15 April, 1912
At a gathering of Baha’i friends at the home of Mrs. EmorNew York City
Tonight I wish to tell you something of the history of the
Baha’i Revelation.
The Blessed Perfection Baha’u’llah belonged to the royal
family of Persia. From His earliest childhood He became distinguished among His
relatives and friends. "This child," they said, "has
extraordinary power." Not only in wisdom, but in the realm of new
knowledge He was superior to His age and time. All were astonished. Some
remarked, "Such a precocious child will not survive," for it has been
believed that children who are precocious cannot live very long.
Until the Blessed Perfection reached the age of maturity He
had not entered any school. He was not willing to be taught by any teacher.
This fact is well known among the Persians of Tehran. Nevertheless He solved
the difficult problems of all who came and inquired. In short whatever the
meeting, whether scientific gathering or theological discussion, He always
explained the abstruse problems presented to Him.
Until the father of Baha’u’llah passed away He did not seek
after position or political station. All were surprised at this.
Notwithstanding His connection with the government, He would not accept any
position. They remarked: "How is it that a young man so intelligent, so
keen, so perceptive, so subtle, is not a candidate for lucrative appointments;
as a matter of fact, every position is open to Him." The people of Persia
are witnesses to this historical fact.
He was most generous; giving abundantly to the poor. He did not refuse any who asked Him. The doors of His house were open to all. He always had many guests. This generosity was conduce to greater astonishment from the fact that He did not seek position or prominence. In commenting upon this His friends said that all His wealth would be given away, for His expenses were many, while His wealth was becoming limited. All were amazed at His conduct and greatly astonished at His doings. Some remarked, "Why is He not thinking of His own affairs?" Some who were wise declared: “This Personage is connected with another world. He has something sublime within Him that is not evident row, but the day will come when that shall be manifested."