Baha'u'llah & the New Era by -J. Esslemont- 3 Para

"Five days we remained within those walls, prisoners with Him who dwells in that 'Greatest Prison.' It is a prison of peace, of love and service. No wish, no desire is there save the good of mankind, the peace of the world, the acknowledgment of the Fatherhood of God and the mutual rights of men as His creatures, His children. Indeed, the real prison, the suffocating atmosphere, the separation from all true heart desires, the bond of world conditions, is outside of those stone walls, while within them is the freedom and pure aura of the Spirit of God. All troubles, tumults, worries or anxieties for worldly things are barred out there." (Thornton Chase-In Galilee) (58:3)

To most people the hardships of prison life would appear as grievous calamities, but for 'Abdul-Baha they had no terrors. When in prison He wrote:- (58:4)

"Grieve not because of my imprisonment and calamity; for this prison is my beautiful garden, my mansioned paradise and my throne of dominion among mankind. My calamity in my prison is a crown to me in which I glory among the righteous. Anyone can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, that is the proof of nobility." (58:5)

End of Quote

  Baha'u'llah & the New Era
  Citation Source List
: see