April 5, 1912 The admiration increases . . .

We can pretend we are on the Cedric, observing and admiring 'Abdu'l-Bahá as we notice Him and his East-West entourage, day by day.  Perhaps He passes us and gazes intently into our eyes.  Perhaps this makes us curious about who He is and why He is going to America. . . . 

On the Cedric

Mahmúd writes:  Friday, April 5, 1912 [aboard the Cedric]

Very early in the morning the Master called some of us to His cabin and said that He was tired. After taking a bath and drinking some tea He felt better and came out of His cabin. The weather was fine and the sea very calm. In the distance one could see the Atlantic islands. The Master strolled up and down the deck observing the islands through field glasses. He breakfasted in His cabin on chicken cooked especially for Him.

In the afternoon some of the friends and other passengers gathered around Him in the salon. Among them was an American gentlemen, a newspaper publisher. The conversation with him was first about Persia and then he inquired about `Abdu'l-Bahá's journey. `Abdu'l-Bahá replied:

I am going to America at the invitation of peace congresses, as the fundamental principles of this Cause are universal peace, the oneness of the world of humanity and the equality of the rights of men. As this age is the age of lights and the century of mysteries, this lofty purpose is sure to be universally acknowledged and this Most Mighty Cause is certain to embrace the East and the West.

The Master's talk was very expressive and the listeners were delighted, especially the newspaper publisher, who said farewell to the Master with the utmost reverence. He even wanted to kiss the Master's hand but `Abdu'l-Bahá stopped him and instead gave him His own prayer beads.

Day by day the admiration of the passengers and the ship's personnel for the Master increases. Whenever they pass by Him, they bow, removing their hats in respect. After supper the Master sat for awhile and spoke about a universal language.

_________________________
Don't you wish we knew who this newspaper publisher was?  The Master's statement to him is so succinct and clear--weaving the central themes of His visit into one paragraph.  Of course the "rights of men" encompasses both race unity and gender equality, surely. 


It is lovely to feel the admiration growing daily. Less than a week, and the Master will be in New York. Are we ready for His visit? My husband asked if I had changed the sheets in preparation; I replied that a better question was whether I had cleansed the heart!  We are used to this dialogue, as we travel through time and across distance to meet Him. His heart is large--He holds so many of us there.  Do you suppose He "picked" us?  Do you know that story about Edward Kinney, who resisted the Faith, then embraced it. When he wrote to the Master to declare his belief, 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response was, "You've been chosen."  Think of how Edward and Carrie must be so excited about the impending arrival of the Master to their own city?  Er, in 1912.