New York: Memories of the Prison; avoiding beautiful sights
Mahmud wrote: "After the usual morning prayers and thanksgiving to God, `Abdu'l-Bahá sent for us and offered thanks and praise to the Most Great Name for the assistance and protection vouchsafed by the Ancient Beauty. The Master spoke with seekers and visited with friends until noon. After some milk and bread for lunch, He rested for awhile but the friends and `Abdu'l-Bahá's companions remained to enjoy the generous lunch.
In the afternoon, a prominent gentlemen invited the Master to the Plaza Hotel, which is one of the most elegant hotels and a gathering place for the American elite. We went there to see the building. The Master sat in one of the small rooms. When the manager of the hotel offered to show Him the rest of the hotel, He did not accept. Afterwards the Master said to the friends: `When I see magnificent buildings and beautiful scenery, I contrast them with memories of the prison and of the persecutions suffered by the Blessed Beauty and my heart is deeply moved and I seek to avoid such sightseeing excursions.'
Tonight He spoke about God and creation: `The Kingdom of God', He said, `is pre-existent and, since He is the Creator, without doubt He has always had a creation.'”
Can you imagine wanting to avoid beautiful sights because of such memories and such pain? This is part of the mystery of the Mystery of God--what He endured so that He could be such an Example!
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