her
nations of the East were in the same condition. Religionists were hostile
and bigoted, sects were at enmity, races hated each other, tribes were
constantly at war; everywhere antagonism and conflict prevailed. Men
shunned and were suspicious of each other. The man who could kill a number
of his fellow creatures was glorified for his heroism and strength. Among
religionists it was esteemed a praiseworthy deed to take the life of one
who held an opposite belief. At this time Baha'u'llah arose and declared
His mission. He founded the oneness of the world of humanity, proclaimed
that all are servants of the loving and merciful God Who has created,
nourished and provided for all; therefore, why should men be unjust and
unkind to each other, showing forth that which is contrary to God? As He
loves us, why should we entertain animosity and hate? If God did not love
all, He would not have created, trained and provided for all.
Loving-kindness is the divine policy. Shall we consider human policy and
attitude superior to the wisdom and policy of God? This would be
inconceivable, impossible. Therefore, we must emulate and follow the
divine policy, dealing with each other in the utmost love and tenderness.

Baha'u'llah declared the Most Great Peace and international arbitration.
He voiced these principles in numerous Epistles which were circulated
broadcast throughout the East. He wrote to all the kings and rulers,
encouraging, advising and admonishing them in regard to the establishment
of peace, making it evident by conclusive proofs that the happiness and
glory of humanity can only be assured through disarmament and arbitration.
This was nearly fifty years ago. Because He promulgated the message of
universal peace and international agreement, the kings of the Orient arose
against Him, for they did not find their personal and national benefits
advanced by His admonition and teaching. They persecuted Him bitterly,
inflicted upon Him every torment, imprisoned, bastinadoed, banished Him
and eventually confined Him in a fortress. Then they arose against His
followers. For the establishment of international peace the blood of
twenty thousand Baha'is was spilled. Their homes were destroyed, their
children made captives and their possessions pillaged, yet none of these
people waxed cold or wavered in devotion. Even to this day the Baha'is are
persecuted, and quite recently a number were killed, for wherever they are
found they put fo