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THE CAUSE OF STRIFE 18 |
In the estimation of historians this radiant century is equivalent
to one hundred centuries of the past. If comparison be made with
the sum total of all former human achievements it will be found
that the discoveries, scientific advancement and material civilization
of this present century have equaled, yea far exceeded the progress
and outcome of one hundred former centuries. The production of
books and compilations of literature alone bear witness that the output
of the human mind in this century has been greater and more
enlightening than all the past centuries together. It is evident therefore
that this century is of paramount importance. Reflect upon the
miracles of accomplishment which have already characterized it, the
discoveries in every realm of human research, inventions, scientific
knowledge, ethical reforms and regulations established for the welfare
of humanity, mysteries of nature explored, invisible forces brought
into visibility and subjection, a veritable wonder-world of new
phenomena and conditions heretofore unknown to man now open to
his uses and further investigation. The East and West can communicate
instantly. A human being can soar in the skies or speed in submarine
depths. The power of steam has linked the continents. Trains cross
the deserts and pierce the barriers of mountains; ships find unerring
pathways upon the trackless oceans. Day by day discoveries are increasing.
What a wonderful century this is! It is an age of universal
re-formation. Laws and statutes of governments civil and federal are in
process of change and transformation. Sciences and arts are being
moulded anew. Thoughts are metamorphosed. The foundations of
human society are changing and strengthening. Today sciences of the
past are useless. The ptolemaic system of astronomy, numberless other
systems and theories of scientific and philosophical explanation are
discarded, known to be false and worthless. Ethical precedents and
principles cannot be applied to the needs of the modern world.
Thoughts and theories of past ages are fruitless now. Thrones and
governments are crumbling and falling. All conditions and requisites
of the past unfitted and inadequate for the present time, are undergoing
radical reform.
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It is evident therefore that counterfeit and spurious religious
teaching, antiquated forms of belief and ancestral imitations which
are at variance with the foundations of divine reality must also pass
away and be re-formed. They must be abandoned and new conditions
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be recognized. The morals of humanity must undergo change. New
remedy and solution for human problems must be adopted. Human
intellects themselves must change and be subject to the universal reformation.
Just as the thoughts and hypotheses of past ages are fruitless
today, likewise dogmas and codes of human invention are obsolete
and barren of product in religion. Nay, it is true that they are the
cause of enmity and conducive to strife in the world of humanity;
war and bloodshed proceed from them and the oneness of mankind
finds no recognition in their observance. Therefore it is our duty in
this radiant century to investigate the essentials of divine religion,
seek the realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and
discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind
in the heavenly bond of love. This unity is the radiance of eternity,
the divine spirituality, the effulgence of God and the bounty of the
Kingdom. We must investigate the divine source of these heavenly
bestowals and adhere unto them steadfastly. For if we remain fettered
and restricted by human inventions and dogmas, day by day the
world of mankind will be degraded, day by day warfare and strife will
increase and satanic forces converge toward the destruction of the
human race.
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If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family
will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and
hatred exist within it destruction and dispersion are inevitable. This
is likewise true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest a spirit
of accord and fellowship it will progress steadily and human conditions
become brighter whereas through enmity and strife it will be
degraded and its inhabitants scattered. In the same way the people
of a nation develop and advance toward civilization and enlightenment
through love and accord, and are disintegrated by war and strife.
Finally, this is true of humanity itself in the aggregate. When love is
realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men, the
whole human race will be uplifted, the world will continually grow
more spiritual and radiant and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind
be immeasurably increased. Warfare and strife will be uprooted,
disagreement and dissension pass away and universal peace unite the
nations and peoples of the world. All mankind will dwell together as
one family, blend as the waves of one sea, shine as stars of one firmament
and appear as fruits of the same tree. This is the happiness and
felicity of humankind. This is the illumination of man, the glory
eternal and life everlasting; this is the divine bestowal. I desire this
station for you and I pray God that the people of America may
achieve this great end in order that the virtue of this democracy may
be insured and their names be glorified eternally.
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