the refinement of their appliances, the ease
of their means of travel, the extent of knowledge available about the
world of nature, the great inventions, the colossal enterprises, the noble
discoveries and scientific researches, thou wouldst conclude that
civilization conduceth to the happiness and the progress of the human
world. Yet shouldst thou turn thine eye to the discovery of destructive
and infernal machines, to the development of forces of demolition and the
invention of fiery implements, which uproot the tree of life, it would
become evident and manifest unto thee that civilization is conjoined with
barbarism. Progress and barbarism go hand in hand, unless material
civilization be confirmed by Divine Guidance, by the revelations of the
All-Merciful and by godly virtues, and be reinforced by spiritual conduct,
by the ideals of the Kingdom and by the outpourings of the Realm of Might.

Consider now, that the most advanced and civilized countries of the world
have been turned into arsenals of explosives, that the continents of the
globe have been transformed into huge camps and battlefields, that the
peoples of the world have formed themselves into armed nations, and that
the governments of the world are vying with each other as to who will
first step into the field of carnage and bloodshed, thus subjecting
mankind to the utmost degree of affliction.

Therefore, this civilization and material progress should be combined with
the Most Great Guidance so that this nether world may become the scene of
the appearance of the bestowals of the Kingdom, and physical achievements
may be conjoined with the effulgences of the Merciful. This in order that
the beauty and perfection of the world of man may be unveiled and be
manifested before all in the utmost grace and splendour. Thus everlasting
glory and happiness shall be revealed.

Praise be to God, throughout succeeding centuries and ages the call of
civilization hath been raised, the world of humanity hath been advancing
and progressing day by day, various countries have been developing by
leaps and bounds, and material improvements have increased, until the
world of existence obtained universal capacity to receive the spiritual
teachings and to hearken to the Divine Call. The suckling babe passeth
through various physical stages, growing and developing at every stage,
until its body reacheth the age of maturity. Having arrived at this stage
it acquireth the capacity t