roughout the whole
world--America, Europe and the Orient.

History records the appearance in the world of women who have been signs
of guidance, power and accomplishment. Some were notable poets, some
philosophers and scientists, others courageous upon the field of battle.
Qurratu'l-'Ayn, a Baha'i, was a poetess. She discomfited the learned men
of Persia by her brilliancy and fervor. When she entered a meeting, even
the learned were silent. She was so well versed in philosophy and science
that those in her presence always considered and consulted her first. Her
courage was unparalleled; she faced her enemies fearlessly until she was
killed. She withstood a despotic king, the _Sh_ah of Persia, who had the
power to decree the death of any of his subjects. There was not a day
during which he did not command the execution of some. This woman singly
and alone withstood such a despot until her last breath, then gave her
life for her faith.

Consider the mysteries revealed during the last half century, all due to
the effulgence of the Sun of Reality, which has been so gloriously
manifested in this age and cycle. In this day man must investigate reality
impartially and without prejudice in order to reach the true knowledge and
conclusions. What, then, constitutes the inequality between man and woman?
Both are human. In powers and function each is the complement of the
other. At most it is this: that woman has been denied the opportunities
which man has so long enjoyed, especially the privilege of education. But
even this is not always a shortcoming. Shall we consider it an
imperfection and weakness in her nature that she is not proficient in the
school of military tactics, that she cannot go forth to the field of
battle and kill, that she is not able to handle a deadly weapon? Nay,
rather, is it not a compliment when we say that in hardness of heart and
cruelty she is inferior to man? The woman who is asked to arm herself and
kill her fellow creatures will say, "I cannot." Is this to be considered a
fault and lack of qualification as man's equal? Yet be it known that if
woman had been taught and trained in the military science of slaughter,
she would have been the equivalent of man even in this accomplishment. But
God forbid! May woman never attain this proficiency; may she never wield
weapons of war, for the destruction of humanity is not a glorious
achievement. The upbuilding of a home, the bringing of joy and comfort
into h