The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys
Introduction
universities, churches, before clubs, and to a great variety of other audiences. Individuals of prominence sought His presence. Dr. David Starr Jordan, eminent scientist and President of Stanford University, predicted, “he will surely unite the East and the West, for He treads the mystic path with practical feet.” His advice was sought by a highly-placed Federal official and He gave this counsel: “You can best serve your country if you strive, in your capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist in the eventual application of the principle of federalism, underlying the government of your own country, to the relationships now existing between the peoples and nations of the world.” In Sacramento, California, He predicted the outbreak of World War I, correctly specifying the year, but He also expressed the hope that “the first flag of international peace” would be upraised in the state, in which the United Nations Charter was later signed. Freedom was the thing He liked best about America. He prophesied, “America will lead all nations spiritually.”
In recognition of long service for international conciliation and public welfare, the British Government conferred knighthood on
‘Abdu’l-Bahá at
Haifa in April 1920. He passed away in November of the following year. Dr. J. E. Esslemont has paid this tribute to His memory: “He showed that
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