From Abdu'l-baha (Baha'u'llah's son):

         I have spoken in the various Christian churches and in synagogues, and in no assemblage has there been a dissenting voice. All have listened, and all have conceded that the teachings of Baha'u'llah are superlative in character, acknowledged that they constitute the very essence or spirit of this new age and that there is no better pathway to the attainment of its ideals. Not a single voice has been raised in objection. At most there has been some who have refused to ackowledge the mission of Baha'u'llah, although even these have admited that He was a great teacher, a most powerful soul, a very great man. Some who could find no other pretext have said " These teachings are not new; they are old and familiar; we have heard them before." Therefore I will speak to you upon  the distinctive characteristics of the manifestation of Baha'u'llah and prove that from every standpoint His Cause is distinguished from all others. It is distinguished by its didactic character and method of exposition, by its practical effects and application to present world conditions, but especially distinguished from the standpoint of its spread and progress.........

         We will now compare the teachings of Baha'u'llah with the Holy Words which have been descended in the former cycles.

      First among the great princples revealed by Him is that of the investigation of reality. The meaning is that every individual member of humankind is exhorted and commanded to set aside superstitious beliefs, traditions and blind imitation of ancestral forms in religion and investigate reality for himself. Inasmuch as the fundamental reality is one, all religions and nations of the world will become one through investigation of reality. The announcement of this principle is not found in any of the sacred Books of the past.

      A second characteristic principle of the teachings of Baha'u'llah is that which commands recognition of the oneness of all mankind, He says "Ye are all the leaves of one tree." There are no distinctions of race among you in the sight of God. Nay, rather all are the servants of God, and all are submerged in the ocean of His oneness. Not a single soul is bereft. On the contrary, all are the recipients of the bounties of God. Every human creature has a portion of His bestowals and a share of the effulgence of His reality. God is kind to all. Mankind are His sheep, and He is their real Shepherd. No other scriptures contain such breadth and universality of statement; no other teachings proclaim this unequivocal principle of the solidarity of humanity. As regards any possible  distinctions, the utmost that Baha'u'llah says is that conditions amony men vary, that some, for instance, are defective. Therefore, such souls must be educated in order that they may be brought to the degree of perfection. Some are sick and ailing, they must be treated and cared for until they are healed.....

       Baha'u'llah teaches that religion must be in conformity with science and reason. If belief and teaching are opposed to the analysis of reason and principles of science, they are not worthy of acceptance. This principle has not been revealed in any of the former Books of divine teaching.

       Another fundamental announcement made by Baha'u'llah is that religion must be the source of unity and fellowship in the world. If it is productive of enmity, hatred and bigotry, the absence of religion would be preferable. This is a new principle of revelation found only in the utterances of Baha'u'llah.

       Again, Baha'u'llah declares that all forms of prejudice among mankind must be abandoned and that until exsiting prejudices are entirely removed, the world of humanity will not and cannot attain peace, prosperity, and composure. This principle cannot be found in any oher sacred volume than the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

        Another teaching is that there shall be perfect equality between men and women. Why should man create a distinction which God does not recognize? In the kingdoms below man sex exists, but the distinction between male and female is neither repressive nor restrictive. The mare, for instance, is as strong and often more speedy than the horse. Throughout the animal and vegitable kingdoms there is perfect equality between the sexes. In the kingdom of mankind this equality must likewise exist, and he one whose heart is the purest, whose life and character are the highest and nearest to the divine standard is most worthy and excellent in the sight of God. This is the only true and real distinction, be that one man or woman.

       Baha'u'llah has announced the necessity for a universal language which shall serve as a means of international communication and thus remove misunderstandings and difficulties. This teaching is set forth in the Kitab-i-Aqdas published fifty years ago.

       He has also proclaimed the principle that all mankind shall be educated and that no illiteracy be allowed to be remain. This practical remedy for the need of the world cannot be found in the text of any other sacred Books.

      He teaches that it is incumbent upon all mankind to become fitted for some useful trade, craft or profession by which subsistence may be assured, and this efficiency is to be considered as an act of worship.

      The teachings of Baha'u'llah are boundless and without end in their far-reaching benefit to mankind. The point and purpose of our statement today is that they are new and that they are not found in any of the religious Books of the past. This is in answer to the question, "What has Baha'u'llah brought that we have not heard before?" Therefore it is conclusive and evident that the Manifestation of God in this day is distinguished from all former appearances and revealtions by His majesty, His power and efficacy and application of His Word.