tion and
betterment of the world has become productive of gross darkness and
degradation.

To resume: Consider how similar blind imitations had made the darkness in
the Orient all-encircling. At such a time Baha'u'llah dawned from the
eastern horizon like the glory of the sun. He renewed the basis of the
religions of God, destroyed blind adherence to ancestral forms and
established in their stead love and spiritual fellowship so that no
strife, discord or hostility remained. This reconciliation of divergent
sects is visible and evident. They now live together in love and unity. If
you should enter one of their meetings, you would realize that they have
become as one race, one native land, one religion; that they associate
together in brotherhood and agreement. Praise be to God! These blind
imitations and this darkness have ceased to exist, and the reality of the
oneness of humanity has been practically proven.

I consider the American people a highly civilized and intelligent nation,
a nation investigating truth and reality. It is my hope that through the
efforts of this noble nation the solidarity of humanity may be continually
advanced, that the illumination of the human world may become widespread,
that the banner of universal peace may be held aloft, the lamp of the
oneness of the human world be ignited and the hearts of the East and West
be conjoined. Then the reality of the divine religions shall become
resplendent and refulgent, indicating that they were meant to be the cause
of unity and love and that through them heavenly bestowals have ever been
conferring light upon the human world.

23 November 1912
Talk at Banquet
Great Northern Hotel
118 West Fifty-seventh Street, New York

Notes by Edna McKinney

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 ma