O thou respected
truth seeker!
Thy letter was received. It reflected the sentiment of the
oneness of the world of humanity. The flag that thou hast forwarded was in
reality the foreshadowing symbol of Universal Peace. Today all the nations of
the world are animated with a warlike spirit and the governments of the world
are filling their military storehouses, inventing infernal machines and
perfecting their man killing engines; so that their martial powers may
preponderate each other; especially the Continent of Europe has become an
arsenal of combustible materials. It needs only one tiny spark to set that hell
into a worldwide explosion. It will be then such a titanic conflagration that
its lurid flames shall blazen all the horizons. Hence the 'Anthem of Universal
Peace' has still no charm in their ears. Their universally accepted political
axioms are that the greatness and prosperity of a nation depends on her
military and naval powers. The more elaborate these preparations, the better
protected and secured the wellbeing and happiness of that government and
nation. The kings and rulers of the world are not yet ready to acknowledge that
Universal Peace is conducive to the life of the world of humanity. In a similar
strain the nobles, the demagogues and those in authority find their glory and
reputation in naval and military preparedness.
Consequently it is impossible that 'economic contentment' be
realized by the people of the world save through the transforming Power of
Faith. For Faith is the solver of every problem. Therefore you must strive to
strengthen the foundation of the Religion of God. Through the Power of the
Religion of God every difficulty will be disentangled. The Power of the
Religion of God will humble the kings and set at naught the crooked motives of
those who are in supreme authority. Then endeavor ye, that the Power of True
Religion which breathes the Spirit of Life into the dead body of the world of
humanity, may be promulgated. This is the antidote for the poisoned body of the
world and a quick healing remedy for the rancorous disease of man. For this
reason diffuse thou as much as thou art able the sweet Fragrance of the Holy
Spirit, teach the people the Divine advice and exhortations and spread far and
wide the heavenly Teachings…
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16,
1914)
