Notes Taken in the Presence of Shoghi Effendi

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Notes taken at the dinner table in the Pilgrim House in Haifa from the words of the Guardian, by Agnes B. Alexander,April 22, May 12) [1936-1937]

Message to the Americans.

They have a twofold task of promoting first: teaching and second the completion of the Temple ornamentation; the seven year plan to the end of the first century. If they cooperate and persevere they will succeed. Mr. Shofflocker has offered $100,000 and the remaining amount would be $30,000 per year (for the seven years). It is very easy to achieve this if the friends persevere and cooperate. Two more units are needed. If cooperation is sustained to the end -- and the teaching work must not suffer and must be established before the end of the first century, at least a group in every state, and if a group is not possible, then one residential believer not only in every state and province in America, but in every republic in the American Republic.(?) and the eight islands of Hawaii, a residential believer on each island, is a part of the World Plan. Every nation in the Bahá'í World must direct its attention to the neighboring countries. In every country it is possible to {t}each the Cause. If you know how to teach you can find a few receptive souls. Germany must establish the Cause in Balkan States. In the future there will be service through Greenland to America.

Just before leaving Haifa the Guardian sent for me and again spoke of the American friends. He said they have a twofold task only eight years time and repeated "time is short" that they must make a tremendous effort in teaching and a tremendous effort to finish the second and third units of the Temple by the end of the first century and inauguration of {the} second century -- that it was 25 years time since the Master laid the corner stone. It will be 32 years in erecting and more than that would be detrimental to the friends. By the first century they must be through with the ornamentation and particularly as this will enable the friends in Persian to start the third Temple. He said the Master laid the corner stone in Wilmette before there was any plan and the Persian friends could do the same. He quoted the Master's words that another Temple could not be built until the one in Wilmette was completed.

Any person considering to become a believe must make up his mind to give up drink. Bahá'u'lláh says, "Do not approach it", that is, you must not drink it. A believer is expected to accept the law of Bahá'u'lláh without questioning. We have no perfect Bahá'ís. Only the Master was perfect. A Bahá'í is a person who accepts the law with entirety. The Jews were fanatically attached to the Sabbath and the laws of Moses, but Christ did not compromise. He was very severe. It is a question of having implicit faith in the wisdom of the Manifestation and accepting all that He reveals. The teachings themselves are the standard of justice. Gl. P.175 "All that are in heaven", refers to the spirits who have ascended.

The Bahá'í Faith is more than a religion; it is a civilization. It is not a re- statement. It is a civilization which will blend East and West. The past faiths could not establish a civilization. We cannot compare it to previous religions and World Order is another word for civilization. God's plan for humanity in this revelation is fully unfolded. It was only partially unfolded in the past.

Socrates himself got his philosophy from the Jewish scholars. The Master said so. He was eventually poisoned as his ideas were ahead of his time.

We must remember what the Jews were before Moses and what they became. They were robbers.

April.23. 'Abdu'l-Bahá stressed the spiritual side of the Nineteen Day Feast, but not the Administrative side. Now we stress the Administrative side. There is nothing in the teachings that the Nineteen Day Feast should be held on the first day of the Bahá'í month. It is only the custom. Give freedom in non-essentials. In essentials unity; in non-essentials diversity and in all things charity.

The vast majority of centers in Persia are villages. There are 600 localities and out of these 500 are villages.

The first part of Nabil's Narrative is translated into German and Arabic.

April.24. The Local Assembly must intervene when the Cause suffers. In purely administrative matters, if a voting member disobeys the Spiritual Assembly, he ceases to be a voting member.

April 25. 1937. 'Abdu'l-Bahá once said in case He should leave Haifa He would go to the Far East. One million pounds have been spent on Haifa port. Jerusalem is the religious center of Palestine and Haifa the commercial port. Formerly Jaffa was the leading port but now Haifa has taken its place.

Sometimes it is very difficult to say what constitutes legislation and constitutes interpretation.

If a woman is not given the right to divorce, it is not equality of men and women and therefore it would not be according to Bahá'í law.

Local Assemblies will become local governments. National Assemblies, National governments.

Arabic beautifies and enriches the Persian language. 'Abdu'l-Bahá called them milk and honey.

Obligatory prayer originated in Islam. "Strengthen my hand" means to help us from acting dishonestly. The law of God is sustained by two pillars, prayer and fasting.

Haifa will be the terminus of a railroad line which will follow along the pipe line to Persia, thru Afghanistan to Calcutta. Another line will run from Haifa to Cairo and to the Sudan, and from there will be extended to Central Africa and to Capetown.

In the East the reforms are very superficial. They change dress but not the hearts. Bahá'u'lláh speaks of cleanliness. The Bahá'ís of Persia must introduce these things, bath, etc.

Bahá'u'lláh's father's house in Mazindaran has not only been restored, but the land adjoining has been bought.

When Islam is separated from the State, then the Bahá'ís of Persia will recover their freedom. The National Assembly will become the legal owner of the Bahá'í property. They will be National endowments except the house of the Bab.

We want the National Assemblies to own land in Palestine and this must be done by establishing branches in Haifa. In time we will have all the National Assemblies owning land here in Haifa and in Akka. Also in Persia they will own property.

The condition is very upset in Persia and anything might happen. To suspend all Bahá'í activities would not humiliate the Cause, but for a Bahá'í to tell a lie would humiliate it.

April 26. Sales' Qur'an is most scholarly and Rodwell's most literary.

The Guardian said in regard to a Japanese Buddhist priest that he could not be a Bahá'í and remain a priest, that he should make every effort to find other means of livelihood, even tho it were less money, and that it should be explained to him.

Palestine is the heart of the world, the uniting place of three continents. No country in the world has such a unique place as the meeting place of three continents. (Africa, Asia and Europe)

Any person considering to become a believer must make up his mind to give up drink. Bahá'u'lláh says, "Do not approach it", that is, you must not drink it. A believer is expected to accept the law of Bahá'u'lláh without question. We have no perfect Bahá'ís, only the Master was perfect. A Bahá'í is a person who accepts the law with entirety. The Jews were fanatic{al}ly attached to the Sabbath and the laws of Moses, but Christ did not compromise, he was very severe. We must have implicit faith in the wisdom of the Manifestation and accept all that he reveals. The teachings themselves are the standard of justice, Gl. pg.175.

The Bahá'í Faith is more than a religion, it is not a re-statement, it is a civilization which would blend East and West. The past Faiths could not establish a civilization. We can't compare it to previous religions and World Order is another word for civilization. God's plan for humanity in this revelation is fully unfolded. It was only partially unfolded in the past.

The Nineteen Day Feasts.

'Abdu'l-Bahá stressed the Spiritual side but not the Administrative side. Now we stress the Administrative side.

There is nothing in the teachings that the Nineteen Day Feast should be held on the first Day of the Bahá'í month. It is only the custom. Give freedom in non-essentials. In essentials, unity; in non-essentials diversity and in all things, charity.

Those who deliberately violate a Bahá'í law cease to be voting Bahá'ís.

The vast majority centers in Persia are villages 600 localities and out of these 500 are villages.

You cannot compromise an Administrative principle. The local Assembly must intervene when the Cause suffers. In purely administrative matters, if a voting member disobeys a Spiritual Assembly he should cease to be a voting member.

The institutions of the International House of Justice and the Guardianship have different revenues. The Master and Bahá'u'lláh have both stated that each have their specific revenues. Bahá'ís are free to offer endowments to the local or the national or the international, conditional, or unconditional. We must discourage labeled contributions, but individuals are free to give all their property to a non-Bahá'í.

If anyone disobeys an Assembly he ceases to be a voting member if he has been repeatedly warned.

£ 1,000,000 has been spent on Haifa Port. Jerusalem is the religious center in Palestine and Haifa the commercial port. Formerly Jaffa was the leading port, but now Haifa has taken its place. The position of Haifa is much more favorable than Jaffa.

Sometimes it is very difficult to say what constitutes legislation and constitutes interpretation. If the woman is not given the right to divorce, it is not equality of men and women and therefore it would not be according to Bahá'í law.

Arabic beautifies and enriches the Persian language. 'Abdu'l-Bahá called them milk and honey.

Obligatory prayer originated in Islam. "Strengthen thou my hands", means to help us from acting dishonestly. The law of God is sustained by two pillars, - prayer and fasting.

Haifa will be the terminus of a train line and Calcutta the other terminus. And another line will run from Haifa to Cairo and to the Sudan, and from there will be extended to Central Africa and Cape Town.

In the East the reforms are very superficial, - they change dress but not their hearts. Bahá'u'lláh speaks of cleanliness - The Bahá'ís of Persia must introduce these things - bath, etc.

(The Guardian said in regard to a Japanese Buddhist priest that he could not be a Bahá'í and remain a Priest, that he should make every effort to find other means of livelihood even tho it were less money, and that it should be explained to him:)

The Summer Schools should invite non-Bahá'ís. It is the place of association as well as study.

The Institution of the International House of Justice and the Guardianship have different revenues. The Master and Bahá'u'lláh have both stated that each have their specific revenues. Bahá'ís are free to offer endowments to the Local, National and International, conditional or unconditional. The National can appeal to the International House of Justice.

We must discourage labeled contributions. The Bahá'ís are free to give all their property to non- Bahá'ís. The Bahá'ís must make a Will by the law of Bahá'u'lláh. If no will is left, then the property must be divided according to the law of Bahá'u'lláh.

The Master laid two conditions on the Temple. It must be circular and have nine sides. The element of sacrifice vitalizes the contribution. It must be alike for the rich and the poor. The structure will then have much greater spiritual power.

Bahá'u'lláh has referred to Tihran as the mother of the world. Mecca is referred to by Muhammad as the mother of villages.

The Gleanings were taken from about twelve books, some of which were in manuscript.

The Summer Schools should invite non-Bahá'ís. It is a place of association as well as study.

The Bahá'ís must make a Will by the law of Bahá'u'lláh, and if no Will is left, then it must be divided according to the law of Bahá'u'lláh.

The Master laid two conditions on the Temple:- it must be circular and have nine sides. The element of sacrifice vitalizes the contribution. It must be alike for the rich and poor. The structure will then have much greater power.

The Gleanings were taken from about 12 books, some of which were in manuscript.

Divorce altho permissable is highly discouraged. The Assembly should solve such cases, and then they should obey, and if not they must cease to be voting Bahá'ís. They should first not live together for one year. Smoking is not as serious as divorce.

Marriage without the consent of the parents does not promote unity and there is also another reason why it is not permitted. The Bahá'í Revelation is to promote unity.

Smoking is highly discouraged but not prohibited.

April 27. Frankness and courage must be adopted by the Bahá'ís in Persia with the government. Secrecy breeds suspicion. Never make any statement which is against truth. We cannot disobey the Assembly but an order from an official on behalf of the government must be obeyed before the Assembly. The Persian government is a recognized government. There is no principle, no cooperation in Persia.

The Bahá'í constitution is not an American constitution; it is a Bahá'í constitution. Abdu'l-Bahá said that the Light from the East would go to the West. Abdu'l-Bahá wrote in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, "The continent of America is the land where the lights of the Faith will first be revealed, the continent where the mysteries of His

Faith shall be revealed." The Faith was born in the East and the child ushered in in the West. The Faith now has a child (Administration) and the World Order is the birth of civilization. The term World Order was first mentioned by the Bab in the Beyan and Bahá'u'lláh used the same term in Persian. Ahmad Sohrab disassociated the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh from the World Order.

The Bahá'í Faith is more than a religion because it has institutions established by the Founder of the Faith which makes it a civilization. The Kingdom of God is this World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. When it is established the prayer "Thy Kingdom come", will be fulfilled.

At present India is politically minded like Persia.

The religious institutions are trembling because they were not established by the Founders and on these ruins will be established the Bahá'í institution which is established by the Founder.

After the war there will be a reaction in favor of the Cause but the whole world will not become immediately Bahá'í.

Referring to the Bahá'í cemetary in Teheran: It is excellent to have the Jews, Zoroastrians and Muslims all buried in one place. The condition among the Bahá'ís is better in Russia now than in Persia.

April 28. On the ninth day of Ridvan, Bahá'u'lláh was joined by His family in the garden and they left on the 12th day for Constantinople. The first day He arrived in the garden. The government owns the gardens and the hospital which is on the grounds, but the Bahá'ís are allowed by the government to meet there. It was four months journey from Baghdad to Constantinople.

The "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf" was the last book revealed by Bahá'u'lláh in His room in the Mansion. He passed away in this same room.

Divorce although permissable is highly discouraged. The Assembly should solve such cases, and then they should obey and if not they must cease to be voting Bahá'ís. They should first not live together for one year. Smoking is not as serious as divorce. Smoking is highly discouraged but not prohibited.

The Bahá'í Revelation is to promote unity. Marriage without the consent of the parents does not promote unity and also there is another reason.

Frankness and courage must be adopted by the Bahá'ís in Persia with the Government. In the Assemblies, the Bahá'ís must discuss how to win the Government. Secrecy breeds suspicion. Never make any statement which is against truth, but we cannot disobey the Assembly. An order from an official on behalf of the Government must be obeyed before the Assembly.

The Bahá'í constitution is not an American constitution, it is a Bahá'í constitution. As 'Abdu'l-Bahá said the light from the East will go to the West. In "America's Spiritual Mission" 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote: "The continent of American is the land where the lights of the Faith will first be revealed- the continent where the mysteries---" The Faith was born in the East and the Child ushered in, in the West. The Faith now has a child (administration) and the World Order is the birth of civilization. The term World Order was first mentioned by the Bab in the Beyan and Bahá'u'lláh used the same term. Ahmad Sohrab disassociated the writings of Bahá'u'lláh from the World Order. The Bahá'í Faith is more than a religion because it has institutions established by the Founder of the Faith which makes it a civilization. The Kingdom of God is this World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. When it is established the prayer, "Thy Kingdom come," will be fulfilled.

The religious institutions are trembling because they were not established by the Founders. On these ruins will be established the Bahá'í institution which is established by the Founder.

After the world war, there will be a reaction in favor of the Cause but the whole world will not immediately become Bahá'í.

In a Tablet addressed to the Bahá'ís of Khorasan thirty-seven years ago, 'Abdu'l- Baha wrote that Americans would go to Persia and promote trade, agriculture, commerce, etc.

In the Bab's Commentary of the "Surat of Joseph" there are 112 chapters and each chapter is a commentary of one verse.

'Abdu'l-Bahá said that always from the beginning until now it has been the case that the Light of God has been shed from the East to the West. He referred to the Christian Dispensation which was shed from the East but was more powerful in the West. The administrative center always shifted from the East to the West. In this Cause the spiritual and administrative center will always be here in Palestine. The Christian center shifted at last to Rome and the Muslim from Mecca to Medina, Damascus, Bagdad, Egypt and then to Constantinople.

Gleanings p.175. "His Laws" is the House of Justice which will be on Mt. Carmel. "The Tablet of the World" says, pg.23 "What fear ye, -whome are ye afraid of."

Confucius was not only a philosopher but a saintly man, and any person who has saintly attributes, their attributes will return. Ninety percent of the scholars have said that Buddha was not a prophet. Hinduism and Buddhism are the only existing true religions of the Far East.

This is the coming of age of this planet. Just as America was discovered so other planets may be discovered and in conjunction with them we may become a member of a greater entity.

After the next war the United States will unite with other nations. Wilson was ahead of his age, he brought vision.

May.1. Bahá'u'lláh has said nothing about the punishment of the child. The House of Justice will have to decide that in the future. Refrain from severe punishment, but to some extent punishment is required, tho not necessarily bodily punishment. Severe punishment paralyzes the faculty of the child. Discipline tho is necessary. Society cannot function without the principle of punishment and reward. Justice depends on punishment and reward. Encouragement is not sufficient. Encouragement without punishment spoils the child, and punishment with [without?] encouragement kills initiative. Keep the balance between the two. Much depends upon the child and the environment, etc. The mother should be active in instilling Bahá'í principles in the child and warn it from following the standards of fellow students. Teach the child truth before everything. Truth is the foundation of faith.

The Boschs have rendered great service to the Cause. The spirit which animates them is the greatest. They have surrendered their will to the Cause, and their all.

Whatever we offer to the Cause, we should cease to oppose the will of the Spiritual Assembly. Green Acre is not as prosperous as other Summer Schools. If the whole property should become National Property it would solve the problem.

The effects of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets to the blind in Japan we are now beginning to witness. The Braille Committee has been internationally extended. The blind should be told that the Cause will be the greatest comfort and the words of Helen Keller should be quoted and they should be told what the Bahá'ís are doing for the blind, in particular that it is international in scope. There will be many more blind after the war.

Stress the Oneness of Humanity in almost every newspaper article. It is the call of humanity to the unity of mankind. We must identify it with the coming of age of the whole race. This is a new teaching which the world is now ready for. "He will guide you unto all truth," the maturity of the age. The forces are now released and are preparing humanity to attain that stage. The principle of the Oneness of

humanity is the corner stone of Bahá'í civilization. It is the call to the Bahá'í teachings. Unity of mankind is new. Christ could not have given it. The world was not ready. Forces have now been released [and are preparing humanity to attain that stage]. The child is not yet born. Now is the stage of incubation. The child is world civilization.

The immediate future in Japan is very dark. Japan is going to suffer. The time is not now for great headway. The Pacific will become a great storm center in the coming war C great suffering. What we require in Japan is the recognition of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh and His Station.

'Abdu'l-Bahá said that always from the beginning until now it has been the case that the light of God has been shed from the East to the West. He referred to the Christian dispensation which was shed from the East but was more powerful in the West. The administrative center always shifted from the East to the West. In this Cause the Spiritual and administrative center will always be here in Palestine. The Christian to Rome,- the Muslim from Mecca to Medina, Damascus, Bagdad, Egypt and at last Constantinople.

Gleanings, pg.175. "Ark of God" is the Ark of His Cause. "His Laws" is the House of Justice which will be on Mt.Carmel. From the "Tablet of the World", pg.23. "Say O Friends! Why fear and whom shall ye dread."

This is the "coming of age" of this planet. Just as America was discovered, so other planets may be discovered and in conjunction with them we may become a member of a greater entity.

Hinduism and Buddhism are the only existing true religions of the Far East today.

After the next war the U.S. will unite with other nations. Wilson was ahead of his age, he brought vision.

Bahá'u'lláh has said nothing about the punishment of the child. The House of Justice will have to decide that in the future. Refrain from severe punishment but to some extent punishment is required; not necessarily bodily punishment. Severe punishment paralises the faculty of the child. Discipline though is necessary. Society cannot function without the principle of punishment and reward given by Bahá'u'lláh in His Tablets. Discipline always implies punishment and reward. Justice depends on punishment and reward. Encouragement is not sufficient. Encouragement without punishment spoils the child, and punishment without encouragement [k]ills initiative. To punish without encouragement makes the child stiff. Severe punishment [k]ills the initiative, - keep the balance between the two. Much depends upon the child and the environment, etc. The mother should be active in instilling Bahá'í principles in the child, and warn it from following the standards of fellow students. Teach the child truth before everything. Truth is the foundation of Faith.

The Boshes have rendered great service to the Cause. The spirit which animates them is the greatest. They have surrendered their will and all to the Cause. Whatever we offer to the Cause we should cease to oppose the will of the Spiritual Assembly. Green Acre is not as prosperous as other Summer Schools. If the whole property should become National property, it would solve the problem.

The effects of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets to the blind in Japan we are now beginning to witness. The braille committee has been internationally extended. The blind should be told that the Cause will be the greatest comfort and the words of Helen Keller should be quoted and they should be told what the Bahá'ís are doing for the blind, in particular that it is international in scope. There will be many more blind after the war.

The Oneness of Humanity stress in almost every newspaper article. It is the call of humanity and the unity of mankind. We must identify it with the coming of age of the whole race. This is a new teaching which the world is now ready for. "He will guide you into all truth" the maturity of the age. The forces are now released and are preparing humanity to attain that stage. The principle of oneness of humanity is the corner stone of Bahá'í civilization. It is the call to the Bahá'í teachings. Unity of mankind is new. Christ could not have given it. The world was not ready. Forces have now been released and are preparing humanity to attain that stage. The Child is not yet born. The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh was the stage of conception. Now is the stage of incubation. The Child is world civilization.

The immediate future in Japan is very dark. Japan is going to suffer. The time is not now for great headway. The Pacific will become a great storm center in the coming war,- great suffering. What we require in Japan is the recognition of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh and of His Station.

Bahá'ís should be careful in their investments. All will be affected. The future is very dark. Consult experts in investments. The whole world will be involved. We know two things, that the suffering will be intense and all will be involved. The last war was the great war, the next war will be the greatest war. The last was only a prelude to the next. A greater war will be required to give birth to a true League of Nations. If we can remain in a foreign country during the war, that is, if we have money enuf to do so, we should remain. There will be a tremendous reaction afterwards. The Lesser Peace will be of non-Bahá'ís. The Greater Peace is referred to in the Tablet of Queen Victoria. As the Cause develops, the governments will embrace the Cause and embrace peace. The greater war will end war. The Bahá'ís must be loyal to their governments, and if the government says to keep silent on peace, as in Germany, they must do so.

May 2. Christian Science and other movements may be stepping stones, but that does not mean the founders are instruments of God. The greater movements are disintegrating and the people seek these movements. They think they believe in truth, but it is imagination. Many of these movements are tainted with politics. They are like the teachings of the Church which have no relation to Jesus. Christian Scientists are sincere but are misled. What the Catholics, Christian Scientists and Theosophists teach are superstitions.

The Master was the perfect Bahá'í. He was the perfect mirror. He is a human being which is perfect yet human. He has the attributes of the prophet but not his rank. That is why He is a mystery. He is all-knowing and yet not a prophet.

Other worlds are the physical universe or the spiritual realm. There are remarkable teachings in the "Gleanings" about the physical and the spiritual world. Sir Oliver Lodge is ahead of the scientists but he will never be able to analyze or reveal the spiritual world. Most of men's visions are pure superstition or fancy.

Twelve photographs of Bahá'u'lláh were distributed by Him in Adrianople. The Master's photograph is quite different from that of Bahá'u'lláh or the Bab which must not be exposed but the friends could own them.

The Cause is so much above personalities. It will survive all attacks. It is providential Sohrab left the Cause. In a mysterious way these things help the Cause. Mrs. Chandler is hypnotized by him. He may have been sincere but has lost his faith.

The enemies in Palestine are Muslims, Christians and Mohammad's Ali's party. It is only the beginning of the opposition of the Church. This opposition will gradually increase and spread to the church in England and afterwards will affect the Catholics. The religious opposition is shifting to the West. In the West starting with the religious leaders there is an increasing opposition of the church and later on of the State. Be confident that whatever happens will eventually be for the good of the Cause. The Bahá'ís must be very well informed. They must read the books of the enemies as well as the Bahá'ís books and be prepared to refute arguments. The challenge will be intellectual. What the Cause requires is perseverance.

The Bahá'í School was closed in Persia because God wished it to be done. We cannot trust the politicians, principally in Persia.

Bahá'ís should be careful in their investments. All will be affected.

The future is very dark. Consult experts in investments. The whole world will be involved. We know two things,- suffering will be intense, and all will be involved. The last war was the great war, the next will be the greatest war. The last was only a prelude to the next. A greater war will be required to give birth to a true League of Nations. If we can remain in a foreign country during the war, that is, have enough money to do so, we should remain. There will be a tremendous reaction afterwards. The Lesser Peace will be of non- Bahá'ís. The Greater Peace is referred to in the Tablet to Queen Victoria. As the Cause develops the governments will embrace the Cause and embrace peace. The greater war will end war. The Bahá'ís must be loyal to their governments and if the government says to keep silent on peace, as in Germany, keep silent.

Christian Science may be a stepping stone but that does not mean the founders are instruments of God. They think they believe in truth but it is imagination. Many of these new movements are tainted by politics. Like the teachings of the church which have no relation to Jesus. The greater movements are disintegrating and the people seek Christian Science, etc. Christian Scientists are sincere but misled. What the Catholics, Christian Scientists, Theosophists teach is superstition.

The Master was the perfect Bahá'í. He was the perfect mirror. He has the element of a prophet but not his rank. He is a human being which is perfect, yet human. That is why He is a mystery. He is all knowing and yet not a prophet.

The other world may be the physical universe, or the spiritual real. There are remarkable teachings in "Gleanings" about both the physical and the spiritual world. Sir Oliver Lodge is ahead of the scientists but he will never be able to analyze or reveal the spiritual world. Most of men's visions are pure superstition or fancy. There is only one spiritual world. The nature of other worlds may be discovered because they are physical but we shall never know the spiritual realm. {while on this plane} [The braces in this case are included as part of the handwritten note.-ed]

There were 12 photos of Bahá'u'lláh distributed by Him in Adrianople, The Master's photo is quite different from that of the Bab or Bahá'u'lláh, which must not be exposed, but friends could own them.

The Cause is so much above personalities,- it will survive all attacks, etc. It is providential Sohrab left the Cause. In a mysterious way these things help the Cause. Mrs. Chandler is hypnotized by him. He may have been sincere but has lost his faith.

The enemies in Palestine are the Muslims, Christians, Mohammed Ali's party. It is only the beginning of the opposition of the church. This opposition will gradually increase and spread to the Church of England and afterwards will affect the Catholic religion and will bring the downfall of the Pope. The religious opposition is shifting to the West beginning with the politicians. The West starting with the religious leaders there is an increasing opposition of the

church and later on it will affect the State. Be confident that whatever happens will eventually be for the good of the Cause. The Bahá'ís must ask to be given administrative positions, that is, secondary posts and prove their ability to administration. They must be well informed and read the books of the enemies as well as Bahá'í books and be prepared to refute arguments. The challenge will be intellectual. What the Cause requires is perseverance.

The Standard of Beirut University has declined. Students from Persia should not go to France, and America is too far away. They should go to Germany first and England second.

The last translation of the Iqan is an attempt to approach the unattainable goal [God].

The Arabs had a culture, that is, a literary culture before Mohammad. They composed poetry but couldn't write. It is the task the Bahá'ís have to interpret the Qur'an according to the Bahá'í teachings.

'Abdu'l-Bahá said that that the site of the manger in Bethlehem is the only authentic Christian site in Palestine.

There are two reasons for visiting Jerusalem. First to see the Holy places, and second to contrast them to those in Haifa and Bahji. Jerusalem will be the last stronghold of Christianity. There are very powerful forces now at work there allied with the government. Some of the members of the government in Jerusalem are missionaries. They are first imperialists and then missionaries.

Faith is a great gift of God. Character and faith are different, but both are necessary. They are complimentary. Man may have faith in God and yet not have character. A Bahá'í is a person who feels the necessity to give up a habit. He must make an effort. Not to drink

is a conscientious obligation which is left to the individual. It is breaking a law to drink. We must not make a compromise. Bahá'ís must prove by their actions that their religion is alive. The adherance of Bahá'ís to their laws has a great influence. Character and adhering to the laws of Bahá'u'lláh is different, that is, faith is different from character.

Some of the Baba's laws were severe as the Bab wished to bring the Muslims from their old beliefs. The laws of the Akdas cannot be abrogated, at least for 1000 years. There is no rigidity except with the laws which Bahá'u'lláh has already revealed, that is prayer, fasting, non- alcohol and consent of the parents in marriage. There are three classes of laws in the Akdas, first C social crime, such as bigamy; spiritual obligation; third, advice such as smoking.

There is a decline of morality all over the world, especially in Persia. In Japan there is a certain quality of character which restrains them. In the meantime the Bahá'ís must not follow with the current. This decline is providential. It must set in in order that the people will learn thru better experience. It is a preparation for the Cause. God has offered the Cause to mankind for a hundred years. In the "Hidden Word" it says, "A great calamity followeth you and a great retribution awaiteth you."

The Bab was like the sun at the vernal equinox, the spring. Bahá'u'lláh was like the sun in the sign of Leo, the middle of summer. The Light of the Cause is different from the splendor of the Dispensation.

In the third volume of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets in Persian printed in Egypt, the Master explicitly states that the birth of Jesus was extraordinary. He explains first what has been the usual way, the germ in man, but states that as to Christ He was born from the Spirit of God thru a breath of His Spirit in an extraordinary manner different from the way which is the universally known rule. (Translating from the Persian Tablet) "Christ, the Spirit of God, was born thru a breath of His Spirit in an extraordinary manner." Every revelation has its mysteries.

May 6. The ideal way is for the Bahá'ís to work one-half [of their] time for their living, and the other half of their time give to the Cause.

May 8. In the house of Abboud, Bahá'u'lláh lived for eight years. Before His marriage, 'Abdu'l- Baha occupied a room next to Bahá'u'lláh with 12 other persons. It was in the room in this house that Bahá'u'lláh revealed the Aqdas.

Iqan- The last translation is an attempt to approach the unattainable God.

The Arabs had a kind of culture, that is, a literary culture before Mohammed. They composed poetry but couldn't write. It is the task of the Bahá'ís to interpret the Quran, according to the Bahá'í teachings.

The site of the manger in Bethlehem is the only authentic (Christian) site in Palestine, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said.

Jerusalem. Two reasons for visiting there. First to see the holy places and second to contrast them to those in Haifa and Bahji. Jerusalem will be the last stronghold of Christianity. There are very powerful forces now at work there allied with the government. Some of the members of the government in Jerusalem are missionaries. They are first imperialists and then missionaries.

Faith is a great gift of God. Character and faith are different but both are necessary. They are complementary. Man may have faith in God and yet not have character. A. Bahá'í is a person who feels the necessity to give up a habit,- he must make an effort. Not to drink is a conscientious obligation which is left to the individual. It is breaking a law to drink. We must not make a compromise. Bahá'ís must prove by their action that their religion is alive. The adherence of Bahá'ís to their laws has great influence. Character and adhering to the laws of Bahá'u'lláh is different, that is, Faith is different from Character.

Some of the Bab's laws were severe, as the Bab wished to bring the Muslims from their old beliefs. The laws of the Aqdas cannot be abrogated, at least for 1000 years. There is no rigidity except with the laws which Bahá'u'lláh has already revealed, that is, prayer, fasting, drink, marriage. There are three classes of laws in the Aqdas. First, such as social crime,- bigamy; second, spiritual obligation; third, advice, such as smoking.

There is a decline of morality all over the world, especially in

Persia. In Japan a certain quality of character restrains them. In the meantime the Bahá'ís must not follow with the current. This decline is providential; it must set in, in order that the people will learn through bitter experience. It is a preparation for the Cause. God has offered the Cause to mankind for a 100 years. In the "Hidden Words", "A great calamity followeth you and a great retribution awaiteth you."

The Bab was like the sun at the vernal equinox, the spring. Bahá'u'lláh was like the middle summer, the sign of Leo. The Light of the Cause is different from the splendor of the Dispensation.

Christ's birth. 'Abdu'l-Bahá explained in a Tablet in Persian first what has been the usual way, the germ in man, but said, as to Christ, He was born from the Spirit of God through a breath of His Spirit in an extraordinary manner different from the way which is universally known rule. "Christ", the Spirit of God, was born through a breath of His Spirit in an extraordinary manner." There is one passage in the Iquan and two in Some Answered Questions. Every revelation has its mysteries....

The ideal way is for Bahá'ís to work one-half of their time for their living expenses and give the other half of their time to the Cause.

The Master said thet Prof. Browne would realize before his death his mistake in being influenced by the Ezelis. Nicolai believed that the Bab was a prophet of God. Both Gobineau and Nicolai believed that Bahá'u'lláh usurped the Bab's place. Gobineau did not change, but

Nicolai has realized that the Bahá'ís are the friends of the Bab. The enemies of the Cause had very powerful subtle influence on people.

We mustn't be provocative nor be too submissive. Ventilate our feelings with frankness and moderation. The tone must be moderate and we must be very frank with friendliness. Firmness and at the same time frankness can be combined. We must ponder before we take action.

Audacity in teaching but not in applying the principles of administration. We must be absolutely loyal to the administrative principles. It is difficult because it involves personalities. Spiritual principles do not involve personalities. We must disregard personalities.

The Hidden Words are printed and translated in twelve languages.

Alcohol is alcohol whether in cooking or drinking and the Bahá'ís should know this. Speaking of wine in more than one Tablet Bahá'u'lláh has said: "Do not appraoch it." Shoghi Effendi has the originals of these Tablets. Women particularly should refrain from wine. They should go to parties and enjoy the rest. Why not write to the hostess and say "we are not drinking wine". We must not be ashamed. One extreme is to stay away and the other extreme is to drink. Be frank reasonable and brave. It often happens that what to us appears to be an embarrassing situation turns out to be to the advantage of the Cause. Timidity is an evidence of lack of faith. If faith is strong one is full of courage and audacity.

The reason why women cannot be members of the House of Justice will be revealed to us in the future, as the Master has said in a Tablet it will become clear as the sun. Sometimes we cannot find the reason for things, but it is a challenge to our faith itself. A Revelation implies a wisdom which transcends the human mind.

Efficiency and organization are required in Persia. Inertia is the greatest problem. One revolution would be enuf to bring Persia Back.

In three hundred years there were twelve generations of Bahá'u'lláh's family. He is from Abraham; one of His sons who migrated to Central Asia and established himself in Khorasan. He was neither Ishmael nor Isaac. He is also from Jesse, the son of David who is from Isaac.

Zoroaster conversed with the Jewish prophets 1000 years before Christ. He lived at the time with Jewish Prophets who [not] endowed with constancy. In the "Qur'an Zoroaster was mentioned but not by name. Prof. Jackson is the leading authority on Zoroaster.

"Persian Hidden Words #79, "The comb have I given thee.". What I have given you to use as a means of establishing peace you have misused Not the abuse, but the missing using of it. Religion has often been misused by the leaders of religion and comb means religion or the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, which should be the instrument for the establishment of peace. It is the misinterpretation of the Writings.

(Asked if he considered it wise to invest in real-estate) On the whole it is mush wiser to invest in real estate remote from the centers of population that the bombs may not fall. The friends must not

be misled by temporary prosperity for the crash will come later.

The "Hidden Words" are translated and printed in 12 languages.

(Someone at the table spoke of a cake made with alcohol. The Guardian said:- ) "Alcohol is alcohol whether in cooking or drinking and the Bahá'ís should know this." Speaking of wine in more than one Tablet Bahá'u'lláh has said, "Do not approach it." (Shoghi Effendi has the originals of these Tablets.) Women particularly

should refrain from wine. They should go to parties and enjoy the rest, and why not write to the hostess and say, "We are not drinking wine." We must not be ashamed. One extreme is to stay away, and the other extreme is to drink. Be frank, reasonable and brave. It often happens that what to us appears to be an embarrassing situation turns out to be to the advantage of the Cause. Timidity is an evidence of lack of faith. If faith is strong, one is full of courage and audacity. Association is a fundamental principle of the Cause, as in the Words of Bahá'u'lláh, "Consort ye with all,---" Association does not imply affiliation. Do not collaborate with them. In a political party we may associate ourselves but not accept membership. The reason why women cannot be members of the House of Justice will be revealed to us. The Master in a Tablet has said it will become clear as the sun. Sometimes we cannot find the reason for things, but it is a challenge to our faith itself. A revelation implies a wisdom which transcends the human mind.

The Bahá'ís should express gratitude for what the British Government has done. 1st Service. Gen. Allenby received an order from Mr. Balfour that when they entered Haifa, 'Abdu'l-Bahá should be protected. He gave directions to Gen. Allenby and to the military official in charge and the first one Gen. Allenby called on was 'Abdu'l-Bahá. It surprised everyone in Haifa. He asked the Master what He desired and He replied just one word to cable to Persia that He was safe, and it was the military official who sent the cable and then Gen. Allenby and his wife drove with the Master to Akka, and it was a great surprise. 2nd Service. The British Government established the fact that the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh was the property of the Bahá'ís in 1922. Muhammad Ali's party seized the key forcibly from the Gardener at night and for over a year the police were stationed at the Shrine. The High Commissioner of Palestine received letters and telegrams from all countries--- The British officer was ordered by the High Commissioner in Jerusalem to deliver the key from the police to the same gardener. 3rd Service. Muhammad Ali is owner of 1/6 of the Mansion through bribery and they hoped to get the rest, but failed. They are very well off but they wouldn't restore the Mansion. Muhammad Ali, although he owned 1/3 (in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's time) lived in the Mansion for 40 years and 'Abdu'l- Baha allowed him to do it, but now they cannot occupy it. The British Government guarantees the place as a sacred place, so Muhammed Ali's share in it is not only useless but a loss to him. The 4th Service was that the British Government recognized the place and exempted it from taxation. Also all the property in Haifa.

During 300 years 12 generations of Bahá'u'lláh's family--He is from Abraham- one of his sons who migrated to Central Asia and established himself in Khorasan- he was neither Ismael nor Isaac- He is also from Jesse, the son of David who is from Isaac.

Zoroaster conversed with the Jewish prophets 1000 years before Christ. He lived at the time of the Jewish prophets who were not endowed with constancy. The Sabian religion existed before Abraham- just as Christ appeared among the Jews--- In the Qur'an Zoroaster was mentioned but not by name--Rass. Prof. Jackson is the leading authority on Zoroaster.

Hidden Words: "The comb I have----" meaning what I have given you to use as a means of--misusing. Religion has often been misused by the leaders of religion and "comb" means religion or the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, which should be the instrument for the establishment of peace- The misinterpretation of the writings of Bahá'u'lláh.

On the whole it is much wiser to invest in real estate remote from the centers of population (that the bombs may not fall) and the friends must not be misled by temporary prosperity- for the crash will come later.

When once the Institution begins to function, the personall is not important. [It is the institution itself which is important].

(Just before sailing Shoghi Effendi spoke these words, which would be helpful to all.

Stress obedience to the government to the friends. Do not dissipate your energies, but concentrate on a few and make them firm Bahá'ís. The power of faith has great force, it is very mysterious.

Japan has a very great future. It is very much like Germany, full of vitality and in the future will be devoted to the Cause. Now it is the transition time. They need a rude awakening. They must be shaken before they awake.

Nationalism and militarism are all instruments which God is utilizing for the use of His purpose. This turmoil is a preparation. The coming war will weld the nations into a Kingdom of God. The Bahá'ís are preparing the way at present for this great fusion. Eventually they will all be united.

To teach the Cause is the paramount duty of the friends. Every Bahá'í should teach, if not publicly, then by his actions. The more they teach, the more manifest the confirmations will come. They are suspended between earth and heaven and what is required is a magnet and that magnet is the actions of the Bahá'ís. They are ready to descend and it is the deeds of the Bahá'ís which will attract as a magnet these confirmations which are suspended ready to fall. It is not what we achieve, but the purity of our motives. The American Bahá'ís are now feeling the effect of the Divine Plan of the Master's Tablets. Like Nabil's Narrative, it was not appreciated at the time.

If you are able to encourage the friends not only to visit Japan, but to settle there. Travelers were not able to achieve what was wanted. I am urging the friends now to scatter, as the Master did in His Will, to settle and stay to the end of life and never feel discouraged.

Come again with Japanese Bahá'ís, for I do want the Japanese Bahá'ís to take an active part and share in the International affairs here in the future when the Internation House of Justice is formed.

The greatest of all inheritance is that of prophethood. Not only the male, but the eldest son.

The details of the Bahá'í Revelation are left to the House of Justice. Those who deliberately violate a Bahá'í law cease to be voting Bahá'ís. In Persia the leasers are very weak and the masses strong. Those who disregard the wishes of the National Assembly, cease to be voting believers; and if anyone disobeys an Assembly he ceases to be a voting member if repeatedly warned. An administrative principle cannot be compromised.

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Nationalism and militarism are all instruments that God is utilizing for the use of His purpose- This turmoil is a preparation- The coming war will weld the nations into a Kingdom of God. The Bahá'ís are preparing the way at present for this great fusion.

To teach the Cause is the paramount duty of the friends. Every Bahá'í should teach- if not publicly, by their action. The more they teach the more manifest the confirmations will come- they are suspended between earth and heaven and what is required is a magnet and that magnet is the actions of the Bahá'ís. They are ready to descend and it is the deeds of the Bahá'ís which will attract as a magnet these confirmations which are suspended ready to fall. It is not what we achieve but the purity of our motive.

American Bahá'ís effect of the Divine Plan of the Master's Tablets. Like Nabil's Narrative - it was not appreciated at the time.

I am urging the American Bahá'ís now to scatter as the Master did in His Will, to settle and stay to the end of life and never feel discouraged.

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