Receiving Visitors Despite His Weakness

On this third visit to Paris ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resided at Hotel California, probably either in Avenue Kléber or Rue Colbert. His physical strength had suffered greatly and He was unable, on several occasions, to go to the meetings held in the homes of the Bahá’ís. But He was always receiving visitors at the hotel, giving a talk whenever they gathered in numbers. He also kept, as far as possible, His daily habit of a walk out of doors.

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One day, although He had guests for luncheon, He found it impossible to sit much longer at the table and had to go to His room to rest. Another day He was heard calling Siyyid Asadu’lláh and telling that faithful attendant, in jest, to fear God and bring Him a cup of coffee, for He was feeling weak and the hotel food did not suit Him.

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On May 8th, at the conclusion of the morning meeting in the hotel, He said: ‘The Blessed Perfection has trained me to shoulder the burdens of others, not to put mine on others’ shoulders’.

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