there are today
many societies and many meetings held for Unity. Enmity is not so much the
cause of separation as it used to be; the cause of disunion now is mostly
prejudice. For instance, years ago when Europeans visited the East they
were considered unclean and were hated. Now it is different: when people
of the West visit those in the East who are followers of the New Light,
they are received with love and courtesy.

'Abdu'l-Baha holding a little child close to him said, the true Baha'i
loves the children, because Jesus says they are of the Kingdom of heaven.
A simple pure heart is near to God; a child has no worldly ambitions.

Prejudices

The Universal Races Congress was good, for it was intended for the
furtherance and progress of unity among all nations and a better
international understanding. The purpose was good. The causes of dispute
among different nations are always due to one of the following classes of
prejudice: racial, lingual, theological, personal, and prejudices of
custom and tradition. It requires a universal active force to overcome
these differences. A small disease needs a small remedy, but a disease
which pervades the whole body needs a very strong remedy. A small lamp may
light a room, a larger would light a house, a larger still might shine
through the city, but the sun is needed to light the whole world.

The differences in language cause disunion between nations. There must be
one universal language. The diversity in Faiths is also a cause of
separation. The true foundation of all faiths must be established, the
outer differences abolished. There must be a Oneness of Faith. To end all
these differences is a very hard task. The whole world is sick, and needs
the power of the Great Healer.

These meetings teach us that Unity is good, and that suppression (slavery
under the yoke of tradition and prejudice) is the cause of disunion. To
know this is not enough. All knowledge is good, but it can bear no fruit
except by action. It is well to know that riches are good, but that
knowledge will not make a man rich; he must work, he must put his
knowledge into practice. We hope the people realize and know that unity is
good, and we also hope that they will not be content to stand still in
that knowledge. Do not only say that Unity, Love and Brotherhood are good;
you must work for their realization.

The Czar of Russia suggested the Hague Peace Conference and proposed a
decrease in armame