October 9, 1912

Palo Alto -- San Francisco; doors closed to differences; Japanese Club; multitudes coming in great humility

Mahmud writes: "Before He left Palo Alto several people gathered around `Abdu'l-Bahá. He spoke of the differences in various religions, with special reference to Christianity, saying:

Some called Christ God, some the Word of God, some others the Prophet of God, and through these differences disputes arose so that instead of spirituality there was hatred and amity was replaced by enmity. But Bahá'u'lláh has closed all the doors to such differences by appointing the interpreter of the Book and by establishing the Universal House of Justice -- that is, the People's Parliament. And by commanding an end to interference in people's beliefs and consciences, He has barred the way to these divisions. He has even said that if two persons differ in a matter and that difference ends in discord, then both are wrong and their position unacceptable.

After many similar talks, the Master returned to San Francisco. A meeting was especially called in the evening at the Japanese Club to hear Him speak.  As the meeting began, a Japanese scholar stood up, and after obtaining permission from the Master, recited in English an ode about the attributes of the Cause of God and praising `Abdu'l-Bahá. The chairman then introduced the Master with great respect.

The Master then gave a fascinating talk on the dangers of prejudice, the validity and proofs of the Prophets and the truth of Islam and Christianity. He also spoke on the spread of the Cause of God, the influence of the divine teachings and spiritual education, as well as explaining the teachings and writings of Bahá'u'lláh. Even though the talk was first translated from Persian into English and then from English into Japanese, the audience was awed and excited to hear His powerful reasoning and was anxious to hear the translation of the talk.

From this day forward multitudes came every day in great humility to see `Abdu'l-Bahá and to offer praise and thanks for the teachings."
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Interesting to think of His reference to the House of Justice, so many years before its first election.

I imagine Fujita was helpful as a translator into Japanese. Wonder if he kept any journals.

The California saga is exciting--as more and more people are drawn to the Cause.