God, the Maker of the worlds, hath created the realm of
humanity to be the Paradise of Eden (or the Garden of Paradise) if the edifice
of Peace, Reconciliation, Love, and Faithfulness is founded on a solid and firm
basis; nay, rather, He hath willed it to become the mirror, reflecting the
Delectable Paradise. Then, and not until
then, will all the divine bounties become manifold; happiness and well-being
infinite; the virtues of the world of humanity revealed and resplendent; and
the rays of the Sun of Reality visible from every direction.
Consider that His holiness Adam and others were living in
Paradise. But as soon as strife became known between him and Satan, every one
was driven away from Eden, so that the children of humanity might learn a
lesson and realize that quarrels and strife, even though with Satan, are
conducive to deprivation.
Therefore, in this radiant century, according to the
heavenly teachings, altercation and dispute are not allowable, even though
assailed by Satan himself.
Astonishing is it, that notwithstanding the inculcation of
this lesson, yet man has remained ignorant. From one end of the world to the
other, the realm of humanity is engaged in hostilities and war. There is enmity
between the religions. There is hatred between the classes. There is war
between the fatherlands. There is contention between the diplomats. How
delightful it would now be could these black clouds be dispersed from the
horizon of the world, letting the light of Reality shine; the dust of slaughter
and the crime of shedding blood be swept away; the breeze of providence from
the Dawning-Place of Peace and Salvation be wafted; thus the world would become
a new world, and the face of the earth receive new life from the rays of the
divinely effulgent light of God.
Our hope is in the favours of the glorious Lord, trusting
that His providence and protection will encircle us. May the bitterness of struggle, warfare, and
the cruelty of the blood-shedding sword be changed into the sweetness of
friendship, reconciliation, righteousness, and justice! May the tastes become sweetened, the nostrils
perfumed, with the essence of the Rose.
May this New Year be made the occasion of the New
Peace! May this conference be assisted
and aided to inaugurate an era of peace with justice, and to establish the
basis of a fair treaty and agreement, so that their work may be blessed for
ever and ever.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha 