BAHAISM TO-DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 79

BAHAISM TO-DAY.

Bv WILHELMIXA SHERRIFF BaIN

Abdul Bah a was introduced to a. New York audience, by the Rev. Percy Grant, rector of Church of the Ascension, an these words:—“lt is to be our privilege to listen to a new and great herald oi goodwill. He comes with a plan of construction and reconstruction, and bears a message of peace and love to all mankind. Abdul Baha is a master of the things oi the Spirit. . . . Modern life is to him only a fabric. He comes from that part of the world where men meditate, where contemplation rvas born. He teaches the fundamental unity of all religions . . he comes to tell us that knowledge and more knowledge will bring about a realisation of peace and unity.” One quotation from the address that was then delivered may here be given;—“To-day the world of humanity is in need of international unity and conciliation. It is self-evident that unity and the 1 Most Great Peace cannot be accomplished through material means. It cannot be established through political power, for the political interests of nations are various, and the policies of peoples are divergent and conflicting. H cannot be founded through racial or patriotic power, for these are human powers, selfish and weak. The very nature of racial difference and patriotic prejudices prevents the realisation of this unity and agreement. Therefore it is established that the promotion of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity, which is the essence of the teachings of the holy manifestations of God, is impossible

except through the power spiritual- Other powers are too weak, and are incapable of accomplishing this. In January and in February last Abdul Baha was entertained by the Ksperanlists of Edinburgh and Paris respectively, and from his addresses on these occasions a few sentences may be taken: —-"Every movement which promotes unity and harmony in the world is good, and everything which creates discord discontent is bad. This is a century of illumination, surpassing all others in its inventions, its discoveries, and its vast and varied undertakings. But the _ greatest achievement of the age in conferring profit and pleasure on rnakind is the creation of an auxiliary language for all. Oneness of language creates oneness ol heart; it peace and harmony ; it sweeps away all misunderstanding among peoples; it gives to the human intellect a broader conception, a more commanding point of view. . . . Now let us thank the Lord

because the Esperanto language hat; been created. We have commanded all the Bahais in the Orient to study this language, and ere long it will spread all over the - East. I pray yon, Esperantists and non-Esperantists, to work with zeal for the spread of this language, for it will hasten the coming of the millennial day foretold by prophets and seers. . . - Everyone of us must study this language and make every effort to. spread it, s o that each day it may receive a wider recognition, be accepted by ail nations and governments of the world, and become part of the curriculum in all public schools. In Paris, likewise. Abdul Baha addressed an audience of professors, clergy, and theological students. Pasteur Monnier thus welcomed him: “We are very happy to find amongst us a person who lias come on the part of God, bringing to us a divine message.” Abdul Baha responded : “He who is endowed with the power of hearing shall hear the mysteries of God from all things, and all creation will convey to him the divine message.’ By permission, some searching questions were propounded, each one being fully and clearly answered. To the last oi those questions. “Is your aim to found a new religion?” it was replied: “Onr aim is to free the foundations of the religion of God from dogmas, for the Sun of Reality is prevented from shining forth by black, impenetrable clouds. . A

Afterwards a professor said: “1 desire to express the deepest gratitude and pleasure of ail who have listened to you. Our aim, also, is the establishment of universal peace and brotherhood.” Abdul Baba: “Praise be to God that our aims and hopes are one: but we must strive to make this purpose realised.”

lii a San Francisco synagogue Abdul Baha addressed nearly 2000 Israelites in words which may be thus summarised: “Christ changed only that part of the Mosaic religion which had become out of date and impracticable. The Christians say that Moses was the prophet of Cod ; then you may just say from your heart that Christ is the Word of God, and all these differences will end.” Right across the continents of Europe and America he'has urged conciliation and reconciliation In Clifton. England, he defined some of the principles declared by Baha O'llah. (1) Independent investigations of truth. Reality is steeped in dogmas and doctrines. IE each investigate for himself, he will find that reality is one; does not admit of multiplicity; is not divisible. (2) The unity of the race. We are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch. All the nations, peoples, and tongues are the branches', leaves, blossoms, and fruits of this great tree of humanity. All are equal in this one family of God save whosoever is more kind, more compassionate—he is nearer to God. (3) There must be peace between the fatherlands: peace between the religions. Man is the edifice of God. War destroys the divine edifice. In this period of evolution the world of humanity is in danger. (4) Religion must conform to science and reason. Science and religion are realities, and if that form of religion to which we adhere be a reality it must needs accord with the fundamental reality

of all things. (5) Prejudice must be banished. Religious, racial, political, and patriotic prejudice are the destroyers of human society. (6) The male and female of the human kingdom are equal beforeGod. Woman must have the same opportunities as man for the attainment oi learning, and for exercising the fullest privileges of life. (7) Each member of the body politic must be protected. W ork for all. (8) There moot be established the parliament of man, or court of last appeals tor international questions. (9) All children must be educated, and each child must be taught a profession or trade. W ? ork done in the spirit of service is worship. (10) In schools, two languages must be taught : the mother tongue and the international auxiliary language. (11) The eleventh principle of Baha O’llah is the power of the Holy Spirit, by which alone spiritual development is achieved. No matter how the material world may progress, no matter how splendidly it may adorn itself, it can be nothing but a lifeless body unless the soul is within. The Bahais of America have purchased land in Chicago for the erection of a temple. Other preparations are being made, and it is fervently hoped that Abdul Baha may again come from Palestine : that the master may lay the cornerstone of the foundation ; mav endow with his benediction the first Baliia temple of the Occident