November 7, 1912

Washington DC: Lunch and a talk at Agnes Parsons' 

Agnes Parsons with
the Master

Mahmud writes: "Each hour people came to receive bounties from `Abdu'l-Bahá's presence. The Master answered many important questions.

He had lunch at Mrs Parsons's home. At the table, He joyfully offered thanks for the confirmations and assistance of the Abhá Kingdom. As well giving interviews at Mrs Parsons's home, He also spoke to a large gathering at the Universalist Church. [This actually occurred on Nov. 6, 8:15 pm]  On behalf of the congregation the pastor thanked the Master for coming and then reminded the audience about the importance of knowing something about all religions and abandoning prejudice, which would broaden their horizons. He then gave an account of the Cause, how it had become the target for the persecution and sacrifice of so many souls in its path and concluded by reading a few passages from the Book of Isaiah. The audience was thus prepared to hear the Master's discourse.

The Master rose and delivered an impressive address, at the beginning of which He said:

In truth, I have found much love and justice in the people of America. I have observed that they have complete freedom of thought in all matters, which is deserving of praise. So I am greatly pleased with the pastor and thank him for his expression of love for us. The leaders of religions must be like this so that people may become broad-minded. They must be kind to all nationalities for God is kind to all and His love is infinite. Therefore, the love of His servants must also be universal and without limitation.

In His address He dealt with brotherhood and the oneness of humanity, explaining some of the teachings and principles of Bahá'u'lláh. The audience was so impressed and moved that the pastor again came to the pulpit to express thanks and praise on their behalf. He was honored that this was the second occasion on which the Master had given an address in the church. He said that the Master's words would become the cause of honor and happiness to humanity, especially since we are all sheep of God's flock, each other's brothers, and that God is our real shepherd and protector. The pastor then requested a prayer which the Beloved recited in Persian.

One by one members of the audience came to shake the Master's hand, begging for His assistance and blessings.

Such meetings in the churches of Washington and the influence and impact of the Master's talks have excited envy in the hearts of certain ministers who have neither interviewed nor heard Him and they distributed leaflets full of calumny and criticism to the people coming out of the churches."

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Agnes says that on the 7th He did come to lunch; 'Abdu'l-Bahá was "very amusing, making jokes concerning the appetite of M[irza] Sohrab, who took it all amiably."  A woman named Sallie Stockton was there, with Mirza Ali Akbar Nakhjavani, Mirza Mahmud, and Dr. Fareed.  She says that He made a long visit upon the Turkish ambassador that morning, and agreed to go with her to the Jewish Synagogue the next night.  He had a nap in his former room in her house, then was late to His 4:30 talk in her home, but spoke beautifully.  He then returned to the library and sent for Agnes. They spoke of Haifa, of personal matters with Jeffrey (her husband), and said He was pleased with the meetings she has arranged.
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Can you imagine the intimacy Agnes enjoyed?  After all of those days in Dublin, it must have been a grand reunion.