and disobey this command, can he even
say he is a Baha'i? If anyone disobeys the explicit command of Christ, can
he truthfully say he is a Christian?

In conclusion, I would say that I am greatly pleased with this meeting. I
shall pray for you, seeking confirmation from the Blessed Perfection.
Praise be to God! You must be grateful that He has chosen you from among
the people of the world, that such glorious bestowal and such endless
graces and favors have been specialized for you. You must not look at
present accomplishments, for this is but the beginning as it was at the
time of Christ. Before long you will see that you will be distinguished
among all people. In every way the divine confirmation will uphold you,
and the radiance of the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah will illumine your
countenances. Be truly grateful for all these blessings. I hope I may
always hear good news of you, showing that the friends in Chicago are
occupied with service in the divine Cause, filled with the joy of
promoting the Word of God, engaged in spreading the teachings of
Baha'u'llah and manifesting love and kindness to all humanity. This is my
hope and anticipation. I am sure that you will endeavor to accomplish this
so that the friends in Persia and I may experience the happiness of the
good tidings. May you be a source of joy and happiness to us, a source of
tranquillity and composure.

TALK 'ABDU'L-BAHA DELIVERED IN CINCINNATI

5 November 1912
Talk at Grand Hotel
Cincinnati, Ohio

From Stenographic Notes

As we are in Cincinnati, the home of President Taft, who has rendered such
noble service in the cause of peace, I will dictate a statement for the
people of Cincinnati and America generally. In the Orient I was informed
that there are many lovers of peace in America. Therefore, I left my
native land to associate here with those who are the standard-bearers of
international conciliation and agreement. Having traveled from coast to
coast, I find the United States of America vast and progressive, the
government just and equitable, the nation noble and independent. I
attended many meetings where international peace was discussed and am
always extremely happy to witness the results of such meetings, for one of
the great principles of Baha'u'llah's teachings is the establishment of
agreement among the peoples of the world. He founded and taught this
principle in the Orient fifty years ago. He proclaimed international
unity, s