“O thou attracted one of the Kingdom!...”
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, (1909) · Read original
Studio narration for this story is coming — it’ll be generated by the cloud-TTS pipeline (voice: auto-selected from the source author).
When in Bahá'í history
New York (today: New York, USA)
O thou attracted one of the Kingdom!
The epistle was received; likewise the enclosed epistle was read. The personage (Mr. .........) is in reality enraptured with the truth and seeketh the discovery of the mysteries of God. His intention is blessed and his efforts (directed toward) the development of the world of humanity.
The various sects who consider themselves servants of the world of humanity are possessed of good intention, but they are inert, not active; captive, not free; silent, not eloquent; slow, not fast. They have sluggish movement and great intention. These tow do not agree (or unite).
Many a good intention was there in the world of existence which left no trace, for it was not confirmed by the effective power. But the good intentions of the beloved of God and the merciful projects of the real friends are enforced by the power of the Word of God; therefore, it is effective and quick in action and the means of life to the world of humanity. Thank thou God that He hath provided such a means for thee that by divine aid, heavenly confirmation, merciful intention and heavenly power thou mayest arise to serve, so that thou mayest see wonderful signs and marvelous results.
The good news of the unity and concord of the friends of New York proved a great source of Joy. The original intention and the divine foundation is the unification of the world of humanity. Therefore, this merciful reality must first find realization among the friends (Bahais), so that it may affect other souls.
Today the world and the people are under the shadow of divine providence, the light of the Sun of Reality hath been shed upon the world of minds and thoughts; hence, light is seen everywhere.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas (1909). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19312.
Discuss this story
For adults
- If you were to share this story aloud at a devotional gathering, which sentence would you read first?
- How does this story complicate or deepen your understanding of tablets?
- Where do joy and mercy meet in this story?
For teens
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
Reflection
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
- Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "“O thou attracted one of the Kingdom!...”" drawn from?
Where does this story take place?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1909). *Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19312/pg19312-images.html
Record yourself reading this story
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