The Promulgation of Universal Peace

Two years before the crash of world war shook the continents and upheaved oceans ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás visited the United States of America, proclaiming the Glad Tidings of Universal peace and the oneness of the world of humanity. In His message He reviewed social, religious and political conditions of the nations, foretold clearly the impending clash and conflict of militarism, summoning mankind to the standard of divine guidance upraised in this cycle of the cycles by the manifestation and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. His visit, extending from April to December 1912, covered an itinerary across the continent and return, involving an extraordinary and incredible expenditure of energy on the part of One Who at the threshold of three score years and ten had spent practically His whole lifetime in exile and imprisonment for the Cause of God.

This treasury of His words is a compilation of informal talks and extemporary discourses delivered in Persian and Arabic, interpreted by proficient linguists who accompanied Him, and taken stenographically in both Oriental and Occidental tongue.

Upon the day of His arrival in New York He said, “It is my purpose to set forth in America the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It will then become the duty of the Bahá’ís in this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts and lives of the people.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words, therefore, will be found characterized by a broad, clear simplicity and practical basis, marked by absence of metaphysical flights, philosophical speculation and mere rhetorical eloquence, always reflecting the pure beauty of the Word of God, that primal, essential, eternal foundation upon which rests religion, science and all human advancement.

Everywhere in His journeying throughout the United States ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was received and welcomed in a spirit of love and reverence. Temples and churches of all denominations, synagogues, peace societies, religious and educational institutions, colleges, women’s clubs, metaphysical groups and new-thought centers opened their doors, pulpits and platforms willingly and