. So there are many points of distinction among these kinds of
elements.

In the vegetable kingdom also we observe distinction between the various
sorts and species of organisms. Each has its own form, color and
fragrance. In the animal kingdom the same law rules as many distinctions
in form, color and function are noticeable. It is the same in the human
kingdom. From the standpoint of color there are white, black, yellow and
red people. From the standpoint of physiognomy there is a wide difference
and distinction among races. The Asian, African and American have
different physiognomies; the men of the North and men of the South are
very different in type and features. From an economic standpoint in the
law of living there is a great deal of difference. Some are poor, others
wealthy; some are wise, others ignorant; some are patient and serene, some
impatient and excitable; some are prone to justice, others practice
injustice and oppression; some are meek, others arrogant. In brief, there
are many points of distinction among humankind.

I desire distinction for you. The Baha'is must be distinguished from
others of humanity. But this distinction must not depend upon wealth--that
they should become more affluent than other people. I do not desire for
you financial distinction. It is not an ordinary distinction I desire; not
scientific, commercial, industrial distinction. For you I desire spiritual
distinction--that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals.
In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. You must
become distinguished for loving humanity, for unity and accord, for love
and justice. In brief, you must become distinguished in all the virtues of
the human world--for faithfulness and sincerity, for justice and fidelity,
for firmness and steadfastness, for philanthropic deeds and service to the
human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with
all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace.
Finally, you must become distinguished for heavenly illumination and for
acquiring the bestowals of God. I desire this distinction for you. This
must be the point of distinction among you.

16 June 1912
Talk at Fourth Unitarian Church
Beverly Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York

Notes by Esther Foster

This is a Unitarian church, and in the Arabic tongue this day may well be
called Yawm-al'Ittihad ("the Unitarian Day"). Therefore, I consi