Speak with moderation

Through whichever country thou goest, speak thou with moderation. Call the people to the oneness of the world of humanity; the dawn of the Sun of Reality from the horizon of Persia; the servitude of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, and then explain the Centership of The Covenant -- and to more… Speak in accordance with that which I used to speak in the meetings, i.e., speak with moderation.

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914; ‘Abdu'l-Baha's instructions to Mr. Charles Mason Remey on the eve of the latter’s departure for Europe)

To walk in the footsteps of the Apostles of Christ

It is very acceptable and seasonable that thou hast taken this voyage. The Apostles of His Holiness Christ were always traveling and calling the people to the Kingdom of God. Consequently, walk thou in their footsteps. Travel thou to every country and under all circumstances raise the Call of the Kingdom of God. Mankind, like unto children, are satisfied with water and clay, and love to play with their play things. Their ambitions are very inferior. Praise idea to God! that thou hast a lofty ambition; therefore, arise in calling the people to the Kingdom of God.

This Call shall fill the East and the West, and will continue throughout all ages and cycles. It is endless. That is why in this day, the wise and perceiving souls exalt the ideal and engage in heralding the Kingdom of God!"

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)

“Show ye an effort! Work unceasingly! Labor diligently!”

Now you must engage in the service of the Cause of God with the utmost firmness, steadfastness and resolution, and expend day and night in the promotion of the Religion of God. Do not unloose your tongues save for conveying the Message! Do not behold save the Kingdom of Abha! Wish for no other companion save the True One. Do ye not desire other associate save turning thy face toward the Supreme Horizon. Do ye not search for any other delicacy save the Heavenly Food, and do ye not hope for any other sweetness save the love of the Beauty of Abha.

Praise be to God, that the Standard of Victory is unfurled over that region, and the fame of The Covenant has reached the ear of every wise and intelligent person.

Spiritual means are prepared. The Merciful Table is spread and the Banquet and the Feast of the Lord is inexhaustible. Now is the time of attraction and ecstasy so that region may become wholly illumined and that worthless dust be changed into fragrant musk.

I declare by the Blessed Perfection [Baha’u’llah] -- May my life be a sacrifice to His believers -- that if the believers arise to act according to the good pleasure of the Blessed Perfection, the lights will be revealed, the mysteries discovered, the veils rent asunder, the darkness dispelled, the verses of unity chanted, and the melodies of the spiritual music of the Glorious Lord sung!

Show ye an effort! Work unceasingly! Labor diligently! -- so that the Everlasting Bounty be realized, Eternal Life be destined, and the nostrils be perfumed with the Holy Fragrances! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)

To the Friends in the Orient

O friends of God! O spiritual companions!

The Lord of the peoples of the world declares in the beneficent Qur’an: "And there is for you in the Prophet of God a good example" That is to say, to follow His Holiness is a good example and to imitate that Real Leader is the means of acquiring success in both of the worlds. The followers of the Prophet were commanded to follow Him in all affairs and manners, and when some individuals, having recognized this safe path as the Straight Road, traveled therein, they became Kings in the Land of the Righteous and the Kingdom of the Elect. And those souls who tried to acquire comfort with ease, deprived themselves of all bounties and perished in the lowest ditch of despair. Their days came to an end and their happiness terminated Their bright morn became dark, and their transparent cup became full of dregs and rust. Their uprising star descended, and their bright luminary set.

But those pure souls who followed (in the footsteps of the Prophet) shone in the Highest Horizon as the Stars of Guidance and arose from the Dawning place of hopes with matchless brilliancy. They sat on the Throne of the Kingdom of Eternity and rested on the couch of Divine Success. Their traces are clear and their lights brilliant; their star is luminous and their attendants are the armies of angels of the Heavens of Immortality. Their palace is firm and their edifice is strong. Their light is illumining the world and their heat is confirming the world.

To his honor Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Washington, D. C.

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou illumined youth and my spiritual beloved!

Thy letter was received and its perusal imparted happiness impossible to describe. It was an indication of the loftiness of thy nature, the strength of thy effort and the purity of thy intentions. ‘Abdu'l-Baha's happiness is caused by such matters. If the material luxuries of the whole earth were available to ‘Abdu'l-Baha, He would not think for one moment that there is such a thing as comfort and luxury in the world. But when a soul perfuming fragrance wafts from the rose-garden of the hearts of the friends to the nostrils of ‘Abdu’l- Baha, such joy is realized that involuntarily I render thanksgiving unto the Blessed Perfection Who has trained such servants.

In brief, your letter imparted to me the utmost happiness. This thought of yours is very appropriate. [1] I hope that a new quickening may be produced in the hearts of the belovers, and great firmness and steadfastness became manifest, that this may lead to the guidance of others.

To the Believers of God and the Maidservants of the Merciful throughout the World.

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O ye spiritual friends of ‘Abdu'l-Baha!

"Perfume Thou the East! Illumine Thou the West! Bestow Thou light to the North! Grant Thou life to the South!

This verse bath been revealed from the lips of the Center of the Covenant one year after the departure of Baha’u’llah. But the Naghezeen (Covenant-breakers) wondered and derided. Praise be to God! that now its signs have become manifest, its powers evident, and its proof plain. Thanks be unto Him! that the East and the West are stirred into cheerfulness, and through the Holy Fragrances all directions are perfumed.

The Blessed Perfection, in a clear text, hath promised us in the Book: "Verily I behold you from the horizon of Abha and will make victorious whomsoever will arise in the service of my Cause with the hosts of the Supreme Concourse and the cohorts of the favored angels." Praise be to God! that this victory and confirmation became visible and manifest and hath shone forth from the horizon of the world like unto the sun.

Message to Bahá'ís throughout the world -- A New Year's greeting

God, the Maker of the worlds, hath created the realm of humanity to be the Paradise of Eden (or the Garden of Paradise) if the edifice of Peace, Reconciliation, Love, and Faithfulness is founded on a solid and firm basis; nay, rather, He hath willed it to become the mirror, reflecting the Delectable Paradise.  Then, and not until then, will all the divine bounties become manifold; happiness and well-being infinite; the virtues of the world of humanity revealed and resplendent; and the rays of the Sun of Reality visible from every direction.

Consider that His holiness Adam and others were living in Paradise. But as soon as strife became known between him and Satan, every one was driven away from Eden, so that the children of humanity might learn a lesson and realize that quarrels and strife, even though with Satan, are conducive to deprivation.

Therefore, in this radiant century, according to the heavenly teachings, altercation and dispute are not allowable, even though assailed by Satan himself.

To Mr. Wafa Kinney, New York City

Upon him be Bahá'u'l-Abhá

He Is God!

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter was received and its contents perused with the utmost of attention.

Convey infinite love and kindness on my behalf to ... and say to him: Praise be to God that He hath chosen thee from amongst the ministers so that thou may’st hearken to the call of the Kingdom of God, listen to the heavenly Melody, behold the Light of Reality, act according to the advices of His Holiness the Christ, promulgate the principles of Bahá'u'lláh, become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity and be ordained as the high priest of the Church of the Kingdom. All the ministers will be submerged under one of those periodic waves of the earth, leaving behind no name and no trace, but thou shalt unfurl the standard of spirituality in the heavenly universe of Heaven, extolling and magnifying the Lord of mankind with the music of the Kingdom. Thank thou God that thou hast attained to this most great Bestowal.

One’s everlasting glory and sublimity

The everlasting glory of the friends, and the heavenly sublimity of the believers, is to teach the Cause of God, to spread the fragrances of God, and to promote the Word of God!

I hope you may become assisted and confirmed therein. Then you will become a member of the congregation of the elect and a light in the Divine Assemblage.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Extract from a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)  

“Working in this manner shall bear fruit.”

Consider how 'Abdu'l-Bahá forgot all thoughts and mentions and turned his face towards the countries and empires, cities and villages, mountains and deserts of the West. Day and night he was engaged in teaching the Cause and conveying the Message. The principle upon which his trip [throughout Europe and America] was directed was this verse:

"O God!  Make all my ideals and thoughts One Ideal and One Thought, and suffer me to attain to an eternal, unchangeable condition in Thy Service!"

He sought no rest, neither did he breathe one breath of comfort. Notwithstanding the weakness of constitution, the infirmity of the body and the nervous fever, every night I was in a city, and each day among a community. Although at times I could not speak one word before large audiences, I delivered lengthy addresses. Working in this manner shall bear fruit. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Extract from a Tablet to Persian Baha’is; Star of the West vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)

“This Call shall fill the Fast and the West, and will continue throughout all ages and cycles.”

It is very acceptable and seasonable that thou hast taken this voyage. The Apostles of His Holiness Christ were always travelling and calling the people to the Kingdom of God. Consequently, walk thou in their footsteps. Travel thou to every country and under all circumstances raise the Call of the Kingdom of God. Mankind, like unto children, are satisfied with water and clay, and love to play with their play-things. Their ambitions are very inferior. Praise be to God! that thou hast a lofty ambition; therefore arise in calling the people to the Kingdom of God.

This Call shall fill the Fast and the West, and will continue throughout all ages and cycles. It is endless. That is why in this day, the wise and perceiving souls exalt the ideal and engage in heralding the Kingdom of God! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)

“Now is the time of attraction and ecstasy!”

Now you must engage in the service of the Cause of God with the utmost firmness, steadfastness and resolution, and expend day and night in the promotion of the Religion of God. Do not unloose your tongues save for conveying the Message! Do not behold save the Kingdom of Abhá! Wish for no other companion save the True One. Do ye not desire other associate save turning thy face toward the Supreme Horizon. Do ye not search for any other delicacy save the Heavenly Food, and do ye not hope for any other sweetness save the love of the Beauty of Abhá.

Praise be to God, that the Standard of Victory is unfurled over that region, and the fame of The Covenant has reached the ear of every wise and intelligent person.

Spiritual means are prepared. The Merciful Table is spread and the Banquet and the Feast of the Lord is inexhaustible. Now is the time of attraction and ecstasy!-so that region may become wholly illumined and that worthless dust be changed into fragrant musk.

I declare by the Blessed Perfection [Bahá'u'lláh]-May my life be a sacrifice to His believers-that if the believers arise to act according to the good-pleasure of the Blessed Perfection, the lights will be revealed, the mysteries discovered, the veils rent asunder, the darkness dispelled, the verses of unity chanted, and the melodies of the spiritual music of the Glorious Lord sung!

Show ye an effort! Work Unceasingly! Labour diligently; -so that the Everlasting Bounty be realized, Eternal Life be destined, and the nostrils be perfumed with the Holy Fragrances! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)

“The Doors of the Kingdom are opened…”

O People! The Doors of the Kingdom are opened; The Sun of Truth is shining upon the world; the Fountains of Life are flowing; the Daysprings of Mercy have appeared; the Greatest and Most Glorious Light is now manifest to illuminate the hearts of men.

Wake up and hear the Voice of GOD calling from all parts of the Supreme World -- "Come undo Me, O ye children of men; come unto Me, O ye who are thirsty, and drink from this sweet Water which is descending in torrents upon all parts of the globe.”

These days are the days of Faith and Deeds -- not the days of words and lip service: Let us arise from the sleep of negligence, and realize what a great feast is prepared for us; first eating thereof ourselves, then giving unto others who are thirsting for the Water of Knowledge, and hungering for the Bread of Life.

These Great Days are swiftly passing; and once gone they can never be recalled. So, while the Rays of the Sun of Truth are still shining and The Center of The Covenant of GOD is manifest, let us go forth to work.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Star of the West', vol. 5, no.1, March 21, 1914)

To the Baha’is in Stuttgart

[Message sent to Bahá'ís in Stuttgart through Lady Bloomfield, Mrs Earle, Mírzá Asadu'lláh and Mírzá Ahmad Sohráb.]

Rejoice!  Rejoice! Because of the Glad-tidings! You have attained to the light of the Kingdom. The glory of the Sun of Truth penetrates all regions.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Glad-tidings I send unto you. The doors of the Kingdom are open. The heavenly manna has descended upon you.

Rejoice! Rejoice! There were many holy messengers sent into the world; they came after one another, and all diffused the breath of the Holy Spirit.

Praise God! Praise God! That you have turned your faces toward the Kingdom. The rays of the Sun of Truth are illuminating you.

Strive with your heart and soul that the Heavenly Light may descend upon all people and that through it every heart may be enlightened and that the spirit of the human race may partake of Its glory. Work and strive until all regions of the world are bathed in this Light. Fear not when trouble overtakes you. You will be criticized; you will be persecuted; you will be cursed and reviled. Recall in those days what I tell you now:  Your triumph will be sure; your hearts will be filled with the Glory of God, for the heavenly power will sustain you, and God will be with you.  This is my message to you. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

To the friends of God in Stuttgart

Through Mírzá Muhammad Yazdí, Alexandria, to the friends of God in Stuttgart.

Upon them be the Glory of God!

He is God!

O my true friends!

The friends on their return from Stuttgart are praising all the friends of the Merciful in that city, saying: Praise be to God! that the friends are in utmost attachment and are ignited by the Fire of the Love of God.  They are occupied in naught but the Divine commemoration. And also the contents of your letter proved your great love.

It seems that the Light of the Sun of Truth will shine powerfully in Stuttgart and all over Germany; the Breath of the Holy Spirit will show forth a great result, and the Bounty of the Word of God will spread over all.

I give you the Glad-tidings that your advancement in the Divine Kingdom will be great and that the Doors of the Kingdom are opened to all the people of Germany.

Who will embrace it first?  I hope that the called ones of Germany may become the chosen ones.

Therefore you should seek no rest; nay rather endeavour day and night to guide the people, to give sight to the blind, to give life to the dead and to grant Everlasting Life.

Upon you be the Glory of God!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

To the maidservant of God, Margarethe Döring, Stuttgart

Through Mírzá Yuhanna Dáwud, London, to the maidservant of God, Margarethe Döring, Stuttgart.

He is God!

O daughter of the Kingdom!

Your letter arrived, and its contents showed that Mr. Gregory, by visiting the blessed Tomb, [1] hath received a new power, and obtained a new life. When he arrived at Stuttgart, although black of colour, yet he shone as a bright light in the meeting of the friends. Verily, he hath greatly advanced in this journey, he received another life and obtained another power. When he returned, Gregory was quite another Gregory. He hath become a new creation. Reflect on the Grace of the Kingdom of Abhá and see how it enlightened such a person. It has made him spiritual, heavenly, divine and a manifestor of the graces of the world of humanity, This man shall progress.

Thank God that you esteem Miss Knobloch, because she was the cause of your guidance. With weeping and supplication I ask from the Kingdom of Abhá, that He may vouchsafe heavenly blessings upon your father, mother, sisters and brothers; and graciously enlighten Frl. Schaffer, Frl. Andrassy and Fran. Kusterer with the Light of Guidance.

Convey my greetings to Herr Kruttner, and Herr Richard Bauerle. I supplicate to the Divine Glory, and ask for them bright hearts, merciful spirits, seeing eyes and hearing ears.

I ask God to make you a firm rooted, verdant and fruitful tree in the Paradise of Abhá.

Upon thee be the Glory of the Most Glorious!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

[1] Shrine of Baha’u’llah

To the Friends in Stuttgart

Frau Maria Schweizer; Frl. Margarethe Doring; Frl. Louise Warnke; Frl. Julie Stabler;  Herrn Friedrich Schweizer; Frau Henrietta Kusterer;  Frl. Anna Kostlin;  Frau Anna Seifert; Frau Sofia Stabler;  Alma S. Knobloch;  Herrn Emil Ruoff and son Erwin

Upon them be the Glory of the Most Glorious!

He is God!

O friends and maidservants of the Merciful!

Thanks be to God! that you have been gathered together and celebrated the birthday of the Báb with much joy and amity and were engaged in remembering God.

From the rose-garden of that meeting a beautiful fragrance has reached to the nostrils of these friends; and the light of God's love hath shone; therefore, it was a cause of delighting the hearts of these friends.  I ask God, by His infinite mercy, that such meetings may be held often.

Likewise, that the entertainment every nineteen days may become current among you; so that the friends and maidservants of the Merciful may be engaged in praising and remembering God and singing to Him, and may become the cause of guiding the people.

Upon you all be the Glory of the Most Glorious!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

To the friends of God in Stuttgart

Through Mirza Mohammed Yazdi, Alexandria, to the friends of God in Stuttgart

Upon them be the Glory of God!

He is God!

O my true friends!

The friends on their return from Stuttgart are praising all the friends of the Merciful in that city, saying: Praise be to God! that the friends are in utmost attachment and are ignited by the Fire of the Love of God. They are occupied in naught but the Divine commemoration. And also the contents of your letter proved your great love.

It seems that the Light of the Sun of Truth will shine powerfully in Stuttgart and all over Germany; the Breath of the Holy Spirit will show forth a great result, and the Bounty of the Word of God will spread over all.

I give you the Glad-tidings that your advancement in the Divine Kingdom will be great and that the Doors of the Kingdom are opened to all the people of Germany.

Who will embrace it first? I hope that the called ones of Germany may become the chosen ones. Therefore you should seek no rest; nay rather endeavour day and night to guide the people, to give sight to the blind, to give life to the dead and to grant Everlasting Life.

Upon you be the Glory of God!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

To the maidservant of God, Margarethe Döring, Stuttgart

Through Mirza Yutanna Dawud, London, to the maidservant of God, Margaret Döring, Stuttgart

He is God!

O daughter of the Kingdom!

Your letter arrived, and its contents showed that Mr. Gregory, by visiting the blessed Tomb, [1] hath received a new power, and obtained a new life.  When he arrived at Stuttgart, although black of colour, yet he shone as a bright light in the meeting of the friends. Verily, he hath greatly advanced in this journey, he received another life and obtained another power. When he returned, Gregory was quite another Gregory. He hath become a new creation. Reflect on the Grace of the Kingdom of Abhá and see how it enlightened such a person. It has made him spiritual, heavenly, divine and a manifestor of the graces of the world of humanity. This man shall progress.

Thank God that you esteem Miss Knobloch, because she was the cause of your guidance.  With weeping and supplication I ask from the Kingdom of Abhá, that He may vouchsafe heavenly blessings upon your father, mother, sisters and brothers; and graciously enlighten Frl. Schaffer, Frl. Andrassy and Frau. Kusterer with the Light of Guidance.

Convey my greetings to Herr Kruttner, and Herr Richard Bauerle. I supplicate to the Divine Glory, and ask for them bright hearts, merciful spirits, seeing eyes and hearing ears.

I ask God to make you a firm rooted, verdant and fruitful tree in the Paradise of Abhá.

Upon thee be the Glory of the Most Glorious!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

[1] Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Acca

To the friends in Stuttgart, Germany

Frau Maria Schweizer, Frl Margarethe Doring, Frl. Louise Warnke,  Frl Julie Stabler,  Herrn Friedrich Schweizer, Frau Henrietta Kusterer, Frl Anna Seifert, Frau Sofia Stabler, Alma S. Knobloch, Herrn Emil Ruoff and son Erwin    

Upon them be the Glory of the Most Glorious.

He is God!

O friends and maidservants of the Merciful!

Thanks be to God! that you have been gathered together and celebrated the birthday of the Báb with much joy and amity and were engaged in remembering God.

From the rose-garden of that meeting a beautiful fragrance has reached to the nostrils of these friends; and the light of God's love hath shone; therefore, it was a cause of delighting the hearts of these friends. I ask God, by His infinite mercy, that such meetings may be held often.

Likewise, that the entertainment every nineteen days may become current among you; so that the friends and maidservants of the Merciful may be engaged in praising and remembering God and singing to Him, and may become the cause of guiding the people.

Upon you all be the Glory of the Most Glorious!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 17, January 19, 1912)

To an individual believer

He is God!

O servant of the True One!

What thou hadst written was known.  It was a clear evidence of thy thoughtfulness and mindfulness in the Cause of the most Merciful One. I supplicate God that thou mayest at every moment advance in the grades of divine love and devotion, spiritual attraction and merciful sentiments; and be benevolent and a comfort to both friends and strangers.

It is mentioned in the Gospel that a man called His Holiness, Christ, "Good Master".  His Holiness said unto him, "Why callest thou Me good? None is good save One, that is God." So 'Abdu'l-Bahá wishes a sin covering eye and conceals the people's faults as far as possible; for he considers himself incapable and deficient in the Servitude of the Lord. Therefore, being engaged in his own short-comings, he does not care about the sins of others, but always asks remission and forgiveness for them, and seeks bounty and grace in their behalf.

If a fault is committed by someone and I treat him with kindness, this is not on account of my negligence; but as I acknowledge my own short-comings and am cognizant of my own state, I do not show any opposition to others.

To the friends of God and the maidservants of the merciful in America

He is God!

O ye friends of God and the beloved maidservants of the True One!

'Abdu'l-Bahá has the utmost longing to meet you, but now he is obliged to return to the East, for he has promised many friends and they having travelled a long way, will be disappointed if the meeting is not brought about. Therefore, he has returned to Egypt, and hopes that during the next Spring no obstacle may arise, so that with infinite joy and fragrance he may hasten to America to meet the friends, to unfurl the banner of rejoicing, to spread the Glad-Tidings of the Kingdom of Abhá, to illumine the meetings and gatherings with the Rays of the Sun of Truth, to perfume the nostrils with the Fragrances of Holiness, to impart gladness and delight to the hearts, to attract the souls to the Realms of Might, to grant the outpouring of the Holy Spirit-so that in this nether world the congregation of the Righteous Ones may be firmly established.

Glad Tidings!  Glad Tidings!  The bounties of the Most Great Name are descending. 

Glad Tidings!  Glad Tidings!  The Lights of the Kingdom of Abhá are shining. 

Glad Tidings!  Glad Tidings!  The Doors of Heaven are opened and the call of the Kingdom is raised.

Upon you be Bahá'u'l-Abhá!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no, 16, December 31, 1911)

To Claudia Stuart Coles, Washington, D.C.

Through Díyá Effendi, Chicago-Upon him be Bahá'u'lláh!-to Claudia Stuart Coles, Washington, D.C. - Upon her be Bahá'u'lláh!

He is God!

O thou who art enkindled by the fire of the love of God!

Verily, I have perused thy beautiful letter of wonderful composition, which proveth thy firmness, assurance and steadfastness in the faith; and thy singing the verses of holiness to thy Merciful Lord. Blessed art thou from this great gift. Joy be unto thee from this vast providence.

Know thou that the building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár is the greatest foundation in those regions. God said in the Qur'án, "It is those who believed in God, and the Last Day, shall build the Temples of God." It is incumbent upon thee and upon all, to put forth the best effort in these days, in building this glorious Temple; raising the tumult of commemorations therein, during the wing of the night, at dawn, and at eventide. It is incumbent upon ye (men and women) to be united, in this great Cause, so that ye may be confirmed by the Divine Bounty, and Merciful Spirit; become increased with energy and power; gain a recompense, and estimation. I implore God, and supplicate Him to make your feet firm in the straight path, and in the upright way.

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no, 16, December 31, 1911)

To Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper

Through his honour Mírzá Ahmad and Mírzá Munír, to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper.

Upon her be Bahá'u'l-Abhá!

He is God!

O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

Thy detailed letter was received. Its perusal produced the utmost happiness, for it evidenced the fact that thou hast attained to the knowledge of the reality of tests; that tests endured in the path of God are conducive to confirmation; nay, rather, they are heavenly powers and the bounties of the Realm of Might. But to weak believers tests are trials and examination, for, on account of the weakness of their faith and assurance they fall into difficulties and vicissitudes.

However, to those souls who are firm and steadfast, tests are the greatest favours.  Consider thou that at the time of an examination in sciences and arts, the dull and lazy pupil finds himself in calamity. But to the intelligent and sagacious student examination in learning produces honor and infinite happiness. Alloyed gold, subjected to the fire, portrays its baseness, while the intensity of the flame enhances the beauty of pure gold. Therefore, tests to the weak souls are calamity and to the veiled ones the cause of their disgrace and humiliation. The point is this, that in the path of Truth every difficulty is made plain and every trial is the matchless bounty. Therefore, the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful must not relax during trial and no disaster must deter their service in the Cause of God. ...

You have written that upon your return you have compiled whatever you saw and heard (at 'Akká) and you have received the invisible assistance, that the teachings, which were like invisible seeds, have sprung to life and verdancy, spreading branches and leaves and producing blossoms and fruit. Indeed what you have written is true.

To Mr. C. C. Philips, Secretary of the Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration

Through Mírzá Ahmad Sohráb, to his honor Mr. C. C. Philips, the Secretary of the Mohonk Conference on' International Arbitration.

He is God!

O thou perfect man!

The Conference on International Arbitration and Peace is the greatest results of this great age. This brilliant century has no likeness and similitude in the history of man. From every standpoint it is distinguished above all other centuries. It is specialized with such excellencies that the shining star of the heavenly confirmations shall gleam from the horizon of this century upon all the future cycles and periods. One of the most extraordinary events of this time, which indeed is a miracle, is the founding of the oneness of this realm of humanity and its essential branches, such as Universal Peace and the unity of the different nations, in this arena of existence.

Persia was at one time the centre of religious difference, antagonism and oppression, to such an extent that pen is unable to describe. The adherents of different nations and religions considered it their religious duty to shed the blood of their opponents; they pillaged and ransacked each other's property and did not fall short of oppressing their own flesh and blood. The hatred between the various religions attained to such a height that they considered each other unclean. Should a Jew enter a Muslim home, he would be made to sit upon the ground; if he drank water from a cup, that cup was destroyed or washed again and again; for the Jew was considered unclean. Such was the hatred and rancor among the different religions and nations in Persia.

To Albert Smiley, the founder of Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration

Through Mírzá Ahmad Sohráb to his honour, Mr. Albert Smiley, the founder of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration.  May God assist him!

He is God!

O thou great and respected personage!

The details of the Conference of Peace and Arbitration which is organized under your presidency has been read in the papers of the East and the West and the utmost joy and fragrance was produced; that, praise be to God, in the continent of America, under the presidency of a glorious personage, the Conference of International Peace is convened. Today in the world of existence there is no more important and greater cause than this for it is conducive to the promotion of happiness in the commonwealth of humanity and is the cause of tranquillity of all the nations and countries and the prosperity of the individuals of the human world.  What cause is greater than this! It is evident that it has the utmost importance, nay, rather, it will be the cause of the illumination of the East and the West and the reason for the manifestation of the Countenance and the Face of God in the world of humanity and the appearance of infinite affections. Therefore, although this longing one has no acquaintance with your honour, but this great cause and this eminent effort of yours became the cause of my having infinite love for you while absent. Consequently I am engaged in writing you this epistle.

To all friends of Abhá in America

Through Áqá Ahmad Sohráb and Jináb Mr. Remey

Upon them be the Glory of God!

O friends of Bahá'u'lláh!

Your letters reached me and were read with great joy. Praise be to God, that they are the prods of Baha and assurance in the Kingdom of Abhá. They are witnesses of firmness and steadfastness and earnest supplication.

His highness Jesus says if the Promised One manifests in the East, his signs will appear in the West. Now give thanks to God that as the Great Sun arose in the East, his Brilliant Light shone upon the West and brightened the western world.  Therefore you must give a thousand thanks every moment that though you were apparently very far off, in reality you were near.

A blind person cannot see the sun though near, but eyes with sight can see it from a thousand miles' distance. For this the Great Almighty be praised, that in the far west the nostrils are perfumed by the Holy Fragrance.

Appreciate this Bounty, be happy and joyful for this Divine boundless Bounty. With great love you have asked for the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in America, I also greatly wish to go to the friends and see their interesting faces. But during this journey I have no time.  I must go back to the East, this is according to wisdom.  Therefore with great regret and sorrow at separation I am obliged to return. If it pleases God next year I will take a journey towards the West so that I may engage myself in seeing the faces of the friends, in proclaiming the Word of God and in spreading the Divine Fragrance and the calling of the Kingdom of God in the great meetings and assemblies.

If you only knew in what condition of tumult and excitement of longing is the soul and heart of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to see you, then surely, because of the greatness of your happiness you would express your joy in music and song and engage yourselves in the melodies of the Supreme Court in worshipping and praising Almighty God.

Upon you be the Glory of Abhá!

(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 13, November 4, 1911)