May 30, 1912 Science and philosophy

New York: University of New York; influence; sons of martyrs

Apparently, today was the actual day that `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke to the Theosophical Society (see entry for May 29 and PUP talk on May 30.) Mahmud's account is off by a day again. But perhaps the following events also occurred on the 30th.

Mahmud writes: "After meeting with some of the friends and a few seekers, the Master went to a hall at the University of New York and gave an address on scientific questions and divine philosophy. His talk influenced many prominent people, all of whom were deeply moved and fascinated. Seeing the influence of the Cause in these sorts of large gatherings, the Bahá'ís offered thanks and gratitude for the confirmations of the Abhá Kingdom.

During this time the Master occupied Himself by writing Tablets in response to questions from both the Eastern and the Western friends. Today He gave an account of the lives of Varqá and Rúhu'lláh. He showed His great kindness to the sons of this martyr in the path of God, Mírzá Azíz'u'lláh Khán and Mírzá Valíyu'lláh Khán. The Master then told the friends about some of the precepts of the Cause. During these discourses, He said often: I am the interpreter of the Writings of the Blessed Beauty, as explicitly designated by the Supreme Pen. All must obey. All matters pertaining to the Faith must be referred to the authorized interpreter. In the future all must turn to the divine House of Justice."

One wonders who the "prominent people" were. And whether University of New York is actually CUNY. PUP does not reference any talk at the University of New York.  I think the Baha's of New York are not sure about this reference.

There is a marvelous new online work on Abdu'l-Baha in New York, by Hussein Ahdieh and Hillary Chapman.  See http://www.abdulbahainnewyork.org/abnyTemplate.php

One thing is clear: The Master spent more time in New York than anywhere else.  

Rob Stockman explains: "The two months divide up, in turn, into five shorter periods: May 26 through June 8; June 8-10, when He visited Philadelphia; June 11-20, when He was back in New York City; June 20-29, when He was in Montclair, Newark, and West Englewood, New Jersey; and June 30-July 23, when He was back in New York City again."