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Let there be no misgivings as to the animating purpose of the world- wide Law of Baha'u'llah. Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever- changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race... (174:1) The call of Baha'u'llah is primarily directed against all forms of provincialism, all insularities and prejudices... For legal standards, political and economic theories are solely designed to safeguard the interests of humanity as a whole, and not humanity to be crucified for the preservation of the integrity of any particular law or doctrine... (174:2) The principle of the Oneness of Mankind - the pivot round which all the teachings of Baha'u'llah revolve - is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and pious hope... Its implications are deeper, its claims greater than any which the Prophets of old were allowed to advance. Its message is applicable not only to the individual, but concerns itself primarily with the nature of those essential relationships that must bind all the states and nations as members of one human family... (174:3) It represents the consummation of human evolution... (174:4) That the forces of a world catastrophe can alone precipitate such a new phase of human thought is, alas, becoming increasingly apparent... (174:5) Nothing but a fiery ordeal, out of which humanity will emerge, chastened and prepared, can succeed in implanting that sense of responsibility which the leaders of a newborn age must arise to shoulder...
(174:6)
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