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He was then in His seventieth year, and His long and arduous
labors, culminating in these strenuous Western tours, had
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worn out His physical frame. After His return He wrote the
following pathetic Tablet to the believers in East and West:—
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The enemies of the Bahá’í Cause, whose hopes had risen
high when the Báb fell a victim to their fury, when Bahá’u’lláh
was driven from His native land and made a prisoner for life,
and again at the passing of Bahá’u’lláh—these enemies once
more took heart when they saw the physical weakness and
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weariness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after His return from His Western
travels. But again their hopes were doomed to disappointment.
In a short time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was able to write:—
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Unquestionably this physical body and human energy
would have been unable to stand the constant wear and
tear…but the aid and help of the Desired One were
the Guardian and Protector of the weak and humble
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. … Some have asserted that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
is on the eve of bidding his last farewell to the world,
that his physical energies are depleted and drained and
that ere long these complications will put an end to his life.
This is far from the truth. Although in the outward estimation
of the Covenant-breakers and defective-minded
the body is weak on account of ordeals in the Blessed
Path, yet, Praise be to God! through the providence of the
Blessed Perfection the spiritual forces are in the utmost rejuvenation
and strength. Thanks be to God that now,
through the blessing and benediction of Bahá’u’lláh, even
the physical energies are fully restored, divine joy is obtained,
the supreme glad-tidings are resplendent and ideal
happiness overflowing.
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Both during the European War and after its close ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
amidst countless other activities, was able to pour forth
a series of great and inspiring letters which, when communications
were reopened, roused believers throughout the world
to new enthusiasm and zeal for service. Under the inspiration
of these letters the Cause progressed by leaps and bounds and
everywhere the Faith showed signs of new vitality and vigor.
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