tructive 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]

EXTRACTS FROM THE UTTERANCES OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA

27: Today the world of humanity is in need of international unity and...

Today the world of humanity is in need of international unity and
conciliation. To establish these great fundamental principles a propelling
power is needed. It is self-evident that the unity of the human world and
the Most Great Peace cannot be accomplished through material means. They
cannot be established through political power, for the political interests
of nations are various and the policies of peoples are divergent and
conflicting. They cannot be founded through racial or patriotic power, for
these are human powers, selfish and weak. The very nature of racial
differences and patriotic prejudices prevents the realization of this
unity and agreement. Therefore, it is evidenced that the promotion of the
onen