War and peace: measuring victory by the life it preserves

With a thousand worries, troubles and tears he raises a child. Then, he readily puts thousands upon thousands of them to the sword's blade. It takes twenty years for a person to grow to maturity and full strength, but in an instant, these people massacre tens of thousands of men and allow them to perish. How many cities are thoroughly destroyed, how many villages are reduced to heaps of dust, how much blood reddens the soil and how immense are the properties that are plundered and wrecked! And yet, there is no benefit in any of this!

And now you see that war destroys the edifice of humanity, causes the ruin of the world, and yields absolutely no fruit. Both victor and vanquished suffer loss. It is like two ships colliding - even if one sinks the other, the surviving vessel is still damaged and impaired. At most, one state temporarily prevails over another, but this victory is fleeting. Days pass and the vanquished becomes the victor. How many times has France triumphed over Germany, and then Germany over France!

Today the greatest calamity in the world is war. Humanity has no peace and war is constant, because all nations are continuously preparing for war. All wealth is spent on war. The poor farmer toils day and night with the labor of his hands and sweat of his brow to obtain a few seeds and gather a small harvest, but to what benefit? For the produce goes to war preparations and is spent on cannons, rifles, arsenals and warships. This financial war is constant.

Man has set up imaginary lines, only to have these become causes of strife. A river is made a boundary, one side called France and the other Germany. The river was in reality created for both. What a superstition! An imaginary line to become a cause of bloodshed!

Consider how humanity has retrograded from its ideals, for it glories in fratricide. If one person kill another he is called a murderer and the civil authority brings him before the law; but if he kill one hundred thousand people on a battlefield, he is hailed as a conqueror.

For six thousand years, according to history, there hath ever been war and contention. The fire of battle hath blazed to a mighty height, and every land hath been continually beset with fear and dread. War have we tried, and its results have we beheld: ruin and bewilderment and everlasting loss. Now, according to the divine teachings, let us for a while promote universal peace, and lay the foundation of love and reconciliation among the nations. Let us change weapons into welfare, and transform the instruments of vengeance into implements of husbandry.

"God treats these people with His mercy, not with His justice, since God is against war. But as many did not will the war, but were obliged to go to the battle field by force of circumstances, therefore God has mercy for they suffered much and they lost their lives.

War is a grievous calamity. It begins and ends in disaster. A mother has a beautiful boy filled with every grace and promise. He develops into manhood, goes to war, and in an instant all his possibilities sand usefulness are cut off.

Consider the torrents of blood shed in the fields of battle for no good cause and for no sane purpose. Consider how many of humanities noble trees have been uprooted in their youth, how many lamps have been extinguished in this world barely after they were ignited, how many multi-coloured buds have been cut down before they had a chance to bloom, before their fragrant blossoms even opened.

The fires of conflict have blazed so high that never in early times, not in the Middle Ages, not in recent centuries hath there ever been such a hideous war, a war that is even as millstones, taking for grain the skulls of men. Nay, even worse, for flourishing countries have been reduced to rubble, cities have been levelled with the ground, and many a once prosperous village hath been turned into ruin. Fathers have lost their sons, and sons their fathers. Mothers have wept away their hearts over dead children. Children have been orphaned, women left to wander, vagrants without a home.

Now this war has left millions of children fatherless and millions of parents without sons. This war has left helpless sisters without brothers. This war has left millions of women widowed and husbandless. This war has shaken the foundation of humanity.

When that spot (France) is gazed at attentively, the breasts of the oppressed will be revealed which have acted as targets to darts and arrows; the blood of the afflicted ones will be seen which has colored red the ground, and the sighs and wails of orphans will be heard that reach the summit of heaven. The cries and groans of mothers that mourn the loss of their children, surge like unto the billows of the sea, and the moans and lamentations of fathers, distressed at the loss of their sons, upset and wound the hearts.

Two months ago I heard that practically all the inhabitants of Paris are in mourning! Just think of this one public misfortune! How it has affected all the people without exception! Mothers have lost their sons; wives are deprived of the protection of their husbands; sisters weep over the death of their brothers!

Observe what is taking place in Tripoli: men cutting each other into pieces, bombardment from the sea, attacks from the land and the hail of dynamite from the very heaven itself. The contending armies are thirsting for each other's blood. How they can do this is inconceivable. They have fathers, mothers, children; they are human. What of their wives and families? Think of their anguish and suffering. How unjust, how terrible! Human beings should prevent and forbid this.

Consider what is happening now in Tripoli - how many fathers become sonless, how many young children become fatherless, how many loving mothers weep in grief for their children, how many wives wail and lament for their husbands. This sacred human blood is being spilled for earth. Predatory animals do not fight for territory - each is content with its place. The wolf is content with its den, the leopard with its cave, the lion with its jungle. None thinks to transgress against another. But alas, this merciless human, even if possessing all dwellings, still thinks of acquiring more.

Now this luminous age has come, bringing with it wonderful civilization and material progress. Men's intellects have widened, their perceptions grown, but alas, in spite of all this, fresh blood is being spilt day by day. Look at the present Turco-Italian war; consider for a moment the fate of these unhappy people! How many have been killed during this sad time? How many homes are ruined, wives desolate, and children orphans! And what is to be gained in exchange for all this anguish and heartache? Only a corner of the earth!

In regard to the war raging between Italy and Turkey, He says:

"I am very unhappy to see how wicked and uncivilized human beings can be, the motive for fighting is so small and ignoble. They are fighting for the earth, which is the lowest form of matter.

There has been another battle today and much blood has been shed. The poor have given their lives as a sacrifice to the greed of others. Men are fighting for the earth-for land-and it belongs to no one but God. Kings have fought for it from Charlemagne to Napoleon I, yet they had no right to it.

After all, a claim and title to territory or native land is but a claim and attachment to the dust of earth. We live upon this earth for a few days and then rest beneath it forever. So it is our graveyard eternally. Shall man fight for the tomb which devours him, for his eternal sepulcher? What ignorance could be greater than this?

They kill for national aggrandizement, notwithstanding this terrestrial globe is but a dark world of grossest matter. It is a world of sorrow and grief, a world of disappointment and unhappiness, a world of death. For after all, the earth is but the everlasting graveyard, the vast, universal cemetery of all mankind. Yet men fight to possess this graveyard, waging war and battle, killing each other.

Nations sometimes say, 'We wish to extend our boundaries!' Consider with me for a moment, 'What is the earth?' We live for a few years on its surface and then it becomes our eternal cemetery. Millions of generations are buried there. It is the universal graveyard of humanity. Is it praise worthy to engage in war for a cemetery--to pillage the wealth of nations for an eternal graveyard?

Man was created for peace and has come for reformation. For what is this contention and for whom is this war? This handful of dust was not and is not worthy of such transfers.

Look at the turmoil and tumult occurring in Manchuria. Consider, you who have eyes to see.

All these conflicts take place in the world of dust. In the end, this unclean dust, like an impudent serpent, will swallow up every single human being, and will not spare a single soul. Despite its iniquity and injustice, this black earth is beloved of all, the seductive sweetheart of the horizons. How thoughtless, how ignorant, that for the sake of this useless dust, the affliction of the body and the soul, such sacrifices should be made, that blood should be shed, cities razed, and life and property despoiled.

O thou who art attracted to the beauty of the Abha Beauty! In this mortal world, the conquest of realms and dominions is achieved through bloodthirsty swords and incendiary firearms, and therefore is neither blessed nor auspicious.

Consider how in the wilderness of Manchuria two million souls sacrificed their lives for the sake of earth, and throughout the winter season, in cold and storm and snow and rain, from morn till night they strove with utmost vigor to shed blood in the field of sacrifice. They shall find no fruit save manifest loss.

… Indeed, war and strife, battle and conflict, striking and struggling are a disgrace to the human world and prevent prosperity and salvation.

How barbarous it seems to send men, who do not even know each other, to the battlefield in order to shoot each other down.

How cruel man is to send his brothers into the battle-field, so that they may cut each other to pieces! Just on the simple ground that thou art German, I am English and he is French! Although in reality they are all human and are living beneath the shade of one God.

Let peace be for the weaker nations but war is for the mighty! … How barbarous and foolish it is to send men who know not each other at all to the battlefield and order them to shoot down each other and cut each other's throats.

The politicians of the world maintain that war is the cause of material and intellectual progress. Yet they themselves consider the Bedouin Arabs to be contemptible and savage because they raid one another and plunder each other's property, while they themselves do exactly the same thing. The only difference is that the Arabs do this with sword and spear, while they do it with cannon and rifle.

… Even if they conquer a country, how can a mother whose children have been killed find any joy or delight in such a victory?

They also say that war and strife cause the emergence and manifestation of zeal and valor and the progress and advancement of nations over each other. We say that if by zeal and valor is meant physical pride and courage and the manifestation of animal powers, then the more savage a person is, the better. Why should this war and strife be limited to nations? Indeed it would be better between individuals. Why should there be security and order? Chaos and disorder would be preferable.

We hear on every side praises of the wonders of this cycle, its achievements, its refinements, its genius; calling the past the age of mediaeval horror. What mediaeval age held the horror of a Krupp gun, a Mauser rifle or a shrapnel shell that kills a whole camp? On the sea we have the submarine and the dreadnaught. If you compare the past with this age, impartial judgment will call this the age of human fratricide.

A civilization that would not require Krupp guns for its protection, thereby terrorizing the hearts of all people. A civilization that would not need to invent new weapons of war. A civilization that would not need to operate battleships and submarines at sea and airplanes and zeppelins in the air condemning humanity to utter ruin and loss.

He created man gentle, peaceful and social, without sharp claws and long canine teeth. Then man invented the sword and death-dealing instruments.

This last terrible war hath clearly proven that humanity cannot withstand the effects of modern instruments of warfare. The future can in no wise be compared to the past, for earlier weapons and armaments had but a feeble effect, whilst modern ones can, in a brief span of time, strike at the very roots of the world of humanity and surpass the limits of its endurance.

Those who have provided the means for transporting arms and ammunition and the instruments of war and massacre on earth will do so from the air. There will come to exist such instruments as to cause all the means of destruction in the past to be looked upon as the playthings of children.

Continual additions to the armies and navies of the world will be made, and the fear and certainty of the great pandemic war -- the war unparalleled in history -- will be intensified; for armament, heretofore limited, is now being increased upon a colossal scale. Conditions are becoming acute, drawing nigh unto the degree of men warring upon the seas, warring upon the plains, warring in the very atmosphere with a violence unknown in former centuries.

Today, upon the earth, one sees the sad spectacle of cruel war! Man slays his brother man for selfish gain, and to enlarge his territories! For this ignoble ambition hate has taken possession of his heart, and more and more blood is shed!

Fresh battles are fought, the armies are increased, more cannon, more guns, more explosives of all kinds are sent out -- so does bitterness and hate augment from day to day!

Consider now, that the most advanced and civilized countries of the world have been turned into arsenals of explosives, that the continents of the globe have been transformed into huge camps and battlefields, that the peoples of the world have formed themselves into armed nations, and that the governments of the world are vying with each other as to who will first step into the field of carnage and bloodshed, thus subjecting mankind to the utmost degree of affliction.

This day, in the world of humanity, men are all the time expending, for war is nothing but the consumption of men and of wealth.

War was the greatest calamity that could overtake the nations, because the people usually employed in agriculture, trades, commerce, and other useful arts, were taken away from their various occupations and turned into soldiers, so that there was great waste and loss, in addition to the destruction and carnage of war.

Trade has become entirely non-existent and all the inhabitants are enlisted as soldiers. For example there are many merchants who have suffered complete ruin and to cap their misery they are compelled to enter the army and are sent to the frontier.

The prime minister of a just government described the true situation in parliament thus: "Seven million of our soldiers were armed and were afflicted with the fire of war and killing for five years. Three million fell, and one million were maimed and disabled. The cost of war was six billion pounds - each billion being a thousand million, meaning sixty thousand crores." Consider what losses and afflictions the others endured.

In olden times if a war took place there would be gathered by each party about one hundred thousand men and during one year perhaps seven or eight thousand would be killed. But now in this age in the war between Russia and Japan about one and a half million were called to arms and one third of that number were lost, and a half million were wounded or sick. Such a war has never before occurred.

The fire of war is the flame of rifle and cannon. The fires of battles are the inferno of Krupp. Dragon-like vessels are engaged in attack and battle. The foundation of fortresses is destroyed and buried. Strong castles are leveled to the ground. Troops like waves are drowned and destroyed in the sea of death by incurable demise. Bodies of the slain are rolling in dust and blood. Rivers of blood are flowing and streaming. The foundation of humanity is demolished and ruined.

Europe has become like a slaughterhouse for sheep - wherever you look you see troops upon troops slaughtered, killed and wounded, and cities overturned and people helpless and heartbroken.

You see how floods have erased all traces, and crimson blood flows like an overwhelming river in those regions, and souls are pouring forth in those distant lands. Hearts are trembling, breasts are aflame with the fire of passion, eyes are streaming with tears, and sighs rise from breasts due to these calamities prevailing over the lands. Nothing is seen but spilled blood, poisoned arrows and raised spears.

From the dawn of human history until now, never hath such a soul-consuming flame been kindled, nor such a conflagration spread to all horizons. All eyes are weeping and all hearts are burning. The whole continent of Europe hath become a field of bloodshed and an arena of savagery. As the poet sayeth: "There is not a thorn whose tip is not reddened with the blood of martyrs." Cries and lamentations reach to the zenith of heaven. The tears of orphans flow like floods, while fathers grieve in mourning for their sons.

O dear friends! The world is in strife and struggle, and mankind in the utmost enmity and misery. The darkness of oppression hath encompassed all and the light of faithfulness is concealed. All nations and peoples of the world have sharpened their claws and engage in combat and contention with one another. The edifice of man is shattered; thousands of homes are destitute and ruined. Each year thousands upon thousands of human beings are slaughtered on fields of battle, stained with dust and blood, while the pavilion of happiness and life is overthrown.

O noble friends and seekers for the Kingdom of God!

Some fifty to sixty years ago, when the fire of war was raging amongst governments and nations and bloodshed was considered the greatest of human attainments, the blood of thousands of human souls coloured the earth each day. Children were left without fathers, fathers without their sons, and mothers moaned and wailed, with tearful eyes and burning hearts, at the loss of their children. The darkness of hatred and animosity had enveloped humanity, the heavenly light had completely disappeared, and the breathings of the Holy Spirit were withheld.

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O ye dear friends! The world is at war and the human race is in travail and mortal combat. The dark night of hate hath taken over, and the light of good faith is blotted out. The peoples and kindreds of the earth have sharpened their claws, and are hurling themselves one against the other. It is the very foundation of the human race that is being destroyed.

For in these days humanity is afflicted with a chronic disease - bloodshed, destruction of divine foundations, devastation of cities and villages, killing of youth, orphaning of children, and homelessness of women. What calamity could be greater than this and what disease more dangerous? Consider that war was first religious, but now has become racial and patriotic war.

For centuries and cycles humanity has been engaged in war and conflict. At one time the pretext for war has been religion, at another time patriotism, racial prejudice, national politics, territorial conquest or commercial expansion; in brief, humanity has never been at peace during the period of known history. What blood has been shed! How many fathers have mourned the loss of sons; how many sons have wept for fathers, and mothers for dear ones!

When we review history from the beginning down to the present day, we find that strife and warfare have prevailed throughout the human world. Wars -- religious, racial or political -- have arisen from human ignorance, misunderstanding and lack of education.

From the beginning of human history until this day, there has been strife among humanity, hatred and enmity, war and bloodshed. Why? Because of misunderstandings between religions, misunderstandings that have laid waste the human world. People have shed each other's blood, have taken each other's children captive, have plundered each other's property.

For six thousand years there has been continuous warfare, pillage and carnage among the nations, and even the war in the Balkans to-day is but another instance of the religious prejudice caused by the misunderstanding existing among the people of different religions.

The human world, which is the dawning-place of the All-Merciful, has become an arena of warfare and bloodshed. One makes religion the cause of demolishing every firm foundation, another makes faith and belief an excuse for savagery in the human world, another imagines an illusory homeland and rises up in dishonesty in the name of patriotism, another claims valor and courage and stains his hand with human blood and begins oppression and torment against his fellow man.

Every hour war is threatened upon some new pretext; today patriotism is its basis, tomorrow religious prejudice, racial egotism, territorial greed, commercial selfishness--it matters little what the excuse may be--blood is shed and human beings torn to pieces upon battlefields. Political interests clash; a great war follows; sadness, gloom and cruelty envelop the world.

Nations in various ages have resorted to different excuses to slaughter their fellowmen and crown their heads with the bloody crown of so-called victory which we may call it defeat. In the past religious wars were repeatedly waged on the ground that this is Mohamadan, that is Christian, this Hindu, that is a Jew etc. This was a pretext appealed to the religious emotions of mankind. Another excuse has been and is that of country or patriotism, this is France, that is Germany, here is England and that is India. Let my country advance at the expense of another. Let me do something to grab a piece of somebody else's land. Let the commerce of my people develop while the other is ruined!

Differences are the result of thoughts and imaginations. Human thoughts have only an ideal, not a tangible existence, yet they have become the cause of enmity and dissension. … However, these differences have not proved to be worth the struggle of war. No man should hate another because his image is different, or because his habits and customs are different.

Ignorance and prejudice have encircled the nations of the earth and they are attacking each other with weapons of death instead of love.

… Now the nations of the world are adding daily to the means of warfare and have become military lunatics.

The term religious war is a misnomer, because there can be no war where there is religion. All we have is a hollow sham, a pretense. When once we have real religion, war will cease.

Nominally speaking the English and the German people belong to the Protestant wing of Christianity while the French and Austrians are Catholics. Notwithstanding this religiou[s] kinship they have already crimsoned many battlefields with the blood of each other. Why the display of this wolf-like quality? Why the appearance of these savage and brute forces?

In these days the world suffereth from unrest and turmoil, from contention and conflict and mankind is confused and stricken, and yet Christ bade Peter sheath his sword. And though He declared that he that draweth his sword shall by the sword be brought into account, yet notwithstanding, the sword hath been drawn and the peoples of the world are engaged in conflict.

Again Christ says: 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.' How does this agree with the intrigues of politicians, the machinations of the diplomatists behind the closed doors of their chancelleries and the constant incitement of jingo-press with their Pseudo-patriotism and the Continent of Europe becoming one vast, dangerous arsenal for the combustion of which only one spark is necessary and then there will be a world-consuming conflagration?

Similarly whenever Emperor William addresses the army he calls on God to give victory to the German arms but war and bloodshed have nothing to do with the God of Mercy and Kindness.

I read in a newspaper the other day a story concerning the present conflict raging between the European Powers which I may repeat here for the benefit of those who are present. The German people were praying to God that He may give them victory over their enemies, asking Him to expose their strategems, foil their tactics and unveil their purposes to them. The French nation was entreating the Almighty to defeat the forces of their foes, to grant them triumph, to destroy their farms and bring to naught their plots and machinations. The inhabitants of Great Britain were raising their voices to the throne of the Omnipotent, pleading with Him to crush the schemes of the barbarian and pagan adversary, to break down his strength and demolish the fabric of his rude and heartless Militarism. The Russians gathering in their cathedrals and churches besought the Lord to give them the sceptre of conquest and check the progress of the relentless antagonist. The Belgians implored the King of Kings to overthrow the fortune of the destroyers of their homes and hearths.

When the Divine Tribunal was inaugurated, they all came to plead their Cause and enlist the favor of the Supreme Judge on their own side. After listening to their arguments they were astonished and silenced when the heavenly Judge arose from His imperial seat and proclaimed His "Neutrality.

Some of the German friends have asked that victory be given to Germany. We are not interfering with either party. Here at the Threshold of Baha'u'llah we pray that they may seek Peace and settle all their outstanding disputes before a judicial, impartial, international court.

May they upraise the banner of Universal Peace!

God does not want war. These wars are against the divine will. He desires peace and love for His servants.

God willing, the sun of rest and tranquility will soon rise from the horizon of this world, and humanity will repose in the cradle of ease and joy. These are the days of testing, that pure gold may be separated and souls filled with prejudice and disease may vanish. The lights of justice and equity shall shine forth and be freed from the bonds of nature. It is abundantly clear that God, exalted be His glory, did not desire this war and strife.

In war both parties are wrong. Neither Japan nor Russia is fulfilling the Law and Will of God. … War is never necessary. It is always an expense and a calamity, never a great help. God utilizes even the wars of nations to carry out His ultimate purposes.

Consider how many men are engaged most devotedly in the present War; how they sacrifice and give their lives and possessions; how great is the number of soldiers among them. They are commanded by men who have dedicated their lives to the study of the science of war. They are all ready to sacrifice themselves in an instant. And yet their sacrifice has no benefit. [It is transient,] like a picture reflected on water.

If one soul is martyred for the sake of Truth, eternally shall he shine from the horizon of Glory; but for the last six months probably more than one million living, breathing youths have been left on the battlefields as dead corpses and soon their very names will be forgot[en.] In a few years who will care to know about them as individuals.

Now it is thus: millions of souls march forth and perish in the cause of this world, for the sake of countries, either in struggle or in warfare with enemies--it has no importance. Like in these days when so many in Europe are being annihilated, so many fathers are being rendered sonless, so many children fatherless, so many homes are being laid waste, so many mothers throughout the world are crying and lamenting for their children--it has no importance. Soon no trace of it remains.

'Abdu'l-Baha remarked, "Yes, Mousier Bernard was also taken to the battlefield, but if there was a single person in the world who was against war, it was him. He detested it most intensely and was so utterly against it that I am unable to describe for you. However, he was forced into joining the combat. For those who have sacrificed themselves in the path of God, it is difficult to sacrifice instead for mere soil, which is the least worthy of all creation."

His contempt for war was not because he desired to protect his own self, but was due to his hatred of conflict and killing. In truth, he was unique in all human perfections and spiritual attributes. He was a well-wisher for everyone.

Military rules are far worse than prison rules. These soldiers are in reality prisoners. They are restricted in all their affairs. They cannot deviate one hair's breadth from the prescribed rules. They are circumscribed in their eating, sleeping and walking. They are not at all free. Imagination rules over the world of humanity. These men are prisoners in everything save the name. Because they are called soldiers and are summoned to defend what the demagogues call "Fatherland" they willingly go through all these hardships.

It is very strange that each of these civilized ones who claim love for humanity and love for country, all of it is for displaying their own personality and fame. And that very claim proves the falsity of their claim because it is observed that they send their own people to the field of war and battle while they themselves live in palaces in complete comfort and ease. The leaders of nations in all their speeches expressed so much love of country and love of humanity, but they themselves ignited the world-consuming fire of warand their ultimate hopes were that their fame would increase, but they destroyed and ruined the homeland with the fire of war and killing.

'Woe unto the world because of offenses!' (he opened his talk, quoting the Scriptures,) 'for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.'

The present Kings, emperors and rulers are directly responsible for these unprecedented calamities of universal war.

I have come to find out what you want of me and my people? Why have you caused the shedding of the blood of all these people? For what reason have you ransacked all these cities? Why have you brought these armies from the end of the world to kill and be killed? What is back of this insatiable greed and rapacity?"

Instead of being the cause of the honor of the world of humanity they will be the means of its debasement. Their policies shall collapse like a 'pack of cards.' Their intellectual weakness and moral imbecility will be exposed.

Now that the world is in turmoil, let us see what will happen after this tempest; God willing, it will turn out well. These governments, without remembering the difficulties of this war, or considering its consequences, or taking into account the gravity of the situation, rush recklessly into war. Now both sides are remorseful. Had they known it would come to this, they would not have acted so rashly.

Napoleon the Great conquered Germany and brought under his control its domain but to what result! It was only a temporary victory. It ruined the homes of thousands to satisfy the beastly ambition of a single man. In a short while Germany recuperated and avenged the wrongs meted him by striking the terror of his arms into the very heart of France. The great conqueror himself spent his last days in misery [on] the Island of St. Helena.

Now this is the result, even though you see that war destroys the foundation of humanity, causes the ruin of the world, and has absolutely no benefit - both victor and vanquished are harmed.

… Indeed from the beginning of recorded history until now, no one has ever been harmed by good fellowship, love and peace - it has been the cause of universal joy and comfort, while war has brought harm to all.

Christ desired to illumine the world with the lights of peace and reconciliation; these seek to darken it with the gloom of war and strife. Thus are they all in loss. There is no victor; all are vanquished. When thou lookest with the eye of truth, thou seest that they are all destroying one another; all are subdued.

Similarly, all these nation[s] who are fighting each other and forming red rivers of the blood of their fellowmen - are defeated - one and all. For all of them are captives in the claws of lust and passion, are prompted by greed and cupidity and are imbued with the spirit of jealousy and hatred. The Army of the oneness of the world of humanity conquers over all, the Flag of Universal Peace shall wave over all; the power of the Divine Graces shall defeat all and the truths of human solidarity will vanquish all.

Tonight they have brought to the town the censored moving-picture of the German war and all the people are going to see it. Those questions which are the cause of the wrath and indignation of the Lord are made the objects of the glorification of mankind.

Recent Congresses, through conventions and treaties have limited and defined the art of war;- so that the non-combatants, the defenseless towns, the open, unfortified cities, the innocent citizens and the peaceful commerce of the nations be not violated; but in this universal war all these rules which were ratified by the governments are set aside and abrogated.

The signatory Powers of the Hague Conventions did not abide by their own agreement. They violated in this last outburst of savagery every article of those carefully-drawn, long-debated conventions. In the name of patriotism they have committed every shameful crime.

The Czar of Russia promoted The Hague Peace Conference and proposed the decreased in armament for all nations. In this Conference it was proved that Peace was beneficial to all countries, and war destroyed trade, etc. The Czar made a very good speech, though after it was over he, himself, was the first to declare war (against Japan).

Consider the assembly that was formed in The Hague for universal peace - how much discussion there was about peace, and how acceptable the words were! All nations sent representatives and all discussions were about nations and peoples living in peace and harmony, ending war and conflict, abandoning armaments.

Such a bloody universal war had never occurred in previous centuries. After the establishment of the Hague tribunal and the formation of universal peace assemblies in Europe and America and those eloquent speeches, the Russo-Japanese war destroyed the foundation of the world of creation, and now this universal war in which millions are shedding each other's blood on the battlefield, children becoming orphans and women widowed, youth stained with blood and dust, cities ruined and properties plundered.

From what I can gather from the events of my life, history clearly shows the wars that have been waged, the peace measures that were subsequently adopted, have proved inevitable failures. The Crimean war and the Treaty of Paris in 1856, the Austro-Italian war of 1859; the Danish war of 1864; the Austro-Prussian war of 1866; the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 and the Congress of Berlin, the Balkan war and subsequently this world war with its present Universal Peace Conference.

Wars will succeed; peace measures and pacific documents will remain dead letters unless the Word of God and His Supreme Power comes to exercise its influence. Not until this is attained may lasting peace be realised.

['Abdu'l-Baha] responded:

Yes, since they have disobeyed the blessed instructions [of Baha'u'llah]. Only a few countries have representatives in the League of Nations, whereas the representatives must be appointed and ratified by the nation, the government, the monarch and the Senate. They do not even consult. On the other hand, some governments are deprived of membership, and this has precipitated their fury and prompted their feeling of revenge. Governments have secret alliances with each other of which no one is aware, but these schemes will reach nowhere.

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

At present it is certain that temporary peace is established but it is not lasting. All governments and nations have become tired of war, of the difficulties of travel, of huge expenditures, of the loss of life, of the affliction of women, of the great number of orphans, and they are driven by force to peace. But this peace is not permanent, it is temporary.

Praise be to God, in this severe war and grievous torment it became firmly established that nothing but divine teachings are the cause of success and prosperity, and nothing but heavenly law can preserve the human world. This was the outcome of the great civilization that came to pass. Thus it became clear that the comfort and ease of the human world and the protection and preservation of human society is impossible through civilization alone - rather it must be combined with divine teachings, and the human world must be quickened and refreshed by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, and through the power of the Word of God the banner of universal peace must be raised. Otherwise human powers are impotent.

The progress of thoughts of international peace is very slow. Whenever they have nothing else to do, then they give vent to the discussion of these principles of peace, but as long as they are occupied with other things they do not give any importance to these thoughts. These thoughts in Europe are like unto the dessert at dinner, but the principal food is the discussion of army and navy.

In order that they may safeguard their vital interests, independence and honor, they must[,] they argue, keep up these colossal armies and navies to the highest degree of efficiency. They believe they must keep peace amongst themselves at the point of bayonets, forts, machine guns and infernal engines.

"No nation can follow a peace policy, while its neighbor remains warlike. For example, if France should cease to maintain her armaments while Germany should maintain hers, France would not be able to offer resistance to attack and would simply invite her own destruction. If France added to her armaments and Germany did not do the same, France would be the victor as soon as the armed nation fell upon the disarmed one.

Question: What is your opinion concerning disarmament?

Answer: Be a general agreement all the governments of the world must disarm simultaneously and at the same time. It will not do if one lays down the arms and the other refuses to do so. The nations of the world must concur with each other concerning this supremely important subject, thus they may abandon together the deadly weapons of human slaughter.

Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice.

Even so, after the revelation of that which the All-Merciful sent down in the Lawh-i-Ra'is, each government cried aloud: "We have no concern with killing, pillage, slaughter, and burning---nor have we ever had---so long as no harm toucheth the interests of our dominion." Thus did they set the two contending powers one against the other; and how many souls, men and women, children, cities and villages, were utterly swept away and brought to naught! Had the other kings restrained them, and regarded the good of all, these things would not have come to pass---save that which had been decreed as inevitable in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any one of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure.

… A conquest can be a praiseworthy thing, and there are times when war becomes the powerful basis of peace, and ruin the very means of reconstruction. If, for example, a high-minded sovereign marshals his troops to block the onset of the insurgent and the aggressor, or again, if he takes the field and distinguishes himself in a struggle to unify a divided state and people, if, in brief, he is waging war for a righteous purpose, then this seeming wrath is mercy itself, and this apparent tyranny the very substance of justice and this warfare the cornerstone of peace.

Bind ye the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourisheth with the rod of the commandments of your Lord, the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

Even some of them fought against people, but their fighting was not like the fighting of other persons - rather it was based on justice and fairness. But the warfare of people in general stems only from hatred and enmity or worldly conquest. How different these are, when that fighting was to establish justice and fairness, prevent oppressors from tyranny and execute retribution, while this fighting springs from doubt, evil whisperings, love of base desires, plunder and raids.

As I have not ample time at my disposal, I will give herein a brief, conclusive and comprehensive answer. It is as follows:

In this Revelation of Baha'u'llah, the women go neck and neck with the men. In no movement will they be left behind. Their rights with men are equal in degree. They will enter all the administrative branches of politics. They will attain in all such a degree as will be considered the very highest station of the world of humanity and will take part in all affairs. Rest ye assured. Do ye not look upon the present conditions; in the not far distant future the world of women will become all-refulgent and all-glorious, For His Holiness Baha'u'llah Hath Willed It so! At the time of elections the right to vote is the inalienable right of women, and the entrance of women into all human departments is an irrefutable and incontrovertible question. No soul can retard or prevent it.

But there are certain matters, the participation in which is not worthy of women. For example, at the time when the community is taking up vigorous defensive measures against the attack of foes, the women are exempt from military engagements. It may so happen that at a given time warlike and savage tribes may furiously attack the body politic with the intention of carrying on a wholesale slaughter of its members; under such a circumstance defense is necessary, but it is the duty of men to organize and execute such defensive measures and not the women -- because their hearts are tender and they cannot endure the sight of the horror of carnage, even if it is for the sake of defense. From such and similar undertakings the women are exempt.

As regards the constitution of the House of Justice, Baha'u'llah addresses the men. He says: "O ye men of the House of Justice!"

But when its members are to be elected, the right which belongs to women, so far as their voting and their voice is concerned, is indisputable. When the women attain to the ultimate degree of progress, then, according to the exigency of the time and place and their great capacity, they shall obtain extraordinary privileges. Be ye confident on these accounts. His Holiness Baha'u'llah has greatly strengthened the cause of women, and the rights and privileges of women is one of the greatest principles of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Rest ye assured! Erelong the days shall come when the men addressing the women, shall say: "Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of every gift. Verily ye deserve to adorn your heads with the crown of everlasting glory, because in sciences and arts, in virtues and perfections ye shall become equal to man, and as regards tenderness of heart and the abundance of mercy and sympathy ye are superior."

Convey unto my heavenly daughter, thy honoured mother, and likewise unto my dear daughter, thy honoured sister, and likewise unto my dear daughter, Vardiyyih Khanum, the most wondrous Abha greeting. Say unto the steadfast handmaid of God, Miss Ruzih: "This answer is for both thee and Parvin Khanum." And upon thee be the glory of the All-Glorious.

In the past, during the time of the Apostle of God - may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake - the ordinance of holy war was revealed, and in this Most Great, Most Mighty Manifestation that ordinance hath been lifted. He shall not be asked of His doings. Verily He is the Commander, the Questioner, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

We cannot induce men to lay down their arms by fighting with them. War intensifies the spirit of strife. War begets war. We are peacemakers, not destroyers of peace.

The world is in greatest need of international peace. Until it is established, mankind will not attain composure and tranquillity. It is necessary that the nations and governments organize an international tribunal to which all their disputes and differences shall be referred.

Would it not have been better if they settled their disputes like the individual members of a community before a tribunal or similar to the different States before the Supreme Court of Justice! Then they would have tasted the sweet delicacy of Love and the honey of affection.

Russia had tried several years before to declare universal peace, and when Japan made the attack, Russia should have sent her warships, then called a Council of The Hague to as all the Powers what to do, and leave the decision in their hands. And had the Powers decided that was necessary, then Russia should have begun. And had they decided that Russia must stand by her desire (to have peace) then she should have given up Manchuria, to the Japanese. Then the whole world would have applauded Russia and then it would have been proven that Russia was sincere in declaring her former intentions.

In this century the voices of peace must drown the clamors for battle, and the principle of arbitration must gain sway over the arbitrement [sic] of the sword. Man must learn war no more neither must he let the brutal and barbaric forces of passion and lust control the humane intellectual and moral powers.

Arms and armaments will, then, be no more needed beyond that which is necessary to insure the internal security of their respective countries. If they attain unto this all-surpassing blessing, the people of each nation will pursue, with tranquillity and contentment, their own occupations, and the groanings and lamentations of most men would be silenced.

Reflect that, under such conditions of life, no Government would need to prepare and accumulate war materials, or would need to pay heed to the invention of new weapons of defence for the vexation and hurt of mankind. On the contrary they would require only a few soldiers, as a means of assuring the safety of the state and punishing the wicked and rebellious and preventing the growth of civil sedition.

In America, one of the prominent figures who created the Maxim gun confessed that truly humanity is in grievous torment and eternal punishment. Today there is no matter greater than universal peace, and likewise nothing in the human world is worse than war.

Question: What is the greatest need of the world of humanity?

Answer: Today the world of humanity the most important matter is the question of Universal Peace. The realization of this principle is the crying need of the time. People have become restive and discontented. The political world of every civilized nation has become a vast arena for the exhibition of militarism and the display of martial spirit. The minds of the statesmen and Cabinet Ministers of every government are chiefly occupied with the question of war, and the council chambers are resounding with the call to war.

Question: "How can Universal Peace be realized?"

Answer: "The ideals of Peace must be nurtured and spread among the inhabitants of the world; they must be instructed in the school of peace and evils of war.

"By the education of the public with the sentiments of Peace. Today the full realization of Universal Peace is the panacea for every disease."

The duty of educated men, especially university presidents of the nation, is this: To teach in the universities and schools ideas concerning universal peace, so that the student may be so molded that in after years he may help carry to fruition the most useful and human issue of mankind.

When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife. Equality between men and women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason that women will never be willing to sanction it.

Another teaching of Baha'u'llah is in relation to universal peace: that all mankind must be awakened to and become conscious of the harm of war, that they should be brought to realize the benefits of peace and know that peace is from God while warfare is satanic.

By the delivery of eloquent speeches they will attract the attention of the world to the insanity of war adherents - thus organizing a strong, virile, wisely-propelled public opinion capable to stem the furious tide of any uprising and changing the current of blind evil forces into the channels of world solidarity and inter-racial brotherliness.

Rectify, therefore, the utterances and omit some of the sayings and with gentle words and in a spirit of utmost purity elaborate thou on the hardships of war and the advantages of peace, on the benefits of harmony and the harms of discord, on the readiness of the human world in these troubled times, on the nearness of the realization of lasting peace through the assistance of God and the joyful tidings that have encompassed the whole world, without protesting against anyone with a single word of reproach, how much less against the rulers and the kings of the earth, insofar as this is at variance with the explicit Text of the Book.

The sword has been working over six thousand years and has become dull. We must look about us for another sword to take its place.

The greatest sword is the tongue.

Military power coerces and compels men into obedience through unnatural resort to force and violation, but mankind yield happily and willingly to the power of love.

Ten or fifteen days ago, a conversation took place with the German Consul regarding the matter of war, who insisted upon the increase and perfection of military power. He claimed that the more perfect the military power, the more it would lead to progress. Some Germans and other people were present, and they too confirmed and agreed on this matter. It was mentioned that if the power of love were to prevail, its influence would be greater than military might. In the world of existence, no power is as penetrating as the power of love. Through military force, people become outwardly subdued and silent, but through the power of love, they submit willingly.

By that unity perfect peace would reign among men. Strife and animosity are due to misunderstandings. If these misunderstandings be removed then unity can be accomplished.

Human beings should refer to the original foundations and then six thousand years of strife and warfare will vanish.

For strife and warfare are the very destroyers of human foundations, whereas peace and amity are the builders and safeguards of human welfare. As an instance, two nations which have remained at peace for centuries declare war against each other. What destruction and loss befalls both in one year of strife and conflict -- the undoing of centuries. How urgent their necessity and demand for peace, with its comfort and progress, instead of war, which blasts and destroys the foundation of all human attainment.

In ancient times, medieval times, and recent centuries there has always been war and strife either between two governments, two nations, or two religions and sects. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, hundreds of thousands of sons left fatherless, hundreds of thousands of mothers left sonless. Therefore humanity has not yet reached perfection, for this savagery befits the animal world, not the human world.

What befits humanity is love - war and strife are worthy of savage beasts.

Consider carefully that for the last six thousand years there has been constant strife and warfare amongst the people. All the wars which have occurred in past history have been the basis of the destruction of the human race; love, on the other hand, has been the cause of cementing the people together.

In short, the world of humanity is just now set aflame with an awful fire. Were you to scan history you would find that from the inception of human existence to the present time there has been continuous bloodshed. There has ever been warfare. There has ever been pillage and carnage. The world of humanity has never rested nor found repose.

History is a record of incessant wars. There is not a spot on the globe that has not been crimsoned with the blood of men; the whole earth is blood-drenched.

For thousands of years we have had bloodshed and strife. It is enough; it is sufficient. Now is the time to associate together in love and harmony. For thousands of years we have tried the sword and warfare; let mankind for a time at least live in peace.

Review history and consider how much savagery, how much bloodshed and battle the world has witnessed. It has been either religious warfare, political warfare or some other clash of human interests. The world of humanity has never enjoyed the blessing of universal peace.

A. B. "We have the history of the world for nearly six thousand years. Before that there is no record. During these six thousand years there has been constant war, strife, bloodshed. We can see at a glance the results, achievements and outcomes of war. The history of warfare and strife is known, the effect apparent. Have we not a sufficient standard of experience in this direction? Let us now try peace for awhile. If good results follow, let us adhere to it. If not let us throw it away and fight again. Nothing will be lost by the experiment."

During the last six thousand years nations have hated one another, it is now time to stop. War must cease. Let us be united and love one another and await the result. We know the effects of war are bad. So let us try, as an experiment, peace, and if the results of peace are bad, then we can choose if it would be better to go back to the old state of war! Let us in any case make the experiment.

For thousands of years the human race has been at war. It is enough. Now let mankind, for a time at least, consort in amity and peace. Enmity and hatred have ruled. Let the world, for a period, exercise love.

Nearly fifty years ago, Baha'u'llah promulgated teachings and raised the call of universal peace. In all His Tablets and epistles, He explicitly foretold these present events, warning that humanity was in grave danger and that a universal war was impending and inevitable, for the inflammable materials stored in the infernal arsenals of Europe would be ignited by a single spark.

Today all the nations of the world are warlike, and all governments are engaged in preparing hellish weapons and ammunition, especially the continent of Europe which has become a storehouse of inflammatory materials - it only awaits a single spark for that hell to burst into flames across all horizons.

The issue of paramount importance in the world today is international peace. The European continent is like an arsenal, a storehouse of explosives ready for ignition, and one spark will set the whole of Europe aflame, particularly at this time when the Balkan question is before the world. Even now war is raging furiously in some places, the blood of innocent people is being shed, children are made captive, women are left without support, and homes are being destroyed.

In the loudest voice, I cried in all the synagogues, and churches: O people! The world of humanity is in peril and Europe is like a barrel of gunpowder waiting for a single spark for it to explode. You must endeavor to prevent this occurrence. You must protect humanity.

In the course of My journey in the western countries, in all the synagogues and churches, I cried out that Europe was in grievous danger. It was like a barrel of gunpowder that with the least spark would explode and scorch everything in its grasp. I said to them, 'People, exert your efforts to protect humanity from this peril.

And if these teachings of the Blessed Beauty are not implemented, the world is in danger. Europe has become like a powder magazine - it depends on just one spark. Great danger lies ahead.

There will be a general war between the European powers and Germany of course will take a prominent part. Baha'u'llah has predicted a war between Germany and France and this will be fulfilled!

"It must come, but America will not be involved. This war will be in Europe. You have taken a corner for yourselves. You do not interfere with others' business. You are not thinking of taking the European countries, and there is no one who is greedy to take your land. You are safe because the Atlantic ocean is a very strong, natural fort."

It is said that he poured it on the air, because the air fills every place, and the continuing verses mean the Great War that is to come. After this war everything will be at peace. The city which was cut in three pieces means that kingdom of Babylonia, which is under three kings, those of England, Persia and Turkey. The islands and mountains of v. 20 mean people of influence, and also small kingdoms, which will be destroyed and annihilated at that time.

Through the concerted efforts of some wealthy individuals in America, great assemblies were established to promulgate universal peace and to abolish ruinous warfare and the needless shedding of blood. In spite of this, war was predestined to occur.

Consider what is happening in the Balkans. Human blood is being shed, properties are destroyed, possessions pillaged, cities and villages devastated. A world-enkindling fire is astir in the Balkans. God has created men to love each other; but instead, they kill each other with cruelty and bloodshed.

Consider events in the Balkans today where a great conflagration of war is furiously raging and so much blood is being shed. Virtually the whole world of humanity is mourning and lamenting because of the revival of these calamitous conditions.

In these days the East is in a condition of ferment. The Balkans have proved to be a volcano, when the fire of warfare is raging. Blood is being shed, properties are pillaged, children are down-trodden, and countries are laid waste. Perchance through the grace and favor of God the endeavors of the American people may provide means to establish amity among the nations, so that hate may be replaced by love, and war by peace.

How they shed each other's blood and stained the earth with the blood of the helpless! The fire of war blazed so fiercely that all the Balkan nations attacked one another and completely failed to recognize human rights, and still they have not found rest.

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.

The war has intensified exceedingly, whether from the eastern front, the western front of Russia, from Iraq, or from the Caucasus. The fire of war blazes in all directions; never in history have such events transpired. Never has there been such a universal war in the world. At most, two powers would engage in conflict, or perhaps three. But in this war all the powers of Europe, save the minor states, are fighting with their full might. Such a thing has never occurred. Aerial warfare and submarine warfare have been added.

The battlefield of human slaughter is raging with an impetuous madness and anger. The goddess of Vengeance is reaping a rich harvest of blood and tears. To whichever direction one give[s] his ears, he hears the news of war and inhumanity, the events of a barbaric culture and the results of a faulty civilization.

Such a master-drama of this 20th century is the Universal War now being waged both in the East and in the West.

We have been spectators of every other kind of dramas, tragedies and comic-operas and now we are witnessing the progress of the master-drama of this century played with machine guns and rifles.

The nations of the world will strive to increase their armaments to such an extent that they will become like serpents, rushing at one another, and much blood will be shed.

O thou who art firm in the Covenant! During the days of war, the black cloud of conflict made life difficult for all. Communications were cut off, paths were blocked, and means of connection were lost.

You had written about not receiving news from us there - this bloody war has cut off all routes and closed all doors, hence there was a shortcoming in communication. We hope that this summer this war will end and means of rest and comfort will be attained.

O kind friend! The intensification of the fires of war in East and West has prevented the sending of letters and communications, and this cessation of news has been very difficult for the friends.

O faithful friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha!

For some time now, due to the turmoil and corruption in the Caucasus regions and interior Russia, communications have been cut off. This is the result of turmoil and corruption - that the doors of goodness are closed and comfort and tranquility are taken away. The immediate harm is evident while future consequences remain unknown.

O loved ones of God! Praise be to God that the fire of war in the lands of Europe has somewhat subsided, and the banner of strife has been cast down. Through divine assistance and grace, and through the spirituality of pure souls, the earth has found some tranquility, closed paths have reopened, and communication has begun anew.

O thou who art firm in the Covenant! After the quieting of the fires of war, four letters arrived from you in succession. Since they brought news of the health and safety of the divine friends, they caused the utmost joy. Praise be to God that in this great tempest, the Ship of the Covenant reached the shore of salvation. The danger was severe and there was cause for fear and trepidation, yet through divine protection the friends in all regions remained safe and preserved, especially in the Holy Land where tribulations and dangers were without limit.

In those days when the fire of war was aflame and the homes of the world's people were burned, when earthquake struck the foundations of the world, when the earth was stained red with the blood of precious youth, when structures collapsed and edifices were destroyed, when millions of mothers tore their collars in mourning for their sons and cried out with tear-filled eyes, when millions of fathers lost their sons and millions of sons lost their fathers, when orphans were left destitute and grief-stricken women became confused and distressed - in such times, the light of the Ancient Beauty's protection shone upon the friends in all regions.

In these years of war when all peoples and religions fell into great peril, suffered severe calamities, lives and property were destroyed, and tribulation and punishment exceeded human endurance, divine favor and grace embraced all and the friends were protected and preserved from every danger.

I praised the Lord for having protected the friends all throughout the war that has now subsided. All mankind was held in the grip of anguish, and calamities afflicted every soul, while the safety of the friends constituted one of the greatest gifts. For that we thank God and pray that He may confer upon every one that which will illumine the hearts, refresh the souls, bestow light to the eyes and brighten the visions; and that is the dawn of the Sun of the Truth upon all regions, from the horizon of universal peace.

I thanked God - glorified be He - for having aided thee and enabled thee to be firm and steadfast in this grievous upheaval, and for illumining the world with the light of peace after it hath been darkened with the heavy clouds of war and conflict; this is not but a token of His mercy.

Now that the flames of war have been extinguished in the West, God willing they will be completely quenched in the East as well. I hope that rest and tranquility will be achieved.

O thou kind friend! In these days there is great clamor for an armistice, and murmurings of peace. The powers of the world seek reconciliation and speak of justice and right.

The dark cloud of war has somewhat dissipated from the world's horizon and a faint ray of universal peace has dawned. Through the favors of the Lord of Hidden Bounties, it is hoped that the brilliant sun of peace and tranquility will shine radiantly from the dawning-place of hopes.

O esteemed souls! Praise be to God that the fire of war has been extinguished in most lands and peace and tranquility have, to some degree, been established. Through God's favors, my hope is that this fire will be completely quenched and that the banner of peace and concord will wave over all horizons. Although this is but the beginning of the dawn of universal peace, I hope that through divine assistance and grace its radiant sun will rise and illumine all horizons with the light of unity, harmony and the Most Great Peace.

May the different nations of Europe attain the station of one nation, and may the continent of Europe become one homeland, so that after this terrible war, perfect harmony, unity and love may be established among all the peoples of Europe.

"This war has been instrumental in partly awakening mankind and it has exposed the virtues of Universal Peace. All people are desirous of having Universal Peace because they have suffered from this universal war. They do not want another war like it. Gradually racial prejudice 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 Government should like to wage war the people would not agree to it. They would say: 'If ye leaders have any war go and fight it out. We will not go. Why should we go? What is the use? If there is any use, it is for you; but there is no result for poor people like us.

This War is indeed ruinous and devastating in its effects. However, afterwards, the number of peace-loving people will grow considerably, and the commotions, uproars and the mighty tumult will precipitate [universal] peace.

This Cause has hoisted the Banner of the Unity of the world of humanity. One of the instruments which will bring about universal peace is this very war, so that all the people might be disgusted with this confusion of the war, and that all the world of humanity might be inclined toward Peace.

Now that calm and assurance have been attained, one must charge forth like a fierce lion and valiant hero in the arena of sacrifice, for through this sudden war humankind has developed an intense receptivity, and the loftiness of divine teachings, the luminosity of divine laws, and the contents of divine tablets have been realized. We hope that the universal war will lead to universal peace, and that this bloodshed and violation and recklessness will yield purity and freedom. May the world find rest and the universe adornment. May the tumult of conflict and war be transformed into the jubilation of melody and song.

Now all humanity has realized that war is the destroyer of human foundations and mankind is in need of universal peace and likewise in need of other divine teachings.

What was addressed to Berlin and the German Emperor in the Kitab-i-Aqdas was fulfilled, and likewise what was addressed to Constantinople and the Ottoman Sultan was fulfilled, as well as the other blessed utterances in the Surih of the Temple, until all creation became convinced in heart and soul that the Great War is the cause of destruction while peace is the cause of prosperity; war demolishes the edifice of humanity while peace establishes the divine foundation; war is death while peace is life; war is satanic suggestions while peace is divine inspirations.

This recent war has proved to the world and the people that war is destruction while universal peace is construction; war is death while peace is life; war is rapacity and bloodthirstiness while peace is beneficence and humaneness; war is an appurtenance of the world of nature while peace is of the foundation of the religion of God; war is darkness upon darkness while peace is heavenly light; war is the destroyer of the edifice of mankind while peace is the everlasting life of the world of humanity; war is like a devouring wolf while peace is like the angels of heaven; war is the struggle for existence while peace is mutual aid and cooperation among the peoples of the world and the cause of the good pleasure of the True One in the heavenly realm.

Despite all this, fifty years ago the pen of the Most High was raised, forbidding all from conflict and war, inviting them to universal peace, offering loving counsel to friend and stranger alike, and addressing all the monarchs that war is a disgrace to humanity and that fighting and savagery belong to the animal world. For in the world, every ruin is a sign of war, and every prosperity a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Peace is the cause of life, and war the cause of death. Peace awakens love, while war is the destroyer of affection and kindness.

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.

Through His teachings, counsels, and admonitions He hath prescribed a swift remedy and declared a wondrous medicine, that warfare and strife may cease and concord and peace be established; that enmity and dissension, which are the grievous sickness of the world, may be healed; that hostility and conflict may be uprooted from the foundation; that war may be changed into peace; that cruelty may vanish and faithfulness unveil its face; that religious prejudice, sectarian contention, national rivalry, and racial estrangement and disparity may remain no more; that all parties may become one party; that all tribes and nations may drink from one fountain; that the whole earth may become the beloved homeland of all; that no distinction of roots and branches may endure for humankind; and that the unity of the world of humanity may pitch its tent upon the pole of existence, while the universality of mankind, through divine confirmations and heavenly bestowals, may raise its banner upon hills and mountains, plains and palaces, towers and strongholds, and wave in the spiritual winds.

May it banish the root causes of dissension and strife, institute a basis for peace and reconciliation, foster the spirit of fellowship among the children of men, and help to gather together all the peoples and nations beneath the tabernacle of harmony and truth.

If the pillars of peace truly arise to serve the welfare of humanity and become the manifestation of the blessed verse "the blame of any blamer shall not deter them from God," this feast of reconciliation will demolish the foundations of war and the world of creation will find tranquility.

O my congenial friend! At a time when the flames of war have spread across the world and its conflagration is increasing day by day, when all the differing factions of the earth, like bloodthirsty wolves, are tearing each other apart, we are both striving to find ways to extinguish these fires so that the light of love may shine.

O Friends! All nations and tribes, all religions and cults in all regions, are occupied in preparing and improving weapons of fighting and striking, and in inventing destructive materials. You, who are Baha'is, ought, in opposition to this injustice and oppression, tyranny and aggression, to open the doors of affection and love, union and freedom, upon the face of the human world; become a river of peace and purity to extinguish the fire of war and quarrel, and remove, through the light of love and fidelity, the darkness of oppression and cruelty, in order that this world-consuming fire be put down and extinguished.

Observe: it is the children who are orphaned and families which are destroyed. The flames of the fire of war are day by day becoming more intense. You must become the cause of quenching this fire so that the light of love may enlighten the world.

In these days the darkness of war has overspread the world, and thick clouds of bloodshed and ferocity have covered the horizon of humanity. Perchance, God willing, you will be instrumental in abolishing the great tyranny of war and in transforming the gloom of battle into the light of the love of God.

We must not fear difficulties and labor. They lead us to the noblest end. We must resist the whole world, for the world wants war; unite our efforts and with divine love we will succeed.

'Abdu'l-Baha: "You must sow the seed of love. They destroy, you construct. They take life, you confer life. Now is the time for work! To spread the law of Love at such a time is the greatest of all the works. Strive that the benign influence of Love permeate through the hearts of all men. They are thinking and waging war, you practice Peace and conciliation."

When a thought of war enters your mind, suppress it, and plant in its stead a positive thought of peace.

That is, each one tears open the breast of another, and sees their own success in another's bitterness, and seeks their own unity in another's estrangement.

… Give up war and sharp claws, make peace your aim and seek culture and uprightness. Seek security and peace, and spread wide the feast of fellowship.

Peace should replace strife, enmity be superseded by love, estrangement annihilated, and unity established.

War must be transformed to peace, enmity to friendship, and conflict to reconciliation, so that the horizons of the world may be quickened by the spirit of the Most Great Name and human realities may attain eternal life.

My hope is that you will be successful in outstanding services and become the cause of spreading universal peace, so that these fields of war and strife may be transformed into gatherings of fellowship, meeting, love and harmony.

Let the expanse of the world, which has become black earth and darkness from the autumn of warfare and ignorance, become green and verdant through the spiritual springtime of fellowship and love and peace.

Praise be unto God that, during these wartime years, whilst all of the peoples were caught up in the pursuit of prestige and fame, were afflicted with desires and outward appearances, and, like unto ferocious lions, were staining their teeth and claws with one other's blood, the loved ones of God have been occupied, day and night, and with their hearts and souls, with establishing the divine foundations, and are engaged in promulgating the Lord's teachings.

The darkness of ignorance has darkened the horizon of the world, and the fire of war near and far from the armies of Europe and America has sent flames to the heavens, eventually spreading to Asia and Africa as well. All the masters of conflict and strife cry out "Come to battle!", except the Baha'is, who have blended Turk and Tajik, and Asia and America are like two sweethearts embracing each other, and the nostrils of Africa have become perfumed and fragrant with the divine breeze in these days.

At such a time when the flames of war are burning in East and West, those friends are engaged in the remembrance of God and striving to awaken souls, purify hearts, establish the foundation of unity and harmony between nations, and create affection between East and West, so that the oneness of the world of humanity may shine like a lamp in the gathering of the horizons.

Praise be to God that in the dark night you are illumined, and in these days when the clouds of war have covered the horizons, you are shining like the morning star.

O servant of the Covenant!

The earthly colonel arrays the ranks of war and battle, but the heavenly colonel arrays himself with the melody of glorification and praise of the Concourse on High. For the warrior, greed and avarice become a tether, while for the peacemaker, culture becomes like a divine whale that roars until it completely removes the clamor and tumult and uproar of war from all horizons.

O servant of God! The colonel of the world may array the ranks of battle and seek fame and honor, but the divine commander seeks the world of God and desires the spiritual throne.

O heavenly Colonel! Leave the battle line and adorn the gathering of peace. Abandon the field of combat and prepare the feast of reconciliation. Take up the cup of friendship and in the assembly of truth pour forth the wine of concord, so that all the peoples of the world may enter beneath the pavilion of love, unity and universal peace. Demolish the foundation of discord and beautify the palace of harmony and fairness.

Ask and pray to God that thou mayest become an enkindled lamp, to shed light upon the assembly, to become a lover of men and a well-wisher of human kind; nay, rather, thou mayest become the manifestation of the divine providence, finding out the heavenly gifts, enlisting thyself among the soldiers of the kingdom of peace and reconciliation, delivering the people as far as possible from war and carnage, spreading righteousness and friendship and becoming the cause of tranquillity and composure to the world of humanity.

Organize ye spiritual assemblies; lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world; destroy ye the fabric of strife and war from the face of the earth; construct ye the temple of harmony and agreement; enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity; open ye your eyes; gaze and behold ye the other world! The Kingdom of peace, salvation, uprightness and reconciliation is founded in the Invisible World, and it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the Word of God!

I supplicate God that ye may become the army of that Kingdom, in order that by the power of the Most Great Name, the friends of God may conquer this world through love, friendship and the strength of the Kingdom of peace; the human race become compassionate, and bloodshed and carnage be completely effaced from the universe.

As the Master was looking upon this seemingly victorious army he said: "The wise man sees that another army with no cannons or rifles but with quite other armaments shall defeat this Army. The day is coming when all these armies and regiments are vanquished by the ever-victorious army of the Kingdom of Abha and theirs shall be the glorious triumphs of Peace and brotherhood.

But the Kingdom of GOD is absolutely good. It quenches all this fire; it effaces these guns and cannons; it transforms swords into olive boughs; it changes wars and battles into love and accord.

I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody.

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.

He abhorred the darkness of war and conflict and praised the light of amity and the spirit of joy and delight.

See how bloodthirsty mankind is, see how cruel man is, how heedless of God he is.

Now if instead of sword and saber and bullet and rifle and cannon, they would engage in love and affection and pleasure and delight and celebration and joy, and become intoxicated with the wine of gladness at the feast of fulfillment, and embrace each other as intimate companions harmonious with the angel's song - would that not be better?

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

But the cause of international Peace is fully established then there will be no war and the world of Islam will find eternal security.

The wolves cannot go on for ever tearing the lambs. The Divine Assayer will try every soul according to his secret intentions. The Parliament of man will be established; humanity will be spiritual[ized] and the Standard of Peace will be hoisted above every home.

The law of peace has come to stay. We are living in the radiant age of peace. We are daily advancing in the path of peace. The army of peace is being recruited from among all nations and people. Let the peace makers know that the unconquerable power of God is behind them. No government and no nation can withstand them. With this power alone they will be able to conquer all opposition and remove all stumbling blocks. From now on less and less will be the magic spell of war, greater and greater will be the influence of peace.

Yea, thus shall it be: these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away and the "Most Great Peace" shall come... Do you not also need this in Europe? Is this not what Christ foretold?... The kings and rulers, instead of expending your wealth and treasures for the betterment of countries and the comfort of the people, spend all in the destruction of humankind.... These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family....

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You had expressed complaint about the war and strife, the battles and killing in the lands of Africa, and had voiced your regret, asking whether this unceasing enmity of the proud ones, continuing through ages and cycles, would persist, or whether the beloved beauty of fellowship and love would one day appear in the gathering of the world.

There is war among the religions; war among the nations; war among the peoples; war among the rulers. What a welcome change would it be, if only these black clouds would lift from off the skies of the world, so that the light of reality could be shed abroad! If only the darksome dust of this continual fighting and killing could settle forever, and the sweet winds of God’s loving-kindness could blow from out the wellspring of peace. Then would this world become another world, and the earth would shine with the light of her Lord.

O Lord! The factions have penetrated deep into the fields of struggle and conflict, and this sweeping torrent and grinding war cannot be halted save through Thy mercy which embraceth all that was and shall be.

O Lord! Blood hath been shed, the earth hath reddened, homes have been destroyed, roads have been cut off, and enmity hath appeared. None can remove these save Thee.

I beseech you, one and all, to add your prayers to mine to the end that war and bloodshed may cease, and that love, friendship, peace and unity may reign in the world.

All down the ages we see how blood has stained the surface of the earth; but now a ray of greater light has come, man's intelligence is greater, spirituality is beginning to grow, and a time is surely coming when the religions of the world will be at peace.