Mahmud: April 13 - The Power of Spirituality

Among the prominent people who called upon the Master were the President of the New York Peace Society [Mr W. H. Short] and an important inventor of armaments [Mr Hudson Maxim]. It happened that both were visiting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the same time. It was interesting to see the power and majesty with which the Master spoke to these two about serving the world of humanity and public welfare.

Both left His presence with joy and devotion.

In the afternoon the public meeting was at the home of Mr [Mountfort] Mills. Several clergymen, professors and dignitaries were present. The Master first spoke on the superior power of the human kingdom over nature. Then in another room He spoke to the clergymen about the necessity of a power that will cause spirituality to be victorious over materialism. ‘This power’, He said, ‘is the power of Bahá’u’lláh. We used that power and thus have succeeded in this great Cause.’ The meeting and the attention and joyful devotion of those present gave ‘Abdu’l-Bahá much satisfaction. In the carriage returning to His hotel, He said:

I have made the subject of my talks here only one of the principles of the Blessed Beauty. I have not as yet touched upon others of greater importance. It is because I perceive the pulse of the people and the needs of the present circumstances that the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty successively rain down and assist me. These effects that you see are not only the result of addresses but are due to the assistance of the Blessed Beauty. Of course, everyone says that peace is desirable but the power to influence and conform is what is required. The Blessed Beauty is indeed my helper and protector, to the degree that were I, for example, even to make war the subject of my talks, the same effects would become apparent. It is indeed the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty that aid us. Otherwise how would Westerners show such consideration to us Easterners?

The Persian servants and American believers were with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He was at His hotel. A photographer with a movie camera received permission to photograph Him, together with His companions.

We also received news today of the disaster of the Titanic. The believers said prayers in gratitude that the Master had not acceded to their request that He travel on the ship.