MOTHER DIVINE speaking to a group
of The Friends, Sayville, Long Island, NY
51 Macon Street
Sayville, L. I., N. Y.
Dec. 7, 1931
Editor
The New Yorker
New York City
My dear Sir:
Having read your article concerning FATHER DIVINE'S activities and having been misquoted myself, I am writing to you in the belief that you wish to be fair even though the tone of your magazine is somewhat humorous.
My statement, given most informally at one of FATHER DIVINE'S Services, was not for publication, and the reporter from the Sayville Citizen, not knowing what it was all about, jotted down from memory what she THOUGHT I had said. However, I shall not correct that misquotation, but give you a few facts that come from one who does know what it is all about.
Having been an instructor in one of California's State Teachers' Colleges, and having been an investigator of religious and so-called Truth instruction for a period of years, I feel that I am well qualified to judge of FATHER DIVINE'S qualifications and work.
In the first place, FATHER DIVINE is the first and only person I have ever heard of or known who absolutely PRACTICES WHAT HE PREACHES. HIS conduct is BEYOND REPROACH from every viewpoint. Furthermore, He stands out as one having no ULTERIOR MOTIVE. HE solicits no following, but turns nobody away. HE RECEIVES NOT ONE PENNY from anyone, but returns any money that is sent to him. This seems to be the mystery that confounds the public, but to the many questioners, FATHER quietly answers,
'The Spirit of the Consciousness of the Presence of GOD is the Source of all supply, and satisfies every good desire.'
Now what does FATHER DIVINE teach? He makes very real to his students the teachings of JESUS as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and we see them demonstrated literally before our very eyes. His mission is chiefly to break down all barriers of creed, sects, denominations, nations, parties, etc., etc., and unites all mankind into one great brotherhood. Then there can be no more wars, strife and depressions. (By the way, the reason for the depression is man's worshiping money instead of their GOD.) Man's troubles are of his own making, for it is the great, irrefutable Law that
'As a man soweth, so must he also reap.'
FATHER DIVINE banquets all who wish to come, (and they do come in hundreds from all walks of life and from all nationalities and conditions.) He clothes and shelters those who ask. Not a cent does anyone pay for all this.
The cause of the excitement that led to all the unsolicited publicity was the narrow race-prejudice of a group of Sayville citizens who did not realize that they were trying to oust from their community their greatest, and the world's greatest Benefactor. They did not know that FATHER had planned to go where he could accommodate the hundreds who wished to be accommodated, long before they made public objection to His presence. They did not know that legally speaking, FATHER commanded the volunteered services of the best lawyers in the whole country. They did not know the power of this seemingly insignificant little Man, without whose will they could do nothing.
Let me close with this brief statement, that I am most deeply grateful to be deemed worthy to be numbered among the students of FATHER DIVINE because He is teaching me the way to the only real and lasting happiness, because I know now that am sitting at the feet of the Master of Masters- the returned CHRIST. (Jesus was rejected, reviled, and even crucified. He arose, and before disappearing from view, promised to return again that we might be with Him. He came then as the Son and this time He came as the Father.) He does not ask to be called FATHER, but He inspires the name in His followers because of His works. In time the world will recognize Him, and I am truly glad to be among the first few hundred (or perhaps it is thousands). He tells us that when we deny ourselves and live the life of the Master, we shall be able to do all that He is doing. Isn't it worth while when our reward is eternal life in these bodies accompanied by inexpressible joy, peace, happiness and prosperity? We are on the winning side, so we can't help saying, "It is Wonderful!"
Very truly yours,
(signed) Eleanor V. Stevens
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