18: Know thou that all the powers combined have not the power to
establish...
Know thou that all the powers combined have not the power to establish
universal peace, nor to withstand the overmastering dominion, at every
time and season, of these endless wars. Ere long, however, shall the power
of heaven, the dominion of the Holy Spirit, hoist on the high summits the
banners of love and peace, and there above the castles of majesty and
might shall those banners wave in the rushing winds that blow out of the
tender mercy of God.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", [rev. ed.] (Haifa: Baha'i
World Centre, 1982), p. 174) [18]
19: Rest thou assured that in this era of the spirit, the Kingdom of Peace
will...
Rest thou assured that in this era of the spirit, the Kingdom of Peace
will raise up its tabernacle on the summits of the world, and the
commandments of the Prince of Peace will so dominate the arteries and
nerves of every people as to draw into His sheltering shade all the
nations on earth. From springs of love and truth and unity will the true
Shepherd give His sheep to drink.
O handmaid of God, peace must first be established among individuals,
until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations. Wherefore, O ye
Baha'is, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the
Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among
individuals. This is your task.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", p. 246) [19]
20: So long as these prejudices [religious, racial, national, political]
survive,...
So long as these prejudices [religious, racial, national, political]
survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars.
To remedy this condition there must be universal peace. To bring this
about, a Supreme Tribunal must be established, representative of all
governments and peoples; questions both national and international must be
referred thereto, and all must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal.
Should any government or people disobey, let the whole world arise against
that government or people.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", p. 249) [20]
21: At present universal peace is a matter of great importance, but unity
of...
At present universal peace is a matter of great importance, but unity of
conscience is essential, so that the foundation of this matter may become
secure, its establishment firm and its edifice strong.
Therefore Baha'u'llah, fifty years ago, expounded this question of
universal peace at a time when He was confined in the fortress of Akka and
was wronged and imprisoned....
Among His teachings was the declaration of universal peace. ...the
teachings of Baha'u'llah were not limited to the establishment of
universal peace. They embraced many teachings which supplemented and
supported that of universal peace.
...
In fine, such teachings are numerous. These manifold principles, which
constitute the greatest basis for the felicity of mankind and are of the
bounties of the Merciful, must be added to the matter of universal peace
and combined with it, so that results may accrue. Otherwise the
realization of universal peace by itself in the world of mankind is
difficult. As the teachings of Baha'u'llah are combined with universal
peace, they are like a table provided with every kind of fresh and
delicious food. Every soul can find, at that table of infinite bounty,
that which he desires. If the question is restricted to universal peace
alone, the remarkable results which are expected and desired will not be
attained. The scope of universal peace must be such that all the
communities and religions may find their highest wish realized in it. The
teachings of Baha'u'llah are such that all the communities of the world,
whether religious, political or ethical, ancient or modern, find in them
the expression of their highest wish.
...
For example, the question of universal peace, about which Baha'u'llah says
that the Supreme Tribunal must be established: although the League of
Nations has been brought into existence, yet it is incapable of
establishing universal peace. But the Supreme Tribunal which Baha'u'llah
has described will fulfil this sacred task with the utmost might and
power. And His plan is this: that the national assemblies of each country
and nation--that is to say parliaments--should elect two or three persons
who are the choicest of that nation, and are well informed concerning
international laws and the relations between governments and aware of the
essential needs of the world of humanity in this day. The number of these
representatives should be in proportion to the number of inhabitants of
that country. The election of these souls who are chosen by the national
assembly, that is, the parliament, must be confirmed by the upper house,
the congress and the cabinet and also by the president or monarch so these
persons may be the elected ones of all the nation and the government. The
Supreme Tribunal will be composed of these people, and all mankind will
thus have a share therein, for every one of these delegates is fully
representative of his nation.(1) When the Supreme Tribunal gives a ruling
on any international question, either unanimously or by majority rule,
there will no longer be any pretext for the plaintiff or ground of
objection for the defendant. In case any of the governments or nations, in
the execution of the irrefutable decision of the Supreme Tribunal, be
negligent or dilatory, the rest of the nations will rise up against it,
because all the governments and nations of the world are the supporters of
this Supreme Tribunal. Consider what a firm foundation this is! But by a
limited and restricted League the purpose will not be realized as it ought
and should. This is the truth about the situation, which has been
stated....
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", pp. 297-298, p. 304, pp.
306-307) [21]
22: True civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the
world...
True civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the world
whenever a certain number of its distinguished and high-minded
sovereigns--the shining exemplars of devotion and determination--shall, for
the good and happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear
vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace. They must make the
Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by every means
in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world. They must
conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the provisions of
which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to
all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race. This
supreme and noble undertaking--the real source of the peace and well-being
of all the world--should be regarded as sacred by all that dwell on earth.
All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the stability and
permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the
limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the
principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another
definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations
ascertained. In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government
should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the
military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will
arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this
solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any
one of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce
it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with
every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this
greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will
assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure.
Observe that if such a happy situation be forthcoming, no government would
need continually to pile up the weapons of war, nor feel itself obliged to
produce ever new military weapons with which to conquer the human race. A
small force for the purposes of internal security, the correction of
criminal and disorderly elements and the prevention of local disturbances,
would be required--no more. In this way the entire population would, first
of all, be relieved of the crushing burden of expenditure currently
imposed for military purposes, and secondly, great numbers of people would
cease to devote their time to the continual devising of new weapons of
destruction--those testimonials of greed and bloodthirstiness, so
inconsistent with the gift of life--and would instead bend their efforts to
the production of whatever will foster human existence and peace and
well-being, and would become the cause of universal development and
prosperity. Then every nation on earth will reign in honour, and every
people will be cradled in tranquillity and content.
A few, unaware of the power latent in human endeavour, consider this
matter as highly impracticable, nay even beyond the scope of man's utmost
efforts. Such is not the case, however. On the contrary, thanks to the
unfailing grace of God, the loving-kindness of His favoured ones, the
unrivaled endeavours of wise and capable souls, and the thoughts and ideas
of the peerless leaders of this age, nothing whatsoever can be regarded as
unattainable. Endeavour, ceaseless endeavour, is required. Nothing short
of an indomitable determination can possibly achieve it. Many a cause
which past ages have regarded as purely visionary, yet in this day has
become most easy and practicable. Why should this most great and lofty
Cause--the day-star of the firmament of true civilization and the cause of
the glory, the advancement, the well-being and the success of all
humanity--be regarded as impossible of achievement? Surely the day will
come when its beauteous light shall shed illumination upon the assemblage
of man.
The apparatus of conflict will, as preparations go on at their present
rate, reach the point where war will become something intolerable to
mankind.
It is clear from what has already been said that man's glory and greatness
do not consist in his being avid for blood and sharp of claw, in tearing
down cities and spreading havoc, in butchering armed forces and civilians.
What would mean a bright future for him would be his reputation for
justice, his kindness to the entire population whether high or low, his
building up countries and cities, villages and districts, his making life
easy, peaceful and happy for his fellow beings, his laying down
fundamental principles for progress, his raising the standards and
increasing the wealth of the entire population.
...
No power on earth can prevail against the armies of justice, and every
citadel must fall before them; for men willingly go down under the
triumphant strokes of this decisive blade, and desolate places bloom and
flourish under the tramplings of this host. There are two mighty banners
which, when they cast their shadow across the crown of any king, will
cause the influence of his government quickly and easily to penetrate the
whole earth, even as if it were the light of the sun: the first of these
two banners is wisdom; the second is justice. Against these two most
potent forces, the iron hills cannot prevail, and Alexander's wall will
break before them. It is clear that life in this fast-fading world is as
fleeting and inconstant as the morning wind, and this being so, how
fortunate are the great who leave a good name behind them, and the memory
of a lifetime spent in the pathway of the good pleasure of God.
...
A conquest can be a praiseworthy thing, and there are times when war
becomes the powerful basis of peace, and ruin the very means of
reconstruction. If, for example, a high-minded sovereign marshals his
troops to block the onset of the insurgent and the aggressor, or again, if
he takes the field and distinguishes himself in a struggle to unify a
divided state and people, if, in brief, he is waging war for a righteous
purpose, then this seeming wrath is mercy itself, and this apparent
tyranny the very substance of justice and this warfare the cornerstone of
peace. Today, the task befitting great rulers is to establish universal
peace, for in this lies the freedom of all peoples.
("The Secret of Divine Civilization", 2nd ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing
Trust, 1983), pp. 64-67, 70-71) [22]
23: In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to
the...
In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the
absence of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved.
Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and
the same continent association and interchange of thought were well nigh
impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all
the peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day,
however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents
of the earth have virtually merged into one.... In like manner all the
members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or
villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is
self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all
peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture
and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all
mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of
the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages
have been deprived, for this century--the century of light--has been endowed
with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the
miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be
seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man.
Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world's darkened horizon. The
first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of
which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world
undertakings, the consummation of which will ere long be witnessed. The
third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The
fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the
foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all
its splendour. The fifth candle is the unity of nations--a unity which in
this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the
world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth
candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and
kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the
choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and
converse. Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass,
inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their
realization.
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of Baha'u'llah", pp. 38-39, and
"The Promised Day Is Come", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing Trust,
1980), pp. 120-121) [23]
24: ...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible
expression...
...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible expression
through three means: first, intention; second, confirmation; third,
action. Today on this earth there are many souls who are promoters of
peace and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the
oneness and unity of the world of humanity; but this intention needeth a
dynamic power, so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In
this day the divine instructions and lordly exhortations promulgate this
most great aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom also support and aid
the realization of this intention. Therefore, although the combined forces
and thoughts of the nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this
exalted purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things and
the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong it will become
evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the teachings
of Baha'u'llah, and the tent of union and harmony among nations is the
Tabernacle of the divine Kingdom, for therein the intention, the power and
the action, all three, are brought together. The realization of everything
in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements.
(From a Tablet - translated from Persian) [24]
25: As far as possible, rest thou not for a moment, travel to the North
and...
As far as possible, rest thou not for a moment, travel to the North and
South of the country and summon all men to the oneness of the world of
humanity and to universal peace, saying: O people! Baha'u'llah laid the
foundation of universal peace fifty years ago. He even addressed Epistles
to the kings wherein He declared that war could destroy the foundation of
the world of humanity, that peace is conducive to everlasting life and
that dire peril awaited mankind. Also three years before the outbreak of
the world war 'Abdu'l-Baha travelled to America and most of Europe, where
he raised His voice before all gatherings, societies and churches,
appealing: O ye assemblage of men! The continent of Europe hath virtually
become an arsenal filled with explosives. There are vast stores of
destructive material hidden underground, liable to burst forth at a single
spark, causing the whole earth to quake. O ye men of understanding! Bestir
yourselves that perchance this accumulation of volatile material may not
explode. But the appeal went unheeded and consequently this murderous war
broke out.
The bulk of humanity now realiseth what a great calamity war is and how
war turneth man into a ferocious animal, causing prosperous cities and
villages to be reduced to ruins and the foundations of the human edifice
to crumble. Now, since all men have been awakened and their ears are
attentive, it is time for the promulgation of universal peace--a peace
based on righteousness and justice--that mankind may not be exposed to
further dangers in the future. Now is the dawn of universal peace, and the
first streaks of its light are beginning to appear. We earnestly hope that
its effulgent orb may shine forth and flood the East and the West with its
radiance. The establishment of universal peace is not possible save
through the power of the Word of God...
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [25]
26: Chaos and confusion are daily increasing in the world. They will
attain...
Chaos and confusion are daily increasing in the world. They will attain
such intensity as to render the frame of mankind unable to bear them. Then
will men be awakened and become aware that religion is the impregnable
stronghold and the manifest light of the world, and its laws, exhortations
and teachings the source of life on earth.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [26]