Praise be to God! The springtime of God is at hand. This
century is, verily, the spring season. The world of mind and kingdom of soul
have become fresh and verdant by its bestowals. It has resuscitated the whole
realm of existence. On one hand, the lights of reality are shining; on the
other, the clouds of divine mercy are pouring down the fullness of heavenly
bounty. Wonderful material progress is evident, and great spiritual discoveries
are being made. Truly, this can be called the miracle of centuries, for it is
replete with manifestations of the miraculous. The time has come when all
mankind shall be united, when all races shall be loyal to one fatherland, all
religions become one religion, and racial and religious bias pass away. It is a
day in which the oneness of humankind shall uplift its standard and international
peace, like the true morning, flood the world with its light. Therefore, we
offer supplications to God, asking Him to dispel these gloomy clouds and uproot
these imitations in order that the East and West may become radiant with love
and unity, that the nations of the world shall embrace each other and the ideal
spiritual brotherhood illumine the world like the glorious sun of the high
heavens. This is our hope, our wish and desire. We pray that through the bounty
and grace of God we may attain thereto. I am very happy to be present at this
meeting which has innate radiance, intelligence, perception and longing to
investigate reality. Such meetings are the glory of the world of mankind. I ask
the blessing of God in your behalf.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 28 May 1912,
New York; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
