The third period (1892–1921) revolves around
the vibrant personality of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, mysterious in His
essence, unique in His station, astoundingly potent in both the charm and
strength of His character. It commences with the announcement of the Covenant
of Bahá’u’lláh, a document without parallel in the history of any earlier Dispensation,
attains its climax in the emphatic assertion by the Center of that Covenant, in
the City of the Covenant, of the unique character and far-reaching implications
of that Document, and closes with His passing and the interment of His remains
on Mt. Carmel. It will go down in history as a period of almost thirty years’
duration, in which tragedies and triumphs have been so intertwined as to
eclipse at one time the Orb of the Covenant, and at another time to pour forth
its light over the continent of Europe, and as far as Australasia, the Far East
and the North American continent.
- Shoghi Effendi (‘Preface to 'God Passes By’)