Through affliction hath His Light shone and His Praise been bright unceasingly; this hath been His method through past ages and bygone times.
Both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha predict in the most confident terms the speedy triumph of spirituality over materiality and the consequent establishment of the Most Great Peace.

'Abdu'l-Baha wrote in 1904:-- Know this, that hardships and misfortunes shall increase day by day, and the people shall be distressed.

The doors of joy and happiness shall be closed on all sides.

Terrible wars shall happen.

Disappointment and the frustration of hopes shall surround the people from every direction until they are obliged to turn to God.