It is my wish and hope that in the bounties and favors of
the Blessed Perfection we may find a new life, acquire a new power and attain
to a wonderful and supreme source of energy so that the Most Great Peace of
divine intention shall be established upon the foundations of the unity of the
world of men with God. May the love of God be spread from this city, from this
meeting to all the surrounding countries. Nay, may America become the
distributing center of spiritual enlightenment, and all the world receive this
heavenly blessing! For America has developed powers and capacities greater and
more wonderful than other nations. While it is true that its people have
attained a marvelous material civilization, I hope that spiritual forces may
animate this great body and a corresponding spiritual civilization be
established. May the inhabitants of this country become like angels of heaven
with faces turned continually toward God. May all of them become the servants
of the Omnipotent One. May they rise from present material attainments to such
a height that heavenly illumination may stream from this center to all the
peoples of the world.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 16 April 1912 at Hotel
Ansonia to Bahá’í Friends; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks
Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912’)
