April 16, 1912

"From early morning until late afternoon many believers and seekers came by requesting permission to see `Abdu'l-Bahá. Many sat on the porch waiting their turn and were extremely grateful if they could see Him for just a few minutes and be personally addressed by Him.

The public meeting today was held at the home of Mr [Arthur Pillsbury] Dodge. After lunch, `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke on the subject of the unity of nations brought about by the power of God, the influence of the words of Bahá'u'lláh and the ascendancy of His Cause. Because a large number of people were present, they entered through one door and, after greeting the Master, shaking His hand and seeking His blessings, left by another. Some were tearful while others were smiling and elated, asking for His assistance that they might be successful in teaching and in serving the Cause. This was the state of the people at all the public meetings. If I were to write about this in detail, it would take many volumes."

One can tell that Mahmud writes with understatement here. How can anyone express the effect `Abdu'l-Bahá had on those whom He met? 

Juliet writes, "how I hungered to see the Master. My heart burned to see Him. I went to the telephone. Ah, these days when just by a telephone call we can reach Him!"  Can you imagine calling the Master?

Yet we promised that when we read His Tablet of Visitation with "lowliness and fervor" it "will be even as meeting Him face to face."

Hm. I guess the "trick" is the lowliness and fervor part. Will have to work on that! 

In several places `Abdu'l-Bahá mentions the "telegraph wires" of the heart--meaning there can be a "wireless" connection between hearts. What a mystery! He is a Mystery!

Today in 1912 He agreed to go to the Bowery and sent Juliet to the bank to get change--in quarters. When she left His room with lilies of the valley in her hand, a young chambermaid stopped her. "Did He give you those?" she asked. "He gave me some flowers yesterday. Roses. I think He is a great Saint."

Apparently `Abdu'l-Bahá especially loved yellow roses. Wouldn't you love to receive a rose from His hand? I bought a floating yellow rose (non-organic!) to put next to the stack of books and His photo on my "research" table. Perhaps it will remind me of the mysterious connections of the heart. . . .