“Viewed with the
outer eye, he seemed about the medium height, with symmetrical features. His
lineaments indicate meekness and gentleness, as well as power and strength. His
colour is about that of parchment. His hands are shapely, with the nails well
manicured. His forehead is high and well rounded. His nose is slightly
aquiline; his eyes light blue and penetrating; his hair is silvery, and long
enough to touch the shoulders; his beard is white. His dress was the Oriental
robes, graceful in their simplicity. On his head rested a light tarbush,
surrounded by a white turban. His voice is powerful, but capable of producing
infinite pathos and tenderness. His carriage is erect and altogether majestic
and beautiful . . .
On the rational
plane, his wisdom is incomparable. During the time of my visit persons of
culture were present from different parts of the world. But people of acquired
learning are but as children to 'Abdu'l-Baha. They were reverent in their
attitude toward him and one of them, an Oxford man, praised his wisdom with
much enthusiasm…” (Louis Gregory, ‘A Heavenly Vista, pp. 4-5) (Earl Redman ‘In
Their Midst’, pp. 13-14)