“Thou hast written concerning the universal peace,...”
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, (1909) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
276 Thou hast written concerning the universal peace, that before long the congress of The Hague will be opened277 and discussion will be made in regard to the universal peace.
This problem cannot be solved by the congress of The Hague, whose members are the representatives of nations; nay, rather, this graceful beloved will unveil her face in all the regions through the penetrative power of the Word of God.
The congress of The Hague is as follows: The wine sellers call a meeting so that they may discuss the evils of wine and remove from the world the drinking of wine; yet their own vocation is wine selling.
Nations who are constantly thinking wither of worldly conquest, the expansion of their own dominion or waging war upon their contemporaries, send ministers and representatives to the congress of The Hague to discuss the problem of universal peace and legislative registrations for the prevention of war!
But regarding the universal language: Ere long significance and scientific discussions concerning this matter will arise among the people of discernment and insight and it will produce the desired result.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas (1909). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19312.
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do you see devotion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
- How does this story complicate or deepen your understanding of tablets?
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about devotion?
Reflection
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
- Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "“Thou hast written concerning the universal peace,...”" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1909). *Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19312/pg19312-images.html
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