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God has endowed man with virtues, powers and ideal faculties of which
nature is entirely bereft and by which man is elevated, distinguished and
superior. We must thank God for these bestowals, for these powers He has
given us, for this crown He has placed upon our heads.

How shall we utilize these gifts and expend these bounties? By directing
our efforts toward the unification of the human race. We must use these
powers in establishing the oneness of the world of humanity; appreciate
these virtues by accomplishing the unity of the white and colored races;
devote this divine intelligence to the perfecting of amity and accord
among all branches of the human family, so that under the protection and
providence of God, the East and West may hold each other's hands and
become as lovers. Then will mankind be as one nation, one race and kind;
as waves of one ocean. Although these waves may differ in form and shape,
they are waves of the same sea. Flowers may be variegated in colors but
they are all flowers of one garden. Trees differ though they grow in the
same orchard. All are nourished and quickened into life by the bounty of
the same rain; all grow and develop by the heat and light of the one sun;
all are refreshed and exhilarated by the same breeze; that they may bring
forth varied fruits. This is according to the creative wisdom. If all
trees bore the same kind of fruit it would cease to be delicious. In their
never ending variety man finds enjoyment instead of monotony.

And now as I look into your faces I am reminded of trees varying in color
and form but all bearing luscious and delectable fruits, fragrant and
delightful to the inner and outer senses. The radiance and spirituality of
this meeting is through the favor of God. Our hearts are uplifted in
thankfulness to Him. Praise be to God! you are living upon the great
continent of the West enjoying the perfect liberty, security and peace of
this just government. There is no cause for sorrow or unhappiness
anywhere; every means of happiness and enjoyment is about you, for in this
human world there is no greater blessing than liberty. You do not know. I
who for forty years have been a prisoner, do know. I do know the value and
blessing of liberty. For you have been and are now living in freedom and
you have no fear of anybody. Is there a greater blessing than this?
Freedom! Liberty! Security! These are the great bestowals of God.
Therefore praise God!

SP