Until the father of Baha’u’llah passed away He did not seek after position or political station. All were surprised at this. Notwithstanding His connection with the government, He would not accept any position. They remarked: "How is it that a young man so intelligent, so keen, so perceptive, so subtle, is not a candidate for lucrative appointments; as a matter of fact, every position is open to Him." The people of Persia are witnesses to this historical fact.
He was most generous; giving abundantly to the poor. He did not refuse any who asked Him. The doors of His house were open to all. He always had many guests. This generosity was conduce to greater astonishment from the fact that He did not seek position or prominence. In commenting upon this His friends said that all His wealth would be given away, for His expenses were many, while His wealth was becoming limited. All were amazed at His conduct and greatly astonished at His doings. Some remarked, "Why is He not thinking of His own affairs?" Some who were wise declared: “This Personage is connected with another world. He has something sublime within Him that is not evident row, but the day will come when that shall be manifested."
In short, the Blessed Perfection was a refuge for every weak one; a shelter for every fearing one; kind to every indigent one; most lenient to all creatures. He became well known in regard to these qualities before His Holiness the Báb, appeared.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From a talk, 15 April, 1912, at a gathering of Baha’i friends at the home of Mrs. Emor, New York; Star of the West vol. 3, no. 9, August 20, 1912)