with all nations and exchange of thought with all sorts and conditions of men are rendered most easy, so much so that every person, through the medium of world publications, is enabled to acquaint himself with the conditions, the faiths and the thoughts of all the peoples and nations of the world. In like manner, all the members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, stand in need one of the other. For none, is absolute independence henceforth possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture and education are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the marvels of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages have been deprived, for this century—the century of light—has been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man.
Behold how even as the dawning light of the morn this century is casting illumination upon the world’s darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political world the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will ere long be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity of religion which is the cornerstone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle is national unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples and nations of the world to regard themselves the citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is racial unity making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i. e., the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. All that hath been mentioned will inevitably come to pass for the power of heaven will aid and assist in their realization.
Consider how great and unexampled have been the diversity of race, the antagonism of faiths and the conflict of opinions in Persia. In this day, however, the fragrance of holiness has produced so complete a fusion of the divers elements in that land that its varied peoples, its opposing sects and hostile races have become even as one soul. Reflect how great is their (Bahá’ís) love one for the other, how firm their union, how unified their interests, how close their association and intercourse. Christian, Jew, Zoroastrian and Muslim, having all banished every trace of estrangement and difference from their midst, have all gathered together in perfect harmony and understanding, with all affection, happiness and freedom.
Ponder in thine heart what the power of the Most Great Name (Bahá’u’lláh) hath wrought!
(Epistles of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
Religion is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein. The weakening of the pillars of Religion hath strengthened the hands of the foolish and made them bold and arrogant. Verily I say, whatsoever hath lowered the lofty station of religion hath increased the waywardness of the wicked, and the result cannot be but anarchy. . . .
Consider the civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and alarmed the peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, and hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none hath ever witnessed or heard. The purging of such deeply-rooted and overwhelming corruptions cannot be effected unless the peoples of the world
