To a believer

He is God!

O servant of the True One!

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

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

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

It is recorded in the Gospel that an adulteress was brought to the presence of Jesus Christ and confessed her sin. Those present asked Him why He did not command her to be stoned, He said, he who does not deserve a legal punishment, that is to say, ''he that is without sin,'' may get up and stone the adulteress. All of them looking upon themselves found themselves sinful, and "went out one by one."

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

He is God!

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

‘Abdu'l-Baha has the utmost longing to meet you, but now he is obliged to return to the East, for he has promised many friends and they having traveled a long way, will be disappointed if the meeting is not brought about.

Therefore, he has returned to Egypt and hopes that during the next spring no obstacle may arise, so that with infinite joy and fragrance he may hasten to America to meet the friends, to unfurl the banner of rejoicing, to spread the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of Abha, to illumine the meetings and gatherings with the Rays of the Sun of Truth, to perfume the nostrils with the Fragrances of Holiness, to impart gladness and delight to the hearts, to attract the souls to the Realms of Might, to grant the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that in this nether world the congregation of the Righteous Ones may be firmly established.

Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The bounties of the Most Great Name are descending. Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Lights of the Kingdom of Abha are shining. Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Doors of Heaven are opened and the call of the Kingdom is raised.

Upon you be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

To Claudia Stuart Coles, Washington, D.C.

Through Zia Effendi, Chicago Upon him be Baha’u’llah to Claudia Stuart Coles, Washington, D.C.

Upon her be Baha’u’llah

He is God!

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

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

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

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

To the maid servant of God, Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper

Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

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

Consider thou that at the time of an examination in sciences and arts, the dull and lazy pupil finds himself in calamity. But to the intelligent and sagacious student examination in learning produces honor and infinite happiness. Alloyed gold, subjected to the fire, portrays its baseness, while the intensity of the flame enhances the beauty of pure gold.

Therefore, tests to the weak souls are calamity and to the veiled ones the cause of their disgrace and humiliation. The point is This, that in the path of Truth every difficulty is made plain and every trial is the matchless bounty. Therefore, the believers of God and the maid servants of the Merciful must not relax during trial and no disaster must deter their service in the Cause of God. …

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

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

He is God!

O thou perfect man!

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

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

To his honor, Mr. Albert Smiley, the founder of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration

May God assist him!

He is God!

O thou great and respected personage!

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

The matter of international peace was instituted by His Highness Baha’u’llah, sixty years ago in Persia in the year of 1851 A.D. From That time innumerable epistles and tablets were spread first in Persia and then in other parts of the world, until about fifty years ago He clearly stated this matter of universal peace in the Book of Aqdas and has commanded all the Baha’is to serve faithfully with heart and soul in this great cause, give up their possessions and wealth for it and sacrifice their lives in case of necessity. He has taught them to spread the unity of nations and religions and proclaim in all the regions of the world the oneness of the kingdom of humanity.

To all friends of Abha in America

Upon them be the Glory of God!

O friends of Baha'u'llah!

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

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

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

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

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

Upon you be the Glory of Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

The Star of the West Magazine in the hands of non-Baha’is in Rasht, Persia

In regard to the STAR OF THE WEST which in Rasht fell into the hands of strangers. There was a wisdom in this. It will have great effect in the future. The editors of the newspapers are mistaken. The literature of the Baha’is has encircled the world and not alone Persia. The derision and the scorn of the editors of the newspapers will be the cause of their own undoing and regret. They must loosen their tongues in thankfulness and praise and glorification that Praise be to God Persia has found such influence in America that a magazine like unto the STAR OF THE WEST is founded. This behooveth them to be thankful and not complain. This is the cause of the glory of Persia and the Persians and not their shame. How long this community does not behold the wonders and miracles of Thy Lord!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Extract from a Tablet to a believer in Iran; Star of the West vol., 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)

To "the Members of the Assembly of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, San Francisco, California"

Through the maid servant of God, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, to the Members of the Assembly of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, San Francisco, California.

He is God!

O ye faithful friends!

The maid servant of the Kingdom of Baha’u’llah has written the joyful news that the friends in that region have established an Assembly, have engaged in the spreading of the teachings of God and have arisen with the utmost endeavor, sincerity of intention, and enkindling with the fire of the Love of God so that that country may become a main spring of the signs, and that city become illumined, and a number of souls like stars of the Horizon of Holiness may shine in the assemblage of the Kingdom of man (humanity).

This Assembly was organized at the right time. It is my hope that it may become a magnet of confirmation. If it remains firm and steadfast this Assembly will become so illumined that it will be a full, refulgent moon in the Horizon of everlasting Glory.

Report and write to me the services which are accomplished by this Assembly so that they may become the cause of spiritual happiness and joy to the heart.

Upon thee be the Glory of God!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West vol, 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)

To Adolph M. Dahl, Pittsburgh, Pa.

He is God!

O thou servant of God!

Thy letter was received. Praise be to Cod, that the call of the Kingdom of Abha reached Pittsburgh. Should the friends of God show firmness and steadfastness, the ray of the light of the Kingdom of Abha will shine and that state and city will become illuminated.

Endeavor thou that thou mayest study the Persian language thoroughly, so that thou mayest read the Tablets of Baha’u’llah and comprehend their meanings.

In reality, if someone should go to the Netherlands and engage in teaching the Truth great results would follow. Although such a person cannot be found for the present, yet before long he shall be discovered.

I supplicate and entreat at the Kingdom of Abha and ask heavenly confirmation for thee. Perchance, God willing, at some future date we may meet each other.

Upon thee be the Glory of God!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West vol, 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)

To Anna M. Dali, Pittsburgh, Pa.

He is God!

O thou seeker of Truth!

Thy letter was received and thy thankfulness became evident. Glorification of God is the cause of attraction of confirmation and draws down the bounties of the Glorious Lord. Therefore the glances of the providence of the True One shall ere long encircle all the family. I pray God that Pittsburgh may be blessed. It is not permitted to distribute Baha’i pamphlets and literature through the streets and markets. On account of the lack of time a brief answer is given.

Upon thee be the Glory of God!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West vol, 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)

To Mohammad Ali Khan, Teheran, Persia

He is God!

O thou intimate companion!

The flame of reformation is ignited in the heart and soul of Persia and the spirit of every real reformer is longing for better conditions. For Persia is sick and is suffering with intense agony. But the children of the East are abiding under the shade of the banner of discord and are completely heedless and veiled. Now, what remedy can be applied? The sick Persia is flying away from the physician; nay, rather that thirsty one is depriving himself of the sea of the salubrious water of health. Therefore, this exiled one has found no other alternative than to turn his face towards the West and raise the melody of the Kingdom; for to a certain degree the insight of the people in those parts is open and they are familiar and associate with reason and understanding. When Joseph found that his envious brothers and his jealous relations and friends were heedless and unmindful, he unveiled his face in the market of the Egyptians so that in exile he might destroy the foundation of strangeness and raise the banner of unity. Therefore, it is the aim of this exiled one, that, God willing, he may become the Herald and carry the glad tidings of the Kingdom to the empires of the West. Perchance the splendor of the Beauty of the real Joseph - the Most Great Name - May my life be a sacrifice to Him! – may shine from the countries of the Occident; and I beg of God that the glances of mercifulness may assist.

I hope that the bounties of the True One may become realized in thee, but it is conditional upon thy serving the Real Master and living in accord with the manners and behavior of the real Baha’is and showing the utmost sincerity and beauty of intention.

Upon thee be the Glory of God!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Bha Abbas

(Star of the West vol, 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)

To the attracted maid servant of God Miss Juliet Thompson, upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou daughter of the Kingdom! Thy letter was received and its contents became evident.

If America attains to the capacity of the Presence of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, I will travel to that country and all the difficulties shall be solved.

There is no doubt that the tests are severe. The more a soul resists and shows firmness and steadfastness, the greater will be his progress, and he shall soar to the sublimest heights of the Kingdom.

O thou daughter of the Kingdom! Thou hast expressed the hope of my Presence in America. It depends upon capacity and merit.

O thou who art attracted to the fragrances of God! Endeavor thou as far as thou canst to become the cause of the unity and harmony amongst the believers of God…

Announce on my behalf to Mrs. Mae Nut: "I do not forget thee and my beloved friend, Mr. MacNutt, for one breath; nay, ratter, I beg continually for your divine confirmations and supreme assistance."

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, nos. 7 and 8, August 1, 1911)

To Thornton Chase

Through Mirza Ahmad to Mr. Thornton Chase.

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

He is God!

O thou herald of the Kingdom!

I received thy two letters, an old one and one of recent date, and both of them were read with the utmost attention. Praise be to God! that thou didst not waver before the tests; nay, rather, thou didst remain firm and steadfast. When the tree sends down its roots into the bowels of the earth, then it will bring forth blossoms and fruits. Now, Praise be to God! that in this day of Kingdom thou art firm and steadfast. Rest thou assured that thou wilt become the recipient of confirmation and assistance, and the object of infinite bounties.

Thou hast asked about the statement in the Hidden Words, which reads: "Son of Spirit! Turn thy face so that thou mayest find Me within thee, Powerful, Mighty and Supreme." This is the statement to which His Holiness, the Christ, referred His apostles in the Gospel, saying, "The Father is in the Son, and the Son is in you.

This is evident that, when the hearts are purfied and through divine education and heavenly teachings become the manifestors of infinite perfections; they are like clear mirrors, and the Sun of Truth will reflect with might, power and omnipotence in such a mirror, and to such an extent that whatever is brought before it is illumined and ignited. This is a brief interpretation because of the lack of time. Therefore, do thou reflect and ponder over it so that the doors of significance may be opened before thine eyes.

In regard to the philosophy of the Theosophists, these people have borrowed some remarks and statements from the heavenly books, but they have not attained to the Reality. Notwithstanding this, they have made these appearances the foundation of their faith and religion. However, the reality of the question of Unify is this:

Four Questions and Answers

[Questions sent by Professor Cairns, Edinburgh, June 24th, 1910

• 1. Is it right to speak of the Bab and of Baha'u'llah as Manifestations, or as Incarnations?
• 2. Do the Baha’is teach the doctrine of reincarnation”
• 3. Did Baha'u'llah claim to supersede the Revelation of Jesus, the Christ?
• 4. Did Baha’u’llah claim to be greater than Jesus, the Christ?]

Answers by ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Haifa, July 20th, 1910

O daughter of the Kingdom!

Your letter has arrived. Its contents caused spiritual happiness and heartfelt gladness. I wish to answer in detail, but at present my health is not very strong; I am fatigued, so am obliged to write in short. When I feel better, I will write at length, for verily, you are occupied with the work of the Kingdom and are serving the world of humanity, and therefore are worthy of correspondence.

Now I will write shortly:

“pray thou that harmony may be created so that your country may find the capacity for the Presence of ‘Abdu’l-Baha”

Thy letter was received and read. Thou hast invited me to America, saying: "In that region and in that country there are many fragrant and colored flowers; likewise there are thorns and thistles; but ‘Abdu’l-Baha should not look upon the thistles of the desert. He must hasten to that country for the sake the flowers." This simile is very beautiful; but when a gardener invites a man to his garden, first he will arrange all the flowers with the utmost elegance, beauty and art, then he will invite his guest. Moreover, there are differences among the flowers. Therefore pray thou that harmony may be created so that your country may find the capacity for the Presence of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. I have the utmost yearning to meet all of you; but unless the conditions which have been previously mentioned are realized, my trip to those parts would be difficult, for it would produce no results.

I hope that all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful may be united with each other, so that ‘Abdu’l-Baha without any cloud may travel from the East to the West. It is hoped that this unity may become realized.

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 6, June 24, 1911)

Mission of the American believers

Thy mission in America for the present is this: Thou must travel as far as possible to every part and pass through cities and towns, summoning everyone to the Beauty of Abha raising the Call of the Kingdom and proclaiming at the top of thy voice:

A hundred thousand glad tidings be upon ye that the Sun of the Reality of the Beauty of Abha hath shone forth from the Horizon of the Contingent Being and hath illumined the regions with the lights of the Most Great Guidance. The realities of the Old Testament and the Gospel are already fulfilled and the Mysteries of the Heavenly Books have become manifest. This is the century of the Merciful One and the Period of Joy and Gladness.

O ye heedless ones, become mindful!

O ye sleeping ones, be awakened!

O ye blind ones, become seeing!

O ye deaf ones, become hearing!

O ye dumb ones, become speakers!

O ye dead ones, become living!

O ye deprived ones, take a portion!

This is the effulgence of the Merciful and the moving of the Depthless Sea. This is the outpouring of the wonderful new springtime and the falling of the showers of the Bounty of the Most Great Lord!

This is thy mission.

‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 7, no. 1, March 21, 1916)

The Promised Age

This period of time is the Promised Age, the assembling of the human race to the “Resurrection Day”, and now is the great “Day of Judgement”. Soon the whole world, as in spring-time, will change its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past; the bleakness of the winter-time is over. The new year hath appeared and the spiritual spring-time is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; from the borders of wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees; while the birds are singing among the rose branches like angels in the highest heavens, announcing the glad tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver.

O my spiritual friend! Does thou know from what airs emanate the notes sung by those birds? They are from the melodies of peace and reconciliation, of love and unity, of justice and security, of concord and harmony. In a short time this heavenly singing will intoxicate all humanity; the foundations of enmity shall be destroyed; unity and affection shall be witnessed in every assembly; and lovers of the love of God at these great festivals shall behold their splendor.

Therefore, contemplate what a spirit of life God hath given that the body of the whole earth may attain life everlasting! The Paradise of Abha will soon spread a pavilion from the Pole-star of the world, under whose shelter the beloved shall rejoice and the pure hearts shall repose in peace.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 19, March 2, 1916)

To the friends of God in the East and the West

Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O ye people of the Kingdom of Abha!

There are two influences tending toward prosperity and progress which emanate from the forefront of advancement of the world of humanity. They remind the negligent, awaken them that sleep, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, power of utterance to the mutes and life to the dead.

One is the influence of civilization - that development of the world of nature that concerns the material life of man. It promotes physical advancement and cultivates the social virtues. The laws and deductions of science, so indispensable to progress, are the product of the lofty thoughts of sound minds, the accumulated results of the efforts of ancient and modern scholars. The most effective power for the promotion and dissemination of this influence is just government.

The other is the divine influence, the holy and spiritual revelations, which insure eternal glory, everlasting happiness, the illumination of the world, the appearance of merciful phenomena in the world of humanity, and perpetual life. The fundamental basis thereof is the teachings and the precepts of the prophets, the dictates and attraction of the conscience, which belong to the realm of morality. Like unto the lamp they illuminate and brighten the depths and recesses of human realities. the effective power of this the Word of God.

But the advancement of civilization, material perfections and human virtues will bear no fruit or result unless joined to the spiritual perfections; merciful qualities and sound morals, and the happiness of the human world, which is the original goal, will not be attained. For although through the advancement of civilization and the adornment and refinement of the material world, happiness is realized, and the sight of hopes fulfilled in perfect beauty wins the heart, yet, concomitantly, great dangers, severe ordeals and awful catastrophes are involved.

Tablet revealed for Sheikh Ali Akbar Goochani

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou firm one in the Covenant!

Thy letter addressed to his honor Mirza Hayder Ali was noted and from its contents regret was experienced because our intention was to prepare the means of tranquility; now it has produced difficulties and you are greatly troubled; but as these troubles are in the path of God it is in reality a favor and will have great results.

Since this is so, it is better that with the utmost cheerfulness and happiness you bid farewell to the friends (saying): I am going on a journey to teach that perchance I may be confirmed in servitude and perhaps the cup of martyrdom may overflow. As in this region the giving up of life is not attainable, therefore it is necessary to hasten to other parts.

Then go to Ishkabad and a letter will be written to Hazrat-i-Afnan to prepare the necessities of the journey to send you to Isfahan because in Isfahan the people are crying aloud for teachers and I hope that you may attain to a great and distinguished service on this journey. From Isfahan you may hasten to Abadeh and Shiraz and from there to the shores of the Persian gulf and the journey may be ended at the blessed tomb.

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

(Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

From a Tablet to Corinne True, Chicago, Illinois

Now it is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and raise a great sum for the building so that the foundation of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar may be laid, and perchance, God willing, the corner stone of the foundation may be laid by the hands of Abdul Baha.

This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they will arise and endeavor with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that every trace of difference may be uprooted and they may all become as one heart and one soul.

Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to all the friends and the maid servants of the Merciful. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 1, March 21, 1915)

To Mason Remey

To his honor Mr. Remey

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou who art rejoiced by the Divine Glad tidings!

Verily I have received thy last letter, and thanked God that than 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: "0 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 my dearly beloved! O Breakwell! Thou hast been a divine bird, and forsaking thy earthly nest, thou hast soared toward the Holy Rose-gardens of the Divine kingdom and obtained a Luminous Station, there!

O my dearly beloved! O Breakwell! Verily thou art like unto the birds chanting the verses of thy Lord, the Forgiving, for thou wert a thankful servant; therefore thou hast entered (in the Realm Beyond) with joy and happiness!

To Daniel Jenkyn

Through his honor Mirza Ali Akbar Rafsanjani to his honor Mr. Daniel Jenkyn.

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

O thou who art confirmed by the Divine Spirit!

A thousand times bravo because thou didst forego the physical comfort and rest in order to proclaim the glad tidings of the heavenly illumination. Thou didst gird up the loins of service and traveled to Holland to diffuse the Fragrances of God. Shouldst thou realize how blessed is this trip, unquestionably thou wouldst not rest for one moment, and uninterruptedly thou wouldst engage in the promotion of the Cause of the Almighty. Thou didst well to hasten from London to Holland.

With his heart and spirit ‘Abdu'l-Baha was thy guide and companion. Although in body he was far, yet in spirit he was near. I hope from the bestowals of the Lord of Hosts, His Holiness the Promised One, that this voyage may assume the importance of the voyage of Peter and Paul when the latter went to Antioch. Consider what important results that voyage had. Now the results of thy journey will be greater than that. Know thou this of a certainty

Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas

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

To Daniel Jenkyn

Through Aga Mirza Lutfu’llah Hakim, London, to Mr. Daniel Jenkyn.

Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!

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 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!