The Inspiration 9 



the expression of our ideals at the hands of individuals, 

 but almost never disappointed by their expression at 

 the hands of the community. If ever in the midst of 

 our crude surroundings I have caught a glimpse of 

 "the Light that Never was on Sea or Land" it was 

 when a number of us were gathered together and giving 

 expression to the ideals of the New Earth. I think — 

 indeed, I know — that then for fleeting moments we lived 

 in the great life of the future, though of course we only 

 touched the hem of the garment. 



The spiritual outgrowth of the conditions that the 

 New Earth provides for vast numbers will surpass all 

 the dreams of the dreamers. Christ will come again. 

 He will live in the lives of millions of consecrated souls, 

 and He will bring dignity in its true sense to common 

 things and the common experience. 



Dignity as I see it in this connection is a form of 

 morality, because morality is the outward expression 

 of that self-respect which dwelleth within, and is, in- 

 deed, the highest form of self-respect. Hence, anything 

 that enhances the dignity of a man enhances his moral- 

 ity, and it was ever clear to me that this was the great 

 office of the New Earth — to lay deep and true the foun- 

 dations of dignity in the common life of our people, 

 winch is equivalent to saying the foundations of self- 

 respect and the highest morality. 



And here again, we pass from the individual to the 

 community, and ultimately to the nation and the world. 

 The New Earth so becomes in the course of time the 

 Redeemer of mankind. It erects his life and roots his 

 influence — his all-conquering Thought — in the fertile 

 soil of ownership, but of ownership limited by conscience 



