Peace Fest 2013, London, Ontario, Canada

It is again the time of year to commemorate the Unity Feast hosted by 'Abdu'l-Bahá 101 years ago. We will again gather at Queens Park. Again I’ve had no commitments so I do not know how many may show up. I am not very good at organizing and I keep hoping that someone with more talent will take over.

Anyone who is in the London, Ontario, Canada area is welcome to join me. We need to commit to peace and be at peace with those around us as well as within our own beings. Come and join the discussion. There may be music, song, and art display or anything else. It will be up to whoever shows up. I will endeavor to divide the time between individuals and groups in a fair manner.

This year there will be no sound system, so acoustic or battery operated instruments only. Perhaps next year we can get the power turned on at the park stage and have a big event all day. I order to do this I need help with organizing. I will bring a signup sheet this year so interested individuals can let me know their interest level.

The event will be held on June 29^th, 2013 (that’s a Saturday) about 6:30 pm. I have some Sowing Peace banners I will display so you can identify me.

Bring friends, food, something to sit on, acoustic instrument, art to show and anything you want to share (food, ideas, a song, a story, a poem etc.) Please try to keep the theme on the subject of Peace and on how we can achieve world peace. Peace begins in individual hearts.

The Spiritualization of the world.

Why is the spiritualization of the world important?

We have seen great strides in technology and the physical sciences are growing at tremendous rates, but spirituality is being left behind. If spirituality is not the main motivator for progress the alternative is greed. Greed works well in a materialistic society where everyone is grabbing for the almighty dollar without thought for their fellow creatures. In fact long term gain is often sacrificed for immediate pleasures. No thought is given for future generations and we leave the world in a mess for our children to clean up. With greed comes anger, fights and wars. As each individual, community and nation struggles to amass more wealth for themselves, they become more and more willing to destroy those who are viewed as getting in the way of their goal. Indeed money becomes their god. In money they trust and when the dollar fails, the whole society falls apart. As manmade systems are imperfect and subject to failure, the dollar will surely fail. We are already seeing economic stress in many parts of the world and it is only a matter of time before it is worldwide.
Spiritualization, on the other hand takes a more cooperative stance. Now the individual learns to subject himself to the needs of the society. As we are becoming a global village, that society is ever taking on a larger planetary scale. No longer can our concerns be limited to family, municipality or country. We need to consider the impact our lives are having on the entire planet and beyond. To learn to do this we need to go beyond man's knowledge. No two men can be found that can agree on every subject, so how can all of mankind agree on a worldwide system that will benefit all. In order to do this we need to acquire God's knowledge and subject ourselves to His plan. He created us and He alone can come up with a plan that will benefit the entire human race.

How do we spiritualize the world?

One may argue that religion has made a bigger mess of the world than materialism. Indeed, religion in the hands of greedy individuals becomes a powerful tool for corruption. Pure religion is very powerful and greedy men recognize this, so they take it and attempt to modify it to their own advantage. Soon religion becomes a bigger cause of strive than non religion.
'Abdu'l-Bahá says:

The third teaching of Bahá'u'lláh is that religion must be the source of fellowship, the cause of unity and the nearness of God to man. If it rouses hatred and strife, it is evident that absence of religion is preferable and an irreligious man better than one who professes it. According to the divine Will and intention religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind, for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God.
('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 181)

The first thing we need to do to enable the spiritualization of the world is to abandon any idea of the multiplicity of God. God is a loving caring God who wants what is best for us, His children. He has always taught His unity and condemned any idea of multiple gods. To worship any God other than the One True God is idol Worship. To put your trust in any object it to trust in idols. When we worship God alone and put our complete trust in Him, we will not fail. He will show us the way that we may all live in harmony, each one of us as concerned about all others as we are of ourselves. In order to spiritualize the world we need to have classes that embrace all Faiths and all people. A meeting of minds where differences are set aside and our common goals and needs are embraced.

Where do we find such classes?

Although there may be many such classes in the future there is one organization now that is developing a curriculum for spiritualizing mankind. They are The Ruhi Institute and you can find their web site at http://www.ruhi.org/. They have developed a unique system were tutors lead a study circle through a series of books that they have published. A tutor leads the group but does not teach. All learn together.
Although based on the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, Ruhi study circles are open to all and, increasingly, members of all faiths are attending such study circles all over the world.

Is there a cost involved?

The study circles are offered for free and the books are available at a minimal cost. For those who can't afford it, the books may be subsidized or provided free by other individuals or organizations.

Where can I sign up?

If you are in London, Ontario, Canada, you can email myself at ruhi@sowingpeace.ca. Here and elsewhere you can also contact the local Baha'i Community where you live. You may also contact the Ruhi Institute directly. I am just an interested individual and my views may not be the official view of the Baha'i Community or the Ruhi Institute. I can let you know of some upcoming classes and/or refer you to someone that is starting a class.

Why am I doing this?

I feel the spiritualization of the world is of the utmost importance. I am an advocate for peace and I believe world peace will only be achieved through the spiritualization of humanity. Some may come up with temporary fixes, but any system devised by man will fail. Only by turning to the Creator can we remedy the problems that plague mankind. Yes, when all else fails we need to consult the owner's manual supplied by the manufacturer.

http://sowingpeace.ca/study.html

It is now time to try Peace

It is now time to try Peace

XXV. It is evident that every age in which a Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely ordained, and may, in a sense, be characterized as God's appointed Day. This Day, however, is unique, and is to be distinguished from those that have preceded it. The designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully revealeth its high station. The Prophetic Cycle hath, verily, ended. The Eternal Truth is now come. He hath lifted up the Ensign of Power, and is now shedding upon the world the unclouded splendor of His Revelation.

                (Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 60)

 

In the past, prophets  have foretold the coming of a great and glorious age; a day when God would rule the earth. This is the day when God's will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven as promised in the Lord's Prayer. This is the day of the fulfillment of prophesy, and therefore prophesy is no longer necessary.

Thus Mohammad, the Seal of the Prophets, was the last Manifestation of God to prophesy the coming of the Eternal Truth because Baha'u'llah, The Spirit of Truth who will lead us to all truth, has come.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

                (John16:13)

There is only one God, so therefore there is only one religion of God. That religion has been called by different names during different eras, much like we designate special names for various days, although the same sun rises each day.

Just as the physical Sun sheds light on the world, the Manifestations of God are the rays of the Spiritual Sun who flood the world with Spiritual Light. We cannot approach the sun. We only know it by its rays, and the Spiritual Sun, God, is only known through the Manifestations He sends. He has made knowledge of the messenger equal to knowledge of Himself. Thus Christ stated, "he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." ^{(John 14:9)}

When we are in a forest, all we see is trees. We need to view the forest from a distance to see a forest. We are now living in this glorious age, but is will take historians looking back on it to get a glimmer of its significance. The revelation of God is transforming the World and the evidence of that will be realized in the future.

When a mother gives birth, there is pain and turmoil, but when the baby is placed in her arms it is all forgotten.

LXI. The world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned towards waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its plight, that to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly. Its perversity will long continue. And when the appointed   hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and only then, will the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody.

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 118, 119)

 

Soon a new world will be born, but the new and old cannot coexist, so the old world order will die. We see evidence now as we watch the decay of the political system. At one time a King ruled and none dared to question his authority. Now the political leaders are questioned and doubted at every turn. The element of trust was at one time taken for granted, now trust is at its lowest level. Bahá'u'lláh teaches us that we must be obedient to those in authority. Without respect and obedience the political system will degrade to a state of anarchy.

THE one true God, exalted be His glory, hath ever regarded, and will continue to regard, the hearts of men as His own, His exclusive possession. All else, whether pertaining to land or sea, whether riches or glory, He hath bequeathed unto the kings and rulers of the earth. From the beginning that hath no beginning the ensign proclaiming the words 'He doeth whatsoever He willeth' hath been unfurled in all its splendour before His Manifestation. What mankind needeth in this day is obedience unto them that are in authority, and a faithful adherence to the cord of wisdom. The instruments which are essential to the immediate protection, the security and assurance of the human race have been entrusted to the hands, and lie in the grasp, of the governors of human society. This is the wish of God and His decree....

                (Bahá'u'lláh, The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 13, 14)

For 6,000 years man has tried to do things his own way, and there have been wars and rumors of war. Each person has an opinion and a belief and each is willing to kill to eliminate those who disagree. Peace by force has not worked. The war to end all wars only led to more war. It is time to try God's way.  It is time to try peace.

I would love to hear your opinion. Please leave a comment.

He that is not against us is for us

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

               (John 10:16)

I was just watching a very painful addition of a talk show on Baha’i vs. Christianity. I thought that I would leave some comments when I was finished, but there was a note that comments had been closed for this video. Apparently someone does not want the truth to get out.

It reminded me of accounts I had read about the days of Jesus. He would bring forth proofs and arguments to the learned scholars of the day, and they would reject everything He said because it was not in agreement with their knowledge. Yet the principles of Jesus were so simple that an uneducated fisherman could immediately pick them up.

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

               (Mark 2:17)

Many will tell me that self righteous is what is inferred by the above passage, but if I think I am righteous, is that not being self righteous? And so it is with those who believe they are righteous. No amount of proof can make them change their view. And since they are right everyone else must be wrong.

When confronted with the fact that not all Christians were in agreement with the Christian scholar on the talk show he would brush it off with, “We don’t consider them Christians.” When you are right, you are right and if Jesus Himself comes to you with evidence to the contrary, you will not change. That is why I don’t want to be right. I prefer to learn the Truth.

I find with many devout believers in any sect or religion that it is more important for them to be right than it is for them to know the Truth. They will get angry, deny, and refute any argument that is contrary to their beliefs even to the point that they will crucify One that goes against what they believe.

So how does the ordinary person decide which way to follow? Do we accept a view were only scholars can interpret the Word of God for us? Or do we simply hear His voice and follow Him into the one unified fold?

Those who want division will try to prevent the coming together of the sheep. They will raise all kinds of arguments so that they themselves become the shepherd of a few. Many are these wolves in sheep’s clothing who try to cause division and hatred. They want all others to be destroyed. This is their belief in Unity. Death to all who disagree.

But this is not the Way of God for this day. Today we turn the other cheek. Today we are tolerant and understanding. Today we realize that we do not have all the answers and that we can learn much from entertaining the views of others.

And Jesus said unto him, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”

(Luke 9:50)

Just because someone doesn’t follow in the same way I do does not make them wrong. If they are doing good works and following the One True God, it is not for me to forbid them or tell them that they are wrong. The straight and narrow path leads from each of us straight to salvation. The route that path takes depends on the starting point, which is the point we are at now. When I fix my gaze on my destination and progress toward the light, I do not have time to veer off and try to guide you. I only urge you to focus on your goal and tread your strait path. I don’t know what obstacles or distractions you will encounter, because as soon as I focus on you I have lost my own focus and I veer off the strait and narrow path.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

(Matthew 7:14)

Many are the distracters.  They will dispute with us and try to get us angry. They are looking for a fight and, if we give in to their devises we have already lost. I think we all know that the purpose of these talk shows is to try to get a fight going because that is considered entertainment. I am not sure of the wisdom of Baha’is going on such shows, but I have to admit that the two Baha’is on the show I saw exercised a lot of self control. I am not providing a link to it because I feel it is one sided and not conducive to unity and peace. However, if you do come across such a show, be aware that even Christ could not change the mind of the religious leaders of His day, nor was Bahá’u’lláh successful in influencing the majority of the leaders of Islam. It is not our goal to change the minds of the righteous. Let us be content to humbly show the sinners the True Path. No, we will not even lead them there. We will simply introduce them to the Shepherd and He will be their guide. When they fall we will help them get back up. Perhaps when we fall they will do the same for us. We will teach them about the Source of Knowledge and He will give them True Knowledge. We are all progressing to the same point and all have similar challenges. Perhaps together we can make it. Not one insisting his way is correct and attempting to bully everyone else into following himself. No. We all follow the same Way and help each other overcome the obstacles that get in our way.

The healing of all the world

In the Suriy-i-Haykal we read: "That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith."

To me these words of Bahá’u’lláh make sense. It is better to have friends than enemies. It is better to make allies than to go to war.

In the struggle for power, the biggest and the best would win. Small countries soon learned that they needed allies to help them survive against more powerful enemies. There was power in numbers and several small countries could easily overpower one larger one. The more allies one would have, the greater the power they would share.

Once the large countries realized they could no longer bully the smaller ones, they too started forming alliances. Soon it was a competition as to who had the most friends.

Now, for ultimate power we need to every country in the world to be our allies. We need to form friendships with every person on earth. Then, not only would we be unbeatable, but there would be no one left to be our enemy. Yet the best formed alliances are prone to break up. Greed rules and once the friendship is no longer profitable, the allies turn against one another. Each member of the alliance vies for position to be in control of the alliance. Leadership is challenged and the body attacks the head. Now we need a system where everyone shares in decision making and everyone benefits equally from the alliance.

In steps the Divine Physician. Sometimes we must consult the manufacturer. God sends His Messengers to bring the Divine Healing we need. He writes the prescription and, when we follow it, the body of mankind is healed. It becomes one whole being. No longer do its parts fight against one another. Love prevails and unity is established. This is the Ultimate plan of God and it is the Ultimate and most powerful alliance. All the body of mankind turn to Our Creator for leadership and all willingly follow His plan.

From the Suriy-i-Haykal

That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error. Each time that Most Mighty Instrument hath come, and that Light shone forth from the Ancient Dayspring, He was withheld by ignorant physicians who, even as clouds, interposed themselves between Him and the world. It failed, therefore, to recover, and its sickness hath persisted until this day. They indeed were powerless to protect it, or to effect a cure, whilst He Who hath been the Manifestation of Power amongst men was withheld from achieving His purpose, by reason of what the hands of the ignorant physicians have wrought.

               (Bahá’u’lláh, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 91, 92)

Peace Fest

I am looking for volunteers to help organize Peace Fest to be held June 29th, 2013. If you are interested in helping you can go to my ad on Kijiji or send an email to peacefest@sowingpeace.ca.

This could become an annual event for London, Ontario. It could also be an international event with Peace Fest being held in locations all over the world. If you want to organize a Peace Fest in your area. Let me know. I will advertize it on the Sowing Peace Web Site and mention it on my blog. Also send me reports after the event so I can let the world know what happened.

Wake up World

I am a sinner attempting to lead other sinners to salvation. I am not and do not wish to be righteous. Christ came for sinners and as a sinner I am led by Him. He is the Way I will point out to other sinners.

I do not wish to be righteous because righteousness brings evil. It is righteousness that causes war and hatred. The righteous want to convert or destroy. They feel that, since they are right, everyone should agree with them. If they meet someone who doesn’t agree with their fundamental beliefs, they must convert them or destroy them.

It was the righteous who abused aboriginal children at the residential school in Brantford. These people where so sure of their moral values that they felt they must take the children of the original inhabitants of this continent and change their value system by force. They beat the Indian ways out of them and attempted to enforce White Christian morals on them. I have known some of these unfortunate souls who went to their death without recovering from this abuse.

On September 11, 2001, it was the righteous who destroyed the twin towers. These ones were so sure of their righteous ways that they sacrificed their very lives to try and injure their enemy and enforce their righteous views on a foreign nation.

The righteousness of Hitler tried to rid the world of a race he saw as unrighteous and defective.

We can go on and on. Many righteous nations have risen against other righteous nations causing much destruction and loss of life. That is why I never want to be considered as righteous. Everyone has a different point of view on what it means to be righteous and the righteous refuse to open their minds to other points of view. Therefore, with righteous indignation, they attempt to convert or destroy anyone who disagrees with them.

It was the righteous who crucified Jesus. The righteous made war with Islam. The Báb was martyred by the righteous. It was the righteous who imprisoned Bahá’u’lláh. I do not want to be righteous.

Moses led sinners out of slavery. Christ led sinners to salvation, Mohammad gathered sinners into a great nation. The Báb prepared sinners for the coming of the Promised One. Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One, is now gathering sinners into unity and love between all of mankind.

Bahá’u’lláh is Moses returned to free us from all kinds of slavery. He is freeing us from the slavery of greed, materialism, technology and selfish desires.

Bahá’u’lláh is Christ returned. He is the Good Shepherd gathering all His sheep into one fold.

Bahá’u’lláh is Mohammad returned to gather the whole world into one common nation were all will turn to God for guidance.

This is the Christ, the Messiah, and the Glory of God that I follow. This is the Way, The Truth and the Life I will point out to others. This is the unity of mankind as one family under One God. This is the ultimate denial of polytheism and the final proclamation of the Oneness of God, the All Powerful, the All Knowing, the All Wise, the Omnipotent, the Almighty God.

This is the God who is Good and shines upon us with the light of goodness. Evil is darkness, but the Light of God dispels the darkness of evil. If we are in a room filled with light, we cannot turn on a dark and overpower the light, but a dark room can be illumined by turning on a light. It is obvious that darkness is the absence of light. Therefore we don’t destroy darkness but we turn on light.

So it is with evil. When there is no goodness, we have evil. When goodness appears, evil vanishes. Since evil is only the absence of good, we cannot destroy evil. Any attempt to destroy evil only leads to more evil. However, when we bring in goodness, evil is dispelled.

When we are confronted with the darkness of evil we cannot clearly see our way. We must turn to God Who is our Source of Light. Indeed He is the Light that illumines the world. When our spiritual eyes cannot see the Way, He is the Way and He is the Light.

Perhaps we can see the righteous as flashlights. In the dark of the night they can help us, but the light is weak and the way is difficult to see. But now a New Day has dawned. The Glory of God shines brightly in the Celestial Heavens. We need but wake from our slumber and pull back our curtains to let the light shine into our rooms. Then we can rush outside and bask in the full splendor of this wondrous day.

I am not the righteous. I am not the light. I am but a sinner who has wakened to a New Dawn. Wake up world and see. A glorious new day is here.

I will conclude with a poem I wrote a few years ago.

DAWN

When I observe the failing light at the end of the day, I have complete confidence that the sun will regain her ground the following morn.

And so it is when the Spiritual Truths become difficult to see,

Or even in the darkest hour, when they are just a memory,

Still we turn to Our Heavenly Father and pray,

For we know He will be Manifest in the brand knew day.

Now it seems that our trust was not in vain

For night has past and twilight appears again.

Though the world sleeps and does not see the glimmering knew light

A few have risen early and take in this wondrous sight.

Wake up world!  Can’t you see?  The Glory of God is here.

Open your eyes.  The darkness is gone.  There’s no need to live in fear.

Then so slowly, so slowly it seems, comes the awakening of humanity,

And the realisation that all are from one family.

And now we see the world in love with each other.

Each woman’s our sister, each man our brother.

Love is all around us.  This love we laud.

For the love we share with each other is God!

When I wake up early and see a beautiful sunrise, I know it is going to be a wonderful day.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

John 10: 16

Ruhi Book Seven. Wouldn’t you know it will get tough.

In the following post I talk about my struggles with the series of study courses developed by the Ruhi Institute. If you want to know more about the program you can go to their site at http://www.ruhi.org/. If you would like to join a study circle in your area, sent me an email george@sowingpeace.ca or leave a comment on this post. I will do my best to locate active groups for you in your area anywhere in the world. I don’t have this information at my fingertips, but I will find it for you and either send you the contact information or have the group contact you.

The Ruhi Study circles are designed to guide the students through a series of Baha’i principles. Often those who have not declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh have joined study circles to gain the spiritual insights contained in the Baha’i principles. I urge anyone desiring World peace to consider joining such study circles because these principles are universal and help everyone to learn to live in peace with others.

Following is my reflection on my current studies.

Ruhi Book Seven. Wouldn’t you know it will get tough.

Entering the Section on becoming a tutor is a challenge for me. Suddenly I am forced to examine my own motivation and evaluate what I have learned from the Ruhi Books I’ve Studied.

First my motivation. Purely selfish. I find as I am studying these books into which someone has put a great deal of effort, I am not getting it. I know there is more. I know that these study courses are designed to create change and make me a better Baha’i, but I go on much as before. By going over the writings quoted in these books, I am rehashing the importance of action, yet I still fail to be motivated into action. Perhaps by becoming a tutor and repeatedly going through this series of study materials I will eventually get it. So that appears to be my main motivation. Yes, it is my hope that someone else gets it too, but I am striving to learn and be motivated myself and my main hope is that someone will sign up that will help me to do this.

Now here’s the big one. In section 4 of the Unit on Becoming a Tutor we are instructed, “turn now to the books of the Ruhi Institute you have already studied and identify five sections, each of which increased measurably your understanding of a spiritual subject.” For 2 days I’ve drawn a blank. Yes, through studying these books I come up with new insights and we get into very interesting discussions. By seeing how other students answer the questions I learn new ways of seeing things, so there is a steady growth, but nothing that I would say has created a measurable change in me. I have been a Baha’i for some time and my understanding of the spiritual principles has been fairly good, but I’m still not getting it. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says we should lead one individual to the Faith each year, and I still don’t see that happening in my own life. When I see that happening I will know that I got it.

Since I am taking a Book one at the same time as book seven, I thought that would give me an advantage. I had taken book one many years ago, so this is my second time. I thought that if I took a glance through the book looking at the purpose and practice of each section something would come to me. This only confirmed that I am not getting it.

The section on Prayer in Book One has as a purpose “to understand the importance of daily prayer and to memorize and study 5 prayers.” Although I have memorized at least 5 prayers in my life time, I didn’t increase the number here. I also have not studied in depth any prayers although I have read and reflected upon many.

The Practice of this section says to visit at least 2 Baha’is and study a prayer with them. This may be something very easy to do in Columbia where the course originates, but this is North America. I have not lived anywhere outside of Ontario and am not familiar with life styles in other parts of the world, but in Canada one does not just drop in on someone and say he would like to study a prayer with them. This is a great handicap to spiritual development. In this society we are too busy pursuing the American Dream to realize that it is just an illusion. We barely have time to spend quality time with our families let alone get involved in community life. As we become spiritualized I feel this must change.

To illustrate let me recount an incident of last evening. I was walking home from work when a young lady came running out of her apartment and asked me to open a jar for her. I am 60 years old and I have never had that happen before. The strangeness of the event forced me to reply with a negative answer. I suspected some kind of trap or ulterior motive, but a quick survey of the area revealed no immediate danger. The lady did not take “No” for an answer and I eventually complied. Now I need to thank her for the lesson she taught me. No this was not in a Ruhi Book or the Baha’i writings, but it was a sign sent from God showing me how sick our society is. If we need help, why should we not ask a neighbor or someone who just happens to be passing by? I thought this action of a young lady to be strange, but what was really strange was my reaction to it. She, out of need, asked a simple favour from someone passing by. I was going to refuse her request on the grounds that this didn’t fit any protocol I was familiar with.

What is a community? Is it not a group of people who live in proximity with each other, assist and support each other? In North America we have much to learn about community life. We should be able to drag ourselves away from our computers, TV’s and other gadgets long enough to lend someone a hand.

Now to alleviate a community problem I will make an offer. Although I am real estate challenged and do not have a suitable place to invite people, I will be open to anyone studying book one who wants to visit me for the purpose of studying a prayer. They can either come to the store where I am working or we can arrange to meet some other place. I will also make myself available for discussions on peace, spirituality or psycho-social issues. If anyone in the proximity needs a jar lid loosened, I will also attempt to comply. Basically my offer is to become a good member of my community and make myself available to other community members for any purpose where I can be of assistance. By community I refer to anyone within traveling distance of my present location, however I will extend this offer to the cyber world and offer to meet in cyber space with anyone who is connected to the internet. You can meet me at one of my blogs or websites or invite me to your cyber location. Email george@sowingpeace.ca.

New Fireside Blog

Those who follow this blog may realize by now that most of my inspiration comes from the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Although the purpose of this blog is to promote world peace I don’t feel that this purpose can be achieved without reconciling the world’s religions. Some may justifiably argue that religion has been the cause of many wars and that it is detrimental to world peace. Many are familiar with John Lennon’s song, “Imagine,” were he states, “Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion too, Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

Man has twisted religion and made it a case for war. The original principles given us by the founders of all the major religions have been towards peace and unity. Somehow man has twisted that to mean, “kill anyone that doesn’t agree with you.”

Christ said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” ^{(Matthew 5:44)}

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, “Another fundamental announcement made by Bahá'u'lláh is that religion must be the source of unity and fellowship in the world. If it is productive of enmity, hatred and bigotry, the absence of religion would be preferable. This is a new principle of revelation found only in the utterances of Bahá'u'lláh.” ^{(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 434)}

My goal here is not to convert, but to reconcile and promote love and unity between all groups, be they religious, nationalistic, political, racial, economic or any other. I prefer to think of myself as belonging to the human race, the religion of God, and the nation of the World. Whatever groups you identify yourself with, it is important to realize that others also have a right to existence and a right to live in a peaceful, secure manner.

Since my desire is to promote world peace and also to promote the Ancient Faith of God, I have started a new blog. Thus I will have this one to promote peace and the other one to promote religion. It is simply called Fireside and is a place where anyone can go to share ideas about the Baha’i Faith. Fireside is a name that has been given to informal Baha’i meetings were people gather to learn about and explore the principles of the Baha’i Faith. My Fireside Blog is a cyber version of such a meeting. The atmosphere is informal and invites comments from all. You can visit the fireside blog at http://fireside9.blogspot.ca/.

Establishing World peace in my Heart

Establishing World peace in my Heart

Man must spiritually perceive that religion has been intended by God to be the means of grace, the source of life and cause of agreement. If it becomes the cause of discord, enmity and hatred, it is better that man should be without it. For in its teachings we seek the spirit of charity and love to bind the hearts of men together. If, on the contrary, we find it alienates and embitters human hearts, we are justified in casting it aside. Therefore, when man through sincere investigation discovers the fundamental reality of religion, his former prejudices disappear, and his new condition of enlightenment is conducive to the development of the world of humanity.

               (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 327)

When we talk of the cause of world peace, many feel that religion is detrimental to its establishment. Yet the religion of God teaches us to Love.

From the Christian perspective we have the following words of Jesus:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

        (New Testament, Matthew 5:43 - 48)

In the light of these teachings it may be asked, “Why has man used religion as an excuse for war?”

Religion, in its pure form, is very powerful and exerts a great influence on humanity. As humans we recognize this. A common ailment among humans is greed and selfishness. When man sees the influence of religion he realizes that he can use it for his own personal gain. Thus he waters it down, corrupts it and twist the meaning to justify his own actions and attain personal benefits. Now religious leaders differ in their interpretations and sects are formed. In order to promote their own beliefs they concentrate on their differences, interpreting scripture to show that their own beliefs are correct and all others are wrong. Soon the uniting message from God is lost and humans are caught up in bickering and disputes, escalating until they are at war.

One thing I’ve learned from my study of psychology and observation of human behaviour is that a person becomes very upset when something he believes is challenged. If someone disagrees with something we know to be true, it does not matter, but if we begin to doubt our belief, watch out. One will dispute, argue, and bicker until he is blue in the face to prove that he is right, not because he needs to convince the other person, but because he needs to convince himself.

Personally I use this information to create peace in my own life. If I begin to feel irritated by something someone says I immediately examine my own belief system to see if there is a reason for doubt.

Religious belief is passed down from generation to generation. Beliefs are taught from infancy. Many times, by the time we become adults, we have acquired much hand me down knowledge that doesn’t make sense, yet we will hold to it because it is what we were taught all our lives.

A challenge to what we believe is usually first countered by trying to convince the other party to agree with us. When that fails humans have a history of becoming more and more forceful in their methods. If it becomes impossible to force the other to change, then they must be eliminated. Why? Simply because we are insecure in what we believe.

So what is the formula to end war?

First: It is to recognize that others are not responsible for our hatred, but that it is a reaction to our own insecurities.

Second: When we can’t agree we can agree to disagree and still respect each other.

Third: We must recognize that our enemy only wants to kill us because they see us as a threat in much the same way that we see them as a threat. If we can assure them that we mean them no harm they are likely to do us no harm.

Fourth: If we can forget everything we’ve been taught and investigate our own religion in its own pure form we can learn to love even our enemies. We need to differentiate between the Word of God and that which man says about the Word of God. When we are clear on the pure teachings of our own religion, we must look for similarities and commonalities between it and other religions. In this way we will find that which unites and avoid that which divides.

10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.  All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

        (New Testament, John 10: 7 - 11)

11. O SON OF DUST!

Blind thine eyes, that thou mayest behold My beauty; stop thine ears, that thou mayest hearken unto the sweet melody of My voice; empty thyself of all learning, that thou mayest partake of My knowledge; and sanctify thyself from riches, that thou mayest obtain a lasting share from the ocean of My eternal wealth. Blind thine eyes, that is, to all save My beauty; stop thine ears to all save My word; empty thyself of all learning save the knowledge of Me; that with a clear vision, a pure heart and an attentive ear thou mayest enter the court of My holiness.

        (Baha'u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words)

CXXV. O My brother! When a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading unto the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this Day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the Divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error.

        (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 264)

My goal is to establish peace in the world. I only control one heart, and that is my own. If I can be at peace with myself and every soul I encounter throughout my life, world peace can be established. If not in the hearts of all mankind, it can at least be established in my heart.

I invite everyone to do the same. It is easier to be at peace when everyone desires peace. When you establish peace in your heart it influences my heart and makes it easier for me to maintain peace within myself. This cannot be legislated. It cannot be enforced. It is only when every individual decides to desire peace that peace in the entire world can become reality. This may seem impossible and it is without me. I would hate it to be said that I am the one that is keeping peace from being complete, so I am taking no chances. I have dedicated my heart to peace. Let me know if you agree.

Namaste

Namaste

When I was first introduced to this greeting I was told that it means, “I see God within you.” Today I researched a little more, and the consensus seems to be that the literal translation is “Bow Me You” or “I bow to you.” However the connotation is that of reverence for a higher being within that other person and a place within each of us where we become as one being when we go there.

I will synthesize my understanding of Namaste and say, when I greet you in this way it means that I see a higher power, the creator, within you and when you go to that place in yourself and I go to that place within me we are no longer individuals but we become parts of a great universal being that is working to bring Peace, Love and security to all. Thus, when we become individual parts of a whole being our differences become as cogs on a gear that mesh together to work towards transferring energy to the whole of humanity. In this way we can celebrate our uniqueness as much as our unity of purpose. Our diverse methods serve to reach a common goal. Our individual hues blend to form a beautiful garden. Our divergent functions serve to get the whole job done.

When I greet you with the word, “Namaste,” or if I put my hands together an bow in the Namaste gesture it means I recognize the potential within us to work together for the betterment of humanity.

The beauty of it is that no words need to be spoken. The simple little bow is all that is needed to convey the message. It is universal. It belongs to no one culture, religion, race or social class. All can turn to the world in a gesture of Namaste and all can work together in peace to bring about a secure planet were all will have the opportunity to make it a home we can be proud of.

Namaste to all who read this. Take it and pass it on.

Another meaning I came across in my research is, “not mine, but yours.” This it is a giving up of the ego and submitting to the will of another. When we understand that the other is the higher power that dwells within, it really means giving up our own will for that of God.

In the first chapter of Genesis we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Thus we see that Christian and Jew agree that the Image of God is within us.

We also see in the 13^th Hidden Word from those revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in Arabic that God is found within ourselves.

13. O SON OF SPIRIT!

I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself? Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being, why seekest thou enlightenment from anyone beside Me? Out of the clay of love I molded thee, how dost thou busy thyself with another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.

    (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)

The idea that we are made in God’s image and that we have a divine nature within us seems to be universal, and so the greeting, “Namaste,” is universal. Having started in India, it is now branching out to the world.

Allah-u-Abha

There is another universal greeting that is gaining popularity. “Allah-u-Abha” is a Persian word meaning “God, the All-Glorious.” It is used as a greeting by Baha’is all over the world. It is also known as a form of the Greatest Name. Another being “Ya Baha'u'l-Abha,” which is translated as “O Glory of the All-Glorious.” In a letter He sent to the United States and Canada, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:

O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.

               (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 41)

One of my hopes and goals is to fulfill this wish of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s and raise this call wherever I can.

Namaste is a greeting which recognizes God within us. Allah-u-Abha or Ya Baha'u'l-Abha expresses the Greatness of God. Whichever greeting I use or whatever call I raise it is in the hope of bringing peace, security and well being to all the people of the world.

The Epistle of James

The Epistle of James is believed to have been written by the Brother of Jesus and to be the first book of the New Testament to be written.

http://executableoutlines.com/ja2/ja2_00.htm

I find the advice of James to be ahead of its time. His wisdom applies as much today as it did when it was written. Being the first piece of literature available to the early Christians, it must have been a great solace, inspiration and guidance to them.

James points out the difference between pure religion and vain religion. Faith without deeds is worthless. Temptation is not from God but a product of our own lusts. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. The tongue is a fire. It is like the helm of a ship, a very small part but it controls the direction the ship goes.

The guidance of James is simple and pure, much like the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The complications that man has added to the Pure Religion of God are untangled and the Way becomes clear.

The epistle of James is not directed to any one church or city, but to all. It is directed to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. Thus the guidance isn’t specific to problems in one community only that may not apply to others, but it is general guidance to all.

If we pay attention to this guidance and even more importantly to the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ which is equivalent to the Word of God, there can be no division amongst us. We must live peaceably with our fellow world citizens and act in faith to alleviate the suffering of all humanity.

The General Epistle of James

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

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3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

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4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

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5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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               (New Testament, James kjv from Ocean software)