Babism:

1. Text (see images below)

The following is a brief but genuine account of the origin, growth and present status of the new religion called Babism, a form of faith which we are assured by Mons. Jean Cahagnet, a writer and traveler just returned from Persia, seems likely ere long to supersede all the other forms of belief prevailing in that land. Mons. Cahagnet kindly translated and furnished the editor with the following sketch from a forthcoming work on the religious beliefs of Persia: "It appears that a new religious sect has, since 1843, been organized in Central Asia, and has now become a powerful opponent to Mohammed's adherents. Fortunately for the progress of the world, the founder, Mirza Ali Mohammed, seems to have been in advance of both Judaism and Islamism having imitated neither the intolerance or self-righteousness of the former nor the fatalistic creed of the latter. This must be attributed to the character of ita founder, who, when only eighteen years of age, began his missionary work, for which he was qualified by natural genius, also by earnest inquiry into the Scriptures, the Koran, and by discussion with the Jews of the country.

"He is described as a young man of imposing aspect and charming features, gaining the admiration of his hearers by his personal attractions and the charm of his eloquence. His life in in strict accordance with his doctrines, which are remarkable for their tenderness, humanity and sympathy.

"After having paid a visit to Mecca ha published a commentary on a part of the Koran, which audacity was a total breach of ancient customs, the much more so because he therein introduced some novel doctrines. From that time he began to preach in public with enormous success, and declared himself to be the 'Bab,' i.e., the 'door,' through which one arriveth at the knowledge of God. The Islam priests could no longer ignore the agitation caused by this young preacher, so, after having been ignominiously defeated by him at a public conference, they arranged, as all priests have done in similar cases, an appeal to the civil power. Bab and his followers suffered persecution, and this proved the beginning of the spread of Babism. Missionaries were sent to Ispahan, to the north and west districts, and everywhere they met with grand success, though constantly persecuted by the clergy and the King's agents, until they decided to take up arms. The war raged in Persia with alternate successes and defeats of the reformers. Finally Bab was captured and put to death as he was trying to make his escape.

"The Government then considered the question settled forever. The new religion, however, did not depend on the presence of Bab, three-quarters of his adherents never having seen him, and another Bab was nominated, to whom the believers declared the crown of Persia legitimately belonged. The persecutions continued, and the punishment of the captives was beyond measure cruel. Women and children fearlessly marched to their execution, and seemed to rival each other in hopeful and courageous resignation, singing this verse:

Yes, truly we have come from God, and now return to him.

These spectacles, far from ruining the prospects of the new sect, gained them many partisans; and the Bab, who at present resides in Bagdad, is only waiting for an opportunity to conquer by arms the Persia whose faith he has already subdued. Perhaps we shall witness one day the ruin of the Persian dynasty, and see Mohammed's religion defeated in the countries of Central Asia.

"Babism is a return to the ancient Pantheism, presented in a novel and attractive form; and when Bab said, 'God is the absolute Being, beside whom nothing exist?; all beings are but feeble emanations from his omnipotence; on the day of judgment you shall be united with Him' ó he only reawakened and restored the old sentiment that has been dormant for centuries. Its adherents include the foremost of Persian clergy and dignitaries, as well as philosophers and poets. Even the obstinate Jew has been converted. Babism has much of the oriental form of worship, but it teaches charity, peace and monogamy. It has a tendency to lay a foundation for family life, so little known in the East, and gives to woman a higher and nobler sphere of action.

"A sect which in a few years caused such a revolution in a country where neither railways, letter post nor newspapers existed, and that has taken such a great step in advance of other orientals, must needs impress us with a hope of a better and greater future for Eastern countries."

2. Images, from cdnc.ucr.edu

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