severance from all else save
God, turning our faces in sincerity toward the Kingdom of God, implicit
faith, firmness and fidelity, loving-kindness toward all creatures and the
acquisition of the divine virtues indicated for the human world. These are
the fundamental principles of progress, civilization, international peace
and the unity of mankind. These are the essentials of Baha'u'llah's
teachings, the secret of everlasting health, the remedy and healing for
man.

It is my hope that you may assist in healing the sick body of the world
through these teachings so that eternal radiance may illumine all the
nations of mankind.

18 June 1912
Talk at 309 West Seventy-eighth Street, New York

Notes by Emma C. Melick

No matter how much the world of humanity advances in material
civilization, it is nevertheless in need of the spiritual development
mentioned in the Gospel. The virtues of the material world are limited,
whereas divine virtues are unlimited. Inasmuch as material virtues are
limited, man's need of the perfections of the divine world is unlimited.

Throughout human history we find that although the very apex of human
virtues has been reached at various times, yet they were limited, whereas
divine attainments have ever been unbounded and infinite. The limited is
ever in need of the unlimited. The material must be correlated with the
spiritual. The material may be likened to the body, but divine virtues are
the breathings of the Holy Spirit itself. The body without spirit is not
capable of real accomplishment. Although it may be in the utmost condition
of beauty and excellence, it is, nevertheless, in need of the spirit. The
chimney of the lamp, no matter how polished and perfect it be, is in need
of the light. Without the light, the lamp or candle is not illuminating.
Without the spirit, the body is not productive. The teacher of material
principles is limited. The philosophers who claimed to be the educators of
mankind were at most only able to train themselves. If they educated
others, it was within a restricted circle; they failed to bestow general
education and development. This has been conferred upon humanity by the
power of the Holy Spirit.

For example, Christ educated and developed mankind universally. He rescued
nations and peoples from the bondage of superstition and idolatry. He
summoned them all to the knowledge of the oneness of God. They were dark,
they became illumined; they were mat