April 30
So also foreign peoples, and other sects who were not
believers, attributed many wonderful things to Bahá’u’lláh. Some believed that
He was a saint,[Vali] and some even wrote
treatises about Him. One of them, Siyyid Dávúdí, a Sunnite savant of Baghdád,
wrote a short treatise in which he related certain supernatural acts of
Bahá’u’lláh. Even now, in all parts of the East, there are some people who,
though they do not believe in His manifestation, nevertheless believe Him to be
a saint and relate miracles attributed to Him. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered
Questions’)
April 29
During this period Mírzá Yahyá remained concealed and
hidden, continuing and abiding in his former conduct and behavior, until, when
the edict for the removal of Bahá’u’lláh from Baghdád was issued by His
Majesty the Ottoman monarch, Mírzá Yahyá would neither quit nor accompany
[Him]: at one time he meditated setting out for India, at another settling in
Turkistán; but, being unable to decide on either of these two plans, he
finally, at his own wish, set out before all in the garb of a dervish, in
disguise and change of raiment, for Kárkúk and Arbíl. Thence, by continuous
advance, he reached Mosul, where, on the arrival of the main body, he took up
his abode and station alongside their caravan. And although throughout this
journey the governors and officials observed the utmost consideration and
respectfulness, while march and halt were alike dignified and honorable,
nevertheless was he always concealed in change of raiment, and acted
cautiously, on the idea that some act of aggression was likely to occur. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘A Traveler’s Narrative')
April 28
The Spirit breathing through the Holy Scriptures is food for
all who hunger. God Who has given the revelation to His Prophets will surely
give of His abundance daily bread to all those who ask Him faithfully. (`Abdu'l-Bahá,
Paris Talks; The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith)
April 27
While
traveling on the subway, He said:
“In man's nature there must be a desire to ascend and not to descend. The underground air is suffocating. It would have been better if we had gone by road above. The Blessed Beauty used to say that it is even a pity that the dead body of man should be buried under the ground.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, July 6, 1912, New York; Mahmud’s Diary)
“In man's nature there must be a desire to ascend and not to descend. The underground air is suffocating. It would have been better if we had gone by road above. The Blessed Beauty used to say that it is even a pity that the dead body of man should be buried under the ground.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, July 6, 1912, New York; Mahmud’s Diary)
April 26
Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is
acquired by an individual’s own efforts and the grace of God, in commerce,
agriculture, art and industry, and if it be expended for philanthropic
purposes. Above all, if a judicious and resourceful individual should initiate
measures which would universally enrich the masses of the people, there could
be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight of God as
the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs and
insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude. Wealth is most
commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy. If, however, a few have
inordinate riches while the rest are impoverished, and no fruit or benefit
accrues from that wealth, then it is only a liability to its possessor.
If, on the other hand, it is expended for the promotion of knowledge, the
founding of elementary and other schools, the encouragement of art and
industry, the training of orphans and the poor—in brief, if it is dedicated to
the welfare of society—its possessor will stand out before God and man as the
most excellent of all who live on earth and will be accounted as one of the
people of paradise. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
April 25
It is said that in South Africa, a diamond mine is discovered. Although this mine is most valuable, yet after all it is stone. Perchance, God willing, the mine of humanity may be discovered and the brilliant pearls of the Kingdom be found. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
April 24
I shall never forget the days I passed in Stuttgart in thy
company, for the whole time was given to the diffusion of the reviving breaths
of the Holy Spirit. Those wonderful meetings were charged with the surging
spirit of divine confirmation which radiated from the presence of Bahá'u'lláh.
The light of the Kingdom was shining forth from the Realm of Glory, His
invisible assistance was unceasingly vouchsafed, the hearts were filled with
gladness, the spirits rejoiced through the revelation of heavenly glad-tidings,
and each of the beloved friends was radiant like a candle. Therefore those days
shall never be forgotten. Now I fervently hope that following my departure the
fire of the love of God may burst into flame more intensely than ever, and that
thou mayest raise a heavenly melody at every meeting. I am well pleased with
and deeply grateful to the loved ones of God in Stuttgart. They are blessed
souls indeed. I will never forget them. Remembrance of them is always a source
of joy to me. Convey on my behalf warmest Abhá greetings to all the friends
there. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from
the Persian; compilation ‘Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland’, prepared by
the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
April 23
People make much profession of goodness, multiplying fine
words because they wish to be thought greater and better than their fellows,
seeking fame in the eyes of the world. Those who do most good use fewest words
concerning their actions.
The children of God do the works without boasting, obeying His laws. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk given in Paris, October 16, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
The children of God do the works without boasting, obeying His laws. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk given in Paris, October 16, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
April 22
As to the influence of holy Beings and the continuance of
Their grace to mankind after They have put away Their human form, this is, to
Bahá’ís, an indisputable fact. Indeed, the flooding grace, the streaming
splendours of the holy Manifestations appear after Their ascension from this
world. The exaltation of the Word, the revelation of the power of God, the
conversion of God-fearing souls, the bestowal of everlasting life—it was
following the Messiah’s martyrdom that all these were increased and
intensified. In the same way, ever since the ascension of the Blessed Beauty,
the bestowals have been more abundant, the spreading light is brighter, the
tokens of the Lord’s might are more powerful, the influence of the Word is much
stronger, and it will not be long before the motion, the heat, the brilliance,
the blessings of the Sun of His reality will encompass all the earth. (’Abdu’l-Baha,
‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
April 21
Consider how the Báb endured difficulties and tribulations;
how He gave His life in the Cause of God; how He was attracted to the love of
the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh; and how He announced the glad tidings of His
manifestation. We must follow His heavenly example; we must be self-sacrificing
and aglow with the fire of the love of God. We must partake of the bounty and
grace of the Lord, for the Báb has admonished us to arise in service to the
Cause of God, to be absolutely severed from all else save God during the day of
the Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, to be completely attracted by the love of
Bahá’u’lláh, to love all humanity for His sake, to be lenient and merciful to
all for Him and to upbuild the oneness of the world of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a talk given in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, May 23, 1912; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
April 20
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)
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)
April 19
O my friend! The undying Fire which the Lord of the Kingdom
hath kindled in the midst of the holy Tree is burning fiercely in the midmost
heart of the world. The conflagration it will provoke will envelop the whole
earth. Its blazing flames will illuminate its peoples and kindreds. All the
signs have been revealed; every prophetic allusion hath been manifested.
Whatever hath been enshrined in all the Scriptures of the past hath been made
evident. To doubt or hesitate is no more possible... Time is pressing. The
Divine Charger is impatient, and can tarry no longer. Ours
is the duty to rush forward and, ere it is too late, win the victory. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah’)
April 18
The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh over sixty years ago proclaimed the
glad tidings of universal peace. The Báb was martyred in the Cause of God.
Bahá’u’lláh suffered forty years as a prisoner and exile in order that the
Kingdom of love might be established in the East and West. He has made it
possible for us to meet here in love and unity. Because He suffered
imprisonment, we are free to proclaim the oneness of the world of humanity for
which He stood so long and faithfully. He was chained in dungeons, He was
without food, His companions were thieves and criminals, He was subjected to
every kind of abuse and infliction, but throughout it all He never ceased to
proclaim the reality of the Word of God and the oneness of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a talk, April 12, 1912. New York, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
April 17
O NOBEL Friends! O Seekers for the Kingdom of God! Man all
over the world is seeking for God. All that exists is God; but the Reality of
Divinity is holy above all understanding.
The pictures of Divinity that come to our mind are the product of our fancy; they exist in the realm of our imagination. They are not adequate to the Truth; truth in its essence cannot be put into words.
Divinity cannot by comprehended because it is comprehending.
Man, who has also a real existence, is comprehended by God; therefore, the Divinity which man can understand is partial; it is not complete. Divinity is actual Truth and real existence, and not any representation of it. Divinity itself contains All, and is not contained. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, London, September 17, 1911; ‘’Abdul-Baha in London’)
The pictures of Divinity that come to our mind are the product of our fancy; they exist in the realm of our imagination. They are not adequate to the Truth; truth in its essence cannot be put into words.
Divinity cannot by comprehended because it is comprehending.
Man, who has also a real existence, is comprehended by God; therefore, the Divinity which man can understand is partial; it is not complete. Divinity is actual Truth and real existence, and not any representation of it. Divinity itself contains All, and is not contained. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, London, September 17, 1911; ‘’Abdul-Baha in London’)
April 16
I do not wish to mention the miracles of Bahá’u’lláh, for it
may perhaps be said that these are traditions, liable both to truth and to
error, like the accounts of the miracles of Christ in the Gospel, which come to
us from the apostles, and not from anyone else, and are denied by the Jews.
Though if I wish to mention the supernatural acts of Bahá’u’lláh, they are
numerous; they are acknowledged in the Orient, and even by some non-Bahá’ís.
But these narratives are not decisive proofs and evidences to all; the hearer
might perhaps say that this account may not be in accordance with what
occurred, for it is known that other sects recount miracles performed by their
founders. For instance, the followers of Brahmanism relate miracles. From what
evidence may we know that those are false and that these are true? If these are
fables, the others also are fables; if these are generally accepted, so also
the others are generally accepted. Consequently, these accounts are not
satisfactory proofs. Yes, miracles are proofs for the eyewitness only, and even
he may regard them not as a miracle but as an enchantment. Extraordinary feats
have also been related of some conjurors.
Briefly, my meaning is that many wonderful things were done by Bahá’u’lláh, but we do not recount them, as they do not constitute proofs and evidences for all the peoples of the earth, and they are not decisive proofs even for those who see them: they may think that they are merely enchantments. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
Briefly, my meaning is that many wonderful things were done by Bahá’u’lláh, but we do not recount them, as they do not constitute proofs and evidences for all the peoples of the earth, and they are not decisive proofs even for those who see them: they may think that they are merely enchantments. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
April 15
O ye loved ones of the Lord! This is the hour when ye must
associate with all the earth’s peoples in extreme kindliness and love, and be
to them the signs and tokens of God’s great mercy. Ye must become the very soul
of the world, the living spirit in the body of the children of men. In this
wondrous Age, at this time when the Ancient Beauty, the Most Great Name,
bearing unnumbered gifts, hath risen above the horizon of the world, the Word
of God hath infused such awesome power into the inmost essence of humankind
that He hath stripped men’s human qualities of all effect, and hath, with His
all-conquering might, unified the peoples in a vast sea of oneness. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
April 14
Oh, you of the Western nations, be kind to those who come
from the Eastern world to sojourn among you. Forget your conventionality when
you speak with them; they are not accustomed to it. To Eastern peoples this
demeanour seems cold, unfriendly. Rather let your manner be sympathetic. Let it
be seen that you are filled with universal love. When you meet a Persian or any
other stranger, speak to him as to a friend; if he seems to be lonely try to
help him, give him of your willing service; if he be sad console him, if poor
succour him, if oppressed rescue him, if in misery comfort him. In so doing you
will manifest that not in words only, but in deed and in truth, you think of
all men as your brothers. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk given in Paris, October
16, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
April 13
Consider ye, that Miss Agnes Alexander, the daughter of the
Kingdom, the beloved maidservant of the Blessed Perfection, traveled alone to
the Hawaiian Islands, to the Island of Honolulu, and now she is gaining
spiritual victories in Japan! Reflect ye how this daughter was confirmed in the
Hawaiian Islands. She became the cause of the guidance of a gathering of
people.
Likewise Miss Knobloch traveled alone to Germany. To what a great extent she became confirmed! Therefore, know ye of a certainty that whosoever arises in this day to diffuse the divine fragrances, the cohorts of the Kingdom of God shall confirm him and the bestowals and the favors of the Blessed Perfection shall encircle him. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
Likewise Miss Knobloch traveled alone to Germany. To what a great extent she became confirmed! Therefore, know ye of a certainty that whosoever arises in this day to diffuse the divine fragrances, the cohorts of the Kingdom of God shall confirm him and the bestowals and the favors of the Blessed Perfection shall encircle him. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
April 12
The
words of the astrologers are for the most part doubtful and unreliable. But the
whole of creation is interrelated like the different parts of the human body
which have a complete affinity from the toenail to the hair on the head. Every
part is perfectly connected with the other. Similarly, the whole of creation
forms a chain composed, as it were, of many links connected with each other. It
is therefore obvious that they all greatly influence each other and are part of
organized, regular cycles. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, July 3rd, 1912, New York;
Mahmud’s Diary)
April 11
O ye
friends of God! Be ye not concerned with the events transpiring at this Blessed
Spot, and give no thought thereto. Whatever may happen is good, for calamities
are bestowal itself, hardship is the reality of mercy, discomposure is but
composure of mind, and sacrifice of life is a manifest gift. Whatever may
happen is a bounty from God, the Most High. Be ye engaged in your own affairs;
be employed in guiding the people; train the souls in the qualities and nature
of Abdul-Baha, and convey the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of ABHA to the people.
Do not seek rest during night and day and sit not tranquil for a minute. Bring
these glad-tidings to the hearing of mankind with the utmost exertion, and
accept every calamity and affliction in your love for God and reliance on
Abdul-Baha. Endure the censure of enemies and bear the reproaches of the people
of oppression with patience. Follow the example of Abdul-Baha and at every
moment wish to offer yourselves in the path of the Beauty of ABHA. Shine ye
like unto the sun and roar and move like unto the sea; impart life to mountain
and desert like unto clouds, and similar to the vernal breeze, bestow
freshness, grace and elegance on the trees of human temples. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
April 10
…the happiness and greatness, the rank and station, the
pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal
wealth, but rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, the breadth of
his learning, and his ability to solve difficult problems.
How well has it been said: “On my back is a garment which, were it sold for a
penny, that penny would be worth far more; yet within the garment is a soul
which, if you weighed it against all the souls in the world, would prove
greater and nobler.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
April 9
The moment this divine Message is carried forward by the
American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the
continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australasia, and as far as the
islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established
upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will all the peoples of the
world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided.
Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and
greatness. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
April 8
The first teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the duty incumbent upon
all to investigate reality. What does it mean to investigate reality? It means
that man must forget all hearsay and examine truth himself, for he does not
know whether statements he hears are in accordance with reality or not.
Wherever he finds truth or reality, he must hold to it, forsaking, discarding
all else; for outside of reality there is naught but superstition and
imagination. For example, during the days of Jesus Christ the Jews were
expecting the appearance of the Messiah, praying and beseeching God day and
night that the Promised One might appear. Why did they reject Him when He did
appear? They denied Him absolutely, refused to believe in Him. There was no
abuse and persecution which they did not heap upon Him. They reviled Him with
curses, placed a crown of thorns upon His head, led Him through the streets in
scorn and derision and finally crucified Him. Why did they do this? Because
they did not investigate the truth or reality of Christ and were not able to
recognize Him as the Messiah of God. Had they investigated sincerely for
themselves, they would surely have believed in Him, respected Him and bowed before
Him in reverence. They would have considered His manifestation the greatest
bestowal upon mankind. They would have accepted Him as the very Savior of man;
but, alas, they were veiled, they held to imitations of ancestral beliefs and
hearsay and did not investigate the truth of Christ. They were submerged in the
sea of superstitions and were, therefore, deprived of witnessing that glorious
bounty; they were withheld from the fragrances or breaths of the Holy Spirit
and suffered in themselves the greatest debasement and degradation. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a talk, April 25, 1912, Washington, D.C.; “The Promulgation of Universal
Peace’)
April 7
The
chain of creation is interwoven in a natural law and divine order. Everything
is interlinked. A link cannot be broken without affecting that natural order.
Everything that happens is in conformity with this order and is based on
consummate wisdom. Because it is decreed by God that every plant that grows
must wither, all flourishing vegetation must fade away, every combination must
disperse and all compositions must disintegrate. These are the necessary
consequences of that universal law and of all relationships and is interpreted
as divine decree. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, New York, June 19, 1912;
‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
April 6
Consider! The station and the confirmation of the apostles
in the time of Christ was not known, and no one looked on them with the feeling
of importance—nay, rather, they persecuted and ridiculed them. Later on it
became evident what crowns studded with the brilliant jewels of guidance were
placed on the heads of the apostles, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of
John.
The range of your future achievements still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of Divine Plan’)
The range of your future achievements still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of Divine Plan’)
April 5
They proceeded to use violence toward Him[Baha’u’llah] to
oblige Him to ask for permission to leave Persia, thinking that by this means
the light of His truth would be extinguished, but the result was quite the
contrary. The Cause became magnified, and its flame more intense. At first it
spread throughout Persia only, but the exile of Bahá’u’lláh caused the
diffusion of the Cause throughout other countries. Afterward
His enemies said, “‘Iráq-i-‘Arab [Iráq; as opposed to that district of Írán
known then as ‘Iráq-i-‘Azam and now called Arák] is not far enough from Persia;
we must send him to a more distant kingdom.” This is why the Persian government
determined to send Bahá’u’lláh from ‘Iráq to Constantinople. Again the event
proved that the Cause was not in the least weakened. Once more they said,
“Constantinople is a place of passage and of sojourn for various races and
peoples; among them are many Persians.” For this reason the Persians had Him
further exiled to Rumelia; but, when there, the flame became more powerful, and
the Cause more exalted. At last the Persians said, “Not one of these places is
safe from his influence; we must send him to some place where he will be
reduced to powerlessness, and where his family and followers will have to
submit to the direst afflictions.” So they chose the prison of Akká, which is
reserved especially for murderers, thieves and highway robbers, and in truth
they classed Him with such people. But the power of God became manifested: His
word was promulgated, and the greatness of Bahá’u’lláh then became evident, for
it was from this prison and under such humiliating circumstances that He caused
Persia to advance from one state into another state. He overcame all His
enemies and proved to them that they could not resist the Cause. His holy
teachings penetrated all regions, and His Cause was established. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘Some Answered Questions’)
April 4
It is evident that prejudices arising from adherence to
religious forms and imitation of ancestral beliefs have hindered the progress
of humanity thousands of years. How many wars and battles have been fought, how
much division, discord and hatred have been caused by this form of prejudice!
But inasmuch as this century is a century of the revelation of reality --
praise be to God! -- the thoughts of men are being directed toward the welfare
and unity of humanity. Daily the mirage of imitations is passing away, and the
ocean of truth is surging more tumultuously. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from a talk
given on 21 April 1912 in Washington D.C.) (To read the entire talk please
visits Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
April 3
A man who does great good, and talks not of it, is on the
way to perfection.
The man who has accomplished a small good and magnifies it in his speech is worth very little. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, October 16, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
The man who has accomplished a small good and magnifies it in his speech is worth very little. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, October 16, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
April 2
O ye
friends of God! Be kind to all peoples and nations, have love for all of them,
exert yourselves to purify the hearts as much as you can, and bestow abundant
effort in rejoicing the souls. Be ye a sprinkling of rain to every meadow and a
water of life to every tree. Be ye as fragrant musk to every nostril and a
soul-refreshing breeze to every invalid. Be ye salutary water to every thirsty
one, a wise guide to everyone led astray, an affectionate father or mother to
every orphan, and, in the utmost joy and fragrance, a son or daughter to everyone
bent with age. Be ye a rich treasure to every indigent one; consider love and
union as a delectable paradise, and count annoyance and hostility as the
torment of hell-fire. Exert with your soul; seek no rest in body; supplicate
and beseech with your heart and search for divine assistance and favor, in
order that ye may make this world the Paradise of ABHA and this terrestrial
globe the arena of the Supreme Kingdom. If ye make an effort, it is certain
that these lights will shine, this cloud of mercy shall rain, this
soul-nourishing breeze shall waft, and the scent of this most fragrant musk be
diffused. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
April 1
He[the Báb, earlier in His Ministry] likewise composed a
number of works in explanation and elucidation of the verses of the Qur’án, of
sermons, and of prayers in Arabic; inciting and urging men to expect the
appearance of that Person; and these books He named “Inspired Pages” and “Word
of Conscience.” But on investigation it was discovered that He laid no claim to
revelation from an angel.
Now since He was noted amongst the people for lack of instruction and education, this circumstance appeared in the sight of men supernatural. Some men inclined to Him, but the greater part manifested strong disapproval; whilst all the learned doctors and lawyers of repute who occupied chairs, altars, and pulpits were unanimously agreed on eradication and suppression, save some divines of the Shaykhí party who were anchorites and recluses, and who, agreeably to their tenets, were ever seeking for some great, incomparable, and trustworthy person, whom they accounted, according to their own terminology, as the “Fourth Support” and the central manifestation of the truths of the Perspicuous Religion. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
Now since He was noted amongst the people for lack of instruction and education, this circumstance appeared in the sight of men supernatural. Some men inclined to Him, but the greater part manifested strong disapproval; whilst all the learned doctors and lawyers of repute who occupied chairs, altars, and pulpits were unanimously agreed on eradication and suppression, save some divines of the Shaykhí party who were anchorites and recluses, and who, agreeably to their tenets, were ever seeking for some great, incomparable, and trustworthy person, whom they accounted, according to their own terminology, as the “Fourth Support” and the central manifestation of the truths of the Perspicuous Religion. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
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