# Reminiscences of an Early Believer

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> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Georgie Ralston, Reminiscences of an Early Believer, bahai-library.com.
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> 
> Reminiscences of an Early Believer
> 
> Georgie Ralston
> 
> 1936
> 
> REMINISCENCES
> OF AN EARLY BELIEVER
> 
> Mrs. Georgia Ralston
> 
> 1936
> 
> It was about 1910, at my home in San Francisco, that I heard the Message of
> Baha'u'llah, with its clarion call to all humanity to arise and bring forth
> that New World Order, that God in His great wisdom has ordained for this new
> Dispensation, of the maturity of mankind.
> 
> Previous to this epoch in my life, there had been much in my environment
> that tended to estrange me from religion: wealth with its diverting
> associations that filled the time to overflowing, a devoted husband who saw
> that I lacked for nothing that my heart desired, a beautiful home with its
> absorbing interests. It would be difficult to find a disturbing factor in the
> external circumstances surrounding me, but for some time I had felt an
> increasing restlessness, and a longing for spiritual values beyond any that had
> ever yet penetrated my consciousness. I felt driven forth to search for higher
> Truths.
> 
> And so for two years I studied Christian Science, and after that I tried
> to interest myself in other religious philosophies. Finally, I became entirely
> absorbed in the study of Theosophy, my chief motive seeming to be an intense
> desire to "get away from God." Theosophy does not mention God, and here for a
> time I found escape. I went very deeply into the study, to the extent that I
> finally determined to become enrolled as a student at Point Loma, the
> International Headquarters of the Theosophical Society, near San Diego.
> 
> I was ready to go -- with my trunk packed -- when standing in my room and
> looking out into the bright sunshine, I prayed earnestly: "Oh God, if it is
> possible tell me the Truth. Lead me into the Truth."
> 
> Attending a luncheon at the Palace Hotel, a guest of the Federated Women's
> Club, I met a lady, a stranger to me, whom I felt led to ask if she knew
> anything about Theosophy, explaining to her that I was about to become a
> student at Point Loma. She said that she did not, but asked if I was
> acquainted with Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper whom she believed were conducting
> meetings in Oakland. I replied that I had known them for a long time, and went
> at once to telephone Mrs. Cooper, who was then living at the Fairmount Hotel.
> She urged me to come over before starting on my journey to Point Loma.
> 
> When I called upon her, she explained that she was not interested in
> Theosophy but in a marvelous and soul-satisfying religion. I hastened to ask
> if it had anything to do with God, and warned her that, if so, I wanted nothing
> to do with it. In her delightful manner she said: "Never mind about that, but
> take these books home with you and read. If you find yourself interested in
> them get in touch with Mrs. Getsinger at the Bellevue Hotel in San Francisco,
> as she and Mr. Thornton Chase are lecturing there." I took the books (among
> them "The Oriental Rose") to my room and read, while gradually it dawned upon
> me that here must be the Truth I was seeking. I soon declared: "I believe
> this Message. What happened in the days of Christ can happen again," and with
> such thoughts I experienced the first joys of expectancy and hope, quite
> different from the intellectual exercise produced by the philosophies I had
> been studying. It immediately took hold of my life, and directed my energies.
> 
> At the Bellevue Hotel I met Mrs. Getsinger and Mr. Chase, and at once
> entered upon a long and intimate association with Mrs. Getsinger, which was to
> extend over a considerable period of time, and to take us traveling together
> across the entire United States. I placed myself and my electric coupe at her
> service during the rest of her sojourn in San Francisco, taking her everywhere
> she was to speak; and through this attendance and association, coupled with my
> own personal study of the Baha'i Teachings, life took on a new meaning. I
> went about continuously telling the story of this marvelous new Revelation,
> until my friends began to meet me with the cool reproof, "must you always tell
> it?"
> 
> Then came the news of Abdu'l-Baha's preparation to visit America, and
> with great joy I planned to go to New York to meet Him. But my father's sudden
> illness, and his passing just a few days before Abdu'l-Baha's arrival made
> this impossible. But about two weeks after His arrival in New York
> Abdu'l-Baha telegraphed Mrs. Getsinger, saying: "Permission granted you and
> Mrs. Ralston meet me in Chicago." And so we set forth on our journeys
> together.
> 
> Arriving at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago, we found Abdu'l-Baha there
> before us, and many Baha'is already assembled. The next afternoon Mrs.
> Getsinger came to me and said: "Abdu'l-Baha wants to see you -- come with
> me." She led me into a room full of people, and standing among them was a
> venerable Persian wearing a turban and a long white robe. I immediately
> fastened my attention upon him, thinking at first that it was Abdu'l-Baha.
> With this thought there came a wave of deep disappointment, how great I could
> hardly realize until Mrs. Getsinger led me past him and into a room beyond.
> Here I came face to face with Abdu'l-Baha. I cannot express in words the
> emotions that took possession of me as I found myself in the presence of
> Abdu'l-Baha. The atmosphere about Him seemed to radiate power. I stood
> transfixed -- unable to move. Abdu'l-Baha came to me and took my hand with
> words of welcome, and as I looked into His eyes and felt the majesty of His
> presence, I knew that this Being was not like any one else on earth. He began
> speaking in Persian, walking back and forth across the room. While I stood
> motionless, Mrs. Getsinger threw herself upon a couch, weeping. I insisted
> upon her interpreting Abdu'l-Baha's words in English, and this is what she
> told me He was saying: "Your worldly possessions will all be taken from you.
> You will be entirely alone in the world and will not know which way to turn.
> You will have no place to lay your head, and you will feel that even the
> friends of God have turned away from you." I do not know how the tragic power
> of His words might have affected me had I fully realized their import, for I
> immediately thought: "Such a thing can never happen to me -- surely He does
> not know." And thus ended thus ended my first interview with Abdu'l-Baha.
> 
> Days passed by while many, many hundreds of people came to see
> Abdu'l-Baha. I often heard Him talk, but the environment in which I found
> myself was difficult and uncongenial, and I sometimes felt strangely depressed.
> One day I was weeping in my room, when some one came to say that
> Abdu'l-Baha had sent for me. As I entered His presence He took my hand and
> said: "Do not grieve; all will be well." And then I seemed to be immersed in
> the ocean of His love, that unfathomable emanation that was heavenly, and that
> seemed to transform all my weariness into rest and peace.
> 
> When Abdu'l-Baha's busy week in Chicago had come to an end, a company
> of devoted followers including Dr. and Mrs. Getsinger, a patriarchial and
> faithful servant Mirza Assadulla, his secretaries and interpreters, and I,
> accompanied Abdu'l-Baha to Cleveland and then to Pittsburg. In these cities
> He taught continuously, and when ready to proceed to Boston, He sent Mrs.
> Getsinger and me to New York where we awaited His coming.
> 
> Returning to New York, Abdu'l-Baha first lived on Riverside Drive, but
> finding that more room was necessary, He went to Mrs. Champney's at 309 W. 78th
> St. Mrs. Getsinger and I occupied an apartment in an hotel near by and went
> daily to be with Abdu'l-Baha. We were there from early morning until late
> at night. Those were very wonderful days. Abdu'l-Baha's talks during this
> time are recorded, and so I shall not mention them, but will single out a few
> incidents that occurred under my observation.
> 
> Before leaving Haifa, Abdu'l-Baha had accepted an invitation to speak
> at the Mohonk Peace Conference in America during the month of May (1912). He
> invited Mrs. Getsinger, Mountfort Mills and me to accompany Him to Lake Mohonk.
> In Abdu'l-Baha's party were also Hi interpreter, His secretasry and Zia
> Baghdadi. Zia had gone to the station to wish Abdu'l-Baha a happy journey.
> Just as we were about to board the train Abdu'l-Baha said to Dr. Baghdadi
> "Come with us", and Zia came just as he was -- sans hat, sans overcoat or any
> luggage whatsoever. Abdu'l-Baha gave an inspiring address on World Peace
> before this convention of peace speakers.
> 
> I received many scoldings from Abdu'l-Baha. He knew everything that
> was going on, and at the time I did not realize that He was reprimanding others
> through me, and so I suffered intensely, because I thought I did not merit
> these scoldings. It was not until later that I realized that they were not
> meant for me. I shed many tears in the presence of Abdu'l-Baha. He once
> pressed his fingers to my eyes and said: "You must not cry. I am scolding you
> just as I would Ruha; you are my daughter." After that I knew it was a
> blessing to be reprimanded by Abdu'l-Baha.
> 
> On day Abdu'l-Baha after speaking to a group in a New York home, paused
> before me as He was passing from the room. With a piercing glance into my
> eyes, He said: "If you follow Abdu'l-Baha you will be persecuted, you will
> be stoned. :Can you submit to this? I said -- "Yes." That afternoon after
> addressing a group, He passed from the room where we were all sitting and
> motioned Juliet Thompson and me to follow Him. With Him was a beautiful young
> Persian believer Vali'u'llah Khan and Ahmad Sorab. As usual the Master
> walked alone, the rest of us following at a respectful distance. he was a very
> majestic figure, His robes floating out with great grace as He walked. It was
> a very hot July afternoon. People from the tenements had come to Riverside
> Drive for a breath of cool air. Groups of poorly clad, uncouth children began
> to hoot at Abdu'l-Baha. They formed a ring and danced around Him, calling
> out: "Anti-Christ! Anti-Christ!" Others took up the cry, and there seemed to
> be no police or other protection. Abdu'l-Baha walked on paying no
> attention. Soon a group of Greek laborers came near us and began throwing
> rocks. Two came and spat on Juliet's and my gowns. Abdu'l-Baha turned and
> said: "Why am I persecuted? Is it because I am dressed in such garments as
> Jesus wore 2000 years ago?" He then walked back in the direction from which He
> had come. A lady in a home near by raised a window and called to one of
> Abdu'l-Baha's secretaries, and motioned for them to come over there. She
> then asked them to come in until the crowd had dispersed. This invitation they
> did not accept and we all followed Abdu'l-Baha back to His apartment. Thus
> Abdu'l-Baha's prophecy -- "you will be stoned" -- that He had uttered
> earlier in the day, had brought an external fulfillment before the day was
> done.
> 
> Abdu'l-Baha returned to His room. Half an hour later the door bell
> rang, and there stood one of the Greek labourers who had stoned Abdu'l-Baha.
> He asked to be taken to "that Holy Many", and there in Abdu'l-Baha's
> presence he fell upon his knees and begged forgiveness. Abdu'l-Baha spoke
> to him kindly, and the Greek returned daily for several days to attend
> Abdu'l-Baha's talks -- apparently the only one of that group of labourers to
> recognize the high station of the Master.
> 
> He asked Abdu'l-Baha to go on Sunday to speak to a group of Greeks at a
> picnic on the green, out beyond the end of the Bronx subway. The Greek met our
> train at the terminal. It was terribly hot. We walked up quite a distance to
> where we could look down upon the men and women dancing on the green.
> Abdu'l-Baha stopped. The Greek said: "Come, you must go further -- you
> must go to them -- but Abdu'l-Baha replied: "No, I will wait here." The
> Greek was very much disturbed when Abdu'l-Baha told him to go to them, and
> tell them that Abdu'l-Baha was waiting to receive them. He went, but
> returned alone, saying: "They will not come to you -- they wish you to come to
> them." The Master replied: "Abdu'l-Baha has come here. He will now return
> to New York." He had stood without, knocking at the door. They would not
> leave their pleasures long enough to bid Him welcome.
> 
> Those days of extreme heat were very trying. All could see that
> Abdu'l-Baha was intensely weary; He ate very little, He rested little;
> indeed it seemed to us that His service went far beyond human endurance. Yet,
> when in this exhausted state, after speaking at a Feast at the home of Mr.
> McNutt in Brooklyn, some one invited Him to go to Far Rockaway to visit a man
> who was ill, He freely consented. The man had said that he would provide an
> automobile, and that it was not much of a ride. So late in the afternoon,
> Abdu'l-Baha went, accompanied by an interpreter, Mr. Dodge and the driver.
> As they were about to start Abdu'l-Baha sent for me, and I ran without hat
> or coat or gloves -- as we all did when the Master called in haste -- and sat
> between Him and Mr. Dodge in the back seat. We drove sixty miles, finally
> bringing Abdu'l-Baha to the bedside of the sick man, an Italian fisherman --
> a non-Baha'i. He stayed with him a long time and then we drove the sixty
> miles back again, arriving at 10 P. M. During the return Abdu'l-Baha laid
> His weary head upon my shoulder and slept, with my arm around Him to support
> Him. At Mrs. Krug's a group had assembled at 8 o'clock to hear Abdu'l-Baha
> speak, and here they remained waiting, knowing that sooner or later the Master
> would come. An opening prayer of thankfulness was read, and taking His theme
> from the prayer, He gave a beautiful and restful talk upon "Gratitude for the
> Favors of God."
> 
> For some time Mrs. Getsinger had been seeking an entree for Abdu'l-Baha
> into the home of Mr. Gifford Pinchot. She had repeatedly written Mrs. Amos
> From "Mahmud's Diary", ed. by Christine Lofstedt, 1958, pp. 166-68, the
> entries for 3 and 4 June 1912 reads:
> 
> "One of the cabinet members of the United States of America invited
> the Blessed One to appear before a select group. For one day and night
> the statesmen and notables of the Republic were immersed in a state of
> rapture and fascinated at seeing the world illuminating Face. His address
> in one of the meetings has been written separately. The salutary answers
> which issued forth from the Holy Lips form in themselves a detailed book
> and a resume of all the addresses and the detailed answers to questions
> which He made during that one day and night.
> 
> "One of the persons questioned the Beloved about the International
> War. He said: 'It will certainly come about but America will not partake
> in it with the same motive. This war will be staged in Europe....'
> 
> At the time of departure, in addition to the heart-winning influence
> of His Blessed explanations, His kindness and reward to the servants and
> maid-servants of that family made a great impression. Calling them all
> before Him He thanked them and gave them one pound each. When the hearts
> were attracted, heads were bowed and faces turned towards the illumined
> Face, He left the place majestically. As He returned and observed the
> verdure of the place, the tears trickled suddenly down the Blessed cheeks.
> he was thinking of the Blessed Beauty and was grieved and sad on
> remembering the afflictions of the Pre-existent Face."
> 
> It appears that Abdu'l-Baha's trip was actually to the Pinchot
> mansion in what must have been Milford, Pennsylvania. Further research is
> required to confirm the location. Pinchot was the founder of forestry and
> conservation in the United States, and served in the federal government
> and later as governor of Pennsylvania.
> 
> Pinchot, with whom she was acquainted, a sister-in-law of Mr. Gifford Pinchot,
> asking for an invitation for Abdu'l-Baha. Finally the invitation came, and
> Abdu'l-Baha when accepting it, requested that I be invited to go along as
> His guest. Among others who accompanied Him were Mrs. Getsinger, Fareed as
> interpreter -- and as we were leaving New York Abdu'l-Baha included Ahmad
> Sorab. When we arrived at the station on the New Jersey shore we were met by
> Mr. Amos Pinchot in one automobile, and their chauffeur in another.
> Abdu'l-Baha invited me to get in with Him and Mr. Pinchot and Fareed. The
> rest were seated in the other automobile except Ahmad, who was left standing
> alone on the platform. Mr. Pinchot asked: "And who is this?" Abdu'l-Baha
> answered: "He is my secretary." Mr. Pinchot replied: "We were not expecting
> him. He will remain in the village."
> 
> It was a considerable drive from the station to the Pinchot mansion. This
> was the home of Mr. Gifford Pinchot who was absent at the time, but we were the
> guests of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Pinchot and had been invited to spend the
> week-end, arriving there on Friday afternoon. Upon our arrival we were ushered
> into a small waiting room, where we waited for an interminable time before any
> one came. Finally Mrs. Amos Pinchot arrived, greeted our party, and sat
> conversing with Abdu'l-Baha for awhile, after which we were shown to our
> rooms. There we remained until summoned to dinner. At dinner we were suhered
> into a very small room -- probably a breakfast room -- where we were seated
> with Mrs. Pinchot, but no other members of the family came. We could hear
> children's voices and the voices of other guests, but Abdu'l-Baha's party
> were kept apart. Abdu'l-Baha had requested that Ahmad be sent for. His
> request was granted and Ahmad was brought, but when we were seated at the table
> there was no place for him. He stood behind Abdu'l-Baha's chair -- and was
> not served. When the butler passed food to Abdu'l-Baha, He would take the
> tiniest morsel and lay it on His plate. We all followed Abdu'l-Baha's
> example. he did not partake of any of the food -- so neither did we. After
> dinner we were returned to the small reception room where Mrs. Pinchot asked
> Abdu'l-Baha many questions regarding socialism, and Abdu'l-Baha gave a
> most wonderful talk. This, I believe, has never been published. Shortly after
> He finished speaking we retired.
> 
> the next morning after coffee, Abdu'l-Baha took a walk through the
> marvelous grounds, and we followed. It was a glorious, cloudless morning. The
> place is noted for its magnificent waterfalls and natural scenery. We came to
> a beautiful small lake with a dashing waterfall on the opposite side. In the
> foreground was a great rock and Abdu'l-Baha went forward to this rock and
> sat down -- motioning us to go away and leave Him. We went a short distance
> but stood where we could still see Abdu'l-Baha. And Abdu'l-Baha wept!
> Within a few moments after that the whole heavens had clouded and it was
> pouring rain -- weeping with Him. We all were saturated and completely
> drenched. Hurrying back to the house we removed our wet clothing and Mrs.
> Pinchot had them dried for us.
> 
> After a light luncheon, Abdu'l-Baha very courteously thanked Mrs.
> Pinchot for her hospitality, stated that He had an urgent engagement in New
> York, and we were sent to the train and returned to New York. Speaking
> privately to our party before leaving for the station, Abdu'l-Baha had said:
> "Mention this to no one. It is Lua who has brought this about." And turning
> to Lua He said: "Your importunities have caused me serious embarrassment, for
> you have brought about a situation that has caused my friends to suffer this
> great discourtesy."
> 
> While driving from the station to the Pinchot home Abdu'l-Baha had
> turned to me and said: "Why are you sitting beside me here in this
> automobile?" I replied in a very small weak voice that I did not know. He
> said that He had that morning received a letter from a Princess in Persia who
> had never seen Him, but had written Him that if she could only hold for one
> instant the hem of His garment in her hand, she would gladly lay down her life.
> Abdu'l-Baha said: "She is a Princess and cannot see me, but you are riding
> here seated by Abdu'l-Baha -- and why is this?" I again remarked that I did
> not know why I had this great privilege. He said: "I do not know either,
> except that it is God's will. He doeth whatsoever He willeth."
> 
> In New York, daily meetings and public talks were continued. Shortly
> before Abdu'l-Baha went to Montclair, where He stayed several days leaving
> Lua and me in New York, He called me to Him and told me I must return to San
> Francisco. Lua, also, was to return. It seemed as though the darkness was
> enveloping me and the gates of heaven were slowly closing, when Abdu'l-Baha
> told me that I must leave Him. Floods of tears burst forth over which I seemed
> to have no control. Abdu'l-Baha hastily said: "Never mind! Never mind!
> We will not mention this now, but later. But when I ask you again to return
> to San Francisco, I hope you will do so cheerfully and without tears."
> 
> A few days later Lua and I went to the West Englewood Feast. I watched
> Mirza Vali'u'llah Khan and Said Assadulla prepare the pilow for this
> Feast, and we took it over in the car in a large container -- for 150 people.
> There Abdu'l-Baha served each with His own hands. The servings were so
> generous that it seemed the supply might soon be exhausted. Abdu'l-Baha
> served with a second helping and still there was plenty -- certainly the
> miracle of the loaves and fishes repeated!
> 
> We returned to New York, and after a few days Abdu'l-Baha returned
> also. In the meantime the fatal day arrived when Abdu'l-Baha sent for me to
> say that I really must return to San Francisco and my husband. I received this
> message with a smile -- and no tears. Lua did not want to go back, and became
> very ill at the hotel. She was in such agony that we did not know what to do
> -- tearing the sheets into shreds. Dr. Getsinger and Mr. and Mrs. Kinney and I
> put our heads together and decided that Lua must have a doctor. Dr. Getsinger
> walked back with me to Abdu'l-Baha's home where I told Him of Lua's illness,
> and that perhaps she needed a doctor. Abdu'l-Baha looked at me very
> searchingly and said: "Very well, you and Dr. Getsinger will find a doctor for
> Lua." We did not know just what to do, so taking the telephone directory we
> picked out the first physician we came to. We telephoned, and he said he would
> come immediately to Abdu'l-Baha's home. In due time he arrived and rang the
> bell of the basement sitting room where Abdu'l-Baha was sitting, attended by
> all his Persian followers. When the doctor arrived Abdu'l-Baha called out
> for them to send for Mrs. Ralston to come as the doctor was there. So I went
> out and got into the automobile with the doctor, and immediately he turned to
> me and asked in a loud rude voice: "What are you, an American woman, doing in
> the same house with those d----- Dagoes?" I replied: "You don't know what you
> are saying ... that was Abdu'l-Baha." "Who is Abdu'l-Baha?" "If you had
> been reading the papers you would have known who Abdu'l-Baha is. He has
> spoken in all the churches and the worthwhile clubs and organizations in New
> York City." My impulse was not to take him to Lua, but Abdu'l-Baha had sent
> me, so I went on.
> 
> We went into Lua's room and the doctor very gruffly asked what was the
> matter with her. To make matters worse, although Mrs. Bosch was in the room,
> there was also Mirza Vali'u'llah Khan. She said that she was suffering
> great pain, and feared that she could not return to San Francisco within the
> three days left, preceding the day set for her departure. His reply was: "You
> can return tonight." He prescribed medicine and said that if wanted again he
> would return. I paid him and told him it would not be necessary for him to
> return. I told Vali'y'llah Khan what had happened in the automobile. He
> went to Abdu'l-Baha and told Him that something unpleasant had happened to
> me, and that Lua had heard it and had refused to take the medicine. The
> telephone soon rang and the message came from Abdu'l-Baha that Lua was to
> take the medicine, and that he wished to see Mrs. Ralston. I went to
> Abdu'l-Baha's apartment and He immediately asked: "What did the doctor say
> to you?" I replied: "He thought it strange for me to be in a house where
> there were so many foreigners." Abdu'l-Baha turned His searching gaze upon
> me and repeated: "What did the doctor say?" I was compelled to repeat those
> terrible words.
> 
> By morning Lua had become violently worse, raving so that she had to be
> held in bed. In the morning hours I went to Abdu'l-Baha's house and asking
> for Him, told Him of Lua's violent suffering during the night. He walked up
> and down the room in front of me, and as He passed me He turned that
> marvelously piercing gaze upon me and said: "Very well, perhaps you had better
> get a doctor." But I had learned my lesson. I said: "I know now that there
> is only one physician in the world, and that is Abdu'l-Baha, who can cure
> Lua. He replied: "Very well! Go to the kitchen and ask Said Assadulla to
> make a strong cup of tea. Take the tea and return to Lua, and also take her an
> apple. When she is nauseated give her the tea, and for the dysentery give her
> the apple to eat." Lua ate the apple and drank the tea and that evening she
> was up and dressed.
> 
> Time came for us to return to San Francisco. Abdu'l-Baha had given
> away many rugs that had been brought from Persia, to different individuals, but
> had kept one for Himself. This He kept in His bedroom during the months He had
> been in New York. Everyone wondered what Abdu'l-Baha would do with this
> rug. We would sometimes get together and agree that this one or that one ought
> to receive the rug -- for good deeds done. I agreed with everybody that these
> individuals had been so marvelous in their service that they surely were
> entitled to the rug, never thinking for one instant that I, myself, could be
> worthy to receive it. One morning Lu called me, "Come! Come! Abdu'l-Baha
> wishes to see you." On the stairway going up, she said, "Oh, Abdu'l-Baha
> has given you the rug." When I went to Abdu'l-Baha's room, He said: "I wish
> you to take this rug back with you to California. It is yours." I uttered my
> thanks from the depths of my heart. Later, I asked Him when I should take it
> and He replied: "Now, immediately. I will send it down for you to have it
> wrapped and expressed." It is a Saruk gift rug about four feet by seven, which
> I hope will some day be hung in the Temple. Vali'u'llah Khan told me about
> the rug. He had brought it from persia where it had been made especially for
> Abdu'l-Baha, and sent as a gift from the Persian believers. It was used by
> Abdu'l-Baha in His room while in New York. It lay on the floor in a
> bay-window, with the small rocking chair upon it, in which Abdu'l-Baha
> usually sat.
> 
> Upon our return to San Francisco, we spent busy and happy days in
> preparation for Abdu'l-Baha's visit, arranging for His accomodation at a
> home on California Street, and preparing for His welcome. Mayor Rolph had
> accepted an invitation to extend an official welcome to Abdu'l-Baha, but on
> the day of Abdu'l-Baha's arrival he was absent from the city. Other public
> men who might have taken His place were absent also. Again, we found that
> people were narrow minded and did not open their churches for Him to speak --
> as freely as they had done in New York.
> 
> Finally the wonderful day of His coming arrived. He was met at the train
> by Dr. d'Evelyn and escorted to the home on California Street. Abdu'l-Baha
> had requested by telegraph that no gathering of the friends should meet Him at
> the station, as His train was not due until late at night, and that He would
> meet them in the morning. Early the following morning a group of friends
> attended Abdu'l-Baha, and He gave an impromptu talk upon the subject of His
> arrival in San Francisco.
> 
> I, at that time, had an electric automobile which Abdu'l-Baha enjoyed
> driving in, as He said there was no odor and no noise and the motion was very
> soothing. Mrs. Goodall's very beautiful closed car was also at His disposal
> with a chauffeur. As He did not wish to show any favoritism, He called first
> upon Mrs. Goodall and then upon me, alternately. We had many delightful rides,
> and Abdu'l-Baha talked often to groups in Golden Gate Park. We would follow
> Him along the winding paths, and occasionally He would stop and speak. One day
> He spoke about the plants and flowers. He said that plants were very sensitive
> to their environment, and that they were sensitive to the thoughts of human
> beings.
> 
> Abdu'l-Baha would sometimes leave the others and drive with me in the
> electric, alone. One day He called Mrs. Goodall, and we three went to Golden
> Gate Park. We stopped to look at the buffalo, busily eating grass, and
> Abdu'l-Baha remarked: "There are the true philosophers, for they never get
> their heads above the earth." Other days Abdu'l-Baha would drive with me
> alone. I had placed a very soft comfortable pillow in the corner of the car,
> and Abdu'l-Baha would sleep while I drove along the ocean shore.
> 
> In San Francisco Abdu'l-Baha spoke at the Unitarian Church. There was
> a life size painting of Moses above Abdu'l-Baha's head as He stood at the
> pulpit, while speaking, and we received a strong impression as if the Patriarch
> of the ancient day had merely stepped down from the painting and become
> transformed into the Patriarch of the New Day.
> 
> At that time in San Francisco there was an East Indian named Har Dyal who
> was opposed to everything religious and spiritually constructive. He was
> looked upon unfavorably, and had been dismissed from the Stanford Faculty
> because of his revolutionary teachings. He invited Abdu'l-Baha to speak at
> the open Forum in San Francisco, believing that He would speak on religion, and
> planning to thwart and embarrass Him by speaking in opposition. The small
> group of friends close to Abdu'l-Baha were very much worried. We said: "Oh
> dear! Abdu'l-Baha will speak at this terrible place and before this
> terrible man. We wish that he would not do so." A few minutes before eight
> o'clock Abdu'l-Baha called me saying that he would drive with me to the
> Forum. He also called to Mrs. Goodall and His interpreter to drive with us.
> Other Baha'is followed in their automobiles. Just before Abdu'l-Baha left
> the car to go into the lecture room, He turn to Mrs. Goodall and me, saying:
> "We will not speak of religion tonight." He gave a wonderful talk on the
> Evolution of Man. When He had finished, the Chairman took the platform and
> said: "We have no reply to make to this wonderful man." And then all of Har
> Dyal's followers crowded about Abdu'l-Baha and said: "How happy we would be
> if only we could have you to stay here with us in San Francisco."
> 
> On evening Abdu'l-Baha called me and said that He wished to drive --
> "We will go onto Market Street and see the lights." As we drove along He
> spoke: "The lights are very brilliant and very beautiful, but they are as
> nothing compared to the lights of heaven. Mortal eyes could not endure the
> brilliance of the heavenly lights."
> 
> Another time He said that He wished to go to the flower show, which was
> being held at the Fairmont Hotel. Abdu'l-Baha was amazed at the beautiful
> blossoms. He said that He would like to have cuttings sent to Haifa, and asked
> if I would attend to it. I went to many florists, but at that time none of
> them would undertake to ship plants as far as Haifa, saying that they would
> dry out before reaching their destination. I tried to find friends who were
> going, who would take them, but we were unable to find anyone going from
> California. So I sent many packages of seeds which I believe arrived there.
> A few grew and blossomed, but some required specialized care not at that time
> possible at Haifa.
> 
> On another occasion Abdu'l-Baha called me, and taking three others of
> His secretaries -- filling my car to capacity -- He asked me to drive to the
> cable office, as He wished to send a message. It had happened that some of
> Abdu'l-Baha's cabled messages had not been delivered at their destination,
> and so when we arrived at the office and the attendant prepared to take His
> dictation, Abdu'l-Baha said no! that He wished to go into the room from
> which the message was sent -- He wished to see it sent. The attendant said
> that such a thing was impossible -- that no one was permitted to enter that
> room. A member of the party replied: "Abdu'l-Baha is a law unto Himself."
> The door was opened, and Abdu'l-Baha stood beside the operator and watched
> the message sent.
> 
> Those glorious days had to end, and Abdu'l-Baha's visit came to a
> close. When Abdu'l-Baha went to Los Angeles, Mrs. Goodall, Mrs. Cooper,
> Mrs. Franklin, myself and others went along. After a few days we returned to
> San Francisco. He allowed the same group to accompany Him to Sacramento where
> we bade Him goodbye, as He began His return journey to the East. This was near
> the close of 1912.
> 
> 1913 was a happy and busy year. We were engaged in teaching and following
> various instructions Abdu'l-Baha had left, in connection with the work. War
> began in 1914, but so long as America remained out of the war we continued in
> communication with Abdu'l-Baha. The Panama-Pacific-International Exposition
> opened in San Francisco in 1915, and a Baha'i Congress was held there. We
> had many speakers and large gatherings, and among those very much interested in
> the Congress was my husband who accepted the Teachings without reservation and
> expressed his belief. Abdu'l-Baha had showered much loving attention upon
> my husband, and had called him "my son." As the exposition closed America
> entered the war, and all communication with Abdu'l-Baha ceased.
> 
> Mr. Ralston was deeply involved in the political world, and in 1916 he
> entered the race for Governor of California. I was very much opposed to this,
> for while at that time it was not strictly forbidden Baha'is to enter
> politics, Abdu'l-Baha was very unfavorable towards it. Mr. Ralston,
> however, was influenced by political friends who used him as a "cat's-paw" to
> split the party. He was defeated, of course, and his so-called political
> friends left him with all the campaign expenses upon his shoulders. These, of
> course, were heavy and there was not much ready money available, the war having
> made inroads upon his property income. Mr. Ralston was very sad. I sold
> everything -- automobile, saddle horses and everything else available, and we
> covered as many political debts as we could.
> 
> Mr. Ralston, very unhappy because of this disaster and humiliation,
> decided to leave San Francisco and move to New York City. There we took an
> apartment, and Mr. Ralston established himself there as a stockbroker. His
> secretary over a long period of time -- having entered his employ when quite
> young -- accompanied us. She had laid siege to his affections, and had openly
> boasted that sooner or later she would succeed. I had remonstrated with him
> for taking her to New York, but he said that he could not run his business
> without her. Abdu'l-Baha had warned me of this when driving with me one day
> in New York he had said: "Your husband must be very lonely without you, and if
> you do not return to him soon he will desert you for some one to take your
> place." I replied to the effect that I would rather stay with Abdu'l-Baha
> -- that my husband would do very well without me. It was about that time that
> Mirza Ali Akbar -- while I was sitting in Abdu'l-Baha's home one day --
> shook his finger at me and said: "He who looks too continuously at the sun
> becomes blinded."
> 
> In New York I occupied myself in glorious association with the friends
> there, my husband joining in. I also worked daily at the red-cross for the
> duration of the war, and later after the war was ended I assisted Mr. LeDeux in
> his free restaurant -- waiting on table. All this, along with various Baha'i
> activities, kept me very busy.
> 
> Mr. Ralston had been going frequently to Reno, where he had established an
> office. In 1918 he wrote me from Reno that he had left New York, and if I
> wished to come to Reno I could do so, but he would remain in Reno for six
> months and then return to New York for six months, so whichever place I
> preferred would be acceptable to him. Later he wrote me saying he believed we
> had better go our own separate ways and that he would not return to me any
> more. I became very ill and placed myself under the care of Dr. Krug,
> undergoing a serious operation. During the time I was in the hospital Mrs.
> Krug could not believe he had deserted me in this manner. They wired Mr.
> Ralston of my illness begging him to return to New York. He came, and while
> there seemed to waver between a desire to stay and a desire to go, as if he
> wanted to return to me and still could not do so. Finally upon my recovery,
> the hardness that had developed in his nature re-asserted itself, and he told
> me that there was no use for us to consider the matter further. He returned to
> Reno, and I went to San Francisco to the home of my sister, when able to
> travel. I had been there only a few days when a telegram from Mrs. Krug came,
> saying: "Return to New York at once; your future happiness depends upon it."
> I returned and found that Mr. Ralston had brought suit against me for desertion
> and had announced that he was not responsible for my bills. The case was tried
> in court, and the judge from the bench decided that there had been no desertion
> on the part of the wife, and that the husband was responsible for the expenses
> of illness.
> 
> I then went to live with Miss Charlotte Bingham, a believer, and I took a
> position with Mrs. Bertha Holley in her studio, where I worked for some months.
> One day the doorbell rang and a man presented me with a paper. Upon opening
> it I found that Mr. Ralston had brought suit against me from Reno for
> desertion, and for many ridiculous things such as only Reno can concoct -- such
> as that I had worked at the Red-Cross and in the evening had knitted for the
> soldiers, leaving him to play solitaire. But the most terrible thing he
> charged me with was my love for Abdu'l-Baha, and my affiliation with a
> "strange oriental cult." He said that I wished to go to Haifa, the
> headquarters of this cult, and leave him. This was a terrible blow and quite
> shattered my strength. I took this summons to Mr. Mills and he advised me to
> bring counter-suit against Mr. Ralston, denying these charges, and asking that
> the divorce be granted to me. This I did, and when the case was called in Reno
> the divorce was granted me along with $200.00 a month, alimony.
> 
> In 1918 Mrs. Hoagg and I taught for several weeks in Montana, after which
> we returned to New York. Soon Abdu'l-Baha asked for volunteers to go forth
> and teach in foreign countries where the light of this Message had not yet
> penetrated. Mrs. Hoagg had already preceded me to Alaska, and I went to join
> her at Juneau where she and Miss Jacks were located. Miss Jacks returned to
> New York and I remained with Mrs. Hoagg, accompanying her to various towns
> where she lectured on the Cause. Returning to San Francisco I remained there
> for a short time and then proceeded to New York. Mrs. Hoagg was then preparing
> to go to Haifa and I had planned to accompany her, but Abdu'l-Baha wrote me
> not to come. Upon Mrs. Hoagg's arrival there she begged Abdu'l-Baha to
> permit me to come. He requested her to write me that if I went to Haifa my
> husband probably would not continue to pay alimony. I grieved over this very
> much as I wanted greatly to go. When I heard that Mrs. Goodall, Mrs. Cooper
> and Mrs. Franklin were about to leave for Haifa I could contain myself no
> longer. I cabled Abdu'l-Baha imploring Him to allow me to accompany them to
> Haifa, and the answer came back "Very well, you may come."
> 
> So we went to Haifa and spent a month (that of October 1920) at
> Abdu'l-Baha's home -- a month of ideal peace and happiness with
> Abdu'l-Baha and the ladies of the household. Abdu'l-Baha often talked
> with me, but I was still a bit sad and resentful at the way fate had treated
> me. He kept repeating these words: "Abdu'l-Baha is best for you." But my
> heart was very heavy even during those glorious days. I spoke to
> Abdu'l-Baha about Mr. Ralston, saying how sad this was. Abdu'l-Baha
> said: "No, not sad -- but disappointing. Mr. Ralston will go down in the
> deepest regret, and he will pass from this world shattered -- spiritually as
> well as physically."
> 
> Abdu'l-Baha then asked me what I wished to do, and I said that on the
> $200.00 monthly that Mr. Ralston was sending me I could remain in Europe and
> work with Mrs. Hoagg in Italy. He said: "Very well", so i returned with the
> party as far as Naples where they left me to return to San Francisco, while I
> remained in Naples. I had a few hundred dollars with me, but found upon my
> arrival there that the money I was expecting had not arrived, as my alimony had
> been cut off, and I never again received any. Without consulting
> Abdu'l-Baha, I soon left Naples for Sorrento, then going to Austria and
> finally to Paris. There I remained in association with Baha'i friends for
> nearly three years, visiting Germany and near-by places. My resources were
> nearly exhausted but I had left a bond with Roy Wilhelm which he sold for
> enough to last me during my stay in Paris. By this time we had received the
> sad news of Abdu'l-Baha's passing.
> 
> At the beginning of 1923, my funds being very much depleted, I wrote my
> sister about my predicament and asked if the Nevada ranch in which I had an
> interest was not producing. She replied that it was deeply in debt and that
> she had carried the burden upon her own shoulders quite long enough, and it was
> best for me to return. I had just enough money to pay my passage back to
> Nevada where I arrived with fifty cents in my purse.
> 
> My sojourn there was anything but pleasant as a member of the family felt
> that I was an obstacle in the way of their obtaining the property. My father
> had made millions in mines and then invested the money in lands. Being more
> or less persecuted by this member of the family and being very unhappy, I
> returned to California where I tried to obtain a position of some sort. But I
> had never been trained in any self-support, and my age was against me, and
> there seemed to be nothing I could put my hand to. I was on the point of
> returning to Nevada, when about that time two dear girlhood friends -- both
> widows, non-Baha'is -- living in a beautiful home in Oakland, asked me to
> visit them. The invitation was for three weeks and I then made preparation to
> leave, when they asked me to extend the visit. I remained with them seven
> years. I had no home, no money, and I was very happy to feel that I could make
> myself useful in the home of these two dear friends in return for the shelter
> they offered me. There was remuneration, and my finances were absolutely
> depleted, although I received occasional help from my sister -- and also
> clothing.
> 
> After meeting with what I considered a slight at the time from a certain
> Baha'i Assembly, I withdrew within myself and associated no more with
> Baha'is -- not even with my Baha'i books. I felt that I had been deserted
> by the whole world and that Baha'i friends had also turned against me. Under
> this heavy strain of poverty and humiliation and grief I became very ill, my
> nervous system a complete wreck, and I thought deeply of ending my life. One
> day I was in such despair it seemed that darkness had closed around me and
> that the end had surely come -- when I felt a great longing for Abdu'l-Baha
> and the friends. I searched for the Baha'i books that had been laid away,
> and opening the Hidden Words at random I placed my finger upon the words: "I
> beckon thee to life, but thou desirest death. Why hast thou neglected My Will
> and followed thy desire?" It seemed as if some helping hand had reached down
> into the abyss into which IO had fallen to pull me out. I prayed desperately
> to Abdu'l-Baha to forgive me for all my worldliness and my wilfullness.
> Slowly the light seemed to return into my life. I returned to Berkeley (in
> 1932) to live among and associate with the friends of God. Gradually my
> condition became improved, I felt the sustaining power of the friends, and I
> had the love and friendship of my sister who assisted me financially, and in
> many ways. My previous good health, however, seemed to have been lost. My
> life was now much easier, I spoke wherever I could for Abdu'l-Baha and the
> Cause of God, and did what I could to help others to know the path.
> 
> And now I have come to the end of my story. Not material wealth, but the
> wealth of contentment has become mine; my needs are taken care of and my
> friends are many. I know now that when I stood in the presence of
> Abdu'l-Baha and He looked into the future, He did not wish trials for me.
> He only had love in His heart. He saw my wilful nature and placed my feet in
> the right path. If I turned aside through my own weakness and wilfulness, my
> actions must brought sorrow to Abdu'l-Baha. I fear not for the things I
> have done. I fear only for the things I have not done.
> 
> I received sixteen Tablets from Abdu'l-Baha. These I kept in a small
> Viennese embroidered case which was kept locked. Upon one of my trips to San
> Francisco I left it in my writing desk, which was unlocked. When I returned,
> the case and letters were gone.
> 
> INCIDENTS
> 
> Lua and I had many disagreements about dogs. I had always been a great
> lover of dogs, having at one time possessed a large kennel of some forty dogs.
> When Lua came to my home and saw the two beautiful dogs remaining in my
> possession, she insisted that I must get rid of them -- that I must turn all my
> thoughts to the Cause and to humanity. When we received word that
> Abdu'l-Baha would greet us in Chicago I sent the dogs to a friend to care
> for. I paid their expenses there but never took them back. One day I spoke to
> Abdu'l-Baha about my love for animals, saying that I seemed to love animals
> better than I loved human beings. Abdu'l-Baha did not reprove me, but said
> that my love for animals would some day develop into love for human beings.
> 
> Then He told me a story of a Miller's dog: "At a certain mill the Miller
> had a dog that was his close companion. Often astronomers came to this mill to
> study and observe the heavens. A certain noted Astronomer, while there, was
> spending his nights out of doors where he could observe the heavens. One night
> the Miller called to him and said: 'Better come in and sleep tonight because
> it is going to rain.' But the Astronomer replied: 'Oh no, you must be
> mistaken, there is not a cloud in the sky, neither is there a sign of rain in
> the heavens.' The Miller said 'very well' and shut the door and windows and
> retired into the mill. In the night there came a great pounding at the door,
> and when the Miller opened it there stood the Astronomer, who exclaimed 'it is
> raining.' The Miller said, 'come in' but the Astronomer replied, 'Oh no, I do
> not want to come in, I only want to know how you knew it was going to rain.'
> Then the Miller explained: 'My dog prefers to sleep outside, but when it is
> going to rain he always comes inside. Last night he came in.' At which the
> Astronomer cried: 'Ah me! I have spent all my life in the study of sciences,
> and now I do not know as much as a dog!'
> 
> Walter Hampden, the actor, who by his own confession had sunk to "the
> lowest of the low" level on the moral plane, received many letters and
> pamphlets on spiritual values while playing in "The Servant in the House." His
> public seemed to consider him endowed with the virtues he portrayed, and
> commended him highly. This aroused his conscience. One night during the play
> he fainted, and in this state he seemed to see hundreds of doves settling all
> around him. The curtain was rung down, he was returned to his home, and there
> he picked up one of the pamphlets, the reading of which coupled with the
> incident of the evening upset him strangely. After a wakeful night, he went
> for an early morning walk on Riverside Drive. There he saw Abdu'l-Baha, and
> following Him home he rang the bell and asked if he might be permitted to meet
> this Holy man. After this interview he returned many times. Finally, he wired
> for his wife and children whom he had previously deserted, and brought them all
> to Abdu'l-Baha. One daughter was afflicted, and Mr. Hampden asked
> Abdu'l-Baha to heal her. Abdu'l-Baha replied: "She will be healed" --
> implying spiritual healing. She died shortly after that. Mr. Hampden took
> back his family, and from external appearances it may be inferred that at this
> time a great and permanent change took place in his life.
> 
> Abdu'l-Baha looked at me one day and said: "You have been working too
> hard, you need recreation, it is not best to concentrate too continuously upon
> one subject, go out and have some fun -- take Ali Akbar to Coney Island. I
> obediently gathered together a little group including Mr. and Mrs. Kinney, Mr.
> and Mrs. Grundy, Mirza Ali Akbar, Mirza Vali-u-llah Khan and Ahmad
> Sorab. Lua did not go. We thought her costume might attract too much
> attention in such a place. Said Assadulla stayed at home for the same
> reason. As it was, the red fezz worn by the Persian friends attracted much
> attention and several times we were asked: "What concession are you from?" We
> had an enjoyable time and many laughs while in the crazy house and other
> equally amusing concessions. I shall always remember the rigid pose and
> staring eyes of Mirza Ali Akbar, as we swooped downward -- and upward
> again -- on the scenic railway. At last, tired and hungry, we went into a
> large restaurant for rest and sandwiches. We had not been seated long before
> the music started and many couples began to dance in the space reserved for
> that purpose in the middle of the floor. This was too much for Mirza Ali
> Akbar. He jumped up, and coming around to me and reaching for my handbag, he
> said: "Come, this is no place for you." Everyone laughed at him, but it was
> no use -- he was my protector on this occasion and home we had to go, at once.
> 
> One day a group asked Abdu'l-Baha if it was all right for them to
> visit a fortune-teller. He replied, "If you wish, you may go for amusement.
> But never let anything they tell you influence your actions."
> 
> On the day of the Feast of Abdu'l-Baha at West Englewood, Lua had
> walked at the side of the road among the bushes and had become poisoned with
> poison ivy. The next morning it was causing a great deal of pain, but she
> dressed and went to Abdu'l-Baha's house where she threw herself upon the
> couch, moaning and crying. I was standing by her side when Abdu'l-Baha
> entered the room. He asked: "What is the matter, Lua? What is troubling
> you?" "My Lord, I am suffering from poison ivy." "How did you get this?"
> "Yesterday, on my way from the Grove at Roy Wilhelm's to his house, I walked
> among the bushes and became poisoned with the ivy." The Master replied: "Oh
> Lua! Lua! If you would only walk ion the middle of the path and not in the
> weeds, these trials would not come to you."
> 
> While in Haifa I was taken very ill, having contracted the flu.
> Abdu'l-Baha did not come near me, although Mrs. Franklin had told Him I was
> ill and urged Him to see me. He said: "Baha'u'llah suffered much. It will
> not hurt Mrs. Ralston to suffer a little." A few hours later Abdu'l-Baha
> ;came into my room looked searchingly at me and said: "Would you like to have
> a doctor? There are many splendid doctors at the English hospital." I
> replied: "No, Abdu'l-Baha is the only Physician." Shortly after that He
> sent His daughter Ruha to me with a glass of delicious pomegranate juice. In
> a few hours I had recovered.
> 
> At the Pinchot's, in the middle of the night we heard Abdu'l-Baha give
> a most piercing cry of agony. Lua sprang from her bed and was determined to go
> to Him. I feared to arouse the household and prevailed upon her not to go.
> 
> In Sacramento, the night before Abdu'l-Baha started East, that same cry
> rang forth in the middle of the night -- like a soul in agony. All heard it.
> We gathered together the next morning and spoke of it. It rang through the
> building.
> 
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> — *Reminiscences of an Early Believer (Used by permission of the curator)*