f
nations. The other countries await this summons, expect this call to the
standard of reconciliation, for the whole world is distressed because of
the excessive burden and irreparable damage of war. Taxes are levied to
meet its drain. Every year the burden increases and the people have come
to their end. Just now(4) Europe is a battlefield of ammunition ready for
a spark; and one spark will set aflame the whole world. Before these
complications and cataclysmic events happen, take the step to prevent it.

The foundations of all the divine religions are peace and agreement, but
misunderstandings and ignorance have developed. If these are caused to
disappear you will see that all the religious agencies will work for peace
and promulgate the oneness of humankind. For the foundation of all is
reality and reality is not multiple or divisible. His Holiness Moses
founded it, His Holiness Jesus raised its tent, and its brilliant light
has shone forth in all the religions. His Holiness Baha'u'llah proclaimed
this one reality and spread the message of the "Most Great Peace". Even in
prison he rested not until he lighted this lamp in the East. Praise be to
God! all who have accepted his teachings are lovers of peace, peacemakers
ready to sacrifice their lives and expend their possessions for it. Now
let this standard be upraised in the West and many will respond to the
call. America has become renowned for her discoveries, inventions and
artistic skill, famous for equity of government and stupendous
undertakings; now may she also become noted and celebrated as the herald
and messenger of Universal Peace. Let this be her mission and undertaking
and may its blessed impetus spread to all countries. I pray for all of you
that you may render this service to the world of humanity.

FOUNDATIONS OF WORLD UNITY

There is not one soul whose conscience does not testify that in this day
there is no more important matter in the world than that of Universal
Peace. Every just one bears witness to this and adores that esteemed
Assembly(5) because its aim is that this darkness may be turned into
light, this bloodthirstiness into kindness, this torment into bliss, this
hardship into ease and this enmity and hatred into fellowship and love.
Therefore the effort of those esteemed souls is worthy of praise and
commendation.

But the wise souls who are aware of the essential relationships emanating
from the realities of things consider tha