Later, at a gathering of the friends, He spoke these words:
The holy Manifestations endured great afflictions and
persecutions and at every moment accepted torment and oppression. Christ
suffered violent persecutions, accepting the suffering of the Cross and the
most glorious martyrdom. The results of these persecutions were eleven
disciples who were truly blessed souls. They became luminous and heavenly; they
became the cause of the enlightenment of the people of the world.
I hope that you, too, may reach such a station, that it will
be said that you are the fruit of the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh; that it will
be said, `It is these people who are the aim of this new revelation; they are
the jewels of existence; they are illumined, divine, spiritual and heavenly.'
If someone asks what Bahá'u'lláh has done, they will be told, 'He has educated
these people.'
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 16, New York,
recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
