| In October 1913, `Abdu'l-Bahá was in California. There he visited a black Bahá'í,
Charles Tinsley, who was laid up in bed with a broken leg. Tinsley expressed to
`Abdu'l-Bahá his frustration with his situation and voiced a desire to be up and about,
teaching the Bahá'í Faith to others. `Abdu'l-Bahá is reported to have replied: You must
not be sad. This affliction will make you spiritually stronger. Do not be sad. Cheer up!
Praise be to God, you are dear to me. I will tell you a story: A certain ruler wished
to appoint one of his subjects to a high office; so, in order to train him, the ruler cast
him into prison and caused him to suffer much. The man was surprised at this, for he
expected great favours. The ruler had him taken from prison and beaten with sticks. This
greatly astonished the man, for he thought the ruler loved him. After this he was hanged
on the gallows until he was nearly dead. After he recovered he asked the ruler, "If
you love me, why did you do these things?" The ruler replied: "I wish to make
you prime minister. By having gone through these ordeals you are better fitted for that
office. I wish you to know how it is yourself. When you are obliged to punish, you will
know how it feels to endure these things. I love you so I wish you to become
perfect."
[To Mr Tinsley] Even so with you. After this ordeal you will reach maturity. God
sometimes causes us to suffer much and to have many misfortunes that we may become strong
in his Cause.
You will recover and be spiritually stronger than ever before. You will work for God
and carry the Message to many of your people. (Star of the West vol. 4, 1913, no.
12, p. 205). |
Introduction 