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23: In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the… |
In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the
absence of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved.
Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and the
same continent association and interchange of thought were well nigh
impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all the
peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day, however,
means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth
have virtually merged into one…. In like manner all the members of the human
family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, have become
increasingly interdependent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer 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 wonders 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.
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Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world’s darkened horizon.
The first candle is unity in the political realm, 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
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candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle
is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the foundation itself, and
which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendour. The fifth
candle is the unity of nations—a unity which in this century will be
securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves
as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races,
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. Each and every one of these
will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will
aid and assist in their realization.
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh”, pp. 38–39, and “The Promised Day Is Come”, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 120–121) [23] |