terial 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, wh