A Divine Table Aboard the Cedric

On 26 March 1912, the day after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sailed from Alexandria for America aboard the Cedric, Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání wrote in his diary:

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> When we had all gathered the Master asked Shoghi Effendi to chant a prayer. After the prayer, He went to the dining room for morning tea. He commented, ‘This is a divine table. Outwardly it is well adorned. Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh did not have such a table. Praise be to God that divine confirmations are with us. Those who were hated by the nations of the world are now seated at such a table.

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One must be grateful.’ One of the servants asked why man is not thankful when in comfort. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied, ‘It is due to negligence. Otherwise one must be aware and thankful when immersed in the sea of bounties.’ Then He said, ‘I have not had a good bath for several months.’ The ship’s attendant was then asked to prepare a warm fresh water bath for Him. Afterwards, He said, ‘I am much better now.

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For a long time I have not had leisure to take a real bath.’

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