destroyer of the body politic. He said that man must recognize the oneness
of humanity, for all in origin belong to the same household, and all are
servants of the same God. Therefore, mankind must continue in the state of
fellowship and love, emulating the institutions of God and turning away
from satanic promptings, for the divine bestowals bring forth unity and
agreement, whereas satanic leadings induce hatred and war.

This remarkable Personage was able by these principles to establish a bond
of unity among the differing sects and divergent people of Persia. Those
who followed His teachings, no matter from what denomination or faction
they came, were conjoined by the ties of love, until now they cooperate
and live together in peace and agreement. They are real brothers and
sisters. No distinctions of class are observed among them, and complete
harmony prevails. Daily this bond of affinity is strengthening, and their
spiritual fellowship continually develops. In order to ensure the progress
of mankind and to establish these principles Baha'u'llah suffered every
ordeal and difficulty. The Bab became a martyr, and over twenty thousand
men and women sacrificed their lives for their faith. Baha'u'llah was
imprisoned and subjected to severe persecutions. Finally, He was exiled
from Persia to Mesopotamia; from Ba_gh_dad He was sent to Constantinople
and Adrianople and from thence to the prison of Akka in Syria. Through all
these ordeals He strove day and night to proclaim the oneness of humanity
and promulgate the message of universal peace. From the prison of Akka He
addressed the kings and rulers of the earth in lengthy letters, summoning
them to international agreement and explicitly stating that the standard
of the Most Great Peace would surely be upraised in the world.

This has come to pass. The powers of earth cannot withstand the privileges
and bestowals which God has ordained for this great and glorious century.
It is a need and exigency of the time. Man can withstand anything except
that which is divinely intended and indicated for the age and its
requirements. Now--praise be to God!--in all countries of the world, lovers
of peace are to be found, and these principles are being spread among
mankind, especially in this country. Praise be to God! This thought is
prevailing, and souls are continually arising as defenders of the oneness
of humanity, endeavoring to assist and establish international peace.
There is no