Until His father passed away, Bahá’u’lláh did not seek
position or political station notwithstanding His connection with the
government. This occasioned surprise and comment. It was frequently said, “How
is it that a young man of such keen intelligence and subtle perception does not
seek lucrative appointments? As a matter of fact, every position is open to
him.” This is an historical statement fully attested by the people of Persia.
He was most generous, giving abundantly to the poor. None
who came to Him were turned away. The doors of His house were open to all. He
always had many guests. This unbounded generosity was conducive to greater
astonishment from the fact that He sought neither position nor prominence. In
commenting upon this His friends said He would become impoverished, for His
expenses were many and His wealth becoming more and more limited. “Why is he
not thinking of his own affairs?” they inquired of each other; but some who
were wise declared, “This personage is connected with another world; he has
something sublime within him that is not evident now; the day is coming when it
will be manifested.” In truth, the Blessed Perfection was a refuge for every
weak one, a shelter for every fearing one, kind to every indigent one, lenient
and loving to all creatures. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk given in New York,
April 18, 1912)
