Universal peace: imagining and building a shared world

When we speak of Universal Peace, we mean that all governments must change their fleets of battleships and dreadnaughts to a mighty fleet of merchant marine, plying the oceans of the world, uniting the distant shores and interweaving the commercial, intellectual and moral forces of mankind.

O handmaid of God, peace must first be established among individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations. Wherefore, O ye Baha'is, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals. This is your task.

He bore all this that He might purify the world, and deck it out with the tender mercies of the Lord God; that He might set it at rest; that conflict and aggression might be put to flight, the lance and the keen blade be exchanged for loving fellowship, malevolence and war turn into safety and gentleness and love; that battlefields of hate and wrath should become gardens of delight, and places where once the blood-drenched armies clashed be fragrant pleasure grounds; that warfare should be seen as shame, and the resort to arms, even as a loathsome sickness, be shunned by every people; that universal peace raise its pavilions on the loftiest mounts, and war be made to perish forever from the earth.

A. B. "War is the most preventable accident."

… A. B. "The greatest intelligence of man is being expended in the direction of killing his fellow-man. The discovery of high explosives, perfecting of death-dealing weapons of war, the science of military attack, all this is a wonderful manifestation of human intelligence; but it is in the wrong direction.

Now universal peace is at the stage of conception - minds have grasped it slightly, but strong will is needed and likewise the power of execution is essential for it to be realized in the contingent world.

Once I wrote to the Persian friends that if the workers of peace conferences do not apply in their own lives what they advocate, they are like those wine sellers who convene and make emphatic speeches regarding the harmfulness of wine and proposing its prohibition. But when they go out of the meeting, they begin again to sell wine and to do what they were doing in the past.

When the Hague conference was convened and many souls from different nations and governments were present in that gathering delivering speeches about universal peace, I wrote to Iran that it was like wine sellers gathering to discuss the prohibition of wine and extensively debating its harms, but when they leave the meeting, they return to selling wine just as before.

What of the Peace Congress?

It resembles many drunkards gathered together to protest against the drinking of alcohol.

It is very easy to come here, camp near this beautiful lake, on these charming hills, far away from everybody and deliver speeches on Universal Peace. These ideals should be spread and put in action over there (Europe), not here in the world's most peaceful corner.

Of course, everyone says that peace is desirable but the power to influence and conform is what is required.

Your aim, of course is the realization of universal Peace, but with what power or what executive force will you be able to bring it about? I hope that you will find this propelling power so that you may become assisted.

It is incumbent upon the Sovereigns of the world -- may God assist them -- unitedly to hold fast unto this Peace, which is the chief instrument for the protection of all mankind. It is Our hope that they will arise to achieve what will be conducive to the well-being of man. It is their duty to convene an all-inclusive assembly, which either they themselves or their ministers will attend, and to enforce whatever measures are required to establish unity and concord amongst men. They must put away the weapons of war, and turn to the instruments of universal reconstruction.

They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world. They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race.

For example, the question of universal peace, about which Baha'u'llah says that the Supreme Tribunal must be established: although the League of Nations has been brought into existence, yet it is incapable of establishing universal peace. But the Supreme Tribunal which Baha'u'llah has described will fulfil this sacred task with the utmost might and power.

Of them one is the Universal Peace. But His Most High, Baha'u'llah, palpably says that the Assembly of Universal Peace must be composed of members from all nations and governments, even from the small states. Had it been done in this way, difficulties would not have arisen.

The second teaching of Baha'u'llah was universal peace, that all nations of the world must establish relations with one another and make peace, and establish a universal tribunal. In that tribunal, members should be from all countries. These members should be elected by national assemblies, an upper house should be organized, and governments should assist in electing the members. All people of the world should have representatives. Any international issues that arise should be referred to that tribunal, and that universal tribunal should resolve them.

Eighthly: Baha'u'llah declared the coming of the Most Great Peace. All the nations and peoples will come under the shadow of the Tent of the Great Peace and Harmony -- that is to say, by general election a Great Board of Arbitration shall be established, to settle all differences and quarrels between the Powers; so that disputes shall not end in war.

A Supreme Tribunal shall be established by the peoples and Governments of every nation, composed of members elected from each country and Government. The members of this Great Council shall assemble in unity. All disputes of an international character shall be submitted to this Court, its work being to arrange by arbitration everything which otherwise would be a cause of war. The mission of this Tribunal would be to prevent war.

Another principle is that of Universal Peace and the establishment of the Supreme Court of Arbitration----a court that shall solve all the intricate national and international problems.

And forty years ago in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, He commanded universal fellowship and invited all governments to universal peace, stating that the boundaries of all nations should be determined through an international assembly which no nation could transgress, and if a dispute arose between two nations, it would be adjudicated in the international assembly and resolved like disputes between individuals. Should one party rebel, all nations would rise against it. He wrote that this universal peace would be the cause of rest for the world of creation.

"As to the question of disarmament, all nations must disarm at the same time. It will not do at all, and it is not proposed, that some nations shall lay down their arms while others, their neighbors, remain armed. The peace of the world must be brought about by international agreement. All nations must agree to disarm simultaneously.

Among other things He hath said: "Originally mankind was one family, united and compact; later the members of this happy family were divided and sub divided through ignorance and prejudice. Now the time has come again for their final unification. Universal Peace will bring about this long-wished-for consummation"

Once the Parliament of Man is established and its constituent parts organized, the governments of the world having entered onto a covenant of eternal friendship will have no need of keeping large standing armies and navies.

You can best serve your country if you strive, in your capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist in the eventual application of the principle of federalism, underlying the government of your own country, to the relationships now existing between the peoples and nations of the world.

'Then,' said he, 'all the nations must come together, there must be a league of nations for the government of the world.'

I hope that the members of the League, and especially its benevolent President who seeks the welfare of humanity, will succeed in establishing, in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah, a Supreme Tribunal whose members shall be chosen from among all the nations and governments of the world. This Supreme Tribunal will be the protector and guarantor of universal peace. Now is the first gleaming of the dawn of universal peace. It is hoped that the sun of universal peace will shine forth with such splendor as to utterly disperse the darkness of war, strife and conflict.

"Fifty years ago," he began, "Baha'u'llah wrote that there must be a league of nations to establish universal peace.

… "Baha'u'llah saw even then, half a century ago, that unless universal peace is established, the world of humanity will continue in a state of barbarism. For it is a world of struggle for existence, of sensualism, a world of nature. Only when universal peace comes to stay will it become a world of spirit.

Today the true duty of a powerful king is to establish a universal peace: for verily it signifies the freedom of all the people of the world.

Gradually racial prejudices will be dispelled. There will come a day when the German will say to the Frenchman, 'I am a Frenchman'; and the Frenchman will say, 'I am a German'. If the governments should like to wage war the people will not agree to it…. If anyone is in any place he will say, 'This is my home'.

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

The sixth principle is Universal Peace. Humanity must achieve this peace. Until its light illumines the decisions of the leaders and governments of the world, humanity will find no rest.

Thanks be to the Most Great Name for having raised aloft such a tabernacle in the midmost heart of the world, through which the various nations of the earth shall become unified and associate with one another in friendship; the disparate nations of the world shall become one country and its numerous lands one homeland; all the different governments shall join together in union and harmony; the roots of injustice shall be eradicated; and the foundations of war, conflict, pillage, plunder, hatred, and hostility shall be destroyed.

I counsel them that they may day by day strengthen the bond of love and amity to this end---that they may become the sympathetic embodiment of one nation---that they may extend themselves to a universal Brotherhood to guard and protect the interest and rights of all the nations of the East---that they may unfurl the Divine Banner of justice---that they may realize and treat each nation as a family composed of the individual children of God and may know that before the sight of God the rights of all are equal.

That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician.

The body of the human world is sick. Its remedy and healing will be the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Its life is the Most Great Peace.

Among them is universal peace, which is the immediate remedy for every malady in this illumined age.

Today, the greatest and speediest remedy and the sole effective antidote that the Divine Physician has prescribed for the world's ills is the oneness of humanity, universal peace, the explanation of the principles of the divine religions and the removal of dogmatic imitations and customs which are contrary to science and reason.

If so great a remedy would be applied to the sick body of the world, it would certainly be the means of continually and permanently healing its illness by the conciliation of universal moderation.

… All the rulers of the world will then be settled on peaceful thrones amid the glory of a perfect civilization, and all the nations and the peoples will rest in the cradle of peace and comfort.

The first plan "the alliance of Humanity for the attainment of Universal Peace" did not bring any result: for the question of Universal Peace is one Teaching of the Teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, It must be along the Principles of the Bahais and not the Principles of the Bahais to be along (or consider as of secondary importance to) the question of Universal Peace.

My objects are the establishment of the Cause of international arbitration, the promotion of the oneness of the world of humanity, the conformity of religion with science and reason, the elucidation of the essential unity of the divine religions, the explanation of the continuity of the prophetic revelation, the instruction of mankind in the knowledge of human brotherhood, the inculcation of the primordial oneness of all phenomena, the upraising of the standard of the solidarity of the human race, the creation of a nucleus for bringing about the universal race, the spread of the precepts of spiritual civilization, the teachings of the synthesis of the heavenly philosophy, the readjustment of the economic relations between the capitalists and laborers, so that each individual member of the world of humanity may enjoy the utmost welfare and prosperity, the organization of the Arbitral Court of justice - in order that all the nations of the world may settle before that Court their international disputes and thus remove all the traces of enmity and hatred and the upholding of the principle of one auxiliary, universal language.

My message is the oneness of humanity and universal peace; the harmony of true science and religion; the equality of rights; the elimination of religious, racial and political prejudices; the truth of all the divine religions; the removal of religious imitations and superstitions; the education of women to such a degree that they may have equal rights with men; the adjustment of the economic condition of all people so that if a rich man enjoys honor and affluence, the poor man may also have a mat to lie on and a house to dwell in; the establishment of spiritual civilization; the reformation of human morals; the unity of all religions, so that when the people of the world recognize the truth of all religions, they may become united since truth is one - if they follow imitation, war and dissension shall remain, because imitations are the cause of differences.

Similarly, he speaks with rational proofs and arguments about the oneness of humanity, the harmony of religion with reason and science, the promotion of universal peace, East-West relations, the falsity of religious prejudice, the censure of national and racial prejudice, the reproach of political prejudice, equality of rights between men and women, advancement of true sciences and knowledge, reconciliation between natural and divine philosophy, and the spirituality of the human world.

It is the Cause of love and amity amongst mankind. It establishes communication between various religions and different nations. It removed all antagonism. Therefore when this Cause is fully spread in Europe, warfare will be the thing of the past, universal Peace will be realized, the oneness of the world of humanity will be practiced, religion and science will work hand in hand.

Fifty years ago Baha'u'llah declared the necessity of peace among the nations and the reality of reconciliation between the religions of the world. He announced that the fundamental basis of all religion is one, that the essence of religion is human fellowship and that the differences in belief which exist are due to dogmatic interpretation and blind imitations which are at variance with the foundations established by the Prophets of God. He proclaimed that if the reality underlying religious teaching be investigated all religions would be unified, and the purpose of God, which is love and the blending of human hearts, would be accomplished. According to His teachings if religious belief proves to be the cause of discord and dissension, its absence would be preferable; for religion was intended to be the divine remedy and panacea for the ailments of humanity, the healing balm for the wounds of mankind. If its misapprehension and defilement have brought about warfare and bloodshed instead of remedy and cure, the world would be better under irreligious conditions.

Baha'u'llah especially emphasized international peace. He declared that all mankind is the one progeny of Adam and members of one great universal family. If the various races and distinct types of mankind had each proceeded from a different original paternity -- in other words, if we had two or more Adams for our human fathers -- there might be reasonable ground for difference and divergence in humanity today; but inasmuch as we belong to one progeny and one family, all names which seek to differentiate and distinguish mankind as Italian, German, French, Russian and so on are without significance and sanction.

We are all human, all servants of God and all come from Mr. Adam's family. Why, then, all these fallacious national and racial distinctions? These boundary lines and artificial barriers have been created by despots and conquerors who sought to attain dominion over mankind, thereby engendering patriotic feeling and rousing selfish devotion to merely local standards of government. As a rule they themselves enjoyed luxuries in palaces, surrounded by conditions of ease and affluence, while armies of soldiers, civilians and tillers of the soil fought and died at their command upon the field of battle, shedding their innocent blood for a delusion such as "we are Germans," "our enemies are French," etc., when, in reality, all are humankind, all belong to the one family and posterity of Adam, the original father. This prejudice or limited patriotism is prevalent throughout the world, while man is blind to patriotism in the larger sense which includes all races and native lands. From every real standpoint there must and should be peace among all nations.

Quench ye the fires of war, lift high the banners of peace, work for the oneness of humankind and remember that religion is the channel of love unto all peoples.

Despite this, we have in no wise relented, but have continued to endeavour unto this very moment and are increasing our efforts as day followeth day, because our desire for peace is not derived merely from the intellect: It is a matter of religious belief and one of the eternal foundations of the Faith of God.

Today the human world is in need of a great power by which these glorious principles and purposes may be executed. The cause of peace is a very great cause; it is the Cause of God, and all the forces of the world are opposed to it. Governments, for instance, consider militarism as the step to human progress, that division among men and nations is the cause of patriotism and honor, that if one nation attack and conquer another, gaining wealth, territory and glory thereby, this warfare and conquest, this bloodshed and cruelty are the cause of that victorious nation's advancement and prosperity.

"According to the Divine Teachings, the banner of Universal Peace must be raised by the power of the Word of God. The Oneness of the World of Humanity must be established by the power of the Holy Spirit. No matter how the politicians strive, it will become worse. The power of man is helpless."

Just as in past centuries it prevailed over all powers and moderated racial, economic and even national differences, likewise that divine conquering power will blend all these elements together and raise the tabernacle of the unity of the human world at the pole of the world, and the standard of universal peace will wave over all horizons.

The Holy Spirit is the only power which will ultimately unite and harmonize the races and nations of the world. The Cause of God is the only panacea which will heal for all time to come the social, economic and political diseases of mankind. The revelation of Baha'u'llah is the tree which will send its outstretched branched to all the countries and under its cool shade all the religious sects will gather there to fraternize and associate with one another.

A permanent peace in the world of existence can be established only through the power of the spirit. Spirit is the ruler over the body. If the people are emancipated through one spirit, there is not a trace of doubt but that the greatest bond of union and harmony will be established amongst them.

As for Christ's appearance after war and earthquake, this refers to the promotion of divine teachings which will be spread throughout all lands and result in universal peace, for universal peace is not possible except through the penetration of the Word of God.

Ye should strive to widen the circle of those with whom ye enjoy friendly relations, and to establish the closest contact with those benevolent souls whose only thought is to do good, who are labouring in the cause of universal peace, and who cherish no desire but to witness the unification of the world of humanity. Ye should seek out the company of such people as these, that ye may imbue them with an awareness of the heavenly Kingdom, for albeit their motives are of the finest, yet they do not realize that all the powers of the earth are impotent either to establish universal peace or to promote the oneness of the human world. Nothing short of the power of the Word of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit can ever succeed.

O ye discerning ones! Verily, the words which have descended from the heaven of the Will of God are the source of unity and harmony for the world. Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness.

The Kingdom of God was established in the world of existence through the power of the Word of God and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, and the lights of peace and reconciliation dawned forth from the Sun of Truth. Ere long will its rays illumine both East and West.

My hope is that soon it will be established as it ought to be and should be. Now it is the beginning of dawn, a little light has appeared, but through the penetration of the Word of God, the reality of universal peace will shine forth like the sun.

Never did anyone imagine that humanity would yearn for divine unity, that the banner of universal peace would be raised at the pole of the horizons, and likewise with the other divine teachings--it was never thought possible. Now the world's great ones and people of influence are striving with utmost effort to implement the divine teachings. Yet this is only the beginning dawn; after this dawn comes the true morning, and after morning the rising of the Sun of Truth. Then will universal peace pitch its tent at the pole of the horizons, and all divine teachings will be implemented.

Praise be to God that the dawn of peace and reconciliation has broken. We hope that in future the sun of world-peace shall in accordance with heavenly Teachings, rise in full splendor from the horizon of the world.

Whatever has issued from the Supreme Pen will surely become manifest and evident, but humanity as a whole is not yet ready for this blessing. Gradually, this heavenly gift will dawn from the horizon of spirit and consciousness, and when this luminous ray reaches its zenith in the exalted firmament, the intense darkness will vanish and the divine lights of unity will encompass the earth's expanse.

"By what process" continued the questioner, "will this peace on earth be established? Will it come at once after a universal declaration of the Truth?"

Previously we spoke of universal peace and people laughed, saying warfare was human nature. Now behold they themselves have formed peace societies in this country, there are international associations.

… For example, in the days of the Prophet warfare was required for that time, but in the days of the Blessed Beauty the requirements of the realities of things is universal peace.

It is necessary for individuals to become as good bricks, to eradicate from themselves race and religious hatred, greed and a limited patriotism, so that, whether they find themselves guiding the government, or founding a home, the result of their efforts may be peace and prosperity, love and happiness."

The time has come for all to make peace with each other and turn to friendship and truthfulness. Religious prejudice must vanish, racial prejudice must vanish, political prejudice and national prejudice must vanish. We must show perfect love towards one another, for we are servants at one threshold and recipients of the light of one Sun.

The purpose of the Baha'is is to raise high the banner of the Most Great Peace and to eliminate the foundation of war and strife from all horizons, to bring all different nations and peoples under the shade of God's unified tabernacle, and to erase racial, national, religious, sectarian and political prejudices from the tablet of the world - so that all regions become one region, all races become one race, and all nations become one nation, until the world of creation finds rest.

Destroy the mot of conflict and strife; abandon imitations and prejudices which lead to cruelty, so that you may acknowledge the Truth and the light of the oneness of humanity may shine brilliant and manifest as the sun; the standard of universal peace be hoisted; perfect love and harmony may reign among the races, religions and nations; and the world of man may find peace and acquire a divine image and likeness.

He has had and has no purpose except the reformation of the world and all that is therein, that perchance the world-consuming sun of ignorant fanaticism may be extinguished and the East and West of the world may become connected and united in all respects.

The time has passed when humanity could find happiness through the differences of peoples and nations. Now this is the luminous century and the age of the All-Merciful. Realities have cast aside their veils, and the prejudicial delusions have become clear and manifest, showing that they have ever been the cause of the destruction of the earth. Save through amity and unity and the oneness of mankind, happiness for humanity is impossible.

Now that women have been stirred to action in this century, they must keep this in view: to promote universal peace, to manifest the unity of humanity, to make human virtues shine forth, to connect the hearts of nations, to remove religious and sectarian prejudice, eliminate gender prejudice, abolish political prejudice, and lift away national prejudice.

The most momentous question of this day is international peace and arbitration, and universal peace is impossible without universal suffrage. Children are educated by the women. The mother bears the troubles and anxieties of rearing the child, undergoes the ordeal of its birth and training. Therefore, it is most difficult for mothers to send to the battlefield those upon whom they have lavished such love and care.

I beseech God to grant confirmation and success to the world of women, for their desire is universal peace.

O maidservants of God! Now is the time to take hold of the viol of love, raise the melody of the Kingdom of God, eradicate war and lay the foundation for peace.

Through knowledge may you become the cause of love for all on earth and the cause of the Most Great Peace, so that by divine assistance and grace the foundation of war may be destroyed and the foundation of peace and love may be laid, that you may be successful in both worlds.

The thoughts of universal Peace must be instilled in the minds of all the scholars, - in order that they may become the armies of Peace, the real servants of the body politic - the world.

It will upraise the standard of oneness of the world of humanity and make the earth a universal commonwealth. It will be the cause of love between the children of men and create good fellowship between the various creeds.

Today the greatest need of the world of humanity is discontinuance of the existing misunderstandings among nations. This can be accomplished through the unity of language. Unless the unity of languages is realized, the Most Great Peace and the oneness of the human world cannot be effectively organized and established because the function of language is to portray the mysteries and secrets of human hearts.

This is the day of universal peace, of universal brotherhood, of a universal language and of the union of all religions.

Universal Peace will be established; the Oneness of the World of Humanity will be established. No war will remain. The Teachings of God will be promulgated. One language will be adopted and spread. Misunderstandings will pass away and it will be very good."

I pray you, Esperantists and non-Esperantists, to work with zeal for the spread of this language, for it will hasten the coming of that day, that millennial day, foretold by prophets and seers, that day when, it is said, the wolf and the lamb shall drink from the same fountain, the lion and the deer shall feed in the same pasture. The meaning of this holy word is that hostile races, warring nations, differing religions, shall become united in the spirit of love.

The five continents of the world will become as one, its diverse nations will become one nation, the earth will become one homeland, and the human race will become one people.

… Universal peace will raise its pavilion in the midmost heart of creation and the blessed Tree of Life will so grow and flourish as to stretch its sheltering shade over the East and the West. Strong and weak, rich and poor, contending kindreds and hostile nations--which are like the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and kid, the lion and the calf--will treat one another with the utmost love, unity, justice and equity.

Prior to the time of Jesus Christ the Word of God had unified opposite types and conflicting elements of human society; and since His appearance the divine Teachers of the primal principles of the law of God have all intended this universal outcome. In Persia Baha'u'llah was able to unite people of varying thought, creed and denomination. The inhabitants of that country were Christians, Muslims, Jews, Zoroastrians and a great variety of subdivided forms and beliefs together with racial distinctions such as Semitic, Arabic, Persian, Turk, etc.; but through the power and efficacy of religion Baha'u'llah united these differing peoples and caused them to consort together in perfect agreement.

Therefore, universal peace must be established, religions must be unified and equality must be accomplished.

The leaders of religions must be the means of binding the hearts together, establishing good-fellowship between the members of the human family, creating a desire for universal Peace and emphasizing more the essential unity of mankind.

Thanks be to God that it has become evident to all that Baha'is are lovers of peace and are kind to all. They adore the world of humanity and deeply love all mankind. They are devoid of all foolish prejudices, be it religious, ethnic or nationalistic. They consider the earth as one country and all its inhabitants as the herd of one kind, divine Shepherd.

Praise be to God that the Baha'is are successful in demonstrating qualities and conduct that are admired by all peoples and are the cause of proclaiming the oneness of humanity and promoting universal peace. Today this is the greatest foundation of true civilization and the cause of tranquility in the world of creation.

I am ever anticipating joyous news from America, wishing that all the newspapers and journals might write of the Bahais in the following terms:

"These people are distinguished in all qualities; they have pure intentions; they are truthful to all humanity; they are trustworthy; they exercise kindness towards all mankind; and with heart and soul and life they are engaged in service; they depend upon GOD; they are severed from the attachments of this world, albeit they are all engaged in some profession or work; they serve real civilization ; in reality they are civilized people; they fear nothing whatever; night and day their thoughtful attention is devoted to philanthropic deeds; they wish no harm to any one; they do not annoy anybody; they put forth efforts in general philanthropy; their greatest and highest desire is that bias may be removed from among the nations and sects of the world; that all mankind maybe united with each other; that all wars and battles may be abolished from among the nations and powers of the world; that the standard of universal peace or the Most Great Peace shall be raised; that estrangement may cease entirely; that no religious fanaticism, racial or patriotic bias shall exist, for all are the creatures of GOD, and all are the signs of the Power of GOD."

In brief, you must become distinguished for all the virtues of the human world; for faithfulness and sincerity, for justice and fidelity, for firmness and steadfastness, for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace. Finally, you must become distinguished for heavenly illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God.

After a man has come under the care of the Teachers, after he has perceived and understood the nature of man in its purity, then, having gained discrimination, he learns what virtue is.

The meaning is this: the mark of a soul who is the embodiment of the love of God is that, in a city such as Paris, he should be in the utmost enkindlement; amid such a scene of diversion and frivolity, he should abide in the utmost purity and sanctity. Then how great would be his radiance! Like a candle would he shine. Why? Because all the people are occupied with vain amusements and are defiled with selfish passions, while such a soul, in that very place, is aflame with the fire of the love of God, attracted by the breaths of holiness, and purified and sanctified from every stain.

Also three years before the outbreak of the world war 'Abdu'l-Baha travelled to America and most of Europe, where he raised His voice before all gatherings, societies and churches, appealing: O ye assemblage of men! The continent of Europe hath virtually become an arsenal filled with explosives. There are vast stores of destructive material hidden underground, liable to burst forth at a single spark, causing the whole earth to quake.

Eighth, universal peace will be established among the nations of the world by international agreement. The greatest catastrophe in the world of humanity today is war. Europe is a storehouse of explosives awaiting a spark. All the European nations are on edge, and a single flame will set on fire the whole of that continent.

It is the establishment of Universal Peace, the establishment of the knowledge that humanity is one family. Think on the conditions of this world of humanity. Nations have become like unto armed camps waiting to be ignited by the combustion of war.

Often I cried out at the top of my voice: O people! O people! Are you not awake? Are you unconscious of the danger which is threatening you? Are you unaware of the evils of war? Are you so heedless as regards to your future? O men! O women! Arise ye, show ye an effort, strive ye; perchance you may become able to extinguish this world-consuming fire!

"In short, every means that produces war must be checked and the causes that prevent the occurrence of war be advanced;--so that physical conflict may become an impossibility.

My aim is to create harmony and concord among the different groups and to eradicate prejudice, hatred and enmity so that the peoples and nations of the world may become brothers and well-wishers of mankind and not engage in wars and massacres, and that catastrophes such as that in the Balkans with their bloodshed and annihilation of families may not occur again. Until such events cease, humanity will find no rest, the tabernacle of universal peace will not be raised and the oneness of the world of man will not be realized.

May the Balkan War come to an end and the rights of both sides be preserved and protected, otherwise its spark will engulf the world, especially Europe which is like an ammunition depot full of inflammatory materials waiting for one spark to turn Europe upside down. Thus there remains no solution except universal peace. Today this is the greatest of matters.

This nation can be blessed through being an instrumentality in establishing the Balkans Peace.

Then these fighting nations shall become friendly and these dark clouds of enmity that have encircled the horizon of Balkans shall be removed. The light of Peace shall shine forth, darkness and enmity shall vanish...

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

Baha'u'llah has proclaimed and promulgated the foundation of international peace. For thousands of years men and nations have gone forth to the battlefield to settle their differences. The cause of this has been ignorance and degeneracy.

In this period of its evolution the world of humanity is in danger. Every war is against the good pleasure of the Lord of mankind, for man is the edifice of God and war destroys the divine edifice. If an active, actual peace is brought about, the human world will attain to the utmost serenity and composure; wolves will be transformed into lambs, devils into angels, and terrors into divine splendors in less than the twinkling of an eye.

Without the inculcation of these principles mutual understanding and conciliation between the nations will not be realized. For instance the greatest evil of this century is war. In the Bahai teaching war is prohibited. The greatest need of this century is universal peace. Baha Ollah has instituted it. The most urgent need of human kind is the declaration of the oneness of the world of humanity, this is the first principle of the Bahai Teachings.

Similarly, the dawn of universal peace shall appear and gradually its sun will shine forth, and humanity will find rest and tranquility, and the light of love will illumine East and West. In any case, because of this bloody war all humanity has become weary of war and a wonderful readiness for universal peace has been achieved.

After this war all people are thirsty for universal peace, and the divine teachings are the founder of universal peace and promoter of the oneness of the world of humanity.

This world-war has come to an end. We trust that at least it will lead to the preliminaries of Universal Peace, as it is manifestly forewarned in the Blessed Tablets.

Before the universal peace is established there will be wards and a general overturning of society. These wars are to warn the people, so that they may learn, if they do not follow the teachings, they will be punished, for the power of the Spirit will be taken from them and they will become as lamps without light.

… So many different people--those who are fierce, and who hold animosity toward each other, will be gathered in union and harmony under one tent, to lay the foundation which will be the cause of harmony and union of all the creatures.

Because peoples and nations did not act in accordance with justice, and tyrannized innocent men, this war had to sweep away all remnants of autocracy, absolutism and militarism, and usher in an era of democracy, equality before the law, and international peace.

He said:

If the republics of the Americas assembled and agreed on the question of peace, and if all of them would turn to the [Peace] Assembly at the Hague, most of the powers of Europe would follow suit. But looking at it from another point of view, if an international war breaks out in Europe, international peace will be established more quickly.

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This peace will come about after great upheavals and events take place.

[He was asked whether it would occur in this century. He replied:]

Yes, in this very age and century in which we now find ourselves.

Wait! till the end of the war. The New Ideals of Peace which I have nurtured in my mind will be promoted. God willing we shall take another journey and achieve greater victories.

From now on lesser and lesser will be the magic spell of war, greater and greater will be the influence of Peace. The day is coming when the Dove of Peace shall reign over all the continent, the laws of Peace shall rule all the nations and the resources of war will be expended over that which would be conducive to the spiritualization of mankind.

Our Lord said that the Blessed Perfection had revealed secretly in a Tablet some words about Universal Peace. And also, just before His Ascension, He had revealed another Tablet about the Universal Peace which should prevail between all the peoples of the world. We now see the effect of these words spoken by the Blessed Perfection, in the fact that the Czar of Russia has called all nations to a Peace Conference, and in the various societies and organizations for promoting peace which are now in this world.

In peace congresses and conferences of nations we raised high the call of the Ancient Beauty and spoke of that which promotes universal peace and advances the unity of the human world, to such an extent that in every gathering all necks were bowed, tongues opened in praise, hearts were attracted to the breaths of God, and souls were gladdened by the glad-tidings of God.

Among the principles of divine civilization He came to proclaim is the Most Great Peace of mankind.

… He wrote special Epistles covering these facts to all the kings and rulers of nations.

He wrote to Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, the Czar of Russia, the Emperor of Germany, Napoleon III of France and others, inviting them to world unity and peace. Through a heavenly power He was enabled to promulgate these ideals in the Orient. Kings could not withstand Him. They endeavored to extinguish His light but served only to increase its intensity and illumination.

Fifty years ago Baha'u'llah proclaimed the peace of the nations and oneness of the divine religions, addressing His words to all the kings and rulers of the world in specific Tablets. Therefore, my supreme desire is the unity of the East and West, universal peace and the oneness of the world of humanity.

For example, universal peace was never mentioned, never heard of. After it was revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, this concept emerged. But where did it originate? What is its source? They do not know.

We have enjoined upon mankind the Most Great Peace that the world and its people might find rest, but they cast the command of God behind their backs and followed the ways of the corrupt ones.

Unto the emblems of justice and the exponents of equity it is indubitably clear and evident that this Wronged One, strengthened by the transcendent power of the Kingdom, is seeking to efface from among the peoples and kindreds of the earth every evidence of disorder, discord, dissension, differences or divisions; and it is for no other reason but this great, this momentous object that He hath again and again been cast into prison and many a day and a night hath been subjected to chains and fetters.

Now that sacred Tent which belonged to the Manifestation of God, the tent under which the Surat-El-Heiykal, the Ketab-El-Akdas and other glorious Tablets were revealed, the tent which was hallowed by the presence of the Sun of Reality, that tent of the Lord which was predicted by the prophets to be raised on the plain of Acca and on Mount Carmel, the tent under which international Congresses of humanity must be convened in the future and the Flag of Universal Peace waving over it - I say this tent is given by the violators of the Covenant to Jamal Pasha, the general of the Syrian Army.

The second is the Most Great Peace. Praise be to God! This American democracy manifests capacity, showing forth readiness to become the standard-bearer of the Most Great Peace.

May the American people and their government unite in their efforts in order that this light may dawn from this point and spread to all regions, for this is one of the greatest bestowals of God. In order that America may avail herself of this opportunity, I beg that you strive and pray with heart and soul, devoting all your energies to this end: that the banner of international peace may be upraised here and that this democracy may be the cause of the cessation of warfare in all other countries.

I am very hopeful that he may fulfill my expectation. Because the greatest principle of His Holiness Baha'u'llah is Universal Peace. He proclaimed this principle more that fifty years ago and wrote about it in wonderful epistles to the governments of the world, urging them to come forward and lay the foundation of International Conciliation amongst the religions, nations and races.

The people of America are distinguished above the nations of Europe in this glorious aim, namely universal peace, and it is fitting that they take pride over all nations. Especially Mr. William Bryan, Secretary of State of the United States, who has truly arisen with the utmost effort to promote universal peace and who strives in this regard according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah and who is sacrificing his life in this cause.

America has arisen to spread the teachings of peace, to increase the illumination of humankind and bestow happiness and prosperity upon the children of men. These are the principles and evidences of divine civilization. America is a noble nation, the standard-bearer of peace throughout the world, shedding light to all regions.

America is the home of the ideals of Peace; its people are peace-loving and its democratic leaders the spreaders of the seeds of Peace.

As Americans are removed from most political difficulties they live at ease in isolation and, compared to most other regions, are more desirous of peace and harmony, so they can succeed in bringing about universal peace provided they arise as they should and the nation and government put forth strenuous efforts and, through spiritual power, carry out the divine teachings and principles.

The light of the Oneness of the world of humanity, equal rights and divine morals shall spread from this country to other countries and shall illumine the world."

Today the United States is leading the forces of good will and fraternity and during the last years her far-sighted Presidents and statesmen have proposed many fundamental Peace plans, the highest ideals of which are embodied in epoch-making treaties entered in good faith with several nations. This in itself is a most hopeful sign and insures ultimate success to the Cause of Peace.

America has the capacity of becoming the standard bearer of international Peace.

I have come to America to speak a message of peace and good-will to you. You are a noble nation with a just government. I beg of God that this just and fair land may assist in working for the peace of the world. Let the people of this young and noble nation assist in the great movement for the peace and unity of the world.

Praise God, this nation at this time is striving with all its energy for International Peace. Rest not from your endeavors until international peace become established.

Q: What was your purpose in traveling to America?

A: I have come to America to promote universal peace and the unity of humankind, not for sightseeing and tourism.

… But peace is today the greatest matter in the human world. There is no matter more important than it. It is the cause of comfort for the world of creation. It is the cause of happiness for humankind. It is the cause of fellowship among all created things. It is the cause of connection between East and West. It is the cause of true freedom and is the greatest divine gift.

I have come to America to raise the standard of universal peace and to promote the unity of mankind. My aim is to create love and harmony among the religions.

"Having heard of the numerous organizations for peace and arbitration, and because of My great interest in these subjects, I have come here," said 'Abdu'l-Baha, "to advocate the unity and solidarity of humanity.

Question: "We (by "We" they meant the missionary world) are watching with great interest the progress of this Movement. For it seems to us it is advancing with great rapidity without the usual propaganda organization which to us hard-headed, practical Americans seems so essential and necessary. We are watching to see what will be the objective aims of this Cause."

Answer: "The objective aims are the oneness of the world of humanity, Universal Peace, Universal Love, international Cooperation and reciprocity, the founding of divine Civilization, the promotion of the principle of human consanguinity and solidarity and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, first in the hearts of men and then upon earth. These are the noble objective aims. Are you not in sympathy with them? Will you not do also your utmost to hasten that day? What harm is there in this? We are working day and night for the realization of these Ideas and purposes. God and His servants are also pleased with those souls who are serving under a different flag and in a different camp to actualize these principles of humanity."

It is my fond and fervent hope through the favor of God that this present meeting may be instrumental in ushering in the day when the standard of the oneness of the world of humanity shall be held aloft in America. May it be the first real foundation of international peace, having for its object universal service to man.

To some doctors He stated, 'I hope that you will raise the standard of universal peace.'

To a member of Congress, He said, 'Just as you are exerting yourself for the good of America, so must you expend your energy for the benefit of all the nations of the world.'

Yes. It would have had a marked effect. God willing this excellent idea will become realized, for such representatives and Senators would concentrate all their energies and influence on the side of Peace and conciliation. Their public utterances in the national councils will be listened to respectively and their sincere strivings crowned with success.

How much better it would have been if these emperors, Kings, Ministers, Representatives and politicians treated each other according to the law of love and affinity. The result of such and similar treatments would have made them very happy, their countries most prosperous and their people advancing daily along the line of arts and industries.

Universal Peace is the best panacea for the diseases of the Islamic world, because it cannot withstand the military aggression of the European nations.

… They can save what is left to them through the proclamation of Universal Peace.

After this journey, the call of the unity of humanity and universal peace must be upraised in the Ottoman territories. Their turn shall come; perhaps an effort will be made to unite their various peoples.

In Germany numerous gatherings were held where on one side was raised the banner of universal peace and on the other the blessed flag of Iran.

One hopes that all friends in Germany may drink from this divine cup and raise the banner of universal peace.

We hope through the Divine Bestowals the moral life of the people of Persia may become cleansed from loathsome vices and degrading habits; that they may become the patterns of the spiritual life, that they may embody the ideals of the Merciful One; that their hearts may become the clean caskets for the pure thoughts of celestial paradise; that they may lay the foundation of divine civilization; become conducive to the promotion of love and good-fellowship; that they may cooperate with all the nations in the establishment of universal peace; that they may master the findings of modern sciences and arts, that they may study the material knowledges and teach the supernal knowledges of the Kingdom of God.

Still, we pray and hope that this dust may settle and that Iran may experience comfort and composure, that its heaven may be illumined, that a divine civilization may be founded there; that Persians may so advance as to shine throughout the world, become exemplars to all nations, lay the foundation of human perfections, progress both materially and morally; that Iran may become a centre of arts and sciences, of industry and innovation; that it may serve the realm of moral virtues and foster universal peace; that it may enact laws and establish institutions that would be emulated throughout the world.

O thou esteemed personage! The details of the Peace Conference of Nations, which is to be convened under your presidency, were observed in the newspapers of the East and West, and the utmost joy and gladness was attained that, praise be to God, the Peace Conference of Nations is being established under the presidency of such an illustrious person. Today in the world of existence there is no matter greater than this, for it is the cause of the comfort of creation, the tranquility of all nations and governments, and the felicity of every human being.

Last night, at the invitation of the International Peace Society, I attended the Grace Methodist Church and gave an extensive talk, presenting clear proofs and decisive evidence for the absolute necessity of international peace, mentioning that Baha'u'llah raised this banner in the Most Great Prison.

Truly I say many societies are organized in America for the promotion of the thought of peace and universal brotherhood. That country has preceded all the rest in this respect. But all these peace societies organized in the countries of the West, whose aim is the oneness of the realm of humanity, consist of explanations and theories on this subject; but the Bahais have engraved this matter on the page of this world with their own blood.

But this 20th century is the century of the promotion of international Peace, the proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity, the brotherhood of man, the union of religions, the solidarity of various nations and the universalization of all the great ideas, common to the children of man.

In the past century, the most important question that occupied the mind of man was the establishment of political freedom and this aim was more or less broadcast.

But in this luminous century the greatest bestowal of the world of humanity is Universal Peace, which must be founded, so that the realm of creation may obtain composure, the East and the West, which include in their arms the five continents of the globe, may embrace each other, mankind may rest beneath the tent of oneness of the world of humanity, and the flag of universal peace may wave over all the regions.

Such peace is among the requirements of this age, and although all of God's Prophets summoned creation to peace and unity, until this time the world did not have the capacity for it as needed.

The spirit of the age demands the establishment of universal peace. No power on earth can stand before it. God has purposed that peace must reign in this age, and it will come to pass.

In all the holy Books, this promised Day is mentioned, wherein wars shall end in peace, tyranny and aggression shall be transformed into justice and benevolence, and oppression and cruelty shall be transmuted into love and fidelity. This is among the assured and inevitable developments of this cycle of Revelation.

Then wars and disputes shall cease and over the world will spread the Most Great Peace.

And my hope is that universal peace will eventually be established.

But when the spring of universal peace comes, then it will sprout and its importance will become manifest and apparent.

The chief objects of Green-Acre Conferences must be the furtherance of universal Peace, investigation of Reality, brotherhood, tolerance, sympathy to all mankind, the cultivation of better understanding between the nations of the world, elimination of dogmas and superficialities, the illumination of the hearts with the Light of Truth, social service, the study of the fundamental principles of all the religions and their comparative co-operation.

Every student should know, with perfect certainty, that he is the brother of the people of all religions and nations and that he should be without religious, racial, national, patriotic or political bias, so that he may find the thoughts of universal peace and the love humankind firmly established in his heart. … The mothers in the homes, the teachers in the schools, the professors in the universities, and the leaders in the lofty gatherings, must cause these thoughts to be penetrative and effective, as the spirit, circulating in the veins and nerves of the children and pupils, so that the world of humanity may be delivered from the calamities of fanaticism, war, battle, hate and obstinacy, and so that the nether world may become the paradise of heaven."

You must be full of zeal and enthusiasm, and from your class may the lights of the unity of the human world and universal peace shine forth to all directions, and may you become the cause of the promotion of the heavenly teachings and call souls to divine characteristics so that they may receive a Baha'i education and be confirmed with divine confirmations.

Live thou in Paris until the fragrance of the love of God may emanate from thee in the college wherein thou art studying sciences and unfurl thou the standard of universal peace, reconciliation, agreement and security among all men.

It is for us to consider how we may educate men that the darkness of ignorance and heedlessness may disappear and that the radiance of the kingdom may encompass the world; that the nations of men may be delivered from selfish ambition and strife, and be revivified by the fragrance of God; that animosity and hatred may be dispersed and wholly disappear, while the attracting power of the love of God so completely unites the hearts of men that all hearts beat as a single heart; that the arteries of all mankind may pulsate with the love of God; that contention and war may utterly pass away, while peace and reconciliation lift their standard in the midst of the earth and men become enamoured of one another; that the joys of spirituality may prevail over material pleasures; that East and West may delight in one another as lovers, and North and South embrace each other in closest affection; that the visible world may be the mirror of the world of the kingdom; that the image of the Supreme Concourse may be reflected in all gatherings of men; that the earth may be changed into the paradise of the Glorious One, and the Divine Jerusalem embrace the terrestrial globe.

The unity of mankind was not realized, perfect connection was not produced amongst mankind, for there was no means for this; they could not meet each other. But in the Cause of the Blessed Perfection, Baha'u'llah, the greatest preparations are in evidence. The means for the unity and harmony of mankind is found in the most complete way.

This reformation and tranquility shall not appear except through unity and harmony, and this shall not be achieved except through the counsels of the Most Exalted Pen. His utterance doth illuminate the horizons with the light of unity.

It is hoped that through the endeavours of pure souls, the darkness of enmity and dissension may entirely vanish and the light of love and harmony may shine; that the world may become another world and this nether realm may mirror forth the Kingdom of God; that the people of the world may embrace one another, the terrestrial globe may become one homeland, and the different races may be considered as one race; that this conflict and contention may end and the heart-ravishing love of God may become manifest in the assemblage of the world.

We must raise high the banner of universal peace and sound the general call. We must hold discord in abhorrence and count harmony and agreement as our highest aspiration. We must deal with all souls with gentleness and treat all the peoples of the world with kindness. We must make every deprived one prosperous and every hopeless one hopeful.

Nay, it beseemeth us in this century of light to abolish the blindest fanaticism amongst the peoples and nations of the world; to show the unity of mankind; to make the stranger find himself a friend; to regard the foe as a faithful companion; to love all the communions and nations and show them loving-kindness; not to disappoint even an idol-worshipper; to eliminate all strife and dissension, contention and conflict, battle and war; to propagate the Kingdom of peace and welfare; to be the well-wishers of mankind; loyal to every treacherous; to meet every tyrannical oppressor with justice; to serve the Crown with trustworthiness and piety; to obey the Authorities; to sacrifice our lives for the State; to be loyal to and serve every nation; not to meddle with political affairs; not to curse the State officials; to submit ourselves unto God; and to be content with every circumstance.

The loved ones of God must be promoters of peace and reconciliation, seeking the comfort of creation and the tranquility and fellowship of friend and stranger alike. They must not consent to harm even an ant, nor cause distress to any soul.

O thou who art steadfast in the Covenant! We neither maintain intimacy with one party, nor cherish attachment to the rest of the parties. Our way is to tread the straight path, and our manner is to walk in the highway of rectitude. In this fleeting world we would raise aloft the banner of the unity of mankind, and seek concord, union, and universal peace.

Praise be to God that thou wert confirmed in establishing reconciliation among the friends and didst bring harmony among the loved ones.

It is a very happy evening, God willing, in the same way that we have met together, all the world of humanity may gather together; all become cordial, all become friendly, all may associate together in utmost love.

This is indeed the cycle of Love! This is the dispensation of Amity! This is the age of friendliness! This is the century of Light! This is the era of forgiveness! This is the period of universal toleration! This is the time of the unity of religions! This is the day of spiritual good-fellowship! This is the hour of international relation and kindly association with all the children of men!

I have come to promote divine civilization. This is a civilization that Baha'u'llah established in the East. It is a civilization that tends to the domain of character; it is a civilization that conduces to universal peace; it is a civilization that promotes the unity of the world of humanity.

Divine Civilization is Peace, Love and Unity.

The oneness of mankind (i.e. unity) ensures peace for the individual as well as for all. Peace guarantees freedom.

When we consider outcomes in the world of existence, we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment, whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and nonexistence is the absence of their attraction and agreement.

That which is, in the first instance, conducive to the order of the world and the progress of nations has been and will continue to be the Most Great Peace, the particulars of which have been recorded in the sacred Scriptures and Tablets.

We hope that all may attain to that which is the cause of the acceptance of souls and the harmony of hearts.

War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men shall live as brothers.

That is what causes fellowship between all religions and peoples on earth, brings East and West into embrace, fully connects North and South to each other, raises high the tent of the oneness of humanity, lays the foundation of universal peace, delivers mankind from the darkness of the world of nature to the luminosity of the Kingdom, liberates all hearts, and brings glad tidings of God to all spirits.

I called all to the unity of the human world and invited them to universal peace, peace between nations, peace between religions, peace between races, and peace between regions. I explained the benefits of peace and described the harms of war and conflict.

All men and nations shall make peace. There shall be universal peace amongst governments, universal peace amongst religions, universal peace amongst races, universal peace amongst the denizens of all religions. Today in the world of humanity the most important matter is the question of universal peace.

The Baha'is must be the servants of universal Peace, the workers for the Cause of the Oneness of the world of humanity, the spreaders of heavenly Love amongst the children of men, the promulgators of the principles of the progress of mankind, the dispellers of the clouds of religious, national, patriotic and political prejudices and the upholders of the inviolable rights of equality between men and women.

Question: "Why do you go to America?"

Answer: "I go there through the personal invitations of the American Peace Societies and the urgent appeal of my friends. Because the objects of this Cause are universal Peace, the oneness of the world of humanity and perfect equality between all mankind.

I in the East, and you in the West, let us try with heart and soul that unity may dwell in the world, that all the peoples may become one people, and that the whole surface of the earth may be like one country -- for the Sun of Truth shines on all alike.

If you make such an effort, the East and West of the world will embrace each other, the foundation of hatred and enmity will be utterly destroyed, heavenly love will spread, spiritual fellowship will be attained, the unity of humankind will become manifest, the Most Great Peace will be realized, all humanity will mingle with one another in utmost affection, and both earthly happiness and heavenly happiness will be attained.

It is my hope that all of us may arise with the greatest power to serve this most important cause (Universal Peace) and become the means of the welfare of the world of humanity.

Today the courageous one, like a ray of light, becomes the cause of illumination of regions and localities, and the enlightenment of the world and radiance of creation lie in peace and reconciliation, and success and prosperity. … Therefore, seek the wellbeing of all the people of the world and the comfort and security of humanity.

In brief, now is the time that the Teachings of His Highness Baha’u’llah be promulgated in that continent, so that all the inhabitants may become ready for the establishment of Universal Peace, the Glory of the Oneness of the world of humanity be unfurled and all the nations and tribes may obtain tranquility and composure under the Shade of the Tabernacle of Unity.

For the teachings of that Ancient Beloved are the comfort of both worlds and the peace of heart and soul. They are the Most Great Peace and the rest and tranquility of tribes and peoples.

O seeker of the unity of the human world! Your letter was received and its reading brought the utmost joy, for praise be to God, you are a seeker of the Most Great Peace and immersed in the ocean of the love of humanity, acting according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

That pathway is that of severance from the world till reliance upon God, baptism through spirit and fire; namely to attain the spirit of the knowledge of God, and conflagration with the fire of the love of God; trustworthiness, faithfulness and firmness in the Covenant, steadfastness in the cause of God, and service to the Kingdom of Peace which shall soon establish its tent in the center of the world, and the army of the Oneness of the world of humanity will regenerate the world like heavenly angels.

I beseech God that ye may tread the path of truthfulness and rectitude, of fellowship and of devotion to God, that ye may gain everlasting life, be adorned with every human virtue, become the heavenly angels of the kingdom of universal peace and the conquering hosts of the realm of the oneness of humanity.

God willing, may you become the cause of calling the Persian brethren to this spring of eternal life, bringing all beneath the pavilion of universal peace, and making them servants at the threshold of the Lord God.

It is the time for the oneness of the world of humanity, and the day wherein universal peace must be promoted.

O how I wish that all of the leaders of the people would spend their energy for unity and peace among all nations and sects!

God says in the great Qur'an: A day will come wherein the lights of unity will enlighten all the world. "The earth will be irradiated with the light of its Lord." In other words, the earth will become illumined with the light of God. That light is the light of unity.

Glad-tidings, glad-tidings! The tent of Universal Peace is set up!

The dawning of the Sun of Truth is so intense that soon in all seven climes the anthem of "Glory be to the Holy One, Lord of the angels and the Spirit" will be raised, and the pavilion of the unity of the human world will be erected at the pole of the earth. Paris and England will embrace the Caucasus and Tiflis, Africa and America will share in the tumult and fervor, and Turk and Tajik will become intimate companions. God willing, the roar of cannons and sound of rifles will cease in the Western world.

Also, among the teachings of Baha'u'llah are the unity of the world of humanity and the establishment of universal and eternal peace.

That which is the cause of the unity of the world and its peoples hath flowed forth from the Pen of the Most High in divers Tablets.

Soon you will observe that the banner of sanctification will be raised, and the standard of the unity and love of mankind will wave at the pole of the horizons, universal peace will be established, and the light of reality will shine forth.

The time has come when all mankind shall be united, when all races shall be loyal to one fatherland, all religions become one religion, and racial and religious bias pass away. It is a day in which the oneness of humankind shall uplift its standard and international peace, like the true morning, flood the world with its light.

Baha'u'llah says: 'The world is one home. There is no glory for one who loves his country, but for one who loves the world.' We are free and apart from all these questions."

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I hope that the connecting power of love of the Kingdom of God will unite all the nations of the world. This is Our hope.

Good news! Good news! The Banner of the Great Peace is floating far and wide!

Each sentence is a prophecy soon in vision: that all religion become one, that all differences may be removed. And this is that, I hope, all people be of one creed and all nations as one.

Now Universal Peace and the great Tribunal which are (from) Divine Teachings we hope will be established. It is now the beginning of the dawn of Peace. Some light has spread. But we hope that the Sun of Universal peace may shine so that all the Universe (that is) the world of Creation may become at ease.

Among the teachings is universal peace, the details of which are explained in the tablets.

Therefore, O ye companions of Abdul-Baha, display ye an effort, so that ye may make that region (America) the Paradise of ABHA, hoisting the banner of the Most Great Peace and spreading the teachings of the Beauty of ABHA; in order that the slumberous world become awakened, the unconscious become mindful, the universe become another universe, the human world become the realm of the Kingdom, earthly emotions become heavenly attractions, cruelty and oppression be changed into love and faithfulness, the clattering of the sword be transformed into the sweet melody of the pen and the discordant sound of war become the wonderful song of love and intelligence; in order that all the individuals of humanity embrace each other and live among themselves in perfect love and affinity.

Enclose ye also the letter that this servant hath written to the East and the West regarding the benefits and profits of the unification of the world and the unity and concord of all its peoples and nations.

Thou hast praised the Convention. This Convention shall acquire great importance in future, for it is serving the divine Kingdom and the world of mankind. It promulgateth universal peace and layeth the basis of the oneness of mankind; it freeth the souls from religious, racial and worldly prejudices and gathereth them under the shade of the one-coloured pavilion of God. Praise thou God, therefore, that thou hast attended such a Convention and hast listened to the divine Teachings.

Universal peace will be realized and people will become angelic.

The object of my undertaking such a long journey with all its inconveniences has been to bring about spiritual illumination in the Occident, for the Occident has great capacity and its people are less fettered by vain imaginings and imitations. Lofty ideals find a quick acceptance among them and today the loftiest ideal of all is devotion to the unity of mankind and universal peace.

Fourth, science and religion must walk hand in hand. Fifth, universal peace among mankind, and its details. Sixth, the establishment of the Supreme Tribunal, and its details.

All peoples and nations testify that this tabernacle of the unity of the human world casts its shade upon all, and this call for universal peace uproots the foundation of estrangement and transfers all humanity from one plane to another....

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As for the sign of the maturity of the world mentioned in the Most Holy Book - one is the achievement of universal peace, and another is the manifestation and appearance of the Sister of Prophethood, divine wisdom, of which the hidden craft is a part....

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This person showed the utmost consideration to the handmaiden of God Mrs. Stannard in India, and according to what has been heard, he is one of the promoters of peace and tranquility and is kind to all people.

This kind of difference must be eliminated so that through spiritual power the different parties and nations may come under the shadow of one Word.

Here the tabernacle of the Most Great Peace will be hoisted and the foundation of the wondrous Divine Order will be established.

Thereby may every eye be brightened and every heart attain everlasting joy and bliss; thereby may all come together, with tranquil souls and well-assured hearts, beneath the shade of the pavilion of the oneness of humanity; and thereby may eternal peace, har-mony, welfare, and prosperity be realized on earth, for we are all the members of humankind - all the servants of one loving God.

Should the fire of these two be quenched, the world would find peace, and all regions of the earth would be seen as one country.

They seek world peace and the cessation of conflict and strife among humanity. They are well-wishers of all and love both small and great. They desire comfort for the world of creation until it is adorned with the Most Great Peace.

Soon East and West will embrace like two lovers.

All peoples of the world become friends and embrace each other.

… O dear one, our desire is that warfare cease and the melody of peace be raised high, that conflict end and contention vanish, that hatred and animosity be erased, that prejudice and cruelty be eliminated, that opposition and resistance be transformed into cooperation and mutual aid, that discord be cast out and harmony prevail.

We hope through the favors of the Lord that the banner of universal peace will be raised and the tent of the unity of the human world will be pitched at the pole of possibility. The peoples of the world will become one people, and the earth one homeland.

Therefore it is my hope that you who are firm in the Covenant may become encircled with a new Confirmation and a most great succor envelop you and with the utmost strength may arise in the guidance of the people--so that the splendors of the Kingdom of Abha may shine upon the continents, the flag of the oneness of the world of humanity be unfurled, the song of universal Peace may stir the hearts into cheerfulness, all the nations of the world may enter beneath this uni-colored Tent, mankind may receive a share and a portion from Eternal Life, each one of those holy souls become like unto a fruitful tree and be ignited like unto the candle of guidance in the assemblage of mankind.

May the furnace of possibility become the garden of unity, the thornbush of ignorance become the rosegarden of knowledge, the thorny field of hatred and enmity become the highest paradise, so that all humanity may gather beneath the banner of the love of God, and the extended shadow may encompass all existence, and the pavilion of the Most Great Peace may cast its shade upon this dusty earth.

Through the grace of the Lord I hope you will be enabled to become the cause of guidance to all on earth, raise the banner of the Most Great Peace, and become the cause of love, harmony and unity among all mankind.

It is hoped that this new assembly will cause the shining forth of a brilliant light, will raise high the standard of the Covenant, will spread the holy fragrances from the rose garden of the Testament, will promote the unity of the world of humanity, will become the herald of the Most Great Peace, and will cause the exaltation of the Word of God and reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

May they find rest in the shade of the tabernacle of human unity and adorn the gathering of universal peace. May they raise high the melody of oneness and unfurl the banner of fellowship. May the world become a supreme paradise and the face of earth be adorned like heaven.

O maid-servant of God! Be a caller to universal peace, a standard of love among the people, a spreader of the spirit of concord and union among nations and sects, an utterer of exhortations, a demonstrator of the proofs of the appearance of the Kingdom of God, by a power whereby the hearts of the chosen ones become attracted, confirmed by a might whereto the necks of the proud men bow and those of great people are humbled.

It is because we are so preoccupied with the vital concerns that we have raised the cry of the Abha Kingdom in the midmost heart of the world; it is for this reason that we have upraised the tabernacle of Universal Peace. Praise be to God that so many souls are hastening to the shelter of this tabernacle from both the east and the West.

Now is the time that ye be engaged with the utmost power in the service of the world of man, enter under the shade of the Ensign of Universal Peace, raise the voice of the unity of the human kind, illumine the darkened souls, awaken those who are asleep, make mindful those who are negligent, bestow a share on the portionless ones, and make confidantes of the mysteries of the Kingdom those who are deprived.

O thou whom God hath blessed with a great love from Abdul-Baha!

The spiritual letter arrived and all that thou hadst requested hath been fulfilled. The letters are enclosed with this letter - deliver them to their owners.

Perchance, God willing, Universal Peace may be founded and all the communities and religions of the world may usher under the uni-colored shade of the canopy of the Merciful, that this dark cloud of hate and animosity amongst the religions and nations may be scattered from the horizon of the world and light of love and fellowship may dawn and flood all the regions.

The gates of Heaven are open; blessed are they who see! The hosts of angels are standing in battle order; what a joy to those who gain the victory! The trumpet of life is sounding; how good it is to those who are awake!

What a unity and concord!

Today the inhabitants of the world must be engaged generally in praising the Word of God, which has bestowed such a bounty and has established such a harmony and affiliation that the Beloved of the union of the race of man has uncovered the face, displaying the utmost beauty and perfection in the assemblages of the world, and is captivating the hearts of everyone in all the regions.

If the assembly remains firm and souls become attracted to the Abha Kingdom, ere long the Sun of Reality will shine with intense radiance upon that city, the melody of human oneness will be raised, the banner of universal peace will wave, and the heavenly powers will provide confirmation.

O faithful servants of Baha'u'llah! In truth, you are members of the Assembly of Purification and receivers of the lights of sanctification, for you are the cause of fellowship among the friends, the gathering of the loved ones, the guidance of the heedless, and the promotion of the unity of the human world.

He seeks universal peace and desires the welfare of all.

You have expressed the hope that in this radiant century you may become confirmed in the service of the oneness of the world of humanity and be promoters of Universal Peace. This hope is acceptable at the Threshold of the Almighty and this intention is the greatest of intentions.

O illumined Assembly! Praise be to God that you have succeeded in establishing that Assembly, and your purpose is to promote universal peace, establish the oneness of the world of humanity, and investigate truth.

This realm is the arena of the Kingdom, and this lordship is the dominion of the Realm of Might.

May it lay a foundation for the unity of mankind. May it promote the concept of one homeland, of one nation and of the basic unity of all religions.

My hope is that you may receive a ray from the Sun of Truth and become like unto a blessed tree, abundant in fruit, serving the unity of the human world and becoming the cause of love and kindness among all peoples.

It is my hope that the Sea of Love may be set in motion. The Sea of Love is the sea of sanctity. It is the sea of knowledge. It is the sea of peace and reconciliation. When that sea shall be set in motion new results will appear every hour -- results that will be age-abiding.

The Parliament of man will be established; humanity will be spiritual[ized] and the Standard of Peace will be hoisted above every home.

This will be the paradise which is to come on earth, when all mankind will be gathered together under the tent of unity in the Kingdom of Glory.

Abdul-Baha went on to say: "Be very kind and serve every one; become lovers of justice and pray for the whole of mankind; help the poor and the children; heal the sick; shelter the refugees; and be known by your lives as the children of God; so may that sun become the light of the world, casting its radiance upon East and West. May the world become a new world; may war and slaughtering cease and the most Great Peace come.

We must renounce every thing in the path of the Beloved and with a New Melody summon mankind to usher under the Canopy of Universal brotherhood and fellowship and advance toward the Kingdom of Peace and reconciliation.

If the friends of God act in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah, become confirmed in guiding the nations, ever serving the cause of the oneness of the world of humanity and ever offering their assistance toward the establishment of international peace, undoubtedly Los Angeles will become a center of the kingdom, the lights of divinity will shine, the heavenly manna will descend, and you will attain to that which was the utmost desire of sages and heavenly ones.

Now you must, with a heavenly power, show forth such an effort and such zeal that through this power of the Kingdom you may annihilate entirely this hostility and rancor, and let all the nations become friends to each other, and give a real unity to all the different religions, so that fighting and war shall be erased from among the people.

When they turn their faces toward this Point their hearts will be illuminated with a new light, their complicated relations will be readjusted and their problems solved.

They must exert themselves to bring about the Oneness of the world of humanity. … They must ever be ready to sacrifice their properties, their rest and their lives so that in the world of humanity divine illumination be spread, the Banner of Universal Peace be upraised, and the Tabernacle of the Oneness of the world of humanity be pitched in the very center of this globe.

There we will put our brow at the Holy Threshold and pray in behalf of all the friends throughout the world, supplicating His Confirmations so that they may arise to diffuse the sweet scent of his utterances and summon all men to the Standard of Universal Peace, Brotherhood, divine Civilization and spirituality.

Practically all the European and American newspapers have been unanimous in declaring that these humane principles will in the long run have a most profound influence in shaping the ideals of brotherhood and establishing the Cause of Universal Peace.

When thou art writing to them, tell them that they are very dear to me. Often in the middle of the night when I am awake I turn my face towards the Holy Threshold of the Blessed Beauty and ardently pray for them. They are the great pioneers of Universal Peace.

Say: O people! Be ye united in the Cause of God - this is better for you - then turn unto your Lord, the All-Merciful, with humility and contrition.

The intention is that all might be illumined by the light of unity and associate with one another in love and harmony, so that the whole earth may be regarded as one country and one land.

May this American democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. May it be the first to unfurl the standard of the 'Most Great Peace'...

The American people are indeed worthy of being the first to build the tabernacle of the great peace and proclaim the oneness of mankind...

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May the dark clouds of war and strife disperse, may the lights of the Sun of Reality shine from the horizon of peace and reconciliation upon all the world, may the light of guidance shine forth, may hearts be illumined, may souls be quickened with eternal life, may the heavenly teachings that have been issued in this luminous century spread, may the foundation of hatred and enmity be destroyed, may the palace of fellowship and love be raised up, may warships be transformed into merchant vessels, may implements of war become tools of agriculture and cultivation, may the fire of oppression and aggression be extinguished, may the breeze of providence blow, may the springtime of the unity of the human world pitch its tent at the pole of the earth, and may the banner of universal peace be raised.

Thus may the unity of the human world pitch its tent at the pole of the world, may universal peace raise its banner in all regions, may the earth become a supreme paradise, and may the face of the earth receive its share from the grace of the manifest light.

O Thou Almighty Lord! Strengthen all mankind that they may do according to the instructions and teachings recorded in these writings, so that wars and strifes may be eliminated from the world of man; that the roots of enmity may be destroyed and the foundations of love and affection be established; that the hearts may be filled with love and the souls be attracted; that wisdom may advance and the faces become brightened and illumined; that there be no more wars and strifes and that reconciliation and peace appear; that the Unity of the world of man may pitch its tent on the "apex of the horizons," so that peoples and parties become as one nation, that different continents become as one continent and the whole earth as one land; that the sects of antagonizing and dogmatic religions be unified; that the world of creation be adorned and all the people of the earth abide in unity and peace.