I am going away from your city, but I leave my heart with you. My spirit
will be here; I will not forget you. I ask confirmation for you from the
Kingdom of Baha'u'llah. I pray that you may advance continually in
spiritual susceptibilities, that day by day you may grow more radiant and
draw nearer to God until you become instrumental in illumining the world
of humanity. May these confirmations of the Kingdom of God encompass you.
This is my hope, my prayer.
In the estimation of historians this radiant century is equivalent to one
hundred centuries of the past. If comparison be made with the sum total of
all former human achievements, it will be found that the discoveries,
scientific advancement and material civilization of this present century
have equaled, yea far exceeded the progress and outcome of one hundred
former centuries. The production of books and compilations of literature
alone bears witness that the output of the human mind in this century has
been greater and more enlightening than all the past centuries together.
It is evident, therefore, that this century is of paramount importance.
Reflect upon the miracles of accomplishment which have already
characterized it: the discoveries in every realm of human research.
Inventions, scientific knowledge, ethical reforms and regulations
established for the welfare of humanity, mysteries of nature explored,
invisible forces brought into visibility and subjection--a veritable
wonder-world of new phenomena and conditions heretofore unknown to man now
open to his uses and further investigation. The East and West can
communicate instantly. A human being can soar in the skies or speed in
submarine depths. The power of steam has linked the continents. Trains
cross the deserts and pierce the barriers of mountains; ships find
unerring pathways upon the trackless oceans. Day by day discoveries are
increasing. What a wonderful century this is! It is an age of universal
reformation. Laws and statutes of civil and federal governments are in
process of change and transformation. Sciences and arts are being molded
anew. Thoughts are metamorphosed. The foundations of human society are
changing and strengthening. Today sciences of the past are useless. The
Ptolemaic system of astronomy and numberless other systems and theories of
scientific and philosophical explanation are discarded, known to be false
and worthless. Ethical precedents and principles cannot be applied to the
needs of the modern world. Thoughts and theories of past ages are
fruitless now. Thrones and governments are crumbling and falling. All
conditions and requisites of the past unfitted and inadequate for the
present time are undergoing radical reform. It is evident, therefore, that
counterfeit and spurious religious teaching, antiquated forms of belief
and ancestral imitations which are at variance with the foundations of
divine reality must also pass away and be reformed. They must be abandoned
and new conditions be recognized. The morals of humanity must undergo
change. New remedies and solutions for human problems must be adopted.
Human intellects themselves must change and be subject to the universal
reformation. Just as the thoughts and hypotheses of past ages are
fruitless today, likewise dogmas and codes of human invention are obsolete
and barren of product in religion. Nay, it is true that they are the cause
of enmity and conducive to strife in the world of humanity; war and
bloodshed proceed from them, and the oneness of mankind finds no
recognition in their observance. Therefore, it is our duty in this radiant
century to investigate the essentials of divine religion, seek the
realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and discover the
source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind in the
heavenly bond of love. This unity is the radiance of eternity, the divine
spirituality, the effulgence of God and the bounty of the Kingdom. We must
investigate the divine source of these heavenly bestowals and adhere unto
them steadfastly. For if we remain fettered and restricted by human
inventions and dogmas, day by day the world of mankind will be degraded,
day by day warfare and strife will increase and satanic forces converge
toward the destruction of the human race.
If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will
advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist
within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable. This is, likewise,
true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest a spirit of accord
and fellowship, it will progress steadily and human conditions become
brighter, whereas through enmity and strife it will be degraded and its
inhabitants scattered. In the same way, the people of a nation develop and
advance toward civilization and enlightenment through love and accord and
are disintegrated by war and strife. Finally, this is true of humanity
itself in the aggregate. When love is realized and the ideal spiritual
bonds unite the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the
world will continually grow more spiritual and radiant and the happiness
and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased. Warfare and strife
will be uprooted, disagreement and dissension pass away and universal
peace unite the nations and peoples of the world. All mankind will dwell
together as one family, blend as the waves of one sea, shine as stars of
one firmament and appear as fruits of the same tree. This is the happiness
and felicity of humankind. This is the illumination of man, the eternal
glory and everlasting life; this is the divine bestowal. I desire this
station for you, and I pray God that the people of America may achieve
this great end in order that the virtue of this democracy may be ensured
and their names be glorified eternally. May the confirmations of God
uphold them in all things and their memories become revered throughout the
East and the West. May they become the servants of the Most High God, near
and dear to Him in the oneness of the heavenly Kingdom.
Baha'u'llah endured ordeals and hardships sixty years. There was no
persecution, vicissitude or suffering He did not experience at the hand of
His enemies and oppressors. All the days of His life were passed in
difficulty and tribulation--at one time in prison, another in exile,
sometimes in chains. He willingly endured these difficulties for the unity
of mankind, praying that the world of humanity might realize the radiance
of God, the oneness of humankind become a reality, strife and warfare
cease and peace and tranquillity be realized by all. In prison He hoisted
the banner of human solidarity, proclaiming universal peace, writing to
the kings and rulers of nations, summoning them to international unity and
counseling arbitration. His life was a vortex of persecution and
difficulty; yet catastrophes, extreme ordeals and vicissitudes did not
hinder the accomplishment of His work and mission. Nay, on the contrary,
His power became greater and greater, His efficiency and influence spread
and increased until His glorious light shone throughout the Orient, love
and unity were established, and the differing religions found a center of
contact and reconciliation.
Therefore, we also must strive in this pathway of love and service,
sacrificing life and possessions, passing our days in devotion,
consecrating our efforts wholly to the Cause of God so that, God willing,
the ensign of universal religion may be uplifted in the world of mankind
and the oneness of the world of humanity be established.
In your hearts I have beheld the reflection of a great and wonderful love.
The Americans have shown me uniform kindness, and I entertain a deep
spiritual love for them. I am pleased with the susceptibilities of your
hearts. I will pray for you, asking divine assistance, and then say
farewell.
O my God! O my God! Verily, these servants are turning to Thee,
supplicating Thy kingdom of mercy. Verily, they are attracted by Thy
holiness and set aglow with the fire of Thy love, seeking confirmation
from Thy wondrous kingdom, and hoping for attainment in Thy heavenly
realm. Verily, they long for the descent of Thy bestowal, desiring
illumination from the Sun of Reality. O Lord! Make them radiant lamps,
merciful signs, fruitful trees and shining stars. May they come forth in
Thy service and be connected with Thee by the bonds and ties of Thy love,
longing for the lights of Thy favor. O Lord! Make them signs of guidance,
standards of Thine immortal kingdom, waves of the sea of Thy mercy,
mirrors of the light of Thy majesty.
Verily, Thou art the Generous. Verily, Thou art the Merciful. Verily, Thou
art the Precious, the Beloved.