svrveth. It is the word which tells the way in whicll He won, and wields, His Kingdom. Let me try.
in the simplest words, for these are best at such a time as this, to interpret its message. It may give purpose to the royalty which today is hallowed and to the loyalty which today is ofiered. The sovereignty of service! The king is set to be the leader of his people in the service of God and man. IIe is the servant of God. From God ’s altar, in the symbols of Sword and Sceptre, of Orb and Crown, he receives His rule. It is a trust committed by 9. Master to His servant. Pray we for our king, that his strong trust. in God may keep him faithful to God ’s great trust in him. He is the servant of the people. To be among them as he that serx-'es——among the people in this home land, among the multitudes of India, among the strong young nations over seas, as the one man raised above private and local interests to think of all, to care for all, to unite all in one fellowship of common memories, common ideals, common sacrifices—this is imleexl a kiugly life. Pray we that God may give the king His grace to live it. At his side he will have the helpmcct of another ministr_v—0f one who will uphold before the people the high and happy traditions of a Christian home, and spread over their sickness, suffering and ‘(oil the care and sympathy of a. mother heart. Pray we that God may give today His Spirit of W'isdom and Love to this queenly service. But the king comes not alone to his hallowing. He bears his people with him. For the national life as well as for its representative this is a day of <-onseeration. May this great people make and seal this day a covenant of service with our fathers’ God; for in His service is the perfect freedom. it ask for the honor of standing out among the nations of the world as one that serves the saered cause of righteousness, peace and justice among men. Lastly, we whose privilege it is to be present here are called above all others to follow our king in the service of his people. To us in our several degrees God has entrusted gifts of public responsibility, influence, experience. Let us consecrate them this day to God and king, for the service of this land of our fathers, this Empire of their children. We stand at the threshold of great and far-reaching changes. The cost of service may be manifold sacrifice. But there is one thing that abides unchangeable: it is the claim of our .\l0ther to the loyal devotion of her sons and daughters. Let us meet the unknown future with the high resolve that, whether here at home or in the new lands across the seas, we shall be found, please God, among the people as those that Wherefore to God and king we that homage which to each is due-—“Faith and Truth we will bear unto them, to live and die. So help us God.’ Weerkly Budget. “What went. ye out for to see?” was the question asked of those who streamed out into the desert to see John the Baptist. “A prophet,” they replied. “Yes,” said Jesus, “and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I shall send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” A similar question and a similar answer may be given this week com-erning the (loronation. The thi-onging millions who have choked London streets all the week, what went they out to see? “A king. Yea, and more than a king.” For the central figure in the great pageant is more than a king, more than an emperor. He is all unconsciously to himself a divine messenger sent to prepare the way of the coming of the Prince of Peace. This is no mystic saying, incapable of being understood by the man in the street. It is a plain statement of a great outstanding political fact. King George is a king of a. difi"erent kind to any of his predecessors. He is not so much king of Great Britain and lreland as he is king of the Britains beyond the seas. He is the only king who has seen the Dominions. He is the only king who will hold his Court in each of their capitals. He is the only king who realizes that the center of gravity
in the British Empire is shifting, that the r-olonies are the coming force, that our future lies not on the sea, as the Kaiser says, but over sea. All this may be achnittcd, but how does this make for the coming of the reign of the Prince of Peace‘? The colonists, it will be objected, are often very jingoistic in tlmir sentiments. They have made Wars in Africa, and they may do so again. That is true. But. the importance of the shifting of the center of gravity from Vlfestminster to the outlamls, of which movement the king is the living sign and symbol, lies in the fact that it cohlcides with a change in the constitution of the British Empire will facilitate the coming of the World State or Empire of Peace in which armies and navies will only be maintainecl for purposes of police, and where all disputes will be settled by appeals to law and equity interpreted by courts of justice or of arbitration. The evil dream of transforming the free independent nationalities which make up our world-wide dominion into a, cast-iron, hide-bound military Empire, unified and consolidated so as to enable a greater John Bull to‘ dominate and terrorize mankind, that drearn has vanished into thin air. The Imperial Conference has enabled us to see the Empire as it is and as it is likely to be. The British Empire is like a picture in a dissmlving view. It is gradually melting into another and more brilliant picture, the Federation of the World. In the Royal procession through the city on Friday the first place is given to the Colonial procession, and the first place in the Colonial procession is rightly given to the two great premiers of the two greatest of the British clominions, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, and Mr. A. Fisher, Prime Minister of Australia. It is these men who express even more clearly than the king himself the true significance of this Coronation. For those men have cast the die in which the Empire of the future will be They have destroyed the jingo dream of an Empire of com-eiitrated naval and military mights tied together by tariff‘ bonds and constitutional ligaments, and they have subst.itute<1 in its place the com-epticn of a. federation so loosely united by ties, so elastic that they can he developed without difiiculty into the still vaster fabric of a World State or Empire of Peace, in which the British Empire, the American Republic, and all the peace-loving, la\\'-abiding states of the world may find it place. This issue of the STAR on THE is a combination of issues--the Persian section combining issues Nos. 6 and 7, while the English section combines Nos. 7 and 8. A series of diflicultics has made this proc-.edu1‘0 :1 11ece.ssit_y. We trust the friends will acmpt this solution of the lnattcr. Our Persian section contains: (1) of Abdul-Baha in Cairo, Egypt; (2) editorial on the subject; (3) poem celebrating the Feast of Rizwan and the freedom of Abdul-B-aha, by his honor Andoleeb of Shiraz, Persia; (4) portrait of Mr. Hooper Harris, of Newark, N. J.. and a short sketch of his services in the Cause; (5) translation of an interesting article which appeared in an Arabic newspaper, Vallcy of the Nile, published in Alexandria, Egypt; (6) STAR 05' THE of the above article; (7) portrait of Mr. William Hoar, of New York city and a short sketch of his services in the Cause; (8) recent Tablets in regard to Abdulcoming to Anlerica; (9) future results of trip to Egypt; (10) tabletalk by Abdui-Baha to pilgrims from Persia regarding the future of Persia and the power of the Word of God; (ll.) Dr. Zia Bagdadi added to the editorial staff of the STAR OF WEST: (12) portrait. of Howard MacNutt. and a short sketch of his services in the Cause; (13) letter from Moneereh Khanuni, of Tehcran, Persia, regarding the opening of a new school for girls; (14) STAR OF THE WEST thanks her for this great service rendered; (15) the arri\-'al of Gliodsia Ashraf Khanum in America and her reception in various cities by the friends; (16) portrait of Ghodsia Ashraf Khanum; (17) Tablet from Abdul-Baha to the Bahai assenibly in Teller.-mi, Persia, giving clear commands regarding the education of girls.
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