imitations appeared, sects and denominations were formed.

If Christians of all denominations and divisions should investigate
reality, the foundations of Christ will unite them. No enmity or hatred
will remain, for they will all be under the one guidance of reality
itself. Likewise, in the wider field if all the existing religious systems
will turn away from ancestral imitations and investigate reality, seeking
the real meanings of the Holy Books, they will unite and agree upon the
same foundation, reality itself. As long as they follow counterfeit
doctrines or imitations instead of reality, animosity and discord will
exist and increase. Let me illustrate this. Moses and the prophets of
Israel announced the advent of the Messiah but expressed it in the
language of symbols. When Christ appeared, the Jews rejected Him, although
they were expecting His manifestation and in their temples and synagogues
were crying and lamenting, saying, "O God, hasten the coming of the
Messiah!" Why did they deny Him when He announced Himself? Because they
had followed ancestral forms and interpretations and were blind to the
reality of Christ. They had not perceived the inner significances of the
Holy Bible. They voiced their objections, saying, "We are expecting
Christ, but His coming is conditioned upon certain fulfillments and
prophetic announcements. Among the signs of His appearance is one that He
shall come from an unknown place, whereas now this claimant of Messiahship
has come from Nazareth. We know his home, and we are acquainted with his
mother.

"Second, one of the signs or Messianic conditions is that His scepter
would be an iron rod, and this Christ has not even a wooden staff.

"Third, He was to be seated upon the throne of David, whereas this
Messianic king is in the utmost state of poverty and has not even a mat.

"Fourth, He was to conquer the East and the West. This person has not even
conquered a village. How can he be the Messiah?

"Fifth, He was to promulgate the laws of the Bible. This one has not only
failed to promulgate the laws of the Bible, but he has broken the law of
the sabbath.

"Sixth, the Messiah was to gather together all the Jews who were scattered
in Palestine and restore them to honor and prestige, but this one has
degraded the Jews instead of uplifting them.

"Seventh, during His sovereignty even the animals were to enjoy blessings
and comfort, for according to the prophetic texts, He should e