I wish to speak upon the subject of divine unity, the oneness of God,
before this revered assemblage.
It is a self-evident fact that phenomenal existence can never grasp nor
comprehend the ancient and essential Reality. Utter weakness cannot
understand absolute strength. When we view the world of creation, we
discover differences in degree which make it impossible for the lower to
comprehend the higher. For example, the mineral kingdom, no matter how
much it may advance, can never comprehend the phenomena of the vegetable
kingdom. Whatever development the vegetable may attain, it can have no
message from nor come in touch with the kingdom of the animal. However
perfect may be the growth of a tree, it cannot realize the sensation of
sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; these are beyond its limitation.
Although it is the possessor of existence in the world of creation, a
tree, nevertheless, has no knowledge of the superior degree of the animal
kingdom. Likewise, no matter how great the advancement of the animal, it
can have no idea of the human plane, no knowledge of intellect and spirit.
Difference in degree is an obstacle to this comprehension. A lower degree
cannot comprehend a higher although all are in the same world of
creation--whether mineral, vegetable or animal. Degree is the barrier and
limitation. In the human plane of existence we can say we have knowledge
of a vegetable, its qualities and product; but the vegetable has no
knowledge or comprehension whatever of us. No matter how near perfection
this rose may advance in its own sphere, it can never possess hearing and
sight. Inasmuch as in the creational world, which is phenomenal,
difference of degree is an obstacle or hindrance to comprehension, how can
the human being, which is a created exigency, comprehend the ancient
divine Reality, which is essential? This is impossible because the reality
of Divinity is sanctified beyond the comprehension of the created being,
man.
Furthermore, that which man can grasp is finite to man, and man to it is
as infinite. Is it possible then for the reality of Divinity to be finite
and the human creature infinite? On the contrary, the reverse is true; the
human is finite while the essence of Divinity is infinite. Whatever comes
within the sphere of human comprehension must be limited and finite. As
the essence of Divinity transcends the comprehension of man, therefore God
brings forth certain Manifestations of the divine Reality upon Whom He
bestows heavenly effulgences in order that They may be intermediaries
between humanity and Himself. These holy Manifestations or Prophets of God
are as mirrors which have acquired illumination from the Sun of Truth, but
the Sun does not descend from its high zenith and does not effect entrance
within the mirror. In truth, this mirror has attained complete polish and
purity until the utmost capacity of reflection has been developed in it;
therefore, the Sun of Reality with its fullest effulgence and splendor is
revealed therein. These mirrors are earthly, whereas the reality of
Divinity is in its highest apogee. Although its lights are shining and its
heat is manifest in them, although these mirrors are telling their story
of its effulgence, the Sun, nevertheless, remains in its own lofty
station; it does not descend; it does not effect entrance, because it is
holy and sanctified.
The Sun of Divinity and of Reality has revealed itself in various mirrors.
Though these mirrors are many, yet the Sun is one. The bestowals of God
are one; the reality of the divine religion is one. Consider how one and
the same light has reflected itself in the different mirrors or
manifestations of it. There are certain souls who are lovers of the Sun;
they perceive the effulgence of the Sun from every mirror. They are not
fettered or attached to the mirrors; they are attached to the Sun itself
and adore it, no matter from what point it may shine. But those who adore
the mirror and are attached to it become deprived of witnessing the light
of the Sun when it shines forth from another mirror. For instance, the Sun
of Reality revealed itself from the Mosaic mirror. The people who were
sincere accepted and believed in it. When the same Sun shone from the
Messianic mirror, the Jews who were not lovers of the Sun and who were
fettered by their adoration of the mirror of Moses did not perceive the
lights and effulgences of the Sun of Reality resplendent in Jesus;
therefore, they were deprived of its bestowals. Yet the Sun of Reality,
the Word of God, shone from the Messianic mirror through the wonderful
channel of Jesus Christ more fully and more wonderfully. Its effulgences
were manifestly radiant, but even to this day the Jews are holding to the
Mosaic mirror. Therefore, they are bereft of witnessing the lights of
eternity in Jesus.
In brief, the sun is one sun, the light is one light which shines upon all
phenomenal beings. Every creature has a portion thereof, but the pure
mirror can reveal the story of its bounty more fully and completely.
Therefore, we must adore the light of the Sun, no matter through what
mirror it may be revealed. We must not entertain prejudice, for prejudice
is an obstacle to realization. Inasmuch as the effulgence is one
effulgence, the human realities must all become recipients of the same
light, recognizing in it the compelling force that unites them in its
illumination.
As this is the radiant century, it is my hope that the Sun of Truth may
illumine all humanity. May the eyes be opened and the ears become
attentive; may souls become resuscitated and consort together in the
utmost harmony as recipients of the same light. Perchance, God will remove
this strife and warfare of thousands of years. May this bloodshed pass
away, this tyranny and oppression cease, this warfare be ended. May the
light of love shine forth and illumine hearts, and may human lives be
cemented and connected until all of us may find agreement and tranquillity
beneath the same tabernacle and with the standard of the Most Great Peace
above us move steadily onward.
O Thou kind Lord! O Thou Who art generous and merciful! We are the
servants of Thy threshold and are gathered beneath the sheltering shadow
of Thy divine unity. The sun of Thy mercy is shining upon all, and the
clouds of Thy bounty shower upon all. Thy gifts encompass all, Thy loving
providence sustains all, Thy protection overshadows all, and the glances
of Thy favor are cast upon all. O Lord! Grant Thine infinite bestowals,
and let the light of Thy guidance shine. Illumine the eyes, gladden the
hearts with abiding joy. Confer a new spirit upon all people and bestow
upon them eternal life. Unlock the gates of true understanding and let the
light of faith shine resplendent. Gather all people beneath the shadow of
Thy bounty and cause them to unite in harmony, so that they may become as
the rays of one sun, as the waves of one ocean, and as the fruit of one
tree. May they drink from the same fountain. May they be refreshed by the
same breeze. May they receive illumination from the same source of light.
Thou art the Giver, the Merciful, the Omnipotent.
12 May 1912
Talk at Meeting of International Peace Forum
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church
West 104th Street, New York