e recipient
of the effulgences of divine attributes. This is the essential foundation
of all the divine religions, the reality itself, common to all. Abraham
promulgated this; Moses proclaimed it. Christ and all the Prophets upheld
this standard and aspect of divine religion.

Second, there are laws and ordinances which are temporary and
nonessential. These concern human transactions and relations. They are
accidental and subject to change according to the exigencies of time and
place. These ordinances are neither permanent nor fundamental. For
instance, during the time of Noah it was expedient that seafood be
considered as lawful; therefore, God commanded Noah to partake of all
marine animal life. During the time of Moses this was not in accordance
with the exigencies of Israel's existence; therefore, a second command was
revealed partly abrogating the law concerning marine foods. During the
time of Abraham--upon Him be peace!--camel's milk was considered a lawful
and acceptable food; likewise, the flesh of the camel; but during Jacob's
time, because of a certain vow He made, this became unlawful. These are
nonessential, temporary laws. In the Holy Bible there are certain
commandments which according to those bygone times constituted the very
spirit of the age, the very light of that period. For example, according
to the law of the Torah if a man committed theft of a certain amount, they
cut off his hand. Is it practicable and reasonable in this present day to
cut off a man's hand for the theft of a dollar? In the Torah there are ten
ordinances concerning murder. Could these be made effective today?
Unquestionably no; times have changed. According to the explicit text of
the Bible if a man should change or break the law of the Sabbath or if he
should touch fire on the Sabbath, he must be killed. Today such a law is
abrogated. The Torah declares that if a man should speak a disrespectful
word to his father, he should suffer the penalty of death. Is this
possible of enforcement now? No; human conditions have undergone changes.
Likewise, during the time of Christ certain minor ordinances conformable
to that period were enforced.

It has been shown conclusively, therefore, that the foundation of the
religion of God remains permanent and unchanging. It is that fixed
foundation which ensures the progress and stability of the body politic
and the illumination of humanity. It has ever been the cause of love and
justice amongs