A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.

The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era

  • Author:
  • J. E. Esslemont

  • Source:
  • US Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980 edition
  • Pages:
  • 286
Go to printed page GO
Pages 117-118

The Message of Bahá’u’lláh

It was when this state of conflict and confusion was at its height, that Bahá’u’lláh sounded His great trumpet call to humanity:—
That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between 118 the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled. … These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family. … (words spoken to Professor Browne).
It is a glorious message, but how are its proposals to be carried into effect? Prophets have preached, poets have sung and saints have prayed about these things for thousands of years, but diversities of religion have not ceased nor have strife and bloodshed and discord been annulled. What is there to show that now the miracle is to be accomplished? Are there any new factors in the situation? Is not human nature the same as it ever was, and will it not continue to be the same while the world lasts? If two people want the same thing, or two nations, will they not fight for it in the future as they have done in the past? If Moses, Buddha, Christ and Muḥammad failed to achieve world unity will Bahá’u’lláh succeed? If all previous faiths become corrupted and rent asunder into sects will not the Bahá’í faith share the same fate? Let us see what answer the Bahá’í teachings give to these and similar questions.