May 27, 1912

New York: Metropolitan Temple*; focus on Peace and a reverence for the Master


* Actually, all sources besides Mahmud's say this talk occurred on the 28th, so see next day, too.

Metropolitan Temple, Seventh avenue & Fourteenth street
President-elect Taft dedicated the McKinley Memorial
Organ in 1908. The Temple burned down in 1928. 

MetropolitanTemple

Mahmud notes: "More than a thousand people assembled at the Metropolitan Temple in the afternoon to hear the Master. [PUP 150] Dr Hill, one of the ministers previously mentioned, stood and said: We are honored at this occasion by the presence of a distinguished guest who is the representative of universal peace. His fame has spread throughout the East and the West. Humanity has reaped great benefits from His teachings. Such an august personage deserves a genuine and sincere reception. Past ages necessitated the formation of nations but the present time requires a unity among the existing nations. I am greatly honored to introduce you to the founder and promoter of this universal peace and harmony.

Mr Frederick Lynch, the author of the book International Peace and an active member of the peace movement, stood and said:

Since the arrival of `Abdu'l-Bahá in America, I have had the honor of hearing and meeting Him several times; I have read with great interest His speeches and addresses in the newspapers. My ardent wish is that I may see here, too, the great impact of His teachings and the influence of His manifest signs. I was present at the Peace Conference at Lake Mohonk and had the pleasure of listening to the most remarkable address given there. The principles of His teachings, as given in that address, are the oneness of humanity, universal peace and the unity of religions. All His talks vibrate with the spirit of these principles and their influence is felt by all. How I welcome this dear person, whose presence has inspired the minds and hearts of the Americans! He receives inspiration from the breaths of the Holy Spirit. His spirit is infinite, unlimited and eternal. I am delighted to have been invited to this great occasion and to have the opportunity publicly to express my heartfelt testimony.

`Abdu'l-Bahá then stood and spoke on the subject of the Fatherhood of God and the oneness of humanity. The greatest proof of the majesty and power of the Covenant of God was the talk given by Rabbi Silverman, which followed the Master's talk. Previously he had been opposed to the Cause and argued against it. But from the moment he came into the presence of the Master he was transformed and became entirely humble. Rabbi Silverman said:

We have seen today the light with our own eyes. We are accustomed to seeing the sun rise from the East so we no longer regard it as a miracle. Spiritual light, too, has always shone from the East upon the West. The world is in need of this light, and we, too, are in need of this life-giving light. The fountainhead of this light has today spoken to us. This great personage, with a pure heart and chaste spirit, has attracted the hearts of the Americans and has made them His captivating lovers. His love and teachings have made a great impression upon the hearts and minds. The outward forms of religions are like shells, while the teachings and love are like unto the kernel. We need the shell so that the kernel may be protected. O people, distinguish between the shell and the kernel, the reality and the form. As stated by this respected prophet, `We must not err in distinguishing the light from the lamp.'"

Isn't it marvelous how affirmative the speakers were--how impacted they and others were by the presence and words of the Master.

I looked at an online publication by Lynch (The Problem of Peace, 1911, with introduction by Andrew Carnegie--the president of the NY Peace Society, and dedication to Albert Smiley), and it is well worth reading. See http://books.google.com/books/about/The_peace_problem.html?id=CYdJAAAAIAAJ

Andrew Carnegie

Also, see Peace Monuments related to Andrew Carnegie:  http://peace.maripo.com/m_carnegie.htm


I suppose we could think of the Peace "Monuments" related to `Abdu'l-Bahá residing in the hearts of those He touched and touches today.


I had known of Rabbi Silverman from Green Acre research, but just now discovered he was rabbi for a Temple here in Dallas (where I used to folk dance): "Joseph Silverman (b. Ohio, August 25, 1860; d. New York City, 1930) was a leading American Reform rabbi and author. He was the first American born rabbi to serve in New York City. In 1887, he married and subsequently had five children with his wife Henrietta. He received a PhD from the Hebrew Union College in 1887; he was Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, Texas, September, 1884 to June, 1885. . . ." (Wikipedia)


Unfortunately, I couldn't find an image of Lynch or Silverman online.  


Peace is such an important thread throughout the Master's journey.