"O thou seeker of the Kingdom!..."
O thou seeker of the Kingdom!
Thy letter***was received. Its contents became evident. Thou hast written concerning Baltimore-this caused me great joy.
The revered maid-servant of G.o.d, Miss ........, hath undergone great roubles. Praise be to G.o.d! that she hath arisen (and is confirmed) to serve (the Kingdom of G.o.d).
I hope that Mr. and Mrs. ........ will become the cause of spreading (the teachings) and organizing gathering-places.
The news of Camp Mineola brought me utmost joy and fragrance. I pray to G.o.d that the power of the Word of G.o.d may become more evident and manifest day by day in those regions.
Convey my respectful greeting to the maid-servant of G.o.d, Mrs. ........, and say: "Thy service is to the everlasting Kingdom of Glory and is conducive to eternal life."
Convey also my greeting to the maid-servant of G.o.d, Mrs. ........, likewise to Miss ......... I supplicate in their behalf that G.o.d may bestow upon them heavenly illumination.
In another letter***thou hast expressed sorrow and grief concerning the events in the Holy Land. On the contrary, (these events) must cause joy, happiness and exultation, for this is the day of trial and the occasion for the manifestation of the secrets of the soul and heart. Have the utmost joy about the incidents in the Holy Land and do not consider from any other viewpoint; for the deluge of affliction is surrounding always the Holy Land and the sincere servant of the True One is like unto the enkindled lamp around about which the adverse winds blow. Therefore, you must engage in your own occupation, be familiar in spreading the fragrances of G.o.d and characterized in promulgating the Word of G.o.d. For instance, if you receive news that the Holy Land is entirely changed, you must not become relaxed at all; nay, rather you must become firmer, more steadfast and more attracted and more engaged in the service of the Kingdom.
"What thou hast written was read and its contents..."
(212) What thou hast written was read and its contents became known. In reality blessed days are coming. This is the time for the service of the Kingdom and the period of spreading the divine Call. I hope that thou and all of the friends will occupy their time in the service of the Kingdom at this moment when Abdul-Baha is involved in he greatest danger, so that this heart may become gladdened and that you may become strengthened by the Word of G.o.d, causing also the strength of others.
Concerning thy presence in the Land of Desire, for the present postpone (this matter) for some later time until the arrival of summer and the pa.s.sing of frosty winter. At that time it will be acted upon according to the circ.u.mstances.
The pet.i.tion concerning unity and harmony, signed by the majority of the believers of G.o.d, was received. We have written a detailed answer for it and it will be forwarded. This letter, which was signed by the majority of the friends, brought me great, great joy.
The book that thou hast written thou wilt send and, after its translation, it will be read.
Each letter that thou receivest from me, where in the ending there is the command for its spreading, thou oughtest to publish that letter and circulate it.
Endeavor so far as thou art able to create unity, harmony and loving-kindness among the believers of G.o.d.
"Thy last letter was received and its contents brought..."
(213) Thy last letter was received and its contents brought joy. Thank thou G.o.d, for thou art engaged in serving the Word of G.o.d and spending thy time with the friends of G.o.d. If thou somewhat regard thy father and mother, too, so that they may be somewhat pleased, this will be the cause of pleasing me. Father and mother are worthy of esteem and it is necessary (to secure their good pleasure); but this on condition that they may not prevent one from nearness to the Threshold of the Almighty and may not withhold one from walking in the path of the Kingdom. Nay, rather they (parents) should encourage and inspire one (to walk in G.o.d"s path).
As to living (or conduct) in accord with the Book of Akdas: We have spoken of this to his honor Mr. ........, for there is freedom in those lands and there are no obstacles.
Likewise, the Ishrakat, Tarazat, and Tajalliat(214) must be translated and published (and spread) among the friends.
But, whatever writings and articles which the believers may write for the spread of the Cause of G.o.d, these they must necessarily send to the Holy Land, in order to be corrected and rectified (or approved of) and then to be returned to them and then published. Before their being corrected here and before securing permission from here, their publication is by no means allowable.
As to the obligatory prayer (to be said three times a day): Each one must say his prayer alone by himself, and this is not conditional on a private place; that is, both at home and in the worshipping-place, which is a gathering-place, it is allowable for one to say his prayer; but each person must say his prayer by himself (i.e., not in company with others who might recite the same words and continue the same postures together at the same time). But if they chant supplications (communes, etc.) together (and in company), in a good and effective voice, that is very good.
"O G.o.d!..."
(215) O G.o.d!
Grant Washington happiness and peace! Illuminate that land with the light of the faces of the friends, make it a paradise of Glory, let it become an envy of the green gardens of the earth! Help the friends, increase their number, make their hearts sources of inspiration and their souls dawnings of light. Thus may that city become a beautiful paradise and fragrant with the fragrance of musk.
"O G.o.d!..."
(216) O G.o.d!
Make this youth illumined and this weak one strong! Bestow upon him knowledge and give unto him an added strength at every dawn. Thus may he be protected and sheltered in Thy protection from every sin to serve Thy Cause, to guide those who are led astray, to lead those who are poor (or weak), to free those who are in captivity (or bondage), to awaken those who are in lethargy and to be happy with Thy remembrance and thought. Thou art the Powerful, the Wise!
"O thou who art firm in the Covenant!..."
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
The short treatise which thou has written upon "Service in the Kingdom,"
forwarding it here and asking permission for its publication, was read.
Spread it among the believers.
Likewise, correspondence with all the believers in all parts is very desirable.
The copy of the pamphlet that thou hast sent before, G.o.d willing, in opportune time will be read and forwarded to thee.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Endeavor thou in the service in the Kingdom and, G.o.d willing, in a seasonable time, permission will be given to thee to come to the East.
Convey longing greetings to all the friends of G.o.d.
"O thou servant of Baha"!..."