It is clear that the reality of mankind is diverse, that opinions are
various and sentiments different; and this difference of opinions, of
thoughts, of intelligence, of sentiments among the human species arises
from essential necessity; for the differences in the degrees of existence
of creatures is one of the necessities of existence, which unfolds itself
in infinite forms. Therefore, we have need of a general power which may
dominate the sentiments, the opinions and the thoughts of all, thanks to
which these divisions may no longer have effect, and all individuals may
be brought under the influence of the unity of the world of humanity. It
is clear and evident that this greatest power in the human world is the
love of God. It brings the different peoples under the shadow of the tent
of affection; it gives to the antagonistic and hostile nations and
families the greatest love and union.
See, after the time of Christ, through the power of the love of God, how
many nations, races, families and tribes came under the shadow of the Word
of God. The divisions and differences of a thousand years were entirely
destroyed and annihilated. The thoughts of race and of fatherland
completely disappeared. The union of souls and of existences took place;
all became true spiritual Christians.
The third virtue of humanity is the goodwill which is the basis of good
actions. Certain philosophers have considered intention superior to
action, for the goodwill is absolute light; it is purified and sanctified
from the impurities of selfishness, of enmity, of deception. Now it may be
that a man performs an action which in appearance is righteous, but which
is dictated by covetousness. For example, a butcher rears a sheep and
protects it; but this righteous action of the butcher is dictated by
desire to derive profit, and the result of this care is the slaughter of
the poor sheep. How many righteous actions are dictated by covetousness!
But the goodwill is sanctified from such impurities.
Briefly, if to the knowledge of God is joined the love of God, and
attraction, ecstasy and goodwill, a righteous action is then perfect and
complete. Otherwise, though a good action is praiseworthy, yet if it is
not sustained by the knowledge of God, the love of God, and a sincere
intention, it is imperfect. For example, the being of man must unite all
perfections to be perfect. Sight is extremely precious and appreciated,
but it must be aided by hearing; the hearing is much appreciated, but it
must be aided by the power of speech; the faculty of speech is very
acceptable, but it must be aided by the power of reason, and so forth. The
same is true of the other powers, organs and members of man; when all
these powers, these senses, these organs, these members exist together, he
is perfect.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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