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O Ye Rulers Of The Earth! Wherefore Have

Sources: Gleanings From The Writings Of Baha'u'llah

O ye rulers of the earth! Wherefore have ye clouded the radiance of the

Sun, and caused it to cease from shining? Hearken unto the counsel given

you by the Pen of the Most High, that haply both ye and the poor may

attain unto tranquillity and peace. We beseech God to assist the kings of

the earth to establish peace on earth. He, verily, doth what He willeth.



O kings of the earth! We see you increasing every year your
xpenditures,

and laying the burden thereof on your subjects. This, verily, is wholly

and grossly unjust. Fear the sighs and tears of this wronged One, and lay

not excessive burdens on your peoples. Do not rob them to rear palaces for

yourselves; nay rather choose for them that which ye choose for

yourselves. Thus We unfold to your eyes that which profiteth you, if ye

but perceive. Your people are your treasures. Beware lest your rule

violate the commandments of God, and ye deliver your wards to the hands of

the robber. By them ye rule, by their means ye subsist, by their aid ye

conquer. Yet, how disdainfully ye look upon them! How strange, how very

strange!



Now that ye have refused the Most Great Peace, hold ye fast unto this, the

Lesser Peace, that haply ye may in some degree better your own condition

and that of your dependents.



O rulers of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no

more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your territories and

dominions. Beware lest ye disregard the counsel of the All-Knowing, the

Faithful.



Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord

be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that

comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye

all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice.



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