dissolution. When the banner of truth is
raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the
human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement
and discomfort, whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and
consideration of human interests. This distinction is especially
pronounced in the present world conditions, for warfare in former
centuries had not attained the degree of savagery and destructiveness
which now characterizes it. If two nations were at war in olden times, ten
or twenty thousand would be sacrificed, but in this century the
destruction of one hundred thousand lives in a day is quite possible. So
perfected has the science of killing become and so efficient the means and
instruments of its accomplishment that a whole nation can be obliterated
in a short time. Therefore, comparison with the methods and results of
ancient warfare is out of the question.

According to an intrinsic law all phenomena of being attain to a summit
and degree of consummation, after which a new order and condition is
established. As the instruments and science of war have reached the degree
of thoroughness and proficiency, it is hoped that the transformation of
the human world is at hand and that in the coming centuries all the
energies and inventions of man will be utilized in promoting the interests
of peace and brotherhood. Therefore, may this esteemed and worthy society
for the establishment of international peace be confirmed in its sincere
intentions and empowered by God. Then will it hasten the time when the
banner of universal agreement will be raised and international welfare
will be proclaimed and consummated so that the darkness which now
encompasses the world shall pass away.

Sixty years ago Baha'u'llah was in Persia. Seventy years ago the Bab
appeared there. These two Blessed Souls devoted Their lives to the
foundation of international peace and love among mankind. They strove with
heart and soul to establish the teachings by which divergent people might
be brought together and no strife, rancor or hatred prevail. Baha'u'llah,
addressing all humanity, said that Adam, the parent of mankind, may be
likened to the tree of nativity upon which you are the leaves and
blossoms. Inasmuch as your origin was one, you must now be united and
agreed; you must consort with each other in joy and fragrance. He
pronounced prejudice--whether religious, racial, patriotic, political--the