When travelling about the world we observe an air of
prosperity in any country, we find it to be due to the existence of love and
friendship among the people. If, on the contrary, all seems depressed and
poverty-stricken, we may feel assured that this is the effect of animosity, and
of the absence of union among the inhabitants.
Notwithstanding that such a state of things is obvious to
the passing traveller, how often the people themselves continue in the sleep of
negligence, or occupy themselves in disputes and differences, and are even
ready to slaughter their fellow-men!
Consider thoughtfully the continual integration and
disintegration of the phenomenal universe... Unification and constructive combination
is the cause of Life. Disunion of particles brings about loss, weakness,
dispersion, and decay.
Consider the varieties of flowers in a garden. They seem but
to enhance the loveliness of each other. When differences of colour, ideas, and
character are found in the human Kingdom, and come under the control of the
power of Unity, they too show their essential beauty and perfection.
Rivalry between the different races of mankind was first
caused by the struggle for existence among the wild animals. This struggle is
no longer necessary: nay, rather interdependence and co-operation are seen to
produce the highest welfare in nations. The struggle that now continues is caused
by prejudice and bigotry.
Today nothing but the power of the Divine Word, which embraces the Reality of all things, can draw together the minds, hearts, and spirits of the world under the shadow of the heavenly Tree of Unity.
The Light of the Word is now shining on all horizons. Races
and nations, with their different creeds, are coming under the influence of the
Word of Unity in love and in peace.
The Blessed One, Bahá'u'lláh, likens the existing world to a
tree, and the people to its fruits, blossoms and leaves. All should be fresh
and vigorous, the attainment of their beauty and proportion depending on the
love and unity with which they sustain each other and seek the Life eternal. The
friends of God should become the manifestors in this world of this mercy and
love. They should not dwell on the shortcomings of others. Ceaselessly should
they be thinking how they may benefit others and show service and co-operation.
Thus should they regard every stranger, putting aside such prejudices and
superstitions as might prevent friendly relations.
Today the noblest person is he who bestows upon his enemy
the pearl of generosity, and is a beacon-light to the misguided and the
oppressed. This is the command of Bahá'u'lláh.
O dear friends! the world is in a warlike condition, and its
races are hostile one to the other. The darkness of difference surrounds them,
and the light of kindness grows dim. The foundations of society are destroyed
and the banners of life and joy are overthrown. The leaders of the people seem
to glory in the shedding of blood -Friendship, straightness, and truthfulness
are despised…
The call to arbitration, to peace, to love, and to loyalty
is the call of Bahá'u'lláh. His standard floats since fifty years, summoning
all of whatever race and creed.
O ye friends of God! acknowledge this pure light; direct the
people who are in ignorance, chanting the melodies of the Kingdom of God, until
the dead body of mankind quickens with a new life.
Guide the people of God. Inspire them to emulate the lives
of the holy ones who have gone before. Be ye kind in reality, not in appearance
only. Be ye fathers to the orphans, a remedy to the sick, a treasury of wealth
to the poor, a protector of the unfortunate.
Where love dwells, there is light! Where animosity dwells,
there is darkness!
O friends of God! strive to dissipate the darkness and
reveal the hidden meanings of things, until their Reality becomes clear and
established in the sight of all.
This Congress is one of the greatest of events. It will be
forever to the glory of England that it was established at her capital. It is
easy to accept a truth; but it is difficult to be steadfast in it; for the
tests are many and heavy. It is well seen that the British are firm, and are
not lightly turned aside, being neither ready to begin a matter for a little
while, nor prone to abandon it for a little reason. Verily, in every
undertaking they show firmness.
O ye people! cause this thing to be not a thing of words,
but of deeds. Some congresses are held only to increase differences. Let it not
be so with you. Let your effort be to find harmony. Let Brotherhood be felt and seen among you;
and carry ye its quickening power throughout the world. It is my prayer that
the work of the Congress will bear great fruit.
(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 9, August 20, 1911)
