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"He is God!..."
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1 |
He is God!
O ye heavenly Assemblage!
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Your letter was received and its contents became
known. Ye have written concerning the printing and
publication of the Tablets.
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The translation of the Surat-ul-Hykl
[Surat-ul-Hykl, by Baha'o'llah, a portion of which was translated by Anton Haddad, published in 1900. The retranslation of this book has not yet been undertaken.]
is of the utmost
difficulty. It must be translated by a committee
who are exceedingly efficient both in Persian and English,
exercising the closest and most minute attention.
Otherwise the text would not become intelligible. The
same rule applieth to other Writings and Tablets. For
the present the organization of such a committee of
translators is not possible and there is no other means
than the translations made by individuals. In the
future, God willing, means will be brought about.
Translations will be made by a committee composed of
two most erudite Persians and two learned Americans,
all of them having the utmost proficiency in both
languages and possessing a certain knowledge of sciences
and arts. Then others from among the scholars and
thinkers must assist. At that time Tablets will be translated
correctly and published. What ye have in your
hands and what is already printed will impart a certain
degree of information. Whatever matter the spiritual
Boards of Council in New York, Chicago, Washington
and Kenosha unanimously deem advisable to print
and publish, ye may print and publish; and have the utmost
union and oneness with each other.
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Regarding the Tablets of Abdul-Baha: Each of
them is important. Print ye those which are in detail.
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As to the question of annihilation and destruction of
the Spirits
[Referring to passage in "The Life and Teachings of Abbas Effendi" Abdul-Baha) by Myron T. Phelps, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York.]
: Mr. Phelps hath not not fully understood the
matter or else the translator hath made some mistake.
It was not intended to convey the idea that the unbelieving
souls are absolutely annihilated. Nay, rather, it
was meant that the existence of the evil spirits in comparison
to the existence of the sanctified souls was like
unto annihilation. As you clearly behold, the existence
of mineral in comparison with the existence of man is
like unto non-being. When the body of man is destroyed
and disintegrated, it returneth to the mineral.
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Concerning the income of the printing and publishing
society, as ye write, it must be expended for charitable
purposes.
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O ye believers of God! I am pleased with you and
seek for your assistance and confirmation. I hope that
ye may, day by day, add to your love, steadfastness,
purity of intention and service to the Cause of God.
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Upon ye be greeting and praise!
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Abdul-Baha Abbas.
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