in Ba_gh_dad I saw a certain officer sitting upon the
ground. Before him a large paper was placed into which he was sticking
needles tipped with small red and white flags. First he would stick them
into the paper, then thoughtfully pull them out and change their position.
I watched him with curious interest for a long time, then asked, "What are
you doing?" He replied, "I have in mind something which is historically
related of Napoleon I during his war against Austria. One day, it is said,
his secretary found him sitting upon the ground as I am now doing,
sticking needles into a paper before him. His secretary inquired what it
meant. Napoleon answered, 'I am on the battlefield figuring out my next
victory. You see, Italy and Austria are defeated, and France is
triumphant.' In the great campaign which followed, everything came out
just as he said. His army carried his plans to a complete success. Now, I
am doing the same as Napoleon, figuring out a great campaign of military
conquest." I said, "Where is your army? Napoleon had an army already
equipped when he figured out his victory. You have no army. Your forces
exist only on paper. You have no power to conquer countries. First get
ready your army, then sit upon the ground with your needles." We need an
army to attain victory in the spiritual world; mere plans are not
sufficient; ideas and principles are helpless without a divine power to
put them into effect.

Aside from all this, there is need of the stimulus of the joy of glad
tidings in human hearts. Certain spiritual attraction is requisite in
order that hearts may willingly take the step forward in the divine Cause.
We must become attracted to God. The breaths of the Holy Spirit must take
effect. Unless this is so, it is impossible for the teachings of God to
accomplish in us. An ideal power is necessary. The people of America have
remarkably quick perception, intelligence and understanding. Their
thoughts are free and not fettered by the yoke of governmental tyranny.
They should investigate reality and not be occupied with ancestral forms
and imitations. Consider what Christ accomplished. He caused souls to
attain a station where with complete willingness and joy they laid down
their lives. What a power! Thousands of human souls, in the utmost joy
because of their spiritual susceptibilities, were so attracted to God that
they were dispossessed of volition, deprived of will in His path. If they
had been told simpl