The City Temple: Introduction

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

On September 10th, the first Sunday after 'Abdu'l-Baha's arrival in

England, he spoke from the City Temple pulpit to the evening congregation

at the special desire of the Pastor, the Reverend R. J. Campbell.



Though 'Abdu'l-Baha's coming had not been advertised the Church was filled

to its utmost capacity. Few that were there will ever forget the sight of

that venerable figure clad in his Eastern garb, ascending the pu pit

stairs to address a public gathering for the first time in his life. That

this should be at a Christian place of worship in the West has its own

deep significance. Mr. Campbell introduced the visitor with a few simple

words in the course of which he said: We, as the followers of the Lord

Jesus Christ, who is to us and will always be the Light of the World, view

with sympathy and respect every movement of the Spirit of God in the

experience of mankind, and therefore we give greeting to 'Abdu'l-Baha in

the name of all who share the spirit of our Master, and are trying to live

their lives in that Spirit. The Baha'i Movement is very closely akin to, I

think I might say is identical with, the spiritual purpose of

Christianity.



Before 'Abdu'l-Baha left the Church, he wrote in the old Bible used by

generations of preachers, the following words in his own native Persian,

the translation being added as follows:



Inscription in the Old Bible Written by 'Abdu'l-Baha in Persian





This book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is

the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the

Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the

guidance of God.



'Abdu'l-Baha Abbas.