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It is true that, since the advent of Baha'u'llah, there have been, until now, war and destruction on an unprecedented scale, but this is just what all the prophets have said would happen at the dawn of the "great and terrible Day of the Lord," and is, therefore, but a confirmation of the view that the "Coming of the Lord" is not only at hand, but is already an accomplished fact. According to the parable of Christ, the Lord of the Vineyard must miserably destroy the wicked husbandmen before He gives the Vineyard to others who will render Him the fruits in their seasons. Does not this mean that at the coming of the Lord dire destruction awaits those despotic governments, avaricious and intolerant priests, mullas, or tyrannical leaders who through the centuries have, like wicked husbandmen, misruled the earth and misappropriated its fruits? (35:2) There may be terrible events, and unparalleled calamities yet awhile on the earth, but Baha'u'llah assures us that erelong, "these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come." War and strife have become so intolerable in their destructiveness that mankind must find deliverance from them or perish (35:3) "The fullness of time" has come and with it the Promised Deliverer!
(35:4)
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