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3 May 1912 |
I was in the Orient, and from the Orient to this part of the world is a
long distance. Travel is difficult, especially difficult for me on account
of my infirmities of body, increased by forty years in prison.
My physical powers are weak; it is the power of will that sustains
me. Realize from this how great has been my exertion and how
strong my purpose in accomplishing this journey through the will of
God. May it be the cause of great illumination in the Occident.
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In this western world with its stimulating climate, its capacities
for knowledge and lofty ideals, the message of peace should be
easily spread. The people are not so influenced by imitations and
prejudices, and through their comprehension of the real and unreal
they should attain the truth. They should become leaders in the effort
to establish the oneness of humankind. What is higher than this
responsibility? In the Kingdom of God no service is greater, and in
the estimation of the Prophets, including Jesus Christ, there is no
deed so estimable.
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Yet even now warfare prevails. Envy and hatred have arisen
between nations. But because I find the American nation so capable
of achievement and this government the fairest of western
governments, its institutions superior to others, my wish and hope is
that the banner of international reconciliation may first be raised on
this continent and the standard of the Most Great Peace be unfurled
here. May the American people and their government unite in their
efforts in order that this light may dawn from this point and spread
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to all regions, for this is one of the greatest bestowals of God. In
order that America may avail herself of this opportunity, I beg that
you strive and pray with heart and soul, devoting all your energies
to this end: that the banner of international peace may be upraised
here and that this democracy may be the cause of the cessation of
warfare in all other countries.
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Observe what is taking place in Tripoli: men cutting each other
into pieces, bombardment from the sea, attacks from the land and
the hail of dynamite from the very heaven itself. The contending
armies are thirsting for each other’s blood. How they can do this is
inconceivable. They have fathers, mothers, children; they are
human. What of their wives and families? Think of their anguish
and suffering. How unjust, how terrible! Human beings should
prevent and forbid this. These kings, rulers and chieftains should
strive for the good of their subjects instead of their destruction.
These shepherds should bring their sheep within the fold, comfort
them and give them pasture instead of death and slaughter.
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