To Maria P. Wilson, Malden, Mass.

O thou my respected hostess! The days that I was a guest in thy home are ever before my sight. They then include happy days, for they passed away in joy.

Truly, I say, with all thy power thou didst serve us and displayed towards us the utmost kindness. This service appeared through the sincerity of thine intention, thy love for humanity, and thy praiseworthy morals. At present, also, thou art engaged day and night in the service of the Kingdom of God, and art occupied in the promotion of heavenly teachings. Plant thou a tree which may yield sweet fruits throughout all eternity. Scatter thou such pure seeds which may produce various crops in the future ages and cycles, This is made possible through self-sacrifice in the path of God, and complete evanescence in the love of God—so that no trace of self, ego and desires be left behind; thus thou mayest consecrate thyself wholly and entirely to the heavenly Beloved.

Convey on my behalf to each and all the friends—men and women—my loving and yearning greetings.

Upon thee be greeting and praise.

- 'Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 5, June 5, 1917)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s vision for Green Acre

O thou maid-servant of God! Thy letter was received. Thy desire to serve Green Acre is in reality a very important matter. This name (Green Acre) must appear with all its significant meaning, that is Green Acre must become the reflection of the plain of Acca, and attain to the utmost verdancy, greenness and artistic beauty. Its charms and wonder lie in this, that it may become the center of the Baha’is and the cry of 'Ya Baha’u’l-Abha' be raised from all its direction. I hope that all thy aspirations may become fully realized. Upon thee be greeting and praise."

- 'Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 5, June 5, 1917)

“seeds which are sown by the believers of God”

All the individuals of humanity are farmers. Every soul sows a certain kind of seed, but at the season of the harvest there will be gathered no result, except from the seeds which are sown by the believers of God. That alone will obtain heavenly blessing. Reflect that His Holiness Christ and His Holiness Muhammed scattered such holy seeds the fruits of which are being gathered till now; but all the other farmers were finally doomed to regret and disappointment. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 5, June 5, 1917)