A large reception was held for the ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Caxton Hall, at that time Town Hall for the City of Westminster, much in demand as a concert hall and venue for public meetings, especially those of the suffragettes.
In the afternoon a reception was held at Caxton Hall. There was a large gathering of people. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke on various subjects paying a great tribute to the Americans and emphasizing the love and unity which exists between the two countries. Then the chairman of the meeting made some appropriate remarks and refreshments were served. The Master walked back to his apartment. No sooner had he arrived than people began to come.
Extract from letters written by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab Star of the West Volume III no. 19
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I am in Seattle and haven't been able to do much research the last few days. The above information is taken from Abdu'l-Baha's Travels to the West <katholmlund@gmail.com>
Earl Redman reports that on this day a Baha'i from Belfast, Ireland arrived to see Him. It may have been Joan Waring. 'Abdu'l-Bahá warmly welcomed her and said, "You must become the cause of illumination in Ireland . . . now you must ignite four thousand lamps in one year." The lady replied hat many people were afraid of a new religion, to which He responded:
"They are like unto those souls who say: 'We don't like fresh flowers but we are satisfied with withered and decayed flowers.' Decayed flowers do not have sweet fragrance; their odor is not good; they have no freshness and charm. The fresher the flower the sweeter it is and the more charming. If old and decayed flowers were good enough then the Adamic flower would have been sufficient. Every new year needs a new flower, new fruits are necessary, fresh and gentle breezes are needed."
Marion Jack was there, and He told her: "Those souls who consider themselves as imperfect, they are the people of the Kingdom. Those persons who prefer themselves above others are egotists and worshippers of self; they are deprived of the graces of the Lord of mankind."
Redman also comments that "since His arrival, 'Abdu'l-Bahá had taken many opportunities to talk in glowing terms about his experiences in the United States and to praise the American people, and to a professor of Arabic He now said:
"The American people investigate everything. Their minds are open, their ears are listening. . . . They are a mighty nation, a noble people, They love the Reality. They are not limited. . . .They listen to every discussion with dignity, urbanity and politeness. If it is in accord with reason they will accept it, if they do not understand they ask questions."
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