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A beautiful spirit prevailed on Friday evening. The atmosphere was very different from that of an ordinary meeting or religious gathering. Everyone present was enriched by the lofty spiritual tone of the proceedings; the notes struck were all in the direction of Brotherhood, Unity, and Peace. While a report of the speeches would give a very inadequate idea of the effect produced, yet they were so well- conceived, so sincere, so exquisitely phrased as to be all worthy of reproduction. Among others Amir Ali Siyyid wrote regretting is inability to be present, and Archdeacon Wilberforce sent affectionate greetings. (17:1) After the Lord's Prayer and prayers for Unity of Baha'u'llah and Gelasius (fifth Century), Professor Michael Sadler spoke as follows: - (17:2) Prof Michael Sadler Speech- Though we all, among ourselves, in our devotional allegiance have our own individual loyalties, to all of us 'Abdu'l- Baha brings, and has brought, a message of Unity, of sympathy and of Peace. He bids us all be real and true in what we profess to believe; and to treasure above everything the Spirit behind the form. With him we bow before the Hidden Name, before that which is of every life the Inner Life! He bids us worship in fearless loyalty to our own faith, but with ever stronger yearning after Union, Brotherhood, and Love; so turning ourselves in Spirit, and with our whole heart, that we may enter more into the mind of God, which is above class, above race, and beyond time.
(17:4)
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