No wonder, therefore, that when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited this country in 1911, driving in the mountains or crossing by steamer to the picturesque towns, linked, like beads on a silver chain, all round the lake border, His tender, sensitive heart knew gladness and refreshment and rejoiced in the loveliness mirrored forth by nature on every side. And surely wherever He passed, spiritual seed was sown that will spring up and grow unto the harvest.

One day, we are told, gazing across the level waters lying “like a sea of glass mingled with fire,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá looked beyond where the busy little haunts of men lay embosomed in foliage, beyond where the mystically blue summits of the Juras stood drawn as with a mighty pencil along the skyline, to that spiritual world where “the Hosts of the Lord rise up to the assistance of the faithful ones,” and “the White Hand cleaves an opening to the sombre night” that shrouds the continent of Europe, to where “God had opened into His City a Gate, through which men shall enter in crowds.” For, turning to those who were with Him, He said, slowly and impressively: “There is much work to be done around the lake.” And so has the work begun.

In obedience to Shoghi Effendi’s request, Mrs. Jane Stannard, whose field of service for the Bahá’í Cause had hitherto lain in the East, traveled to the quiet, grey town lying at the end of the Lake—where meet the waters of two rivers—and courageously opened, some fifteen months ago, a Bureau for international correspondence.

Over Geneva still lingers the severe shade of Calvin; yet, side by side with and superimposed as it were upon deeply-rooted tradition and indifference are the manifold activities of numberless modern societies, working, each in their own way, for the good of all. But memories haunt the broad boulevards and narrow, cobbled streets, not only of stern, fiery reformers, but of the idealistic, reckless Rousseau, of the two wild English poets who went sailing and singing over the tranquil lake on summer evenings, and of many another vivid personality famous in history and literature. And here, also, on a summer day came One to bless this ancient home of hardly-won liberty, which had been destined to hold the heart-throbs of the world of international hopes and ideals—the Great Physician—bringing with Him balm for the healing of the nations!