A Reflection of the Heavenly Concourse

‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in London on the evening of Monday, 4 September 1911. On 13 September He spoke at the home of Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper. The talk is printed in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London.

He began: “Thanks be to God, this is a good meeting. It is very enlightened, it is spiritual.” He then quoted a Persian poet: “The Celestial Universe is so formed that the under world reflects the upper world.” He continued:

That is to say whatever exists in heaven is reflected in this phenomenal world. Now, praise be to God, this meeting of ours is a reflection of the heavenly concourse; it is as though we had taken a mirror and had gazed into it. This reflection from the heavenly concourse we know as love.

He set the aims of those present beside the aims of the world:

Some of the people of the earth desire conquest over others: some of them are longing for rest and ease; others desire a high position; some desire to become famous:—thank God our desire is for spirituality and for union with God.

He prayed that they might “become celestial warriors,” spreading the Unity of God, enlightening the East and West, and giving to all hearts the love of God.

Near the end He said: “I am very happy to be with you all. I am pleased with the English King and Government, and with the people.” They could thank God, He told them, that in that land they were so free: “You do not know what lack of freedom there is in the East.”

He closed: “I wish God’s protection for you all. Goodbye to you all.”

A retelling based on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London (“Discourse at Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper’s,” 13 September 1911). For the fuller account, see the original.

'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1912). *'Abdu'l-Bahá in London*. Bahá'í Publishing Trust. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19250