al or
spiritual--be well cemented. May the material civilization of America find
complete efficacy and establishment in Persia, and may the spiritual
civilization of Persia find acceptance and response in America.

Some of the creatures of existence can live solitary and alone. A tree,
for instance, may live without the assistance and cooperation of other
trees. Some animals are isolated and lead a separate existence away from
their kind. But this is impossible for man. In his life and being
cooperation and association are essential. Through association and meeting
we find happiness and development, individual and collective.

For instance, when there is intercourse and cooperation between two
villages, the advancement of each will be assured. Likewise, if
intercommunication is established between two cities, both will benefit
and progress. And if a reciprocal basis of agreement be reached between
two countries, their individual and mutual interests will find great
development. Therefore, in the unity of this radiant assemblage I behold
the link between Orient and Occident. Such unity is the means and
instrument of cooperation between the various countries of the East and
West. It is evident, then, that the outcomes from this basis of agreement
and accord are numberless and unlimited. Surely there will be great
harvests of results forthcoming for Persia and America. In Persia advanced
material civilization will be established and the doors thrown open wide
to American commerce.

Above and beyond all this, a great love and fountain of affection shall
bind and blend these two remote peoples, for Baha'u'llah has proclaimed to
the world the solidarity of nations and the oneness of humanity.
Addressing all mankind He has said, "Ye are all leaves of one tree and the
drops of one sea." The world of humanity has been expressed by Him as a
unit--as one family. It is, therefore, hoped that the American and Persian
nations may be conjoined and united in reciprocal love. May they become
one race endowed with the same susceptibilities. May these bonds of amity
and accord be firmly established.

Baha'u'llah passed forty years of His life in prison and exile in order
that He might upraise the banner of the oneness of the world of men. For
this He bore all these ordeals and difficulties. He was under the dominion
of 'Abdu'l-Hamid. I, too, was in the prison of 'Abdu'l-Hamid until the
Committee of Union and Progress hoisted the standa