August 28, 1912

Malden, MA: hearts exhilarated, souls grateful, heads bowed

Mahmud writes, "The president of the Theosophical Society begged the Master that at least one of the friends of the Cause be asked to present these new teachings and principles to his society again. The Master replied, `I will appoint a person who will talk to you at several meetings.'

When the enthusiasm of the people at yesterday evening's meeting was mentioned to `Abdu'l-Bahá, He said: `Yes, it was a good meeting. The souls were stirred. The Blessed Beauty sent His confirmations and strong assistance.'

Today a new group of people came to see the Master and to be refreshed. On seeing the spirit which filled the air, their hearts were exhilarated, their souls grateful and heads bowed in respect.

This evening a meeting filled with joy and enthusiasm was held in the home of Mrs Morey in Malden. [34 Hillside Avenue, Malden] `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke about the divine teachings and kindly admonished the audience, setting aglow a new fire of love in their hearts. When He had finished speaking, a woman asked about the purpose and value of the creation of the world. He spoke first of the virtues of the world of humanity and then about nearness to God, which uplifted the audience. But the questioner was preoccupied, she said that she did not understand His explanation. Therefore the Master spoke in parables, explaining that the greatest result of any perfect creation is the love of the Creator for His creation and that the essential nature of the life-giving God is to create and to spread His bounties and in doing so, God enjoys His creation."

Allan Ward notes that Mme. Beale Morey was a musician and that there were nearly 100 guests present, for whom Mme. Morey played at the piano an introductory musical program, after which the Master spoke. (see Ward, 132)

It's a curious description: "On seeing the spirit which filled the air . . . "  Do we "see" this today? Or even "feel" it? 

I noted at Green Acre that no one fainted when I or my fellow teacher Kathy were speaking, as one woman had when Abdu'l-Bahá spoke--then again, no one was wearing a corset!  But the question remains, were people more "spiritual" back then--or did the Master simply evoke a much greater response than anyone we could imagine today?