d are patient under ills and hardships, and in time of
trouble: these are they who are just, and these are they who fear the
Lord."(64) And yet further: "They prefer them before themselves, though
poverty be their own lot."(65) See how these few sacred verses encompass
the highest levels and innermost meanings of civilization and embody all
the excellencies of human character.

By the Lord God, and there is no God but He, even the minutest details of
civilized life derive from the grace of the Prophets of God. What thing of
value to mankind has ever come into being which was not first set forth
either directly or by implication in the Holy Scriptures?

Alas, of what avail is it. When the weapons are in cowards' hands, no
man's life and property are safe, and thieves only grow the stronger.
When, in the same way, a far-from-perfect priesthood acquire control of
affairs, they come down like a massive curtain between the people and the
light of Faith.

Sincerity is the foundation-stone of faith. That is, a religious
individual must disregard his personal desires and seek in whatever way he
can wholeheartedly to serve the public interest; and it is impossible for
a human being to turn aside from his own selfish advantages and sacrifice
his own good for the good of the community except through true religious
faith. For self-love is kneaded into the very clay of man, and it is not
possible that, without any hope of a substantial reward, he should neglect
his own present material good. That individual, however, who puts his
faith in God and believes in the words of God--because he is promised and
certain of a plentiful reward in the next life, and because worldly
benefits as compared to the abiding joy and glory of future planes of
existence are nothing to him--will for the sake of God abandon his own
peace and profit and will freely consecrate his heart and soul to the
common good. "A man, too, there is who selleth his very self out of desire
to please God."(66)

There are some who imagine that an innate sense of human dignity will
prevent man from committing evil actions and insure his spiritual and
material perfection. That is, that an individual who is characterized with
natural intelligence, high resolve, and a driving zeal, will, without any
consideration for the severe punishments consequent on evil acts, or for
the great rewards of righteousness, instinctively refrain from inflicting
harm on his fellow men and will