Tonight I wish to tell you something of the history of the
Bahá’í Revelation.
The Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, belonged to the
nobility of Persia. From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His
relatives and friends. They said, “This child has extraordinary power.” In
wisdom, intelligence and as a source of new knowledge, He was advanced beyond
His age and superior to His surroundings. All who knew Him were astonished at
His precocity. It was usual for them to say, “Such a child will not live,” for
it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach maturity. During
the period of youth the Blessed Perfection did not enter school. He was not
willing to be taught. This fact is well established among the Persians of Ṭihrán. Nevertheless, He was
capable of solving the difficult problems of all who came to Him. In whatever
meeting, scientific assembly or theological discussion He was found, He became
the authority of explanation upon intricate and abstruse questions presented.
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, 18 April 1912; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks
Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912’)
