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*.

1 / 9

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:

2 / 9

> 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.

3 / 9

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

4 / 9

> 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.

5 / 9

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.

6 / 9

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.”

7 / 9

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

8 / 9

*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.*

9 / 9