To the Bahai Assembly of Portland, Oregon

Upon thee be Baha'u'l-Abha!

He is God!

O ye denizens of the Kingdom!

Your letter was received and caused joy and gladness, for it was an evidence of firmness and steadfastness. Praise be to God, ye have an assembly in the utmost joy and fragrance; the candle thereof being the blessings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, the spirit of that meeting is the confirmations of the supreme kingdom, and the sustenance of that gathering is celestial benediction. I hope that the life of that assembly shall be the breaths of the holy spirit, and in accordance with the heavenly teachings ye become regiments of universal peace, breaking asunder the armies of war and strife through the power and teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, and thus raise the standard of unity, of friendship and of love in the world of humanity.

The Americans are distinguished from the Europeans in this noble ideal, viz.: universal peace, and it is proper that they glory before all nations. His honor Mr. William Jennings Bryan, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, especially, has in reality stood by the promulgation of universal peace with the utmost effort; and because in this matter he is striving exactly in accordance with the teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, he is self-sacrificing. My hope is that he will become a candle of the Convention for Universal Peace and shine forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of the oneness of the world of humanity.

It may come to pass that some corrupted souls shall come to America working to bring about the wavering of your hearts; but ye must be firm like unto a mountain in faith and the Covenant, and be not shaken by the blowing of contrary winds.

Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 6, no.11, September 27, 1915)

To the noble personage, his excellency, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, May God assist him!

He is God!

O thou illustrious soul! O thou the great pillar of the palace of universal peace!

It is some time since I intended to correspond with thee, but there was no intermediary between us. Now that his excellency, Mr. Topakyan, has made this possible through his kindly suggestion, I write thee this epistle; for truly I say thou art the lover of humanity and one of the founders of universal peace.

Today the most great service to the kingdom of God is the promotion of the principle of the unification of mankind and the establishment of universal peace. A number of souls who were doctrinaires and unpractical thinkers worked for the realization of this most exalted aim and good cause, but they were doomed to failure, save that lofty personage who has been and is still promoting the matter of international arbitration and general conciliation through deeds, words, self-sacrifice and the generous donation of wealth and property.

Rest thou assured that through the confirmations of the holy spirit thou wilt become confirmed and assisted in the accomplishment of this most resplendent service, and in this mortal world thou shalt lay the foundation of an immortal, everlasting edifice, and in the end thou wilt sit upon the throne of incorruptible glory in the kingdom of God.

All the leaders and statesmen of Europe are thinking on the plane of war and the annihilation of the mansion of humanity, but thou art thinking on the plane of peace and love and the strengthening and reinforcement of the basis of the superstructure of the human world. They are the heralds of death, thou art the harbinger of life. The foundations of their palaces are unstable and wavering and the turrets of their mansions are tottering and crumbling, but the basis of thy structure is firm and unmovable.

To his honor Mr. Remey - [concerning the passing of Thomas Breakwell & souls who enjoy eternal life]

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God

O thou who art rejoiced by the Divine Glad-tidings!

Verily I have received thy last letter, and thanked God that thou didst reach Paris protected and guarded by Him. Thank thou God that He assisted thee to behold the brilliant faces of the believers of God, and favored thee to meet them in American countries; for verily, beholding those shining countenances is a divine gift. By it, the hearts are dilated, the souls are rejoiced, and the spirits are attracted toward the Supreme Concourse.

Do not lament over the departure of my dearly-beloved Breakwell. For verily, he has ascended to the luminous Rose-Garden in the Abha Kingdom, near the mercy of his Lord, the Almighty, and is crying out with the loudest voice, "O that my people knew how my Lord hath forgiven me, and made me one of those who have attained to the meeting of God!"

O Breakwell! my beloved! Where is thy beautiful countenance, and where is thy eloquent tongue? Where is thy radiant brow, and where is thy brilliant face?

O Breakwell! my beloved! Where is thy enkindlement with the fire of the Love of God, and where is thy attraction to the Fragrances of God? Where is thy utterance for the glorification of God, and where is thy rising in the service of God?

O my dear! O Breakwell! Where are thy bright eyes, and where are thy smiling lips? Where are thy gentle cheeks, and where is thy graceful stature?

O my dear! O Breakwell! Verily thou hast abandoned this transitory world, and soared upward to the Kingdom, hast attained to the Grace of the Invisible Realm, and sacrificed thyself to the Threshold of the Lord of Might!

O my adored one! O Breakwell! Verily thou hast left behind this physical lamp, this human glass, these earthly elements, and this worldly enjoyment.

O my adored one! Breakwell! Then thou hast ignited a light in the Glass of the Supreme Concourse, hast entered in the Paradise of Abha; art protected under the shade of the Blessed Tree, and hast attained to the meeting (of the True One) in the abode of Paradise.

Through Aqa Mirza Lotfullah Hakim, London, to Mr. Daniel Jenkyn

Upon him be Baha’u’llah!

He is God

O thou who art attracted to the Truth!

Many of the philosophers of the world and the great men of different nations wished to attain the Truth, but they were deprived. Then praise thou God that thou hast reached to the essence of the Truth and thou hast heard the proclamation of the Kingdom and the teachings of the Lord of Hosts. Through this great favor thou hast prospered and become victorious.

I pray, on thy behalf, that thou mayest become the proclaimer of God in that city, that thou mayest awake the sleepers and warn the negligent; that thou mayest become lighted like a torch and bestow the light of guidance.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 19, March 2, 1915)

Concerning attendance by Baha’is at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco

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 be 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 Bahais must arrange and prepare ways and means so that a great number of them may be present on that occasion. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Bah  (From a Tablet dated 12 July 1911)

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 14 April 1914)

As regards the second trip of Abdul-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 12 March 1913)

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

To Doctor F. W. D'Evelyn, the beloved of God, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Ella C. Cooper, Mr. W. C. and Mrs. Georgia Ralston, San Francisco, California

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

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)

“O thou world of humanity! Awake! Awake!”

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

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

He is God!

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 portentious 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. War saps the foundation of humanity; killing is an unpardonable crime against God, for man is an edifice built by the Hand of the Almighty. Peace is life incarnate; war is death personified. Peace is the divine spirit; war is satanic suggestion. Peace is the light of the world; war is stygian darkness and cimmerian gloom. All the great prophets, ancient philosophers and heavenly Books have been the harbingers of Peace and monitors against war and discord. This is the Divine foundation; this is the Celestial outpouring; this is the basis of all religions of God.

In short, before all the meetings in the West I cried out: "O ye thinkers of the world! O ye philosophers of the Occident! O ye scholars and sages of the earth! A threatening black cloud overshadows, which ere long shall envelop the horizon of humanity; an impetuous tempest is ahead, which shall shatter to splinters the ships of the lives of mankind, and a turbulent, furious torrent shall soon drown the countries and nations of Europe. Awaken ye! Awaken ye! Become ye mindful! Become ye mindful! Thus in the spirit of co-operation we may all arise with the utmost magnanimity and through the Favor and Providence of God hold aloft the flag of the Oneness of Humanity, promote the essentials of Universal Peace and deliver the inhabitants of the world from this Most Great Danger!"

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

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O firm ones in the Covenant!

Your letter was received and its contents became known. A Tablet (lit. letter) was written to Teheran 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 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. 16, December 12, 1914)

Translated by Lotfullah S. Hakim, November 25, 1914, (Kowl 3rd, 70), London, England.

“Baha’u’llah is the Collective Center of Unity for all humanity”

It is self-evident that humanity is at variance. Human tastes differ; thoughts, nativities, races and tongues are various. The need of a Collective Center, by which these differences may be counterbalanced and the people of the world be unified, is obvious. Consider how nothing but a spiritual power can bring about this unification; — for material conditions and mental aspects are so widely different that agreement and unity are impossible through outer means. But it is possible for all to become unified through One Spirit just as all may receive light from one sun… Today, His Holiness Baha’u’llah is the Collective Center of Unity for all humanity. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 16, December 12, 1914)

Future of California & Exposition in San Francisco in 1915

The future of California, whether in regard to its material 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 be 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 Bahais must arrange and prepare ways and means so that a great number of them may be present on that occasion. 

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

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

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

East and West.

He is God

[prayer]

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!

O Lord! O Lord! Grant endurance and fortitude to these broken wings and brace and steel the nerves of these suppliant birds;—so that they may soar towards the apex of prosperity, wing their way through the immensity of success to the highest station of worthiness, stretch forth their pinions to reach the loftiest point in Thy Abha Kingdom and the apogee of grandeur in Thy Supreme Concourse: thus their eyes may be brightened by beholding the lights and their ears be charmed by listening to the singing of the mysteries!

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 Köstlin, 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 co-operation and the mutual assistance of the friends. Therefore this nineteen days' 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 you be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

A Prayer for departed – for 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 in 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. Their's is the vain 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, 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)

Tablet to the Persian Baha’is

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 Abdul-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" [1] 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 "Aiadi" of the Cause of God. Upon them be the blessings of their benevolent Lord.

Upon ye be Baha’u’-Abha!

 (Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

[1] “Aiadi" means "Hands" and refers to four distinguished Baha’is in Teheran, Persia.

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

To Rev. J. W. Van Kirk

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 all 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 world-wide 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 well-being 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.

Consequently it is impossible that 'economic contentment' be realized by the people of the world save through the transforming Power of Faith. For Faith is the solver of every problem. Therefore you must strive to strengthen the foundation of the Religion of God. Through the Power of the Religion of God every difficulty will be disentangled. The Power of the Religion of God will humble the kings and set at naught the crooked motives of those who are in supreme authority. Then endeavor ye, that the Power of True Religion which breathes the Spirit of Life into the dead body of the world of humanity, may be promulgated. This is the antidote for the poisoned body of the world and a quick-healing remedy for the rancorous disease of man. For this reason diffuse thou as much as thou art able the sweet Fragrance of the Holy Spirit, teach the people the Divine advice and exhortations and spread far and wide the heavenly Teachings..."

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)

“warnings on the part of God so that they may quicken the people and make them mindful”

These dreadful events are as warnings on the part of God so that they may quicken the people and make them mindful. Like unto children, who are being rocked in a cradle, the harder they are rocked to be awakened, the deeper they fall into sleep… We shall wait and see what God hath decreed to be the outcome of this universal upheaval… Perchance, God willing, they may become mindful… In short, pray and supplicate at the Threshold of the Almighty in behalf of the heedless souls, for they know not what they are doing!

‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)

Through Aqa Mirza Lotfullah, London, to the maid-servant of God, Miss Gamble

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God

O thou beloved divine maid-servant!

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 short-comings 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. It is an act of kindness on the part of a physician when he explains the disease of his patient, for his explanation secures the recovery.

I swear by the God beside Whom there is no other God, were any one to amputate any of my limbs, I would pardon him before he had committed the crime; but I can never say that an invalid is robust and healthy, for I wish his recovery, and this is extreme kindness not enmity.

Therefore, if the believers of God wish to be kind to a soul, they should desire his well-being and try to advise him, so that the kind physician may prescribe a remedy and thus secure his recovery.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10, September 27, 1914)

‘Abdu’lBaha’s Message to the American People - 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.

Other peoples of the world have to contend with international difficulties. First, the nations are rivals with each other so far as commercial advantages are concerned. Second, they are thinking of the national self-aggrandizement. Third, they are thinking of planting new colonies. Therefore, it is difficult for them to step into this field, to uphold international peace, because they are contending, warlike, victory-loving people. They cannot be instrumental in promulgating international peace.

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, O Lord of Hosts! confirm us so that the army of Light may become 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!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 11, September 27, 1914, 1914)

To his honor Ameen [1], Teheran, Persia

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God

O thou spiritual Ameen!

In all the world of creation all the existent beings are in the utmost connection. Through this connection, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized. This mutual helpfulness and co-operation is the origin of the conservation of the forces of life. If for one instant this mutual helpfulness and co-operation 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 co-operation 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.

It is this real communication, the essential necessity and requirement of which is: mutual helpfulness, co-operation and confirmation. Without the complete establishment of this divine principle in the hearts of the friends of God, nothing can be accomplished, for they are the hyacinths of one garden; the waves of one sea, the stars of one heaven and the rays of one sun. From every standpoint, the essential unity, the luminous unity, the religious unity and the material unity are founded and organized between them.

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 (written to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab) 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 lukewarmness 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.

O thou servant of His Holiness Baha’u’llah! Inform all the believers that perhaps a number of calumnious articles will be sent to those parts by the people of doubts. The aim of such articles is to cause the wavering of the friends in The Covenant and the Testament. Therefore, they should not take notice of these articles, nay, rather, return them to the senders, accompanied with concise, full and sweeping answers—that we are firm in The Covenant and the servants of the Blessed Perfection. We do not give ear to such hearsays and incoherent statements. We have turned our faces to the Center of the Covenant in accord with the incontrovertible Commands of Baha’u’llah, the Text of the Book of Aqdas and the Text of the Tablet of the Covenant. We have nothing to do with the people of doubts.

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

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 clear text of the Book of Akdas 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 believers must 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)

“Abdul-Baha is the Interpreter of all the Works and Books of the Blessed Perfection”

O thou who art firm in The Covenant! … According to the clear text of the Book of Akdas 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 [Baha’u’llah] and not only of the Book of Akdas. 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 every one would have given an interpretation according to his own inclination, and considering his own interpretation preferable to the interpretation of others which naturally lead to great differences." 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 9, August 20, 1914)

Message from Abdu'l-Baha to the beloved in America, through Mr. Kinney

When you enter a public meeting deliver this Message from Abdu'l-Baha:

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 a peace and concord you must go forth in order that you may be capable of overcoming the antagonistic forces.

“Lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world”

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 (From a Tablet; 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 calamity 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!

He is God!

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. 7, July 13, 1914)

Extract from Tablet to Persian Baha’is

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 (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

Prayer for those engaged in building Mashriqu’l-Adhkars

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 mom 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 hast 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.

For instance: In Persia the fire of revolution blazed in such wise that all communities, government and nation became afflicted with the most severe trials; but the Power of the Covenant protected the Baha’i friends to such a degree that in this turbulent storm no dust fell upon them, except in one locality, which became the cause of the spreading of the Religion of God and the diffusion of the Word of God. Now all the parties in Persia are wondering how the people of Bahá were guarded and protected.

Praise be to God! that in Tehran, and all the provinces of Persia, the Call of God has been raised, the Ensign of the Covenant has been unfurled, the cry of "Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha!" has been heard and the melody of the Kingdom of Abha has been promulgated among the people of intelligence.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 4, May 14, 1914)

To Mr. Vaffa Kinney, New York City

Upon Him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

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 mayst 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 Baha’u’llah, 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.

In short, O thou my Mr. Kinney, O thou my spiritual child! Whatever … deems advisable concur with him and put in practice, and occupy your time with the diffusion of the Fragrances of God. Announce the utmost kindness to thy respected wife and all the friends.

Up to the present time, as a result of this long journey to America, my constitution was in the utmost state of weakness and feebleness, consequently I could not carry the weight of correspondence. As at the present writing the condition of my nerves is better and materially improved, therefore I am writing thee this epistle.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 2, April 9, 1914)