of
Reality shone forth from the horizon of the East, but its heat and ray are
most resplendent in the West, where the radiant standard of Christ has
been upraised. I have great hopes that the lights of Baha'u'llah's
appearance may also find the fullest manifestation and reflection in these
western regions, for the teachings of Baha'u'llah are especially
applicable to the conditions of the people here. The western nations are
endowed with the capability of understanding the rational and peerless
words of Baha'u'llah and realizing that the essence of the teachings of
all the former Prophets can be found in His utterance.

The teachings of Christ have been promulgated by Baha'u'llah, Who has also
revealed new teachings applicable to present conditions in the world of
humanity. He has trained the people of the East through the power and
protection of the Holy Spirit, cemented the souls of humanity together and
established the foundations of international unity.

Through the power of His words the hearts of the people of all religions
have been attuned in harmony. For instance, among the Baha'is in Persia
there are Christians, Muslims, Zoroastrians, Jews and many others of
varying denominations and beliefs who have been brought together in unity
and love in the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Although these people were formerly
hostile and antagonistic, filled with hatred and bitterness toward each
other, bloodthirsty and pillaging, considering that animosity and attack
were the means of attaining the good pleasure of God, they have now become
loving and filled with the radiant zeal of fellowship and brotherhood, the
purpose of them all being service to the world of humanity, promotion of
international peace, the unification of the divine religions and deeds of
universal philanthropy. By their words and actions they are proving the
verity of Baha'u'llah.

Consider the animosity and hatred existing today between the various
nations of the world. What disagreements and hostilities arise, what
warfare and contention, how much bloodshed, what injustice and tyranny!
Just now there is war in eastern Turkey, also war between Turkey and
Italy. Nations are devoted to conquest and bloodshed, filled with the
animus of religious hatred, seeking the good pleasure of God by killing
and destroying those whom in their blindness they consider enemies. How
ignorant they are! That which is forbidden by God they consider acceptable
to Him. God is love;