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To 'Abdul-Baha.. came men and women from every race, religion and nation, to sit at His table like favored guests, questioning him about the social, spiritual or moral program each had most at heart; and after.. a few hours to many months, returning home, inspired, renewed and enlightened. The world surely never possessed such a guest-house as this.. (56:1) ..'Abdul-Baha carried on an enormous correspondence with believers and inquirers in all parts of the world. In this work He was greatly assisted by His daughters and also by several interpreters and secretaries. (56:3) Much of His time was spent in visiting the sick and the afflicted in their own homes; and in the poorest quarters of Akka no visitor was more welcome.. (56:4) "It was the custom of 'Abdul-Baha each week, on Friday morning, to distribute alms to the poor. From His own scanty store he gives a little to each one of the needy who come to ask assistance. This morning about one hundred were ranged in line.. in the open street of the court where 'Abdul-Baha's house stands.. Quickly moving from one to another, stopping sometimes to leave a word of sympathy and encouragement, dropping small coins into each eager outstretched palm, touching the face of a child, taking the hand of an old woman who held fast to the hem of his garment as he passed along, speaking words of light to old men with sightless eyes, inquiring after those too feeble and wretched to come for their pittance of help, and sending them their portion with a message of love and uplift." (pilgrim N.J. of 'Abdul-Baha) (56:5) 'Abdul-Baha's personal wants were few. He worked late and early. Two simple meals a day sufficed Him. His wardrobe consisted of a very few garments of inexpensive material. He could not bear to live in luxury while others were in want.
(57:1)
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