November 21, 1912

New York: New York reflections; a gathering at the Kinney's 

Mahmúd writes: "The Master was occupied revealing Tablets to the friends until about noon when the crowd downstairs became too large. He appeared in this gathering of eager souls, greeting and extending His kindness to all, saying: `I have been busy since early morning and am tired. I do not feel like speaking at all and wish to go out for a walk.' After a short talk in which He encouraged the friends to establish love and harmony among themselves and to make every effort in the Cause of God, He walked to Broadway and then to Central Park. He was not pleased with the dense population and the height of the buildings, saying: `These are injurious to the public's health. This population should be in two cities, the buildings should be lower and the streets should be tree-lined as they are in Washington. How can these two places compare?'

Indeed, the condition of New York City is strange and its population so large that in addition to surface streets, there are three railway lines running the entire length of the city; one underground, another on the surface and a third above the streets on bridges about two stories high. These railway lines are continuously filled with people and are their mode of transportation. On some of the streets, automobiles and carriages have to stop for some 10 to 15 minutes because of the congestion until the traffic officers give them permission to continue.

At the Kinney home

Most buildings are from 17 to 18 stories high and each floor has some 20 to 30 apartments, most of which have bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, bathrooms with hot and cold running water and many comforts.

There was a large gathering this evening at Mr and Mrs Kinney's attended by both old and new friends. The Master's talk was mainly admonitions to the friends about love and unity among themselves and the propagation of the divine Cause. The hearts and souls were ignited by the fire of the love of God and their tongues praised the Beloved."

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An interesting entry--and Mahmud conveys the dissatisfaction the Master felt re. certain aspects of NY. After being in DC several times this past year, I can readily see how the comparison was dramatic. 

Yet still--the audiences, the love, the admonitions, the ignited fires. It doesn't stop, even when the Master is tired. . . . 

Two weeks left. I wonder if His ticket is purchased, if the clock is ticking or if it is all a mystery how long He will stay in their midst. . . . One thing is certain: He is always in ours, could we perceive that. But oh, the thought of His leaving these shores. . . .