In past ages crossing the ocean was not as easy as it is
now. Up to the present time no one has traveled, with a purpose like ours, from
Persia to America. Some have made the journey but it was for their personal
gain or for trivial motives. Ours may be said to be the first voyage of
Easterners to America. I have strong hopes of divine assistance -- that He will
open the doors of victory and conquest on all sides. Today, all the nations of
the world are vanquished, and victory and glory revolve around the servants of
the Blessed Perfection. All aims will come to naught except this mighty aim.
Hardship and debasement in this path are, therefore, comfort and honor, and
affliction a blessing.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric,
April 3, 1912, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
