s profitless, but partaking of the fruit is
beneficial. Luscious fruits, no matter upon what tree they grow or where
they may be found, must be enjoyed. The word of truth, no matter which
tongue utters it, must be sanctioned. Absolute verities, no matter in what
book they be recorded, must be accepted. If we harbor prejudice, it will
be the cause of deprivation and ignorance. The strife between religions,
nations and races arises from misunderstanding. If we investigate the
religions to discover the principles underlying their foundations, we will
find they agree; for the fundamental reality of them is one and not
multiple. By this means the religionists of the world will reach their
point of unity and reconciliation. They will ascertain the truth that the
purpose of religion is the acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, the
betterment of morals, the spiritual development of mankind, the real life
and divine bestowals. All the Prophets have been the promoters of these
principles; none of Them has been the promoter of corruption, vice or
evil. They have summoned mankind to all good. They have united people in
the love of God, invited them to the religions of the unity of mankind and
exhorted them to amity and agreement. For example, we mention Abraham and
Moses. By this mention we do not mean the limitation implied in the mere
names but intend the virtues which these names embody. When we say
Abraham, we mean thereby a manifestation of divine guidance, a center of
human virtues, a source of heavenly bestowals to mankind, a dawning point
of divine inspiration and perfections. These perfections and graces are
not limited to names and boundaries. When we find these virtues, qualities
and attributes in any personality, we recognize the same reality shining
from within and bow in acknowledgment of the Abrahamic perfections.
Similarly, we acknowledge and adore the beauty of Moses. Some souls were
lovers of the name Abraham, loving the lantern instead of the light, and
when they saw this same light shining from another lantern, they were so
attached to the former lantern that they did not recognize its later
appearance and illumination. Therefore, those who were attached and held
tenaciously to the name Abraham were deprived when the Abrahamic virtues
reappeared in Moses. Similarly, the Jews were believers in Moses, awaiting
the coming of the Messiah. The virtues and perfections of Moses became
apparent in Jesus Christ most effulgen