In this Cause consultation is of vital importance, but spiritual
conference and not the mere voicing of personal views is intended. In
France I was present at a session of the senate, but the experience was
not impressive. Parliamentary procedure should have for its object the
attainment of the light of truth upon questions presented and not furnish
a battleground for opposition and self-opinion. Antagonism and
contradiction are unfortunate and always destructive to truth. In the
parliamentary meeting mentioned, altercation and useless quibbling were
frequent; the result, mostly confusion and turmoil; even in one instance a
physical encounter took place between two members. It was not consultation
but comedy.
The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for
its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should
not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to
the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when
two opinions coincide. A spark is produced when flint and steel come
together. Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness
and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully
consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a
previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it
immediately and not willfully hold to an opinion of his own. By this
excellent method he endeavors to arrive at unity and truth. Opposition and
division are deplorable. It is better then to have the opinion of a wise,
sagacious man; otherwise, contradiction and altercation, in which varied
and divergent views are presented, will make it necessary for a judicial
body to render decision upon the question. Even a majority opinion or
consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be
mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right. Therefore, true
consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of
love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order
that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the
foundation.
The most memorable instance of spiritual consultation was the meeting of
the disciples of Jesus Christ upon the mount after His ascension. They
said, "Jesus Christ has been crucified, and we have no longer association
and intercourse with Him in His physical body; therefore, we must be loyal
and faithful to Him, we must be grateful and appreciate Him, for He has
raised us from the dead, He made us wise, He has given us eternal life.
What shall we do to be faithful to Him?" And so they held council. One of
them said, "We must detach ourselves from the chains and fetters of the
world; otherwise, we cannot be faithful." The others replied, "That is
so." Another said, "Either we must be married and faithful to our wives
and children or serve our Lord free from these ties. We cannot be occupied
with the care and provision for families and at the same time herald the
Kingdom in the wilderness. Therefore, let those who are unmarried remain
so, and those who have married provide means of sustenance and comfort for
their families and then go forth to spread the message of glad tidings."
There were no dissenting voices; all agreed, saying, "That is right." A
third disciple said, "To perform worthy deeds in the Kingdom we must be
further self-sacrificing. From now on we should forego ease and bodily
comfort, accept every difficulty, forget self and teach the Cause of God."
This found acceptance and approval by all the others. Finally a fourth
disciple said, "There is still another aspect to our faith and unity. For
Jesus' sake we shall be beaten, imprisoned and exiled. They may kill us.
Let us receive this lesson now. Let us realize and resolve that though we
are beaten, banished, cursed, spat upon and led forth to be killed, we
shall accept all this joyfully, loving those who hate and wound us." All
the disciples replied, "Surely we will--it is agreed; this is right." Then
they descended from the summit of the mountain, and each went forth in a
different direction upon his divine mission.
This was true consultation. This was spiritual consultation and not the
mere voicing of personal views in parliamentary opposition and debate.
2 May 1912
Talk to Federation of Women's Clubs
Hotel La Salle, Chicago, Illinois