 Section 1 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase. Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulon and the land of Naftali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light, they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9, 1-2 Excellency of our God, and in highway shall be there, and away, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness. Isaiah 35, 1-8 Place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. Isaiah 65, 10 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope, and she shall sing there as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. Hosea 2, 15 On April 8th 1907, a bright, cool day, our little party, Mr. Agnew with wife and boy, Mr. Scheffler and I, gathered on the deck of the cadavial steamer, Aswan, lying off the ancient port of Jaffa in Syria. Around us were other Americans, tourists, teachers, and missionaries bound for Haifa, and some for Beirut, about 70 miles north from Haifa, where a Presbyterian college is located. There were also Turkish officers and Egyptian bays, the latter in European dress with red fezzes, and a number of Franciscan monks with close cropped heads, dressed in the typical brown hooded robes and sandals. On the lower deck, where they had slept rolled up in blankets through the night, were the steerage passengers, crowded groups of Arabs and Turkish men, women, and children in native costumes. Afternoon, we left our anchorage and sailed northward over the blue Mediterranean from Jaffa toward Carmel, skirting the broken rocky edge of the Syrian coast with its background of green slopes and distant hills. Our hearts were so affected with thankfulness to God and with the beauty and import of that land of promise that we spoke but little to each other and in subdued tones. Our tongues were bound in golden silence, our eyes searched the ancient scenes and looked keenly to the north for the first glimpse of Mount Carmel and Aqa, and we longed for the approaching goal of our pilgrimage. Gradually, the bold front of the mountain swelled up from the coastline and a little after, when the lowering sun slanted its brightness across the waters, the white walls of the little fortress of Aqa rose from the ocean and gleamed afar like a marble island in a turquoise sea. You can be sure that our eyes looked long and steadily at the little cluster of white as we came nearer and nearer to that door of hope. Haifa was not to be seen as it nestles within the elbow of Carmel on its northern side until the ship had passed by the mountain and turned inward toward the town. We arrived off Haifa at 5pm. As the steamer anchored, a fleet of boats came racing toward the ship. They represented different landing companies, the Hamburg American, Clarks, Cooks, etc. Each was manned by 8 to 10 swarthy, sturdy, red-fessed boatmen, handling as many long, heavy, square-handled oars. The race was in earnest, all eager for passengers and backsheesh. As they came nearer, at a signal from the leader of the crew, each rower placed one bare foot on the cross seat before him, leaped up as high as he could, pulled back his oar with a long, powerful sweep, sinking down to his seat and then sprang up again for another mighty pull, accompanying each effort with a quick, strong call of encouragement. It was an exciting welcome. The crew's rising and sinking, the boats lifting through the waves and almost in collision, the stirring cries keeping time and becoming louder and more intense as they approached. Cooks arrived first and took our party to the landing place. When entering the boat, the passenger has to submit entirely to the crew. One goes down the slippery steps of the ship's side to the little hanging platform and as the light boat rises on a wave to meet it, one or two of the Arab sailors seizes him or her in his arms, holds him as the boat sinks and bears him to a seat. The process is repeated at the landing place, where each person is lifted by strong arms from the boat as it rises to the dock. So we entered Palestine. A crowd of people was on the pier and as we went up toward the street, a familiar face appeared and one of us exclaimed, There's Mirza Asadullah! As we hurried to the Cook's carriage and managed to touch his hand in passing and received a pressure of recognition but no further attention. Haifa. We were taken to the Catholic hospice of the little child conducted by German sisters where we had spacious rooms, plainly furnished and scrupulously clean. Over the door of each room was an inscription dedicating it to one of the saints. Mr. Scheffler and I had the room of Saint John. In it were two neat beds, plain chairs, wash bowls and matting on the stone floors. In the dining room all the guests sat at one long table. The food was plain and wholesome. Mirza Asadullah with Mirza Mohsen and Mirza Jalal called in the evening and we were happy to meet them. Others were in the reception room who understood both English and Arabic and they were listening intently, curious to learn what acquaintance or business the Americans had with the Persians. They would not have understood that only the love of our hearts drew us together. We learned that word of our arrival would be sent the following day and arrangements made for going to Akka as soon as convenient. We were rejoiced that we should soon enter the presence of the renowned teacher whom we called the Master. He, however, asks us not to so call him as he says the titles Master and Lord belong to Jesus and he wishes to be called by his proper and perfect title, Abdul Baha, the servant of God. He asks each one of the friends to first learn this station of his clearly that he may know in his heart the meaning of Abdul Baha. We slept well that first night in Syria. In the morning we went up the hill to Mirza Asadullah's home passing through the German colony. This colony was established in Haifa in 1843 in expectation of the Second Coming of Christ, which they claimed was prophesied to occur soon after that time on Mount Carmel. Over the doors of school and church and of many houses are inscriptions signifying their expectation such as Der Herr ist nahe, the Lord is near, etc. Yet they know not that the prophecy has been fulfilled and that the Lord has indeed been at their very doors. Mirza Asadullah and Mirza Mohsen welcomed us warmly. They inquired after the friends in America, naming many of them. They asked concerning the growth and condition of the great cause and rejoiced that any news of love and unity in service among the friends. Mirza Mohsen interpreted. Section 2 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. In Galilee by Thornton Chase, Section 2 The Holy Land The view was fine of the city below and of the Tomb of the Bob high up on the mountain side above. We could scarcely appreciate the sacredness of that historic ground. But as we looked up to the Tomb and thought of its meaning, of the wonderful lives of the Bob and of Bahá'u'lláh, of their sufferings and apparent defeat at the hands of oppressors, and of the victories which are now following the word of truth for which they suffered. We began to realize that we had indeed entered the border of the Holy Land, the land that Abraham knew where Melchizedek dwelt, where Elijah prophesied and sacrificed on Carmel unto the Lord, whose fire descended upon his altar and put to shame the hosts of Baal. It was on the top of Carmel that Elijah bowed himself down upon the earth and put his face between his knees before the Lord, and there, at the seventh time, behold there arises a cloud out of the sea, as small as a man's hand. And it came to pass in a little while that the heaven grew back with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. How prophetic becomes this history in the light of present events? There Jesus walked and taught, Capernaum is near, Nazareth twelve miles away, and it is but a short distance to the sea of Galilee, where the fishers drew their nets and left them at the command, Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. This was the land of Zebulun and Naftali by the way of the sea which was covered with darkness until that light shone forth upon it, and now again. It is plunged in gross darkness, all heedless of the light which has again risen upon it, of the glory that is within it, which is even now flaming forth from its ancient prison to the farthest bounds of mankind, The light which is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and which shall illumine the darkness of ignorance and awaken man to the dawning day of service, love, and peace. The afternoon following our arrival in Haifa, I was riding at a table on the little veranda of the hospice, looking toward Aka nine miles away, when a beautiful thing appeared. The day had been showery, and about four o'clock, a splendid double rainbow shone forth. It seemed to rest on the eastern part of Haifa, where the gate opens out to the way of the sea. Its further end was directly at the gate of Aka, and the western sun shone brightly on the glistening city just beyond. The long inward curving shoreline of the blue sea, with its white breakers, swept in under the rainbow, and beneath its glorious arch, the distant Lebanon hills showed their purple sides and snow-capped ranges. For over half an hour, that vision of beauty remained. Peace! There was its sign, declared of old. There was the ancient symbol of the creative Holy Spirit brooding over that place of promise, and I seemed to see, beneath its arch of glory, temples of silver with domes of gold, gates of pearl, and all precious stones, and I realized that the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the lamb. And he said unto me, Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the souls of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. And the name of the city from that day shall be, the Lord is there. Mount Carmel The next day, according to arrangement, Mr. and Mrs. Agnew went to Acha, while Mr. Scheffler and I moved to the Hotel Pros on the top of Mount Carmel, where we were met by Mr. Snyder, a German minister and missionary who keeps it. We found him a kindly host, quiet and simple. Everything was thoroughly clean and comfortable. Several English and American women tourists were there, school teachers, and some missionaries returning from India. They were resting before going to Nazareth, Damascus, and Beirut. In the evening, a lady told of her trip that day to Acha. She said the house of the new prophet was pointed out, and someone suggested that she might like to meet him. She assented, and one went into his garden, and asked permission for the meeting, which was granted. He was a man of striking and attractive appearance, and met her most graciously, and presented her with a rose he was carrying. Through an interpreter, she asked him several questions, which he answered in a courteous and gentle manner, and she could see no difference in what he said from the teachings of Jesus. Considerable conversation ensued, and one lady said she had heard that Americans sometimes came all the way there expressly to visit him and receive his teachings, and she wondered how they could be such fools. She also supposed they brought much money to him. Mr. Scheffler and I sat there, longing to open our mouths and loosen our tongues, but beyond asking some simple questions, we remained silent. One asked the lady what she had done with the rose. She replied that she had pressed it and intended to keep it as a souvenir. In the over to the headland that rises boldly from the sea, road sides and fields were painted with blossoms, and we delighted in their variety, colors and fragrance. There were myriads of flowers, daisies, forget-me-nots, sweet peas, lilies, roses, and the flaming red poppies everywhere. We gathered them as we went, only to drop some as we found others more beautiful. We were happy as children, wandering over the hills and talking of things most dear to our hearts. When we returned to the hotel, we filled every available dish with flowers and pressed what we could in our diaries. The Tomb of the Bob The next day, we walked to the Tomb of the Bob. We went on the smooth, broad road along the ridge, until we came to the top of the trail, which goes almost directly down the side, the same on which we had seen donkeys loaded with wood, picking their way the day before. It was very steep, and all of loose crumbling stones. The sides of the mountain are terraced and cultivated everywhere. The larger loose stones are gathered into walls. The rich reddish brown soil and smaller stones are levelled or gently sloped from the foot of one wall to the top of another, thus making steps from 10 to 20 or 30 feet wide, in which our fig and olive trees, grapes and vegetables, men and women, were loosening the soil with mattocks. After going down about a thousand feet, we came to the road and found a neat carriageway between walls leading from the main roadway to the Tomb. It was a square of brownish yellow limestone with white iron paneled doors, simple in architecture, and with little outside ornament. A considerable space was cut out from the side of the mountain and levelled around the Tomb. A portion of it is a stone surface in which is the mouth of a large cistern for water. Another portion is a flower garden, beyond which is the house of the caretaker, a Persian Baha'i. He lives there with his wife and baby, and has an Arab assistant. When we came onto the stone platform, we saw no one, but in a few minutes the Arab appeared, came over to us, and said, We smiled and nodded ascent. He went to the garden and brought a flower to each of us. Then the caretaker, Rahmatullah, came from the house with his little baby boy and greeted us. He brought out chairs, and I asked him to sit with the baby for a picture. He excused himself, went into the house, and after a few minutes appeared dressed in his best clothes, a long black coat hiding the flowing costume in which I wished to photograph him. But the picture was never taken, for just then two Persians appeared who had come up to the trail from below. They greeted him joyfully with the greatest name, embracing him, and then, as we also repeated that name, they took us in their arms with expressions of great gladness and praises to God. They were Mirza Muhammad Ali Yazdi, and Haji Muhammad Shushhtari of Cairo with his seven-year-old boy. They could speak no English, but they had a message for us, which was that cooks would come for us the next morning to take us to Aqa. Although we understood their meaning, it was further assured by the Persian who went into the house to consult his wife, who must have known some English, for he returned saying, Tomorrow morning go Aqa. Then the door of the tomb was opened, and we were invited to enter. It is simple and beautiful, although it is not finished. It is divided into three large compartments, a centre and two sides, and these into sections named after notable Babis and Baha'is. The floor of the centre is slightly raised, the roof is in arches, those of the sides being at right angles to the arches of the centre. We bowed in silence for a few minutes, then withdrew and bade our friends adieu, while they exclaimed again and again, Khoshamadid, Khoshamadid, the Persian expression for, you are welcome. As we left the road and began to climb the trail, we looked back and saw them going into the little grove of ten cypress trees in a circle on the hillside just above the tomb. It is said that Baha'u'llah used often to sit in that grove, which commands a beautiful view of the sea and the valley of Aqa. When we had gone up the trail some distance and reached the end of our first breath, we rested and noticed a live young Arab hurrying up from below. When he reached us, we found that he had a note from Cooks, saying that they would call for us the next morning at any hour we would name to take us to Aqa. The messenger was on his way to the hotel and finding us on the way saved him a long climb but lost him no back sheesh. Then we hastened up the mountain with joy in our hearts and our feet lightened by the glad anticipations for the next day. End of Section 2. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. Recorded in London, England. Section 3 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. In Galilee by Thornton Chase. Section 3. The Way of the Sea. April 12th greeted us with a beautiful morning. The great day had arrived. The day for which we had looked and longed. We were really going to Aqa. We started at 7 o'clock in the open carriage with three horses abreast. That ride on the good hard road along the mountain crest, then down the rocky sides by walled terraces, farms and groves was a delight. We understood some of the reasons why Carmel was called the mountain of beauty. We breathed the sweet air and watched the play of colour in sunlight and shadow as floating clouds moved over the long slopes and rolling hills. Snow-turbaned Hermon and the encircling purple-robed steeps of Lebanon stood in silent guard over the valleys beneath. Each wind and turn of the road changed the view. Far below the azure sea glistened and long white rolls of surf chases one another up the sandy beach. In hazy distance a faint cluster of white marked the walls of the city of our desire. All else was but the setting for that gem of divine choosing, for it is the chosen land. We stopped a few minutes at Cooks, then drove down through Haifa, halting a little at Mirzahadi's store, then through the market square to the eastern gate, a narrow curved archway in the wall and out onto the beach. After a little we came near to a drove of camels that were being loaded with rough blocks of building stone where they had camped the night before, and there Mirzahadi joined us. Then began the nine-mile drive along the beautiful curve of the Mediterranean shore, most of the way in the water where the sand is hard and the surf plays tag with the carriage wheels while the horse hoofs clatter and splash a quick tattoo through the gliding water. Higher up the beach are mounds of loose sand with long, wiry bunch grasses and occasional tall date palms. When we crossed the two rivers that run into the sea we rode out forty or fifty yards from the shore so as to follow the sandbars formed by the breakers as they meet the outflowing rivers. Sometimes the water was up to the box of the carriage and the horses had to strain to pull us through. We passed carriages coming from Aqa, packed trains of asses and camels, flocks of little black lop-eared goats, foot-travelers, fishing boats and fishermen standing far out in the surf, casting their round nets as their fathers have done for decades of centuries. Even before us was the walled city, rising clearer and larger from the water by which it is nearly surrounded. It is ancient beyond the knowledge of man, perhaps the oldest city in the world. Its depths have not been explored, but ruin has followed ruin and city after city. None knows how many has been built on the remains of the past. It has ever been a point of vantage and of strife, and is renowned for its desperate sieges and defences. There are still remnants of the ruins of Alexander Balas, King of Syria a hundred and fifty years before Christ. The Genoese captured it in 1104 and Saladin drove them out in 1187 only to be overcome by the last victorious assault of the Christian crusaders under Kurdilion in 1191. There Napoleon was brought to bay in 1799 and forced to abandon his dream of Oriental conquest by that grain of sand, as he called it. It was taken by storm in 1832 by Ibrahim Pasha, who in turn was overthrown by the British, Austrian, and Turkish allies in 1840. It has witnessed many scenes of war and siege, of hunger and thirst, of torture and death. Still do the soldiers patrol its walls it may be destined yet again to bear the shock of battle. It is a tomb of warriors, a whited sepulcher full within of dead men's bones but from that tomb shall arise in this millennial dawn the spirit of peace going forth to a glorious victory over the hearts of men. How wonderful is the work of God. The seed must needs be buried in the dark dungeon of earth before it can bring forth the living tree the word must be hidden in the crypts of death in the tomb of loneliness and rejection surrounded by the darkness of ignorance and clay of prejudice ere it can send forth the truth that makes men free the light that illumines their souls love that ripens the fruits of righteousness, holiness, and beauty in the kingdom of God. When within a half mile of the city lying on the point of land out in the sea we left the beach and entered a roadway between fine shade trees leading to the gate in the wall we passed through the gate into a marketplace filled with men and animals and through the inner gate curving under the second wall and so into the prison city. Mirza Asadullah had left us and we went on with Cook's driver as tourists do who visit Aqa yet we were probably recognized as Americans and as we entered the city we were greeted with a shower of stones which rattled harmlessly against the carriage possibly they were thrown in a spirit of mischief a rabble of youths and boys ran after us all the way across the city to the entrance of the house of Abdul Baha there the driver got down from his seat and drove them away our progress had been slow as the three horses filled the ways and crowded the people against the walls and the turns in the alley like streets were sharp and narrow and made with difficulty we did not know we had reached our destination until we saw a Persian gentleman and then another and another step out at the entrance and smile at us we alighted and they conducted us through the arched red brick entrance to an open court across it to a long flight of stone steps broken and ancient leading to the highest story and into a small walled court open to the sky where was the upper chamber assigned to us which adjoined the room of Abdul Baha the buildings are all of stone whitewashed and plastered and it bears the aspect of a prison our windows looked out over the garden and tent of Abdul Baha on the sea side of the house that garden is bounded on one side by the house of the governor which overlooks it and on another by the inner wall of fortification a few feet beyond that is the outer wall upon the sea and between these two are the guns and soldiers constantly on guard a sentry house stands at one corner of the wall and garden from which the sentry can see the grounds and the tent where Abdul Baha meets transient visitors and the officials who often call on him thus all his acts outside of the house itself are visible to the governor from his windows and to the men on guard perhaps that is one reason why the officials so often become his friends no one with humanity justice or mercy in his heart could watch Abdul Baha long without admiring and loving him for the beautiful qualities constantly displayed five days we remained within those walls prisoners with him who dwells in that greatest prison it is a prison of peace of love and service no wish no desire is there save the good of mankind the peace of the world the acknowledgement of the fatherhood of God and the mutual rights of men as his creatures his children indeed the real prison the suffocating atmosphere the separation from all true heart desires the bond of world conditions is outside of those stone walls while within them is the freedom and pure aura of the spirit of God all troubles, tumults, worries or anxieties for worldly things are barred out there over the head of each one of the exiles in that prison hangs constantly the sword of Damocles suspended by a hair and the coming of any American or English pilgrims sets that hair to vibrating this is not because of enmity from the government which shows a just and generous spirit but because the enemies to the cause of God are always trying to incite troubles and suspicion while we were there a message was sent to the government by certain of the opposers complaining of our coming and trying to falsely attach political significance to it therefore it was deemed best that we should leave after that further efforts were made to bring troubles upon the friends this illustrates the volcanic condition there and the serious causes ever present for mortal fears and anxieties yet there is the abode of peace happiness, content, assurance and supreme faith even were that awful sword to fall and sever the head from the body faith would only be strengthened and service be multiplied so perfect is the assurance and certainty that this is the work of God destined to victory over the heart of mankind and the accomplishment of the peaceful kingdom of God in the spirits of men over the whole world while there and now I realize the meaning of Mr. Winterburn's expression that the world seemed miles and centuries away worldly matters indeed press with keen intrusion on that family and those sweet friends in the prison of Aka and they cause anxieties too sometimes but so mighty there is the spirit of God so absorbing are the considerations of spiritual things so uplifting those considerations so overwhelming is the ocean of the word that all other matters slink away out of sight and man stands erect in the bracing air of the spirit with its life giving strength in a tablet he has said set all desires aside leave worldly matters devote thyself to God be filled with the spirit guide the people to safety and perfume the nostrils with the holy fragrances which emanate from the kingdom of El Abha by the life of Bahá he who is filled with the love of Bahá and forgets all things the holy spirit will be heard from his lips and the spirit of life will fill his heart the lights of the sign will shine forth from his face and words will issue from his mouth in strands of pearls and all sickness and disease will be healed by the laying on of his hands by Nicholas James Bridgewater Recorded in London, England Section 4 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater In Galilee by Thornton Chase Section 4 The Welcome Mirza Monir and Mirza Nur-A-Din sons of the famous and learned Jinabah Zayn and Mirza Hussein Afnan a student at the Beirut College all English speakers were with us during the few minutes until the arrival of Abdul Bahá someone said, The Master and he came into the room with a free striding step welcomed us in a clear ringing voice marhabba marhabba Welcome, welcome and embraced us with kisses as would a father his son or as would brothers after a long absence It is no wonder that some have thought that the Master loved them more than all others because he hesitates not to express his love and he truly loves all humanity in each one He is the great humanitarian and each friend is to him the representative of all mankind He bade us be seated on the little divan He sat on the high narrow bed at one side of the room drew up one foot under him asked after our health our trip bade us be happy and expressed his happiness that we had safely arrived then after a few minutes he again grasped our hands and abruptly left us the friends also went out and left us alone we looked at each other I think we had not spoken at all except to answer yes or no we could not we knew not what to say but our hearts were full of joyful tears because we were at home his welcoming spirit banished strangeness as though we had always known him it was as if after long journeyings weariness, trials and searching we had at last reached home the world of wanderings was left at the outer gate we had entered into peace joy, love, home those were moments of deep happiness yet I could not fully realize the great blessedness of that meeting which was the goal of my hope but now its remembrance has become my joy and the treasure of my heart I was filled with wonder at his simplicity with admiration for his strength and dignity and love for his tenderness these mingled with the light and thankfulness possessed me Abdul Baha I have been asked to describe Abdul Baha but hesitate to do so it is not his personality that he wishes the friends to consider so many long to know even a little of the appearance of this one whom they love not having seen that I will try to tell of his as he appeared to me I saw a strikingly handsome man tall and kingly he wore a white fez with the small turban kerchief wound around this the symbol of wisdom and learning among Mohammedans was the only outward insignia of his station a long dark coat or cloak was worn over a dove colored undercoat he is not thin or anemic but has the appearance of strong health although of medium height he is commanding in appearance and I can never think of him as less than six feet tall his bright fair face light brown in complexion was framed in silvery white beard and mustache usually his hair or much of it was tucked up under the fez his nose was large straight and strong the mouth was rather full and very gentle deep under the broad forehead and shaded by white thick eyebrows shone the wondrous eyes large prominent brilliant penetrating and kind around the dark pupil and brown iris is that wonderful blue circle which sometimes makes the eyes look a perfect blue any description of them is only an attempt no more in response the face expressed a dignity intelligence and nobility which none would dare to disrespect conscious power and authority were there enthroned he assumed nothing his powers were natural his sincerity thorough his affection pure his smile charmed and attracted friends to him he had the stride and freedom of a king or shepherd my impression of him was that of a lion a kingly masterful man of the most sweet and generous disposition I had formed an idea of Jesus as very meek humble, lowly, gentle, quiet soft and sweet and I looked for such another one I have revised my idea of Jesus and now as I read his words I see in that one of the past a man of authority whose words were clear and powerful penetrating the hearts as with a two edged sword I found in Abdul Baha a man strong, powerful without a thought as to any act as free and unstilted as a father with his family or a boy with playmates yet each movement his walk, his greeting, his sitting down and rising up were eloquent of power full of dignity, freedom and ability in his presence all are small and they are conscious of this they show a deference to him that could not be excelled before the most absolute monarch hesitating to approach him unbidden humbly bowing when he passes and halting a far off when coming into his presence this was not of his doing or will but purely from their recognition of the spiritual power proceeding from him and through their intense love and respect for him he seemed utterly unconscious of their deference he extends love to everyone he draws near to them he invites them he loves to serve them even in little things he demands no awe no reverence no separation but is an elder brother of affection and sweetness he is gentle but not weak sweet and powerful humble and mighty no bar of restraint is there but winsome love and attraction his work accomplished daily is very great and yet much time is given to social and official affairs he is abrupt in manner the abruptness of power but most courteous and charming there is no aloofness in him he invites all to be prisoners of love and fellow servers of humanity with him he spoke in brief, pithy expressions intoned in medium pitch with a clear, vibrant voice no words were wasted he said the bounty of God is flowing the power of the kingdom of God will overcome all it will not be long before the great result will appear the blessed beauty has put in our hands the lamp of teachings by this light the world will be illumined America will be enlightened very much and from there light will be sent to other places I hope that the east and the west will become one also the north and the south and that all differences shall be removed the power of the word of God will accomplish this the midday meal within an hour we were called to the noon meal the master again welcomed us and motioned each to his seat at the table there were twelve Abdul Baha Mirza Muhammad Goli the beautiful brother of Baha'u'llah Mirza Mohsen, son-in-law of Abdul Baha Mirza Asadullah, Mirza Monir and Mirza Nureddin, interpreters Shoghi Afnan, grandson of the master Mr. Agnu, wife and son Mr. Sheffler and this servant all stood in respect until the host sat food was first offered him but he refused until all were served when he took some also then looking around the table and noting that none were eating he said Bismillah in the name of God signifying that we should eat that one expression accompanied with his brilliant smile was a blessing after the first course we ended and the plates removed he spoke of our meeting there together in affection, joy and harmony saying that it was by the power of the word of God there might be other meetings of people from different parts of the earth but they were not like this where we were drawn together by the fires of love in our hearts then he talked of the necessity of decomposition of all things before a recomposition could take place and said that it was the power of the word of God which decomposed the self of man in order that he might be recreated Mr. Sheffler and I looked at each other because that very morning while riding down Mount Carmel nine miles away we had noted that crumbling rock and rich soil and had spoken the thought that came to us that the rock had to be tested disintegrated and decomposed into soil before its chemical values could be released and transmuted into the higher kingdom of plant life and there at noon of the same day Abdul Baha brought forth the same subject and gave us his beautiful instructions upon it it has been often remarked that he answers the thoughts of the friends before they are expressed to him another course of delicious Persian food was served by Bashi the young East Indian from Bombay who came and offered his life as a servant in that household and then again Abdul Baha uttered words of wisdom and instruction then came the dessert and after a few words more he arose and all arose and stood in respectful deference as he left us to go to his tent in the garden to supply other souls with the food of their need this meal's experience was repeated daily sometimes twice at noon and evening from our room window we often saw him walking in the garden meeting people and when he could get away for a few minutes from other cares he would come up to our room and talk with us each conversation started with some simple reference to a natural thing the weather, food, a stone, tree, water the prison, a garden, or a bird are coming or some little act of service and this base would be woven into a parable and teaching of wisdom and simplicity showing the oneness of all spiritual truth and adapting it always to the life both of the individual and of mankind all of his words are directed toward helping men to live unless questions of metaphysics, dogmas and doctrines be introduced he seldom mentions them he speaks easily, clearly in brief phrases each of which is a gem whatever the lesson may be it always culminates in some teaching of unity for the whole purpose of this greatest revelation is unity, the teaching of the oneness of God the oneness of his manifesters the oneness of man the oneness of the universe and all this oneness is the expression of love it is love manifest love that unites binds all together that permeates all existence and draws it into oneness with its creator who is love itself oh son of man my oneness is my design I have designed it for thee therefore clothe thyself with it thus thou mayest be a star of my omnipresence forever hidden words 65 recorded in London, England section 5 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater In Galilee by Thornton Chase section 5 universal love all difference all lack of harmony all disunity in the universe is due to lack of love or to changing universal love into individual love putting self-interest in the place of the welfare of the whole but in Abdul-Bahá is never a trace of self-interest each thought, each word of his is for the universal love the divinity of man in his oneness with mankind he speaks not from the self but from the spirit yet his speech is that of the man simple, direct as of a father to his son are you well? are you happy? this would be an oft-repeated greeting you have come in a good time since you have come the weather has been beautiful such simple remarks as these would prelude an instructive discourse of 10 or 15 minutes or possibly 3 or 4 minutes with no note of time about half past 9 in the evening he came to Mr. Agnew's room where we were gathered he was very tired and after greeting us he sat on the divan and called Mr. Scheffler and this servant to sit on either side he took our hands and for 15 minutes or more he held them in his often grasping them with a rapid, strong vibrating grip while he talked he said he had been sorely tried that day by strangers but that for the sake of love he had been most kind to them as we must ever be showing the greatest kindness to those who opposed he said he was now happy in the company of friends and then he talked again of decomposition and composition showing that one company disunion disagreement and separation and cause death but the other brought unification and life then abruptly he arose and left us going to his room and we also retired for our first night's sleep in the prison city of Aka in that house where had lived the great manifestation of God the blessed perfection Bahá'u'lláh with saints and martyrs in the holy cause in the adjoining room rested the servant of God Abdu'l-Bahá the faithful patient establisher of the new kingdom of heaven in the hearts of men while we listened to the sentry on duty at the guarded wall by the sea chanting his sacred supplications in darkness and then we slept dawn in Aka it seemed not an hour when I was awakened by a clear high voice proclaiming between the earth and heaven the oneness of God chanting the Quran from the high balcony of the nearby minaret the long sweet quivering tones rang through the silent air invoking worship from the faithful the bell-like notes invited the dawn the first ray of which may have been visible from the tower height as it heralded the victory of light over the dark and sleeping world soon a voice farther away declared another watchman calling the sleepers to awake and greet the morn the sweet, vibrant chance continued until day looked in at our window and the birds chirped and fluttered around the open court singing their songs of welcome to the light we too with joyful hearts praised God for his great light of revelation and truth what wonder that the Muslim cannot be swerved from his worship and loyalty to the one God and to his great prophet Muhammad his first baby lispings were praises and affirmations of him from the sacred Quran his first consciousness in every day of his life is the voice of man there is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet that holy basic principle is inculcated line upon line precept upon precept at each awakening from sleep at each beginning of active life and declared five times and each day from his cradle to his grave it becomes a part of him from its established throne in his brain it repels all suggestion of a triune God and makes his life whatever it may be in other respects a fortress against unfaith it was Sunday and soon the jangle of chimes sounded from the Syrian church calling the Christians to early mass the morning was beautiful fresh and still and the tones of opposing mosque and church sounded only of peace alas that religion should ever bring ought else between God's children but the military cornets call told us of the fortified city and of the soldier ready for attack or defense for the greed of man and in the name of God across the garden blue sea sparkled with little ripples and washed the base of the rampart wall a few yards away an old rusty cannon lay on the rock in the corner bastion telling of war long past and the guard with his musket walked by the narrow gateway between the corner and the court in the distance the dark blue mound of carmel was crowned with rosy mists all nature spoke of peace and only man of strife at seven o'clock I saw Mirza Asadullah Qashani sweeping the rough and broken stone flight of outside steps as carefully as though they were of alabaster another of the friends was dipping from the well and watering the plants of the garden and others were attending the needs of the kitchen the care, earnestness and pleasure with which these things were done showed the spirit of love in the service indeed it is evident there that service is esteemed of privilege and is a cause of happiness about 730 we had breakfast bread and honey in the comb boiled eggs and tea only our party of Americans was there afterwards from our window overlooking the garden we saw Abdul Baha and Mirza Asadullah walking back and forth on the paths sometimes stopping and conversing earnestly I could not but think of a lion pacing in his cage and a great sympathy and longing to serve him arose in me the soldier came carrying his gun delivered a message and went away an old man with a cane came to the garden gate about 50 feet from where Abdul Baha sat in the tent he bowed low with his hand on his heart talked a while at that distance and then with deepest respect moved backward through the gate and away during the days Abdul Baha but little time to himself visitors tourists and officials came and went constantly one afternoon came three black robed Catholic nuns one portly woman with a black robe and no headdress and several ladies unveiled with olive complexions they were directed to the tent by the master from his room window and he met them there later some of them spoke French and some English one exclaimed oh madame look there the children Shogi Ruhi and others were playing about the fountain and altogether it was quite a party the Sabbath visit that was a Sabbath long to be remembered by us about 10 o'clock we were offered the great privilege of visiting the picture of the manifestation Bahá'u'lláh how often has imagination tried to outline his face how eagerly have those been questioned who had looked upon him how earnestly has the wish been that the knowledge of him and the pilgrimage to his presence might have been made in his day the picture is a large photograph taken of him during the later years of his life it is a majestic face that of a strong powerful stern man yet filled with an indescribable sweetness even in the photograph the majestic power shows through the lines of light and shade I will not attempt to describe it nor the solemnity and influence of that visit no word was spoken it was a time for silence I will simply quote the writing of one who saw him in life the face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget though I cannot describe it those piercing eyes seem to read one's very soul power and authority sat on that ample brow while the deep lines on the forehead and face implied an age which the jet black hair and beard flowing down in indescribable luxuriance almost to the waist seem to belie no need to ask in whose presence I stood as I bowed myself before one who is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain soon after we return to our room Abdul Baha came and again expressed his precious love to us saying that he was happy that we had seen the picture he said this is a blessed prison the holy land and you have seen the picture of the blessed perfection and also Abdul Baha and we love you you must be very glad and we are very glad I hope the influence of this great thing will appear and that when you return to America by you the Americans will be made happy the talks I give you are like the seed which they cultivate in the ground I hope that it will grow and when it grows up that it will be very good looking out of the window he said some of the trees in the garden have new leaves and are very beautiful and also man when he comes to have leaves and fruit it is very good man is like the ground or earth he is the dust and in this dust by the bounty of God grow up so many kinds of flowers and from him will appear many wonderful things he then asked one of those present what he would do when he returned to America and then added it is said in the Bible that when Messiah comes he will come with many angels and with trumpets we hope you will be that voice of the trumpet when you go to America end of section five recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater recorded in London England section six of in Galilee by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater in Galilee by Thornton Chase section six lessons of humility one for noon Mirza Asadullah came to the room and talked of Abdul Baha's teaching of decomposition showing its great importance then came Mirza Haider Ali old and wise beautiful smiling, happy a man who has suffered captivity, slavery imprisonment and chains everything but death for the cause he talked of the spiritual embryo and its growth its five stations and the five possessions of each religion via a prophet a book, a law a nation and miracles the real birth of spiritual knowledge comes when it is perceived that these essentials pertain to all of the great religions and that they all originated from the command of God is it not true that in this birth lies the realization of the fatherhood of God the spiritual brotherhood of man and the foundation of universal peace those two wise old men Mirza Haider Ali and Mirza Asadullah were like children in their happy simple ways and evident affection each called the other his father exalting the others wisdom above his own Mirza Haider Ali gave each of us some sugar plums from his pocket but overlooked Mirza Asadullah who sat besides him on the divan Mirza Asadullah said he thought his father did not treat his son very well although these men have reached a maturity of knowledge far beyond our perception yet Mirza Haider Ali said now seeing Abdul Baha you realize each by himself you see Abdul Baha and we also see Abdul Baha you see and we see as we tell you so you must tell us also what you see you have reached maturity as you have advanced one foot still we must be humble and say to others tell us he likened us to children in the truth and said in the New Testament it is related that Christ received children and said these are the children of the kingdom because their hearts are pure and they speak what learned men cannot speak in the first degree all are as children of the kingdom the difference between you and us is that we came sooner than you and our faults are more because I could not do what I ought to do during this time I know and I express myself but you come newly all Baha'is are one person now you try to spread the cause so that God may forgive our laziness everywhere among the friends at Aqa, Haifa Port Said, Alexandria and Cairo we were given lessons of humility simple loving service unselfishness and happiness in living the life of the kingdom there is no ostentation or striving for effect but courtesies and offerings a flower a cup of tea a bit of candy carrying a parcel or doing some service are blended with such a simple affectionate spirit that they charm and attract and are in harmony with that wonderful spiritual aura of peace and love and blessings of the friends in the Orient Incidents one morning Abdul Baha came to our room asked how we were and how we had rested his face was wonderfully clear and shining fresh like water he invited us to come into his room adjoining it was small and plainly furnished with iron bed table and divan he gave each of us a photograph of the castle of Maku in Persia where the bob had been confined at my request he took my large fountain pen and wrote on the back of each picture a gift from Abdul Baha then looking at the pen he said the battle axe must fit the hand of the realtor Mirza Asadullah suggested one day that we say to Abdul Baha that we would like to have that dinner a commemoration of the house of spirituality then the next day's meal in memory of the New York Council Board and then each following day of one of the associations or bodies of believers then of each of the friends singly and thus we would be enabled to stay there indefinitely commemorating the friends so at dinner he told the master that we wish to hold that meal in commemoration of the house of spirituality Abdul Baha replied yes and of all in America thus our scheme was completed in one day but he went on and gave us an instruction of the unity of all and said that as one is a representative of many in a parliament or congress and as all are waves of one sea so it seemed to him a reality that all the American believers were there present with him at the table he said he would like to see the faces of them all but that all were with him in spirit and it was not necessary that the faces should be seen the last day there the ladies of the household came and talked with us through an open doorway they told us how owing to the customs of the country they were like caged birds unable to fly abroad and sing the praises of God that they could only work within the walls and beseech God with their prayers for the success and spreading of his word throughout the world they asked us to carry the message of their condition their love their hopes and prayers to their sisters in America and ask them to so strive and work that they might accomplish not only their own duty in the cause of God but also that of the helpless ones in the Orient always there arises this idea the oneness of mankind if one fails to accomplish what he should do is prevented or unable then it becomes the duty of others to do so much more than their own duty that there may be no loss because of the lack of others in other words that the duty of all is the duty of each and that each is responsible for the results of all that the member of the body should do its utmost to assist and to atone for the failure of any other member this is true vicarious atonement arising from the innate oneness of the human race a heavenly atmosphere at Aka nothing in appearance is marvelous all is simple direct or preparation yet the effect is deep strong and wonderful because all that is said or done is an expression of complete assurance in the truth of God entire reliance upon his guidance devotion to his will and love for his service this certainty of rightness abnegation of self in favor of God and his will as expressed through his messengers and servants causes a simplicity and power which penetrates the hearts and kindles in them quenchless flames of love service and unity the triune heavenly oneness which shall make them at one with God with the universe and with himself these are the subjects of interest with Abdul Baha these are the matters which cause the fragrant spiritual atmosphere the breathing of which brings heaven on earth in his presence faith in God in the power of good in the victory of the spirit became confirmed the presence was supreme in the impregnable certainty of the cause of God the feeling possessed us that the day of God's triumph was shining that we were admitted as humble factors in his work of gladness and that the might of man's bondage to the tyranny of self was being illumined by the glory of God fear and trembling finished prayer and praise sang joyously within us in his presence we realized that we were at the threshold of the kingdom of God and that the spiritual fragrance of the court of nearness to him poured forth through that door of selfless service to purge and purify the dense atmosphere of mankind I took a picture of my own steps leading to that upper chamber after our return to Chicago I showed it to Mr. Scheffler he said those are the steps up to heaven and he was right heaven is a condition and it exists there to this servant it was as if he were immersed in an ocean of fragrance and peace as if one were breathing a rich atmosphere and drowned in a fragrant ether which penetrated through and through to the centers of beings this atmosphere is a reality it has been mentioned by many and it is not an imagination nor is it due to excitement or enthusiasm it is a cognizable fact which enters the life and remains with him who strives the will of God the presence of the Holy Spirit as a perceptible soul tangible actuality cannot be denied it is there at Aka in force it is felt by everyone in some degree even by opposers and strangers it is a great shield of protection which defends the cause of God forever even though that defense may not always be in accord with the desires of the faithful God's ways are not our ways the whole thought was of spiritual things conditions and progress the unity and brotherhood of men and peoples was the frequent consideration always from a spiritual point of view this talking and thinking constantly of heavenly things causes great delight peace, love and longing for service possessed us nothing visible cause that happiness within those walls it is simply and truly the presence there of the Holy Spirit of God in overwhelming power this sweet aroma of the spirit radiates from that fountain of love for humanity which pours forth so freely so impersonally so universally for every soul that is wanting love they come from every land from every religion from all kinds of training each with his little cup or larger bowl seeking answer to his quest pilgrims from all over the world coming to that center of the covenant of love a man outwardly like themselves and after a week a day or an hour they return to their distant homes all filled with love most of their questions unasked and forgotten curious no longer but satisfied and overflowing with love to the human race and a great longing to bear the word of revelation to their friends and to serve every creature of God without regard to family race or religion the inexpressible happiness of the spirit possesses each one of them and he wants the whole world to have it the most visible effect of that power is in the lives of the believers everywhere the pilgrims from every land and the children such children I have never seen dirtiest, unselfish and swiftly self denying in the little things that children love such as toys, candies fruit, etc wherever there were believers we found courteous gentle, loving earnest people looking only for opportunities to serve one another this effect upon the lives of all in those countries who come in contact with this revelation no matter from what nation religion or climb proves its universal and mighty power and this is exactly its claim that it is for the removal of differences and bringing the whole world into a unity of faith love and service it is accomplishing this among all peoples and if it shall so transform the few it demonstrates its power and thus it shall go on changing the hearts and lives of all who come under its influence until all the world shall be as one great family dwelling in its heavenly earthly home herein is the oneness of mankind demonstrated that all these varieties of men each with different views different methods of thought different conceptions of religion and opposing tendencies after one draft at this fountain of instruction of the tenets of love fall upon each other's necks embrace with tears of joy and go their way like children of one family newborn into the kingdom of heaven all the differences are forgotten and are seen at their true value as of no importance compared to the great truth the oneness and fatherhood of God the oneness and brotherhood of men each one of them becomes a missionary of peace the heart of each has enlarged to embrace the whole world even his enemies each sends his thoughts of good will and good wishes to other peoples than he called his own his own is forgotten in his desire for the good of the whole yet he neglects not those near to him for to them he can give service and by service he must express his love has such a condition as this been ever witnessed in the world before while each nation has confined within its own boundary lines each state a law unto itself each religion a barbarism to all but its little circle of adherence men could not meet together could not know each other and much less could they learn to love the stranger and the enemy these conditions of acquaintance of knowledge and of love have been made possible in this age through the wonderful inventions the advances in means of transportation the rapid conveyance of information the uses of steam and electricity and those discoveries all of the last half century which have leveled the mountains raised the valleys made the whole earth a highway for the dissemination of knowledge where in no way fairer needs to air these conditions could not be until the coming of that day of God which was promised by God's prophets age after age that day where in the old earth and heaven should pass away like a scroll that is red and finished the new earth should be created in order that a new heaven should be also created thereon how blind is he who cannot see the hand of more than man in all these wonders end of section 6 recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater recorded in London England section 7 of in Galilee by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater in Galilee by Thornton Chase section 7 the servant of God Abdul Baha is a grand man broad universal in thought standing above the world and looking down upon it in its weakness and poverty with a boundless love and an intense longing to lift it up from its wretchedness to make it conscious of the rich bounties of God which are so freely offered in this wonderful time to remove the differences to bring all men all peoples all religions into true manhood and religion for in reality there is but one manhood and one religion he stands there erect with extended arms the master of the feast calling with a loud clear voice to all mankind come come now is the time now is the accepted time come and drink of this sweet water which is pouring in torrents upon all parts of the world and as each hungry pilgrim comes to that prison house that banquet hall of heavenly gifts he takes him in his arms and draws him to his breast with such sincerity and enthusiasm of love that the petty cares thoughts and ambitions of the world vanish away and one is at peace and in happiness because he has reached home and found love there father mother all are welcoming and embracing the wanderer in that simple natural welcome of Abdul Baha one wishes that the embrace might not end it is so joyful so comforting truly I think it never does end it opens a door of love which shall never be closed the home of the heart is there it is the home of the universal love not that of the individual alone he is no respecter of persons his own personality in the eyes of others is not to him nor does he care for the personality of others it is not love for the individual one but the love of the spirit for humanity each visitor is only one of the waves of that great ocean of mind and is a type a representative of the whole when the servant of God embraces one he embraces all in that one the law of love this law of love was wonderfully proved when the Persian, Jewish and Zoroastrian pilgrims came to visit us one, two and three at a time many of them and also two old friends who had been with Baha'u'llah in Baghdad in the early days of trial and Mirza Esmola a sweet old man and learned teacher all showed the same beautiful spirit of affection and happiness although we were from widely separated religions countries and races we were sobbed with joy as we were clasped in each other's arms it seemed as if the millennium had actually arrived that mankind had lost all differences that love had conquered the world and that we were standing within the threshold of heaven and in the presence of God Abdul Baha'u'llah was not personally present at those meetings God, the spirit of love the spirit of peace was there the tears of those lovers of God flowed with gladness, their eyes shone, their faces beamed, their courtesy was unsurpassed their sincerity manifest their devotion to the cause of God supreme they clearly see in such meetings of pilgrims from different lands the beginning of fulfillment of the prophecies relating to the spreading over the whole world of the knowledge of the one God creator and father of all this coming together of representatives of several religions in loving embrace with tears of joy is a certain and marvelous proof of the truth and power of this Baha'i revelation all bowed when they entered the room after removing their shoes and placed their hands on their hearts and forehead exclaiming Alhamdulillah praise be to God and other words of thankfulness then they open their arms for embraces and expressions of love none sat until requested and not then until the host was seated after talking for a while through interpreters they again embraced and bade us and affectionate and ardent farewell and went backward with deep respect to the door where they put on their shoes it should be noted that this meeting was an event of a lifetime of joy they had been told that there were no American Baha'i believers that the tales of them were false and when they actually met four such believers three men and one woman there in the house of Abdul Baha'i their gladness overflowed in most sincere expression of affection and unity Mirza Esmollah spoke of the rapid spread of the cause beyond his hope or expectation and of the wonderful inventions since the advent of Baha'u'llah all due to the breeze of the Holy Spirit which was blowing and bringing this springtime of the new day to the world a bright intelligent young Jew from Hamadon, Persia said that at the request of his parents he had just visited old Jerusalem during Holy Week and from there he went to Bethlehem where he sat down and wept for the things his people had done to Messiah in the old days this was the effect upon him of the Baha'i teachings concerning Jesus he was asked what he found at Jerusalem he replied, the city was there but the owner was gone I came to Aqa and found the owner of the city here he said that in Hamadon were over 600 Jew Baha'is who were known and there were others not known openly the millennium in very truth was in those gatherings it has arrived it has drawn the people of the earth together in the bonds of love to God and love to man the differences between peoples and religions have not been argued away not changed by debate not removed by law nor by war but they have been dissolved in the fires of love and have disappeared like mists before the morning sun of godly knowledge not by might nor by power but by my spirit sayeth the lord of hosts when man rises above those differences in the atmosphere of spiritual truth his humanity his sympathy his human affection spring forth and blossom in the land of the spirit so that greed and ambitions are forgotten and only love remains is the elixir of unity this is the solvent that shall melt the hearts of men and bring that most great peace which Baha'u'llah said must come when the spirits of men actually come into contact with the spirit of this day this greatest revelation from God this spirit of self abnegating service to mankind they simply melt and unite and all other matters and things pass into the realm of the unimportant unity love and service a great lesson impressed upon us at Akka was the waste of time and strength in observing and struggling with the little things the annoyances or efforts of opposers the disagreeables which crowd against us in life rather should we look only at the good strengthen and encourage the good sure in confidence that the worthless will fade away and that it is powerless against the valuable to look at things in a larger way than some of us have done to take our point of view from the mountain of the Holy Spirit and with full reliance thereon to devote ourselves to those things which are its servants resolved into daily life this means to overcome evil with good to heed not personal desires and ambitions but rather endeavor to serve others make our lives useful to serve the good in others and veil the evil in them to judge not but looking keenly for the good to encourage that good by wise and loving service service is the key to unity and unity is the one great theme of the teacher of Akka without unity nothing can be accomplished as the unity of the world is the aim and purpose of this Baha'i revelation unity must begin at home unity of the few the assembly many assemblies the country the world as the family is the symbol of the home and its peaceful unity so must the Baha'i assemblage be the type and foundation of the whole and unity which is confined to the society or assembly alone not unity it must be open armed unity seeking oneness of will or purpose and of work with all other groups and assemblies each individual strengthens his individuality not by maintaining it alone but on the contrary by joining himself his powers and abilities with others thus his own efficiency is enlarged and multiplied by cohesion with others as a single letter is of small worth compared to its value in a word and greater value in a sentence so the individual man must enter into combination with all that he possibly can for the strengthening of the cause of God and humanity and this means the increased worth of himself this in reality is the message of Baha'u'llah in this day unity, love and service in the name of God service in love service to the friends and to all living with such sweetness usefulness happiness and cheerfulness that the life of itself attracts the notice of others and draws them to the beauty of such living service to everyone around no discrimination in service but simply a great desire to be of use in every possible waking moment to some one of God's creatures some money was offered to Abdul Baha'u'llah he took the gold in his hand held it for a moment and then passed it back saying give this to the poor the very, very poor do not discriminate in favor of any one sect or people but give to all his instruction concerning that money is the teaching for our lives the poorer the more needy more helpless more ignorant the more bitter or hateful one is the more shall we serve that one with goodness sweetness patience forbearance helpfulness and love this is the teaching today of Baha'u'llah and of his blessed son every instruction of Abdul Baha'u'llah is of value for living his simple words are as he says seeds of heart and cultivated there grow into beautiful trees of knowledge and wisdom as one ponders they develop new meanings and inner significances which are pregnant with power and they are all thoroughly practical in their application to life he ascribes everything to the power of the word of God and his only desire and God's word may spread and conquer the hearts of men end of section 7 recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater recorded in London, England section 8 of In Galilee by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater in Galilee by Thornton Chase section 8 the Feast of Fellowship the last evening before we left Aqa Abdul Baha'u'llah asked us to meet all the friends at supper and to speak to them as Mr. McNutt and Mr. Harris had done when there about 40 gathered in the large upper balcony room at 9 o'clock Abdul Baha'u'llah excused himself from visitors in the tent and came to us he took a napkin from a plate at the table and handing it to one said come here then he gave a napkin to another and so on to all placing each guest where he desired him to be it was a beautiful example of hostship and personal attention when all were seated he walked up and down and around the long table teaching us of the bounty of God and its victory over the hearts of men words of heavenly encouragement after which he withdrew to his visitors awaiting him in the tent his words were as follows it is a good gathering thank God that believers are gathered around this table from every part with utmost sincerity unity and friendship I beg of God that as we are gathered in this contingent world around this table we may also be gathered in the world of the kingdom and be united I hope that the gathering together of the believers may be the source of unity and harmony of all the people of the world that this physical table may be a symbol of the heavenly table Christ said that he was the heavenly bread which was sent down from heaven and this bread means the heavenly table I hope tonight that heavenly blessings may descend upon you that you may be born again a new spirit a new power a new life God's abundances and favours are boundless without end and the blessings of Baha'u'llah are like a boundless ocean one wave of the ocean of his blessings will cover drown all the mountains of the world now these waves are rolling upon your heads I hope you will be drowned in these waves you will get endless boundless blessings and bounties this material world is very dark and this hand full of dust is very narrow I hope that the doors of divine worlds may be opened before your faces that you may soar up in a space whose light is eternal enter a garden whose fruits are everlasting become the centre of human virtues and the appearances of divine perfections your hearts be adorned with the commemoration of God your faces illumined with the light of the love of God that your ears may hear the melodies of sanctity your spirits may be gladdened with divine glad tidings your tongues may move in praising God in short that you may attain to such a station as to be called the centre of the kingdom the courses served were of delicious foods ending with sweet confections and oranges the persian pilgrims ten or more were on the left of the long table wearing red feces aged men with white feces green and white turbans flowing robes full beards faces of dignity sweetness and rare intelligence bordered the table many of them were old believers who had passed through the fires of persecution and several were closely related to some of the martyrs a finer more dignified or as notable an assemblage would be hard to find some of their names will be remembered when those of kings are forgotten there were children also at the table but only one woman, Mrs. Agnew although the ladies of the household were doubtless present seeing and hearing though not in sight after the meal Mr. Agnew, Mr. Scheffler and this servant spoke as requested the utmost attention was paid by all even those grave and reverend seniors for whom we were as little children in knowledge then sweet old Mirza Haider Ali came near the head of the table and sitting next to Mirza Asadullah talked wisely and pleasantly for a few moments then all arose embraced each other and us and retired to their quarters the world's maturity there are no apparent miracles at Aqa but the great miracle is the spreading of the word and the knowledge of the Baha'i Revelation over the world from that prison spot that apparently helpless source during the last 15 years it is marvelous it appears everywhere it is being accepted by advancing souls of every race and religion it is attracting attention from journals and magazines of many countries Russia, India Persia, France England and America all the powers of nature are working with it Abdul Baha said hitherto the world has been as a child at the breast able to receive and manifest but little of the powers of the spirit now it is entering the age of its maturity and it is possible for the divine teaching confirmations, bounties and spiritual laws of God to appear perfectly because now there is capacity in olden times it was said by God that the sign of the true prophet should be that what he said should come to pass truly this is the sign of today the words of the blessed perfection Baha'u'llah and those of Abdul Baha penetrate the hearts of men to the core they do not return void to him who sent them forth they affect the lives they uplift the souls they give new birth to the spirits of men they draw all together in the one name of God they cause godly characteristics to take the place of animal qualities they bring love, peace, union harmony, service happiness and joy in place of hatred strife, oppression and greed the words uttered within those prison walls they come forth through all the world carrying the gifts of God to the hearts of men are these things of God can an evil tree bear such fruit can the helpless the powerless the prisoners the despised the oppressed manifest such power such strength such victories saved by the might of the all glorious one praise be to his holy name moreover the world in every part in each plane of life in science, art invention, discovery in thought and ideal in word and deed is carrying out daily with increasing and rapid growth the very conditions that the blessed messenger of God declared should be was this a prophet a man of God one needs but to take his words the hidden words and live them he will know for himself and not by the knowledge of another he that doeth the works shall know whether they be of God End of section 8 Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater Recorded in London, England