October 23, 1911
Paris, France
When a man has found joy in one place he returns to that same place to find his joy again. When a man has found gold in a mine he will return again to that mine to find more gold; this is a natural law and shows forth the vital and spiritual powers which God has bestowed upon man, and the natural instinct which is born in him. The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West. And in the West has it found its greatest force of expansion.
Paris, France
When a man has found joy in one place he returns to that same place to find his joy again. When a man has found gold in a mine he will return again to that mine to find more gold; this is a natural law and shows forth the vital and spiritual powers which God has bestowed upon man, and the natural instinct which is born in him. The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West. And in the West has it found its greatest force of expansion.
The Christ rose like a star in the horizon of the East, but
the Light of His influence has taken root more firmly in the West. This shows us
that the people of the West are very faithful in their hearts and they do not
easily forget. The West is like a good plant. When the rain falls gently upon
it to give it nourishment and the sun shines upon it to give it warmth, then
does it blossom forth and bear good fruit.
It is a long time since the Sun of Righteousness has shed
its Radiance upon the West, for the Face of God has been hidden by the sin and
forgetfulness of man; but now, thanks be to God! the Sun shines forth in all
its glory and the breath of the Holy Spirit is watchful over the nations. Let
us pray to God that the light and refreshment may awaken the people and give them
new life, that they shall find a second life and there shall be a new creation.
Humanity shall put on a new garment and the Mercy of God will be showered upon
the people. My earnest desire is that you will work for this end, that you may
be the cause of it. It is certain that the Flag of Divinity has been raised and
the Sun of Righteousness of God appears upon the horizon. Be faithful and
loving workers that you may be among the blest of God and receive the benefits
of the Kingdom of Abhá.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, October 23, 1911, Paris,
France; ‘Star of the West Vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)
