When travelling about the world we observe an air of
prosperity in any country, we find it to be due to the existence of love and
friendship among the people. If, on the contrary, all seems depressed and
poverty-stricken, we may feel assured that this is the effect of animosity, and
of the absence of union among the inhabitants.
Notwithstanding that such a state of things is obvious to
the passing traveller, how often the people themselves continue in the sleep of
negligence, or occupy themselves in disputes and differences, and are even
ready to slaughter their fellow-men!
Consider thoughtfully the continual integration and
disintegration of the phenomenal universe... Unification and constructive combination
is the cause of Life. Disunion of particles brings about loss, weakness,
dispersion, and decay.
Consider the varieties of flowers in a garden. They seem but
to enhance the loveliness of each other. When differences of colour, ideas, and
character are found in the human Kingdom, and come under the control of the
power of Unity, they too show their essential beauty and perfection.
Rivalry between the different races of mankind was first
caused by the struggle for existence among the wild animals. This struggle is
no longer necessary: nay, rather interdependence and co-operation are seen to
produce the highest welfare in nations. The struggle that now continues is caused
by prejudice and bigotry.
