hey passed into the promised land, advanced in all degrees, developed
sciences and arts, progressed in material affairs, increased in divine or
spiritual civilization until their nation rose to its zenith in the
sovereignty of Solomon. It is evident, therefore, that religion is the
cause of unity, fellowship and progress among mankind. The function of a
shepherd is to gather the sheep together and not to scatter them. Then
Christ appeared. He united varying and divergent creeds and warring people
of His time. He brought together Greeks and Romans, reconciled Egyptians
and Assyrians, Chaldeans and Phoenicians. Christ established unity and
agreement among people of these hostile and warring nations. Therefore, it
is again evident that the purpose of religion is peace and concord.
Likewise, Muhammad appeared at a time when the peoples and tribes of
Arabia were divergent and in a state of continual warfare. They killed
each other, pillaged and took captive wives and children. Muhammad united
these fierce tribes, established a foundation of fellowship among them so
that they gave up warring against each other absolutely and established
communities. The result was that the Arabian tribes freed themselves from
the Persian yoke and Roman control, established an independent sovereignty
which rose to a high degree of civilization, advanced in sciences and
arts, extended the Saracen dominion as far west as Spain and Andalusia and
became famous throughout the world. Therefore, it is proved once more that
the religion of God is intended to be the cause of advancement and
solidarity and not of enmity and dissolution. If it becomes the cause of
hatred and strife, its absence is preferable. Its purpose is unity, and
its foundations are one.

When Baha'u'llah appeared in Persia, violent strife and hatred separated
the peoples and tribes of that country. They would not come together for
any purpose except war; they would not partake of the same food, or drink
of the same water; association and intercourse were impossible.
Baha'u'llah founded the oneness of humanity among these people and bound
their hearts together with such ties of love that they were completely
united. He reestablished the prophetic foundations, reformed and renewed
the principles laid down by the Messengers of God who had preceded Him.
And now it is hoped that through His life and teachings the East and West
shall become so united that no trace of enmity, strife and dis