COMPARATIVELY few of the faithful
in London or in Paris had been blessed
by the ability to journey to Akka; to see
Abdul Baha face to face; to hear his voice;
to be fed bodily and spiritually by him in his
own proper person. Many longed to behold
him, to converse with him, but were prevented
by varying difficulties. The steadfast
believer who had diligently kept the lamp
aflame in England was found able to hint
that as the Teacher’s fetters had at last been
unlocked and his prison gates thrown open,
he might gain health and solace by travel;
might, indeed, visit his people in the West.
To them such joy seemed almost beyond
belief and when delay occurred they asked
one another doubtfully “Where is the promise
of his coming?” The fulfilment of joy came
to them with his advent. He arrived in
London with the quiet of “the most Great
Peace;” practically unheralded: The primary
and ultimate purpose of his coming was
the establishment of the quiescence of that
“Most Great Peace.”
Installed under the roof of one whom he
has called his “respected daughter,” he was
immediately and happily “at home,” all the[Page xii]
day long and every day, to visitors who
thronged to pay him homage and receive
his benediction. The atmosphere surrounding
him harmonised with the perfect tone of
Abdul Baha’s own untiring courtesy and benevolence.
Professors of differing creeds came
and were conquered by the charm of his
manner and the conviction of his soul. His
message of Unity sank deep into the hearts
of his listeners, whatever the faith those
listeners adhered to.
Many questions where put to him by many
persons. His answers; though perhaps handicapped
by necessary interpretation; surprised
and delighted his hearers. His grip of their
thought; his quick and ardent replies, were
wondered at and cordially received. Very
occasionally he was persuaded to drive through
some of the City’s teeming streets or into one
or other of the parks, aglow with the sunshine
of a splendid summer. Occasionally, also,
much to the delight and uplifting of the Bahais,
he was conveyed to the group-centres. There
he delivered discourses, usually brief, but
always to the point, bearing directly upon his
mission and his message. His voice was
always vibrant with the utterances of unity
and peace. Only once or twice did he permit[Page xiii]
himself the pleasure of visiting friends in the
country. A typical village within an easy
motor drive; a big town in the west—Bristol;
at these he found not only hospitable entertainment
but very reverent and heedful gatherings.
On certain other memorable days Abdul
Baha addressed great audiences in places of
worship and of social service. The pastor of
the City Temple, the Reverend R. J. Campbell,
M.A. introduced him, in most kindly words, to
an overflowing congregation who heard Abdul
Baha with intense interest; the address being
rendered in English immediately afterwards.
At St. John’s Church, Westminster, The Venerable Archdeacon Wilberforce, performed a similar office, the congregation, at his desire, kneeling to receive Abdul Baha’s blessing. At the Passmore Edwards Settlement in Tavistock Place, crowded audiences assembled to see and hear.
A profound impression remained in the
minds and memories of all sorts and conditions
of men and women. The width of Abdul
Baha’s sympathy proved, in every instance, as
helpful as his discrimination and perspicacity
in dealing with difficulties whether subtle or
obvious. Each person approaching him found
himself understood and was astonished and[Page xiv]
relieved by Abdul Baha’s comprehension of
religious differences; above all, of religious
agreements. By way, sometimes, of brief
but masterly monologue; or, at other times,
by way of question and reply, themes of
individual or universal interest were handled
and explained.
Very greatly was Abdul Baha’s sojourn in London appreciated; very greatly his departure regretted. He left behind him many many friends. His love had kindled love. His heart had opened to the West and the ‘Western heart had closed around this patriarchal presence from the East. His words had in them something that appealed not only to their immediate hearers, but to men and women generally. His outlook was so hopeful; his soul so set on the promulgation of the principles of unity and peace, that his discourses and his answers could not be permitted to remain unrecorded. This attempt to reproduce them for the benefit of all who will read is made in the sure and certain hope that, by virtue of them, the aim and work of the speaker may be grasped and his endeavour be endorsed by the professors of all creeds, the inhabitants of all climes.
- ERIC HAMMOND.
