[Appears to have been sent at the start of World War I]
This terrestrial globe is 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 the earth is after all the everlasting graveyard, the vast
cemetery of man. Yet men fight to possess this graveyard, waging war and
battle, killing one another. What an injustice is this! What ignorance! For the
earth after all is spacious, and can hold all. It is so allotted that every man
can derive his daily sustenance from it. The Lord does not suffer anyone to
starve. All can be blessed with the abundant bestowals of God. But on account
of pure superstitions, and by reason of old theological dogmas which have
nothing to do with the fundamentals of Divine Religion, for the sake of such
limitations, this bloodshed is taking place. [World War I]
As to the American people, this noble nation, intelligent,
thoughtful, meditative, -- it is quite disinterested, for its territory is
insular and geographically separated from the other nations. Here we find a
oneness of interest, a oneness of policy. These are indeed United States.
Therefore the United States is possessed of the capacity and capability of
holding aloft the banner of international peace.
May this nation, this noble people, be the cause of unifying
humanity! May this noble people spread broadcast the heavenly civilization and
illumination! May it be the cause of the diffusion of the Love of God! May it
proclaim the solidarity of mankind! May it be the cause of the guidance of the
human race!
Therefore I request you to give this all important question
your most serious consideration and efforts. Thus may the world of humanity
obtain peace and composure. Thus may this dark world be transformed into a
realm of radiance. Thus may the East and the West clasp hands together. Thus
may the Oneness of God become reflected and fully revealed or mirrored forth in
the hearts of humanity and all mankind prove to be the manifestations of the
Favors of God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4,
1914)
