Throughout the world there are innumerable meetings and assemblages, more
or less important according to their measure of contribution to human
betterment, yet limited in their purpose and object to material questions
and outcomes. They are political, commercial or educational in character;
they seek to promote economic advancement, further agricultural purposes,
encourage scientific research and assist discoveries; they provide for the
establishment of new institutions, plan financial measures and agree upon
laws of civic and social control. Such meetings are useful, but their
influence and intention do not extend beyond the material welfare and
government of mankind--that is to say, they serve material civilization.
This meeting of yours tonight is very different in character. It is a
universal gathering; it is heavenly and divine in purpose because it
serves the oneness of the world of humanity and promotes international
peace. It is devoted to the solidarity and brotherhood of the human race,
the spiritual welfare of mankind, unity of religious belief through
knowledge of God and the reconciliation of religious teaching with the
principles of science and reason. It promotes love and fraternity among
all humankind, seeks to abolish and destroy barriers which separate the
human family, proclaims the equality of man and woman, instills divine
precepts and morals, illumines and quickens minds with heavenly
perception, attracts the infinite bestowals of God, removes racial,
national and religious prejudices and establishes the foundation of the
heavenly Kingdom in the hearts of all nations and peoples. The effect of
such an assembly as this is conducive to divine fellowship and
strengthening of the bond which cements and unifies hearts. This is the
indestructible bond of spirit which conjoins the East and West. By it the
very foundations of race prejudice are uprooted and destroyed, the banner
of spiritual democracy is hoisted aloft, the world of religion is purified
from superannuated beliefs and hereditary imitations of forms, and the
oneness of the reality underlying all religions is revealed and disclosed.
For such a meeting is established upon the very foundation of the laws of
God. Therefore, in its constraining spiritual bond it unites all religions
and reconciles all sects, denominations and factions in kindliness and
love toward each other. In this way and by the instrumentality of such a
gathering the causes of animosity, hatred and bigotry are removed, and
enmity and discord pass away entirely. Every limiting and restricting
movement or meeting of mere personal interest is human in nature. Every
universal movement unlimited in scope and purpose is divine. The Cause of
God is advanced whenever and wherever a universal meeting is established
among mankind.
Therefore, endeavor that your attitudes and intentions here tonight be
universal and altruistic in nature. Consecrate and devote yourselves to
the betterment and service of all the human race. Let no barrier of ill
feeling or personal prejudice exist between these souls, for when your
motives are universal and your intentions heavenly in character, when your
aspirations are centered in the Kingdom, there is no doubt whatever that
you will become the recipients of the bounty and good pleasure of God.
This meeting is, verily, the noblest and most worthy of all meetings in
the world because of these underlying spiritual and universal purposes.
Such a banquet and assemblage command the sincere devotion of all present
and invite the downpouring of the blessings of God. Therefore, be ye
assured and confident that the confirmations of God are descending upon
you, the assistance of God will be given unto you, the breaths of the Holy
Spirit will quicken you with a new life, the Sun of Reality will shine
gloriously upon you, and the fragrant breezes of the rose gardens of
divine mercy will waft through the windows of your souls. Be ye confident
and steadfast; your services are confirmed by the powers of heaven, for
your intentions are lofty, your purposes pure and worthy. God is the
helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and
endeavors are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind.
29 November 1912
Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney
780 West End Avenue, New York