ich leads to divine knowledge and attainment. Without training and
guidance the soul could never progress beyond the conditions of its lower
nature, which is ignorant and defective.

TALKS 'ABDU'L-BAHA DELIVERED IN MONTREAL

1 September 1912
Talk at Church of the Messiah
Montreal, Canada

From Stenographic Notes

God, the Almighty, has created all mankind from the dust of earth. He has
fashioned them all from the same elements; they are descended from the
same race and live upon the same globe. He has created them to dwell
beneath the one heaven. As members of the human family and His children He
has endowed them with equal susceptibilities. He maintains, protects and
is kind to all. He has made no distinction in mercies and graces among His
children. With impartial love and wisdom He has sent forth His Prophets
and divine teachings. His teachings are the means of establishing union
and fellowship among mankind and awakening love and kindness in human
hearts. He proclaims the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. He rebukes
those things which create differences and destroy harmony; He commends and
praises every means that will conduce to the solidarity of the human race.
He encourages man in every step of advancement which leads to ultimate
union. The Prophets of God have been inspired with the message of love and
unity. The Books of God have been revealed for the upbuilding of
fellowship and union. The Prophets of God have been the servants of
reality; Their teachings constitute the science of reality. Reality is
one; it does not admit plurality. We conclude, therefore, that the
foundation of the religions of God is one foundation. Notwithstanding
this, certain forms and imitations have been persistently adhered to which
have nothing to do with the foundation of the teachings of the Prophets of
God. As these imitations are various and different, contention and strife
prevail among the people of religious beliefs, and the foundation of the
religion of God has become obscured. Like beasts of prey, men are warring
and killing each other, destroying cities and homes, devastating countries
and kingdoms.

God has created His servants in order that they may love and associate
with each other. He has revealed the glorious splendor of His sun of love
in the world of humanity. The cause of the creation of the phenomenal
world is love. All the Prophets have promulgated the law of love. Man has
opposed the will