This document was originally published in Behai Quarterly magazine, digitally reproduced at these pages: 1, 2. Minor changes have been made to the original text to modernize the spelling, capitalization, and word usage. These edits do not significantly alter the meaning of anything that was written. This is part of a longer essay which has been broken into two parts (click here for the first part). A descriptive title has been added to this portion of the originally untitled essay.

THE present state of affairs in the world at large obliges me to suggest a proposal that I hope will meet with the approval of the civilized world; and I further hope that those who hold in their hands the future of the nations will assist me in this matter, because in making this proposal, my only goal and aim is the good of the nations and the betterment of the affairs of the world.

All laws, whether spiritual or civil, are to be bringing about union, brotherhood, liberty and equality. The union of the nation is the foundation on which the pillars of politics are erected and its laws promulgated; and union is only obtained through brotherhood, liberty and equality.

The world is not devoid of differences in ideas, beliefs and aspirations, but I think that the differences of religious belief must be confined to places of worship. Every person is free to believe however and in whomsoever he wishes, and these different doctrines have nothing to do with human society. After finishing our prayers in our different places of worship, we are all one in humanity and brotherhood, and must consequently be on terms of equity in our mutual relations and in civil rights. In this respect Bahaullah says, "You are the fruits of one tree, and the drops of one sea."

It is true that our languages, morals, manners, habits and usages differ, but the human world includes us all. We are all from one root and we are, therefore, members of one universal brotherhood; and between brothers nothing should exist which might contradict equity and concord, and from which differences might arise.

Circumstances sometimes necessitate the union of two or more powers of the political world into a compact or agreement which is only carried out for the general welfare of the powers so uniting. The results and ends arrived at by such union cannot be denied. I would, therefore, suggest to my brothers and sisters in humanity to follow in this matter the footsteps of the political leaders of the world, and appoint a special place for meetings to be held, in order to discuss all matters of importance.

The following conditions should apply to the meetings and must be observed:

1. That the assembly be held with the permission of the government.



2. That regular meetings be held therein at specified intervals.



3. That representatives of all classes of the people of the different nationalities and religions attend the meetings. These representatives should be qualified persons nominated by their respective nations and sects, and having full power to discuss and decide matters which would tend to promote the welfare of the nations.



4. That the representatives of all classes, nationalities and creeds should be treated in the assembly on the same standing, no preference being given to the representatives of any nation or group over others.



5. That the decisions arrived at in these meetings be morally binding on the representatives themselves and on the nations they represent. These decisions should be properly arranged, signed, printed and distributed among the nations.



6. That in case any deviation from these rules and decisions is noticed, the person or persons found guilty be warned and treated in the manner found most suitable by the representatives themselves, because no betterment of the world would be possible if the rules and laws laid down by the governing authorities are not observed and obeyed.

We can come to perfect agreement only if we revere and honor our mutual opinions, although some of them may be contrary to our own habits and usages. From disregard and disrespect of other people's opinions nothing would result but harm and injury.

Bahaullah says: "O different creeds! Look forward to agreement and be enlightened by the light of concord. For the sake of God assemble together and remove from among you that which is the cause of conflict."

This led me to lay out the abovementioned proposal, and my only hope and desire is that if my proposal is met with approval and carried out, the assembly may not be temporary, but continue on indefinitely.

The affairs of the world, as witnessed, are not promising in the least, and the moral obligations have never been so binding as they are today. So let all who can, rise up and act, that the world may be better and its inhabitants happier.

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