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the heart and soul. And, as regards this matter, there has
[already] been much interference, and countless efforts have
been made. What blood has been shed! What heads have been
hung up! Thousands of persons have been slain; thousands of
women and children have become wanderers or captives;
many are the buildings which have been ruined; and how
many noble races and families have become headless and
homeless! Yet naught has been effected and no advantage has
been gained; no remedy has been discovered for this ill, nor
any easy salve for this wound. [To insure] freedom of conscience
and tranquility of heart and soul is one of the duties and
functions of government, and is in all ages the cause of
progress in development and ascendency over other lands.
Other civilized countries acquired not this preeminence, nor
attained unto these high degrees of influence and power, till
such time as they put away the strife of sects out of their midst,
and dealt with all classes according to one standard. All are
one people, one nation, one species, one kind. The common
interest is complete equality; justice and equality amongst
mankind are amongst the chief promoters of empire and the
principal means to the extension of the skirt of conquest. From
whatever section of earth's denizens signs of contentiousness
appear, prompt punishment is required by a just government;
while any person who girds up the loins of endeavor and
carries off the ball of priority is deserving of royal favors and
worthy of splendid gifts. Times are changed, and the need and
fashion of the world are changed. Interference with creed and
faith in every country causes manifest detriment, while justice
and equal dealing towards all peoples on the face of the earth
are the means whereby progress is effected. It is right to
exercise caution and care with regard to political factions, and
to be fearful and apprehensive of materialist sects; for the
subjects occupying the thoughts of the former are [designs of]
interference in political matters and [desire of] ostentation,
while the actions and conduct of the latter are subversive of