the bridegroom
and asked us to say after him, "We do all to please God."

We all sat down and 'Abdu'l-Baha continued; "Marriage is a holy
institution and much encouraged in this blessed cause. Now you two are no
longer two, but one. Baha'u'llah's wish is that all men be of one mind and
consider themselves of one great household, that the mind of mankind be
not divided against itself.

"It is my wish and hope that you may be blessed in your life. May God help
you to render great service to the kingdom of Abha and may you become a
means of its advancement.

"May joy be increased to you as the years go by, and may you become
thriving trees bearing delicious and fragrant fruits which are the
blessings in the path of service."

When we came out, all the assembled friends both of Persia and London
congratulated us on the great honour that had been bestowed upon us, and
we were invited to dine by the kind hostess.

After a little while we gathered around the table with him. During the
meal one of the friends asked 'Abdu'l-Baha how he enjoyed his stay in
London, and what he thought of the English people. I acted as interpreter.
'Abdu'l-Baha replied: "I have enjoyed London very much and the bright
faces of the friends have delighted my heart. I was drawn here by their
unity and love. In the world of existence there is no more powerful magnet
than the magnet of love. These few days will pass away, but their import
shall be remembered by God's friends in all ages and in all lands.

"There are living nations and dead nations. Syria lost its civilization
through lethargy of spirit. The English nation is a living one, and when
in this spiritual springtime the divine truth come forth with renewed
vitality, the English will be like fruitful trees, and the Holy Spirit
will enable them to flourish in abundance. Then will they gain not only
materially, but in that which is far more important, spiritual progress,
which will enable them to render a greater service to the world of
humanity."

Another asked why the teachings of all religions are expressed largely by
parables and metaphors and not in the plain language of the people.

'Abdu'l-Baha replied:--"Divine things are too deep to be expressed by
common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to
be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded
dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the
pearls of the