Gradually Abhedananda became acquainted with Western culture and way of life. A month after his arrival Vivekananda announced that Abhedananda would speak on Hinduism. At first Abhedananda was nervous and reluctant to speak, but Swamiji heartened him with inspiring words: “Depend on the Master who has ever given me strength and courage in all the trials of my life… . ‘Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh.’” These words comforted him and gave him courage. Abhedananda based his lecture on the Panchadashi, an authoritative text on Vedanta. On 27 October 1896 he gave his maiden speech before the learned audience of the Christo-Theosophical Society at Bloomsbury Square in London. Vivekananda was highly pleased and said, “Even if I perish on this plane, my message will be sounded through these dear lips and the world will hear it.”
Vivekananda was fully confident that even in his absence Abhedananda would be able to carry on the Vedanta work in London. Swamiji entrusted him with his classes on Vedanta and Raja Yoga and left for India in December 1896. For one year Abhedananda continued to give classes and lectures in different churches and religious and philosophical societies in London and its suburbs. During his stay in London, the swami became acquainted with many distinguished savants, including Max Müller and Paul Deussen. Abhedananda’s eloquence, his lucid exposition of Vedanta philosophy, and his depth of spiritual realization made a profound impression on his audiences. (Source: God Lived with Them)