eth himself to the
service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy
is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and
kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not
for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him
who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its
citizens.

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", pp. 249-250) [4]

5: O ye rulers of the earth! Wherefore have ye clouded the radiance of
the...

O ye rulers of the earth! Wherefore have ye clouded the radiance of the
Sun, and caused it to cease from shining? Hearken unto the counsel given
you by the Pen of the Most High, that haply both ye and the poor may
attain unto tranquillity and peace. We beseech God to assist the kings of
the earth to establish peace on earth. He, verily, doth what He willeth.

O kings of the earth! We see you increasing every year your expenditures,
and laying the burden thereof on your subjects. This, verily, is wholly
and grossly unjust. Fear the sighs and tears of this Wronged One, and lay
not excessive burdens on your peoples. Do not rob them to rear palaces for
yourselves; nay rather choose for them that which ye choose for
yourselves. Thus We unfold to your eyes that which profiteth you, if ye
but perceive. Your people are your treasures. Beware lest your rule
violate the commandments of God, and ye deliver your wards to the hands of
the robber. By them ye rule, by their means ye subsist, by their aid ye
conquer. Yet, how disdainfull ye look y upon them! How strange, how very
strange!

Now that ye have refused the Most Great Peace, hold ye fast unto this, the
Lesser Peace, that haply ye may in some degree better your own condition
and that of your dependents.

O rulers of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no
more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your territories and
dominions. Beware lest ye disregard the counsel of the All-Knowing, the
Faithful.

Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord
be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that
comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye
all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice.

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", pp. 253-254) [5]

6: The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unatta