DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.13852#0018
INTRODUCTION.
IX
culture, to build the ladder, as in Jacob s dream, that reaches from earth to
heaven.
As we follow the development of physical and material accomplishments
from prehistoric times up to the present, as we note high material achieve-
ments, and study social, scientific and religious motives; — as we trace hopes,
desires and ambitions, as we realise the great results already attained —
although much has been and ever will be, prompted by vain, personal glori-
fication — we begin to discern, in spite of all apparent contradictions, the
deeper meaning of God's mission to humanity.
We have seen kingdoms fall from the highest pinnacles of material glory
and ambition into utter degradation; we have stood upon the brink of their
ruins, and have contemplated in silence their monumental achievements and
their tragic end. We have measured the ambitions of great men, and have
followed step by step their motives in conquering the world; we have even
been able to see their highest aims and desires almost realised. Yet, we
have often felt the soul of the many crushed by the ambition of the few, and
sacrificed in the mad pursuit of glory, thus destroying the dream of world
unitv: for, as Christ said, " What doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul
A change is now felt throughout the entire world. A divine responsibi-
lity governs our actions. As we are one with the past, so must we be one
with the future. Those who are yet to be born demand our attention. They
must be guided by our righteous motives. Through us they must gain
strength; through us they must be led to greater heights. Notwithstanding
the divisions and subdivisions of the earth, the varied ambitions of nations
and the pride of possession, all humanity, consciously or unconsciously, is
being drawn closer and closer together upon lines of broad, human sym-
pathies, into one concentrated whole. Men in all parts of the earth are
becoming ready for this change and look eagerly for its material mani-
festation. They realise that their strength can only come through world
unification, peace and fellowship, — a grander coalescence, — a world
centralisation.
This change that is so keenly felt and desired in many parts of the globe
towards unity of purpose in all vital human activities, must be accomplished
by a more ample, comprehensive and logical means of uniting human efforts,
by cooperation upon the broadest and most economical lines, by harmonious
blending of all mental and physical efforts, and by the encouragement of all
branches of art, science and culture; in a word, by allowing ample scope to
the development of all that is beneficial and useful to mankind.
Such a unity all science tends to facilitate. The fearless and the pure
in spirit recognise and welcome it. The self-contented hold back and are
afraid. Yet it is safe to say that this evolutionary change is being brought
about simply and naturally, in spite of all opposition, and that it will become
IX
culture, to build the ladder, as in Jacob s dream, that reaches from earth to
heaven.
As we follow the development of physical and material accomplishments
from prehistoric times up to the present, as we note high material achieve-
ments, and study social, scientific and religious motives; — as we trace hopes,
desires and ambitions, as we realise the great results already attained —
although much has been and ever will be, prompted by vain, personal glori-
fication — we begin to discern, in spite of all apparent contradictions, the
deeper meaning of God's mission to humanity.
We have seen kingdoms fall from the highest pinnacles of material glory
and ambition into utter degradation; we have stood upon the brink of their
ruins, and have contemplated in silence their monumental achievements and
their tragic end. We have measured the ambitions of great men, and have
followed step by step their motives in conquering the world; we have even
been able to see their highest aims and desires almost realised. Yet, we
have often felt the soul of the many crushed by the ambition of the few, and
sacrificed in the mad pursuit of glory, thus destroying the dream of world
unitv: for, as Christ said, " What doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul
A change is now felt throughout the entire world. A divine responsibi-
lity governs our actions. As we are one with the past, so must we be one
with the future. Those who are yet to be born demand our attention. They
must be guided by our righteous motives. Through us they must gain
strength; through us they must be led to greater heights. Notwithstanding
the divisions and subdivisions of the earth, the varied ambitions of nations
and the pride of possession, all humanity, consciously or unconsciously, is
being drawn closer and closer together upon lines of broad, human sym-
pathies, into one concentrated whole. Men in all parts of the earth are
becoming ready for this change and look eagerly for its material mani-
festation. They realise that their strength can only come through world
unification, peace and fellowship, — a grander coalescence, — a world
centralisation.
This change that is so keenly felt and desired in many parts of the globe
towards unity of purpose in all vital human activities, must be accomplished
by a more ample, comprehensive and logical means of uniting human efforts,
by cooperation upon the broadest and most economical lines, by harmonious
blending of all mental and physical efforts, and by the encouragement of all
branches of art, science and culture; in a word, by allowing ample scope to
the development of all that is beneficial and useful to mankind.
Such a unity all science tends to facilitate. The fearless and the pure
in spirit recognise and welcome it. The self-contented hold back and are
afraid. Yet it is safe to say that this evolutionary change is being brought
about simply and naturally, in spite of all opposition, and that it will become