…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 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.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912”, pp. 83–84) [30]