March 3. On this date in 1908, the first Feast in Oakland, California was held at the home of Helen Goodall. She had earlier made a pilgrimage with her daughter to visit 'Abdu’l-Bahá in Acre. They would later write a book about this visit, titled Daily Lessons Received at Akka: January 1908.

 

March 3. On this date in 1908, the first Feast in Oakland, California was held at the home of Helen Goodall. She had earlier made a pilgrimage with her daughter to visit 'Abdu’l-Bahá in Acre. They would later write a book about this visit, titled Daily Lessons Received at Akka: January 1908.

The book contains many observations of 'Abdu’l-Bahá's household, daily routine and other visitors. The ladies also chronicle some of the lessons they received, such as this recounting of the Exile of Bahá'u'lláh by Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali...

When Bahá'u'lláh was imprisoned in Tihran, the Russian Ambassadorwent about twenty times to the Shah to plead in His behalf, saying, "This man has no fault. He is faultless. Why do you imprison Him?" The Shah answered that Bahá'u'lláh must be punished because He had ordered the attack on his life (see history). The Ambassador said, "That is not a reasonable supposition; for, if He had ordered such an attempt, He would have ordered a bullet put in the gun instead of merely powder and small shot." The Shah acknowledged this reasoning but was determined to hold Bahá'u'lláh responsible so as to have a pretext for keeping Him in prison.

Again and again the Russian Ambassador went to talk with the Shah about the matter, and at last the Shah confessed that he was afraid of the influence of Bahá'u'lláh, and that if he should set Him free, it would create a great tumult among the people.

The Ambassador answered, "If, then, you fear Him so much, why keep Him in Tihran? Would it not be better to exile Him to Baghdad?" This was accordingly done, and an escort furnished of Cossack and Russian horsemen to protect Him from the Persian horsemen.

The book also describes in the chapter titled THE PICTURE OF BAHA'U'LLAH their impressions on viewing the photograph of Bahá'u'lláh

THE PICTURE OF BAHA'U'LLAH

The privilege of viewing the pictures of the Holy Bab and Bahá'u'lláh was accorded us just before we left Akka.

This remarkable photograph of the Blessed Beauty is the only one in existence. How perfectly that noble Face and Form embody the Words, "The King has come! The Kingdom and Power, the Glory and Majesty are His! He is the Lord of mankind, the Ruler of the Throne and of the dust!" and at the same time express with such Power the utmost Gentleness and Love.