After prayer and meditation, the beloved Master, accompanied
by several of the friends, went to Mr. Chase's grave. The tram stopped near the
cemetery, which is located a few miles from the city. The Master alighted and
walked towards the grave with dignified solemnity and serenity. He went
directly to the grave site without asking directions from anyone. He praised
the site and the lushness of the trees and grass. He stood there for a few
minutes leaning against a nearby tree. He then stood near the grave of that
distinguished man and spread over it bouquets of flowers, adorning that
sanctified soil with such love and affection that bystanders were astonished.
Facing in the direction of the Holy Land, the Master chanted Bahá'u'lláh's
Tablet of Visitation. All stood in solemn reverence behind Him. After chanting
the Tablet of Visitation, He recited a prayer in Arabic for the forgiveness of
the departed soul. He then gave a short account of this faithful believer's
services, steadfastness and forbearance. Before He left, He placed His forehead
on the grave and kissed it. Tears flowed from the eyes of the believers as they
bowed before that sacred spot, each one longing to attain to that sublime and
exalted station. The spot became an abode of lovers.
- Mahmud Zarqani (October
19, 1912; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
