It is only three weeks that we have been away from the New York friends,
yet so great has been the longing to see you that it seems like three
months. We have had no rest by day or night since we left you--either
traveling, moving about or speaking--yet it was all so pleasantly done, and
we have been most happy. Praise be to God! Everywhere and all the time it
has been harakat, harakat, harakat ("motion, motion, motion").
The friends in America are very good. All the people we have met here are
kind and pleasant. They are polite and not antagonistic, although somewhat
inquisitive. A small minority of them seem prejudiced, yet even these have
their good points. The American people have a real love for advancement.
They are not content to stand still. They are most energetic and
progressive. When you see a tree growing and developing, be hopeful of its
outcome. It will blossom and bear fruit eventually. If you see dry wood or
old trees, there is no hope whatever of fruitage.
The questions asked us have been opportune and to the point. Our answers
have not been utilized for controversy and argument. We met savants and
learned men and satisfied them with our explanations. Important people
expressed their satisfaction and pleasure at our replies to their
inquiries. In brief, it would be difficult to find in the aggregate of
people we met anyone who was dissatisfied. Some scholastic minds aimed
only at fruitless discussion. In Chicago we met two clergymen--delivering
an address at the church of one and having dinner with the other. Both
manifested great love. Likewise, among all the people we met, not a single
soul arose in opposition or went away disappointed.
Yesterday in Washington we met a group of important people. One prominent
in political circles came with a justice of the Supreme Court. There were
many ladies of the diplomatic circle present. After we had spoken, the
politician referred to raised the point that the foundation of all
religions from time immemorial had been peace, love and accord--principles
conducive to fellowship and unification--yet Jesus, he declared, had been
"the cause of discord and strife and not a factor in the realization of
unity." "Therefore," he said, "I cannot accept your statements and
explanations that religion has been the source of human betterment." After
we explained further he said, "What you have stated may cause me to change
my views and agree with you." During this time the justice remained
silent. Fearing he might have some feeling of dissatisfaction, we asked if
anything presented had been objectionable to his opinion. He replied, "Not
at all! Not at all! It's all right! It's all right!" This is the
characteristic expression of the Occident--"All right! All right!"
There were also present at this meeting several cabinet officers, United
States senators, many from the foreign diplomatic service, army and navy
officials and other dignitaries. The servant of God, our hostess,
experienced much trouble in preparation and entertainment but was always
active and energetic in service, inviting important and influential people
to the gatherings. We spoke to all from their own standpoints with most
satisfactory results; we were working day and night so there was very
little time for individual and private interviews.
In Washington, too, we called a meeting of the blacks and whites. The
attendance was very large, the blacks predominating. At our second
gathering this was reversed, but at the third meeting we were unable to
say which color predominated. These meetings were a great practical lesson
upon the unity of colors and races in the Baha'i teaching.
We said in part: The black man must ever be grateful to the white man, for
he has manifested great courage and self-sacrifice in behalf of the black
race. Four years he fought their cause, enduring severe hardships,
sacrificing life, family, treasure, all for his black brother until the
great war ended in the proclamation of freedom. By this effort and
accomplishment the black race throughout the world was influenced and
benefited. Had this not been accomplished, the black man in Africa would
still be bound by the chains of slavery. Therefore, his race should
everywhere be grateful, for no greater evidence of humanism and courageous
devotion could be shown than the white man has displayed. If the blacks of
the United States forget this sacrifice, zeal and manhood on the part of
the whites, no ingratitude could be greater or more censurable. If they
could see the wretched conditions and surroundings of the black people of
Africa today, the contrast would be apparent and the fact clearly evident
that the black race in America enjoys incomparable advantages. The comfort
and civilization under which they live here are due to the white man's
effort and sacrifice. Had this sacrifice not been made, they would still
be in the bonds and chains of slavery, scarcely lifted out of an
aboriginal condition. Therefore, always show forth your gratitude to the
white man. Eventually all differences will disappear, and you will
completely win his friendship.
God maketh no distinction between the white and the black. If the hearts
are pure both are acceptable unto Him. God is no respecter of persons on
account of either color or race. All colors are acceptable to Him, be they
white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch as all were created in the image of God,
we must bring ourselves to realize that all embody divine possibilities.
If you go into a garden and find all the flowers alike in form, species
and color, the effect is wearisome to the eye. The garden is more
beautiful when the flowers are many-colored and different; the variety
lends charm and adornment. In a flock of doves some are white, some black,
red, blue; yet they make no distinction among themselves. All are doves no
matter what the color.
This variety in forms and colorings which is manifest in all the kingdoms
is according to creative wisdom and has a divine purpose. Nevertheless,
whether the creatures be all alike or all different should not be the
cause of strife and quarreling among them. Especially why should man find
cause for discord in the color or race of his fellow creature? No educated
or illumined mind will allow that this differentiation and discord should
exist or that there is any ground for it. Therefore, the whites should be
just and kind to the blacks, who in turn should reflect an equal measure
of appreciation and gratitude. Then will the world become as one great
garden of flowering humanity, variegated and multicolored, rivaling each
other only in the virtues and graces which are spiritual.
12 May 1912
Talk at Unity Church
Montclair, New Jersey