Concerning Panama Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915

The future of California, whether in regard to its material affairs or its spiritual affairs, is very important. It is my hope that the people of California may become the sons and daughters of the Kingdom and he the means of promoting the religion of God.

Regarding the Exposition of 1915 which will be inaugurated in San Francisco, America, undoubtedly from now on the Baha’is must arrange and prepare ways and means so that a great number of them may be present on that occasion. - ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet dated July 12, 1911; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)

The believers of God from now on must think about going to the Panama Pacific International Exposition (in San Francisco) Everyone goes to the Exposition either for amusement or recreation, or in hope of obtaining commercial benefits. But you, who are the believers of God, enter the Exposition with the desire to summon the people to the divine Kingdom and hoping to receive the breaths of the Holy Spirit. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet dated April 14, 1914; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)

As regards the second trip of ‘Abdu'l-Baha to America, if the believers of God be enkindled and attracted to a superlative degree, perchance this object will again be obtained. Capacity and capability are the magnetic power. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet dated March 12, 1913; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)

To Doctor F. W. Evelyn, the beloved of God, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, the maidservant of God, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mr. W. C. and Mrs. Georgia Ralston, San Francisco, California

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O ye who are firm in the Covenant!

Your letter was received. Praise be to God, that with the utmost firmness you have arisen in the service of the Kingdom, so that you may organize a Congress for universal peace during the Panama Pacific International Exposition. Summon the people to the Kingdom of God and promote the teachings of His Holiness Baha’u’llah. Rest ye assured that the Divine Confirmations will be conducive to joy and fragrance and most great results will be the outcome of this service.

Rest ye confident in the assistance of God.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)

“With a resonant voice…cry out:”

Today, if the soul - who is attracted with the Love of God and burning with the flame of enthusiasm - shall unloose his tongue and deliver his speech in the utmost state of attraction, it will undoubtedly produce the most wonderful effect upon the hearts. With a resonant voice, he must cry out:

O people! O people! The Sun of Reality has dawned from the horizon of the world, casting Effulgence upon the East and the West…

O thou world of humanity! Awake! Awake!

O thou negligent of the Kingdom of God! Revive! Revive!

O thou prisoner of nature! Liberate thyself! Liberate thyself!

O thou afflicted with antiquated dogmas! Get clear of superannuated imaginations! Free thyself of this inertia!

O thou deprived of heavenly bestowals! Acquire a share! Acquire a share!

O thou heedless of the Divine World! Be informed! Be informed!

Cry at the top of your voices similar utterances in those meetings before the concourse of humanity. The effect of your words will be conditioned upon the degree of your attraction and exultation. Then you will observe what an effect this will have.

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 16, December 31, 1914)

O people of the world! [Revealed during World War I]

The dawn of the Sun of Reality is assuredly for the illumination of the world and for the manifestation of mercy. In the assemblage of the family of Adam results and fruits are praiseworthy, and the holy bestowals of every bounty are abundant. It is an absolute mercy and a complete bounty, the illumination of the world, fellowship and harmony, love and union; nay, rather, mercifulness and oneness, the elimination of discord and the unity of whomsoever are on the earth in the utmost of freedom and dignity. The Blessed Beauty [Baha’u’llah] said; “All are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch". He likened the world of existence to one tree and all the souls to leaves, blossoms and fruits. Therefore all the branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits must be in the utmost of freshness, and the bringing about of this delicacy and sweetness depends upon union and fellowship. Therefore they must assist each other with all their power and seek everlasting life. Thus the friends of God must manifest the mercy of the Compassionate Lord in the world of existence and must show forth the bounty of the visible and invisible King.

They must purify their sight, and look upon mankind as the leaves, blossoms and fruits of the tree of creation, and must always be thinking of doing good to someone, of love, consideration, affection and assistance to somebody. They must see no enemy and count no one as an ill-wisher. They must consider everyone on the earth as a friend; regard the stranger as an intimate, and the alien as a companion. They must not be bound by any tie, nay, rather, they should be free from every bond. In this day the one who is favored in the threshold of grandeur is the one who offers the cup of faithfulness and bestows the pearl of gift to the enemies, even to the fallen oppressor, lends a helping hand, and considers every bitter foe as an affectionate friend.

To the maid servant of God, Miss Beatrice Irwin, London

O thou beloved daughter!

Thy letter was received and I have written for thy sake this Message. This article, in answer to thy question, is very important. Display ye the utmost effort in its publication.

After the declaration of the constitutional regime in Turkey in 1908, by the members of the Committee of the Union and Progress, this prisoner of forty years, travelled and journeyed for three years from 1910 to 1913 throughout the countries of Europe and the vast continent of America. Notwithstanding advancement in age with its natural consequences, with a resonant voice I delivered detailed addresses before large conventions and in historical churches. I enumerated all those principles contained in the Tablets and Teachings of Baha/u’llah concerning War and Peace.

About fifty years ago, His Holiness Baha’u’llah proclaimed certain Teachings and raised the Song of Universal Peace. In numerous Tablets and sundry Epistles He foretold, in the most explicit language, the present cataclysmal events stating that the world of humanity was facing the most portentous danger and asserting categorically that the realization of Universal War was unfortunately inevitable and unavoidable. For these combustible materials which were stored in the infernal arsenals of Europe would explode by contact with one spark.

Among other things, "the Balkans will become a volcano and the map of Europe will be changed." For these and similar reasons He (Baha’u’llah) invited the world of humanity to Universal Peace. He wrote a number of Epistles to the kings and rulers and in those epistles He explained the destructive evils of war and dwelt on the solid benefits and nobler influences of Universal Peace.

To the beloved of God and the maid servants of the Merciful, London

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O firm ones in the Covenant!

Your letter was received and its contents became known. A Tablet (lit. letter) was written to Tehran fifteen months ago and it was published and spread in all parts of Persia and now is in the hands of all (the friends) The exact text of that Tablet is this:

“O servant of the Blessed Threshold!

Thou didst complain of the decline of trade. This year calamities, unfortunate decline and corruption have encompassed the world. Now the proof is apparent to all. ‘Abdu'l-Baha in churches (lit, synagogues) and meetings in many of the cities of Europe and America loudly proclaimed the Cause of His Holiness Baha’u’llah and called (people) to the Kingdom of Abha. And he (‘Abdu'l-Baha) brought forth luminous proofs and stated clear conclusions and manifest arguments. There remained no excuse for any soul whatsoever, because most of the talks were published in newspapers and spread in the world. Notwithstanding this, still the people are captives in the sleep of negligence and are prisoners of nature and inattentive to Reality. Still the people desire material luxury to such a degree that Sur-i-Israfil (i.e. the trumpet of Israfil [an angel] summoning mankind to resurrection) does not awaken them. Of course this negligence, unthankfulness and unmindfulness are the causes of regret, distress, war and dispute and produce devastation and misfortune. If the people of the world do not turn to the Greatest Name, great misery will follow. But for the sake of the believers it is my hope that traces of the favors of God may be apparent and their affairs become exceptional.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas”

This (above) Tablet was written fifteen months ago and the distressed happenings of today were mentioned in it. Notwithstanding this we pray with the utmost supplication and lamentation at the Threshold of God that He may purify and free the horizon of the world of humanity from this dark cloud.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)

Extract from a Tablet to Charles Mason Remey

With the utmost resolution and constancy call the souls to the Kingdom of Abha and invite them to the firmness and steadfastness in The Covenant and Testament. Read to them the translation of the Tablet of The Branch and speak with gentleness, moderation and loving kindness, saying

We have no other aim save the protection of the Fortified Fortress of the Cause of God. We must guard this Fortified Fortress from the attack of the thoughtless ones. Hence we must all turn our faces to the appointed Center in order that the Baha'i Unity might be preserved; otherwise in one year the Baha'is would be divided into a thousand sects. We entertain no other object except the safety of the Cause of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)

Supplication

Bring them together again, O Lord, by the power of Thy Covenant, and gather their dispersion by the might of Thy Promise, and unite their hearts by the dominion of Thy Love; and make them love each other so that they may sacrifice their spirits, expend their money, and scatter themselves for the love of one another. O Lord, cause to descend upon them quietness and tranquility!

Shower upon them the Clouds of Thy Mercy in great abundance, and make them to characterize themselves with the characteristics of the Spiritual! O Lord, make us firm in Thy noble command, and bestow upon us Thy Gifts through Thy Bounty, Grace and Munificence.

Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and Benevolent.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 14, November 23, 1914)

To the believers of God and the maid servants of the Merciful!

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

East and West.

Glory be unto Thee, O God! for Thou hast opened the Doors of the Kingdom of Grandeur and Majesty before the faces of Thy beloved ones; overshadowed them with the wide spreading Tree of Thy Mercifulness; stirred them into cheerfulness by the Breezes of Acceptance from the Garden of Thy Singleness and caused the downpour of pure Waters from the heaven of Thy Generosity, through which Thou didst cleanse the hearts of Thy friends.

Thou didst resuscitate the spirit of those who have arisen in Thy service with the Breaths of the Holy Spirit and reinforced them with the angels of Thy Sanctification and the unseen Cohorts from the Supreme Concourse. Verily, this was no other but a reinforcement from Thee and a fresh Confirmation on Thy part; in order that they might arise in the proclamation of Thy Word, the diffusion of Thy Fragrances, the perusal of Thy Verses, the promulgation of Thy Religion, the propagation of Thy Teachings, the universalization of Thy Grace and the strengthening of Thy Covenant. Verily, they have pitched on the apex of the world, the Tabernacle of Thy Oneness, whose cords are unbreakable, under whose shade nations and peoples shall dwell and which is glorified with the Bestowal of Thy Effulgence.

O Lord! We are weak, fortify us with Thy Power; we are prisoners, shine upon us the Light of Thy Freedom!

O God! This captive has no other protector save Thee; this afflicted one has no other guardian except Thee, and this weak soul has no other support beside Thee!

"The Song of the Covenant"

The Divine Minstrel held the stringed instrument in His Hand, and preluded a melody and tune after the Persian note, and sang this Song with a loud voice, as follows:

This is the Ancient Covenant!

This is the One Who has the Cup in His Hand!

This is the One Who has brought failure in the market of the Joseph of the Merciful God!

This is the Testament of Accord!

This is a Covenant to hold to, and utterly detach one’s self from aught else!

This is the cause of stopping the cries of contradiction (made by deniers) through the Divine Mercy!

This is the Pre-existent Covenant!

This is the weighty Mystery!

This is the Greatest Secret of the Countenance of Baha

- May my soul redeem His beloved ones!

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

[Extract from a Tablet]

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

Through Miss Alma Knobloch, to the maidservant of God, Fraulein Julia Staebler

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou maidservant of God!

Thy letter was received. I am much occupied, therefore brevity is befitting. Be very grateful to Miss Alma Knobloch and Miss Anna Kostlin, for they became the cause of thy guidance.

Thy beloved mother ascended to the apex of the Kingdom. She is the associate and the companion of the spiritual ones. They witness this world and the inhabitants thereof, for the veil is rent asunder and the covering is taken away from before the insight. Beg of God for them the exaltation of spiritual degrees.

Praise be to God that, on the Day of the Declaration of His Holiness the Báb, you celebrated the Feast with the utmost beauty. The Nineteen-days Feast has the utmost importance, that the beloved ones may gather in a meeting, be occupied with the utmost love and fellowship in mentioning the name of God, and speak about the glad tidings of God, deliver the proofs and evidences of the appearance of Baha'u'llah, mention the praiseworthy deeds and the sacrifices endured by the Believers of God in Persia, talk about the severance and the attraction of the martyrs and remember the cooperation and the mutual assistance of the friends. Therefore this Nineteen- day Feast is most important.

The believers of God in Persia sacrifice their lives in the path of each other, the rich give to the poor, and the worthies protect and guard the weak ones.

Convey to all the friends the wonderful greeting of Abha.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

A Tablet of visitation for Frau Babette Ruoff

A visiting Tablet for the Maidservant of God, Frau Babette Ruoff.

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O Almighty! Endear thou this maidservant of Thy Threshold, Frau Ruoff, in the Kingdom of Thy Holiness, and submerge her in the Ocean of Sight. Overlook her shortcomings; confer upon her Thy Grace! Vouchsafe her Thy Purity in the Court of the Paradise of Abha! Bestow upon her Eternal Life and suffer her to become the manifestor of infinite bestowals in the meeting of transfiguration.

Verily Thou art the Generous, the Pardoner, and the Compassionate.

(Signed) Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful m America.

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O ye believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful!

From the Graces of His Holiness Baha’u’llah I beg for you firmness and steadfastness. Today whosoever is a herald of the Covenant is confirmed and assisted. In these days a number of souls, whose deeds are known in America as clear as the sun, have arisen in enmity against the Center of the Covenant. Theirs is the van imagination that they can extinguish the Light of the Candle of the Covenant. Vain indeed is their thought. The Candle of the Covenant is like unto the Morning Star which never sets.

In short and a after a journey through Europe and a visit to the Holy Land, their honors, Mr. Remey and Mr. Latimer, are now returning to America. I send them. I am hopeful that from the Bestowals of His Holiness Baha’u’llah, they may become confirmed and assisted in the diffusion of the Fragrances of God.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

To Louise R. Waite

To the maid servant of God, Mrs. Louise Waite, Los Angeles, California 

Upon her be Baha'u'l-Abha!

O thou dear maid servant of Baha’u’llah!

The letter thou hadst written to his honor Mr. Tudor Pole was perused. It is just what thou hadst written, namely, that the question of supreme importance centers around the promulgation of divine teachings. This is conducive to amity among all denominations and races that dwell on earth, nay rather it links together the East and the West, binds closely together the North and the South, pitches the pavilion of the oneness of the world of humanity, lays the foundation of universal peace, emancipates mankind from the gloom of the world of nature and elevates it to the illumination of the Kingdom, secures freedom for all the hearts and gladdens the souls with the glad tidings of God.

As to the question of reincarnation which thou hast inquired: It is better for thee to refer to the Book of Certainty (Iqan) revealed through the Supreme Pen, wherein the question is fully treated. This is the explicit text of the divine utterance and therein thou shalt find that it has been manifestly declared that by "Return" is meant the return of human perfections and divine illumination. The Book of Iqan has been translated and possesses the decisive verdict. Consider and peruse it with the utmost carefulness.

Message to the American People

[Appears to have been sent at the start of World War I]

This terrestrial globe is a dark world of grossest matter. It is a world of sorrow and grief; a world of disappointment and unhappiness; a world of death. For the earth is after all the everlasting graveyard, the vast cemetery of man. Yet men fight to possess this graveyard, waging war and battle, killing one another. What an injustice is this! What ignorance! For the earth after all is spacious, and can hold all. It is so allotted that every man can derive his daily sustenance from it. The Lord does not suffer anyone to starve. All can be blessed with the abundant bestowals of God. But on account of pure superstitions, and by reason of old theological dogmas which have nothing to do with the fundamentals of Divine Religion, for the sake of such limitations, this bloodshed is taking place. [World War I]

As to the American people, this noble nation, intelligent, thoughtful, meditative, -- it is quite disinterested, for its territory is insular and geographically separated from the other nations. Here we find a oneness of interest, a oneness of policy. These are indeed United States. Therefore the United States is possessed of the capacity and capability of holding aloft the banner of international peace.

To Rev. J. W. Van Kirk, the designer of the World Peace Flag

O thou respected truth seeker!

Thy letter was received. It reflected the sentiment of the oneness of the world of humanity. The flag that thou hast forwarded was in reality the foreshadowing symbol of Universal Peace. Today all the nations of the world are animated with a warlike spirit and the governments of the world are filling their military storehouses, inventing infernal machines and perfecting their man killing engines; so that their martial powers may preponderate each other; especially the Continent of Europe has become an arsenal of combustible materials. It needs only one tiny spark to set that hell into a worldwide explosion. It will be then such a titanic conflagration that its lurid flames shall blazen all the horizons. Hence the 'Anthem of Universal Peace' has still no charm in their ears. Their universally accepted political axioms are that the greatness and prosperity of a nation depends on her military and naval powers. The more elaborate these preparations, the better protected and secured the wellbeing and happiness of that government and nation. The kings and rulers of the world are not yet ready to acknowledge that Universal Peace is conducive to the life of the world of humanity. In a similar strain the nobles, the demagogues and those in authority find their glory and reputation in naval and military preparedness.

To the Believers in Iran

He is God!

O ye friends of the heart and soul of ‘Abdu'l-Baha!

The violators of the Covenant have raised a new cry and have written to Europe "That ‘Abdu'l-Baha has become exceedingly weak, that he is no longer able to perform any work, and that he is in great danger and before long he will say his farewell words. Now, this is our chance."

From this news suddenly through the blessing of the Blessed Perfection health was granted to me. Immediately I began to write Tablets so that the "Aiadi" [Hands] of the Cause of God would give the Glad tidings to the friends that ‘Abdu'l-Baha is not weak. Through the help and assistance and the blessing and confirmation of the Blessed Beauty he is exceedingly healthy, and the proof of it is that day and night he is either writing or revealing (Tablets). Through my own will power all the symptoms disappeared in short, now I am writing with exceeding joy and happiness.

The writings of Mirza Abu’l Fadl -- may my life be a sacrifice to him -- I am sending to you in order that you will, all together, compile books from these writings and immediately print and circulate them.

I expect Divine confirmations for the "Ajudi" of the Cause of God.

Upon them be the blessings of their benevolent Lord.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)

Spiritual Transformation – extract from a prayer

Cover the sins of the weak ones with the hem of the garment of Thy Mercy! Change the indifference of the heedless ones into the essence of fidelity, wisdom and understanding! Grant the souls a loftier effort and arouse another spiritual tumult in the minds so that they may sing the melody of the Supreme Realm, seek for a Glory Everlasting, long for the delicacies of the New World, soar toward the Brightest Horizon, enter the congregation of the Almighty and become the recipients of the bestowals of the Kingdom! Thus will the dark world become luminous, the satanic field transformed into the courts of the Merciful, the mound of earth become the mound of Heaven and the terrestrial globe, the Eternal Rose garden. Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Hearer, the Seer! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 11, September 27, 1914)

To the maidservant of God, Miss Gamble

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou beloved divine maidservant!

The letter, dated May 26th of the present year, was received, but on account of the weakened condition of ‘Abdu'l-Baha the answer was delayed. Now, as through the help and favor of God, health is secured, I therefore write the answer, so that thou mayest perceive that thou art not forgotten. I ever remember thee and beg for thee from the Kingdom of Abha everlasting help and bounty.

I hope thou art of those who are firm in the Covenant and that thou wilt call the people unto the Testament. The Blessed Beauty has established this Covenant so that all (the Baha’is) may know that whatsoever things proceed from the Pen of the Covenant (‘Abdu’l-Baha) are based upon infinite wisdom. They should not hurry, for it (wisdom) will become apparent and evident later on. ‘Abdu’l-Baha has ever been a concealer of defects and still is a coverer of sins and will not attempt to publish the shortcomings and the faults of any soul, but will rather keep them secret. Therefore, to some the situation seems ambiguous, for they are ignorant of the reality of the subject.

Should he (‘Abdu'l-Baha) not overlook them and explain all the events then there would remain no doubt as to ‘Abdu’l-Baha's extreme kindness. How patient and long suffering he (‘Abdu'l-Baha) is! If he ever utters a word or dictates something concerning a soul, it is a matter of warning which arises from kindness.

A Message from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the American People – “An Appeal for Peace”, published in San Francisco Chronicle, October 4, 1912

Praise be to God: The United States has in reality made extraordinary progress; day by day they are advancing toward the ultimate goal! The material virtues of the people are many; now they must think of the ideal virtues, so that the highest of the perfections of humanity may illumine the regions of America.

Among the highest virtues is universal peace, the oneness of humanity. The chief ailment of humanity today is international strife; this militates against the advancement of the material and ideal virtues.

The continent of America is isolated so far as other countries are concerned; the government is not thinking of making conquests, of enlarging the circle of colonization. They are not thinking to contend with other nations so far as financial, commercial and political supremacy is concerned. They are not the rival of any other nation. Their utmost desire is this: That the continent of America be protected.

They are engaged in the amelioration of internal conditions; they are not engaged in warfare with any nation. Therefore, they have the time and ability to raise the standard of universal peace and spread the doctrine of the oneness of God. May their influence spread and permeate to all parts of the world.

To the Believers of God and the Maid servants of the Merciful, Portland, Oregon

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O Thou Heavenly Father!

Thou hast the hosts of the Kingdom and the spiritual angels. We, indigent souls are broken winged birds; yet we yearn to soar toward the immensity of the Kingdom. We are thirsty fish; we seek the Sea of the Water of Life. We are the butterflies of the nether world; we long for the Lamp of the Realm on High. We are in the utmost weakness and feebleness; yet we are fighting against the armies of the world.

Therefore, Lord of Hosts! confirm us so that the army of Light may became victorious and the legions of the darkness be defeated. Assist us in the service of the Kingdom and acquaint us with the Divine Mysteries. Rejoice us with the glad tidings of the everlasting sovereignty and bestow upon us a portion and a share of the Life Eternal. Suffer the tongues to be unloosed and grant sight to the eyes; so that we may behold the world of the Kingdom and may praise with an eloquent speech Thy Beauty and Thy Perfection.

Verily, Thou art the Bestower and the Kind!

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas 

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10, September 8, 1914)

To his honor Amin, Teheran, Persia

[one of the venerable teachers of the East]

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou spiritual Amin!

In all the world of creation all the existent beings are in the utmost connection. Through this connection, mutual helpfulness and cooperation is realized. This mutual helpfulness and cooperation is the origin of the conservation of the forces of life. If for one instant this mutual helpfulness and cooperation were cut off from the sources and realities of things, all the existent beings and things would be thrown into confusion and chaos, and be reduced to nothingness and annihilation.

For instance: From the breath of the animals a watery element, called hydrogen and carbon is exhaled, and this is the life principle of the vegetable kingdom. From the vegetable kingdom and the trees, a fiery element, called oxygen, is emitted and this becomes the cause of the maintenance of the life of the animal kingdom. In such a manner, mutual helpfulness and cooperation is realized continually between all the existent beings.

Likewise, the greatest inter-relation and communication exists between the sons of men, without which peace, life and existence is entirely impossible. For a soul independent of all the other souls and without receiving assistance from other sources cannot live for the twinkling of an eye; nay, rather, he will become non- existent and reduced to nothingness; especially among the believers of God between whom material and spiritual communication is developed up to the highest point of perfection.

To his honor Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou propagator of the Religion of God!

A few days ago an epistle was written thee. Although I have not much time, yet I immediately give an answer to thy letter so that thou mayst know how my heart is attached to thee. Truly I say in the Cause of God thou art sincere. Thou hast no other object save the good-pleasure of the Lord, and hast consecrated all thy time to the service of the Kingdom of God. On this account I have the utmost love for thee.

Praise be to God, that the problem of meetings is solved, and there is no more any cause for dispute. Now the believers must engage their time in teaching the Cause of God, and in the meeting no discussion should be carried on save the Cause of God. The members of the Baha’i Assemblies must be infinitely kind towards each other and all their deliberations must be concerning the Kingdom of Abha. Promiscuous discussion must be discountenanced, for these things will become the means of the luke-warmness and apathy of those who are present. The Candles of all the meetings must be the Mention of God, the propagation of the Cause of God, the exposition of Divine Proofs and the elucidation of the Principles of His Holiness Baha’u’llah. When this condition is obtained, the meeting will become heavenly, celestial, godlike, illumined and the means of the guidance of the erring ones. It will yield most great results.

To the Maid-servant of God, Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham, New York

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter was received. According to the dear text of the Book of Aqdas and the

explicit contents of the Book of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Baha is the Interpreter of all the Works and Books of the Blessed Perfection, and not only of the Book of Aqdas. This question is clear and evident to those who are informed of the Writings and Tablets (of Baha’u’llah). Were this not the case, everyone would have given an interpretation according to his own inclination and considered his interpretation preferable to the interpretation of others - this would naturally lead to great differences. If someone interprets one verse of the Verses of God, and his interpretation is not approved by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, it is not authoritative.

Now is not the time for interpretation. This is the time of teaching. All the believersmust unloose the tongue of teaching the Cause of God. For teaching is the cause of the guidance of all the inhabitants of the earth; teaching is the means of the illumination of mankind; teaching is conducive to the enlightenment of the world of humanity; teaching is promotive of the confirmations of the Breaths of the Holy Spirit. This is the most great affair!

But if a soul on reading one of the blessed verses utters an explanation which

does not harm the Cause, do not oppose him; for his talk is 'based upon explanation (elucidation) and not on interpretation.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 9, August 20, 1914)

To prove ourselves to be the “first servants of the realm of humanity, and the builders of the edifice of Divine Justice.”

O ye friends of God!

All the people of the world today are workmen of destruction or ruin. Everyone as though with an axe is striking at the root of the foundation of humanity. They hold in their hands great implements of warfare and destruction. Among the greatest is the axe of religious prejudices or sectarian bias, as well as that of racial bias; another implement of destruction is the axe of patriotic bias; another is the axe of political warfare; another implement of ruin is the persistent accumulation of commercial benefit or profit; another, the love of conquest of new domains, as is also the enmity, hatred and bigotry among the nations and tribes. These souls are entirely inadvertent to the relations of the Kingdom of God, deprived of the relations of Unity, and despaired of the Life Eternal. Although outwardly they may be extremely civilized, nevertheless they live in darkness.

Now, God has chosen you from among mankind, and has guided you to the Kingdom, has enlightened your hearts with the love of God, so that you may be the cause of guidance to these people, in order that you may become a cause of guidance to the world of humanity. He has appointed you as the builders of the edifice of true manhood. Consider with what a power of morals you must arise in order to withstand all vicissitudes. All these people, all these promoters as workers of warfare and ruin are spreading the deeds of hatred among nations. Now, consider with what peace and concord you must go forth in order that you may be capable of overcoming the antagonistic forces.

To expand our vision

O ye heavenly ones!

Organize ye spiritual assemblies. Lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world. Destroy ye the fabric of strife and war from the face of the earth. Construct ye the temple of harmony and agreement. Enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity. Open ye your eyes. Gaze and behold ye the Other World. The Kingdom of Peace, Salvation, Uprightness and Reconciliation is founded in the Invisible World, and it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the Word of God. I supplicate God that ye may become the army of that Kingdom, in order that, by the power of the Most Great Name, the friends of God may conquer the world through love, friendship and the strength of the Kingdom of Peace, the human race may become compassionate, and bloodshed and carnage be completely effaced from the universe.

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5. No. 9, August 20, 1914)

To the Editor of the Christian Commonwealth, London, England

[Revealed in 1913]

He is God!

O thou esteemed and kind friend!

After journeying throughout the United States of America, and the great capitals and metropolis of Europe, I have returned to the East. With the results of this journey I am most pleased and well satisfied because I met noble people and associated with worthy souls, who are in reality the cause of honour and glory to the world of humanity. They were learned and wise, well-informed of the realities of events and the well-wishers of the human world, especially the advocates of universal peace. 

In these days the world of humanity is afflicted with a chronic disease. It is one of bloodshed, the destruction of the divine edifice, the demolition of cities and villages, the slaughter of the noble youths of the world of humanity, children becoming orphans and women homeless and shelterless. What calumny is greater than this? What crime is more heinous than this? What disease is more dangerous than this? What folly is more direful than this?

Consider that in former days there were only religious wars, but now there are racial and political wars fought at staggering expense and sacrifice. A thousand times alas for this ignorance, this bloodthirstiness and ferocity! I became pleased with and grateful to the societies which are organized in the West for the promotion of universal peace, and with whose presidents, officers and members I frequently conversed. I hope that the sphere of the activities of these societies may become from day to day enlarged; so that the lights of the higher ideals may illumine all regions, the oneness of the world of humanity be proclaimed in the East and in the West, and the world of humanity may attain to composure and well-being. These revered souls who are the servants of the world of humanity and the promoters of the cause of universal peace shall ere long shine like brilliant stars from the horizon of mankind, flooding the regions with their glorious lights.

To the believers of God and the maid servants of the Merciful, Philadelphia

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!

… O ye friends and maid servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance toward the Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore, endeavor ye as much as ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well rooted tree and produce blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing winds of tests and trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its blossoms and fruits. Because the Apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most great services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them uninterruptedly.

If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with infinite resolution. Be ye not discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that that region may be illumined, the Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may quicken the souls.

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 6, June 24, 1914)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Travels in the West

It is nearly two years and a half that I have been a wanderer over mountains and deserts and a traveler over seas and lands. The journey was extended to many climes. The penetrative power of the Holy Cause has stirred the columns of the world. in many cities of America, the Divine Call was raised. Likewise, in the countries of Europe. In many churches, clubs, meetings and universities of America the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of Abha were explained explicitly with a resonant voice, and no one arose in opposition. They listened most attentively and expressed their pleasure afterward. Ere long this Call shall yield the most glorious results and will fill the world with its fruits.

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Extract from a Tablet to Persian Baha’is; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 6, June 24, 1914) 

Prayer for Assistance - “each one who endeavors for the erection of the House of the Lord”

O God! O God! I implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears, to aid each one who endeavors for the erection of the House of the Lord (Mashriqu’l-Adhkar), the Building wherein Thy Name is mentioned every morn and eve. Send down Thy benediction on whomsoever endeavors for the uprising of this Edifice among the sects and religions, and confirm him in every good deed of mankind; open the doors of riches and wealth unto him and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the Kingdom which perish not; make him the sign of giving among the peoples and reinforce him by the sea of Thy generosity and bounty, which is surging with the waves of grace and favor.

Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and the Bountiful!

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 5, June 5, 1914)

Extract from a Tablet to Mr. Howard MacNutt

He is God!

O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!

Thy detailed letter was received. Its contents indicated that thou didst travel in the cities of America and visited the friends of God until thou didst reach the general Convention held in Chicago for the building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. In thy letter thou bast written in praise and commendation of the illumination of that Convention. Truly, I say, the Convention of the Baha’i delegates in Chicago was a heavenly gathering and confirmed by Divine Assistance. The Splendor of the Kingdom of Abha shone forth and the soul refreshing Breeze wafted from the direction of Providence. It was an Effulgence from the Rays of the Sun of Truth that the friends of God gathered in that illumined Assembly with the utmost love, unity and concord. The intentions of everyone were reinforced by Divine Confirmation, the aim of everyone was service in the Cause of God, servitude in the Threshold of the Almighty and the erection of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar.

The results of that Convention in the future will be far- reaching and most important, and evident signs shall become manifest. As it was the first general Baha’i Convention in America, it displayed wonderful influence. The gathering of that illumined Assembly in such a short space of time would have been impossible without the Power of the Divine Covenant and Testament. But The Covenant has such a great sway that it astonishes the minds. In every region the sign of the Power of the Covenant is apparent and manifest.

To become a “light in the Divine Assemblage”

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)

How to teach the Cause

If a soul calls the people to the Kingdom of God according to the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, there will be many listeners.

First, one must teach by deeds; then speak the word! One must become thirsty; then the salubrious Water be offered. No matter how delicious the Water is, one who is not thirsty will not enjoy it. Therefore, make ye an effort, so that the people may become thirsty; then cause them to quaff from the Divine Chalice. 

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