- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
talk, 23 April 1912, at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons, Washington
D.C.; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
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November 1
Today I have been speaking from dawn until now, yet because
of love, fellowship and desire to be with you, I have come here to speak again
briefly. Within the last few days a terrible event has happened in the world,
an event saddening to every heart and grieving every spirit. I refer to the
Titanic disaster, in which many of our fellow human beings were drowned, a
number of beautiful souls passed beyond this earthly life. Although such an
event is indeed regrettable, we must realize that everything which happens is
due to some wisdom and that nothing happens without a reason. Therein is a
mystery; but whatever the reason and mystery, it was a very sad occurrence, one
which brought tears to many eyes and distress to many souls. I was greatly
affected by this disaster. Some of those who were lost voyaged on the Cedric
with us as far as Naples and afterward sailed upon the other ship. When I think
of them, I am very sad indeed. But when I consider this calamity in another
aspect, I am consoled by the realization that the worlds of God are infinite;
that though they were deprived of this existence, they have other opportunities
in the life beyond, even as Christ has said, “In my Father’s house are many
mansions.” They were called away from the temporary and transferred to the
eternal; they abandoned this material existence and entered the portals of the
spiritual world. Foregoing the pleasures and comforts of the earthly, they now
partake of a joy and happiness far more abiding and real, for they have
hastened to the Kingdom of God. The mercy of God is infinite, and it is our
duty to remember these departed souls in our prayers and supplications that
they may draw nearer and nearer to the Source itself.