FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE
The recent over-ruling by the Supreme Court, of the State of New York's decision to prohibit the showing of immoral movies has come as a shock to some American people. The State of New York has been concerned at the portrayal of sexual immorality as something acceptable or desirable.
"Thou shalt not commit adultery"
is still listed as a crime in some states of the Union.
Yet the Supreme Court maintained that the State's action struck at the very heart of constitutionally protected liberty. The First Amendment's basic guarantee is freedom to advocate ideas. The particular motion picture in question advocated and idea— that adultery under certain circumstances may be proper behavior.
Nevertheless those who were disappointed by the Supreme Courts decision might reflect upon what was gained, for instance, by the prohibition laws. The willing cooperation of the majority of the people is needed to enforce laws. A moral standard cannot be forced upon a people who do not desire to come up to it.
Though the laws of Moses have become, in large measure, law and order for this present civilization, adultery is largely condoned. Even crimes against society such as stealing and killing, though punishable are on the increase in the modern world.
This prevalence of crime may cause a thoughtful person to look back upon the rise and fall of previous civilizations— civilizations even more advanced than this one— seeking the reason for their decline. Some existed so long ago that man, as yet, knows little about them. But if, coming down to more modern times, he studies the civilizations of Egypt, of Greece and of Rome, he will find an identical cause for their decay— moral laxity.
In the days of a nations struggle against its enemies, the energies of the people have to be directed towards the well-being of all. Success is gained according to the measure of self-denial of the individuals. However when the nation has achieved dominion over others and is prosperous and powerful, material life becomes easy for the individual and he indulges his human fancies and pleasures. The road of self-indulgence leads only to sickness and death. The courage, the zeal, the inspiration which have birth the civilization into being, become dimmed. The empire crumbles and declines.
Realizing this and looking around at the civilization in which he finds himself, a man may be tempted to wonder whether self-indulgence is not leading civilization the way of others that have gone down. Yet, looking a little more deeply, he may find hope and encouragement. He may see a strong green shoot of morality growing up amidst the decaying ideas of respectability which, until now, have kept conduct within bounds.
It is a shoot growing strongly from the seed Jesus sowed. In the Sermon On the Mount Jesus showed humanity how the law of love superseded all the Mosaic laws. By loving GOD aright man loved his neighbor as himself and automatically fulfilled the Mosaic law. Jesus made it quite clear that He was not destroying the laws:
"Till heaven and earth pass"
"one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law until all be fulfilled."
While Jesus was on the earth, the love His disciples had for Him caused them to be lifted above the indulgence of human affection. They followed a high moral standard because they followed the Christ. But when Jesus as a person was no longer on the earth plane, few individuals gave all their mind and attention to GOD. For the most part they gave it to imperfect humanity, and GOD was small in their consideration.
It has taken the Presence of the DIVINE ONE on the earth plane again to bring forth the perfection or morality which Jesus taught. In loving GOD, FATHER DIVINE, men are lifted above the desire to do those things which would be detrimental to their well-being. Those who love Him love righteousness. Just as the majority of humanity takes pleasure in doing that which is detrimental to them, the pleasure of FATHER DIVINE'S followers lies in doing that which is constructive and good for all humanity. They enjoy seeking out and trying to do the Will of GOD.
FATHER DIVINE has not told one of His followers not to commit the little no-harm sins which are condoned by the churches in general. He does not tell anyone not to smoke, not to drink or use profanity. As they begin to love GOD, they no longer desire to do these things. Human affection loses its attraction in the overwhelming happiness which love for GOD engenders.
Because FATHER DIVINE is completely free from mortal desires and indulgences, He can free others. By this He proves that He is GOD. If there were any imperfection of mortality in Him, this would be greatly magnified in those who followed Him. It takes the Righteous One, the Holy One, the Pure One, to bring forth these qualities in others.
FATHER DIVINE can say with truth:
"A true follower of Mine would not even smoke a cigarette, because I have made them Righteous! A true follower of Mine would not drink a glass of intoxicating liquor, because I have made them Righteous! A true follower of Mine would not indulge in human affection with the opposite sex even if they were married to them, because I have made them Righteous! True followers of Mine will live even as I live and My Spotless Virgin Bride and will keep your companion pure and Holy even as I do Mine. That is what GOD has come for, to bring about Righteousness in the land and by the Righteousness of the Righteous your land will be saved."
Many, coming in contact with true followers of FATHER DIVINE, find this to be true. Indeed, the miracle of human beings adhering to a perfect moral standard can be seen by all, for followers do not cloister themselves in convents. They go out in the world daily where crime and immorality are rampant.
Such a standard makes followers highly desirable employees. A young mother has confidence in leaving her young children in the care of one who does not smoke or drink and who is honest and competent at all times. Nor does she fear to leave her husband alone with her attractive young housekeeper.
How can young people find happiness living up to such a code of conduct, many may question. How can it be possible without some form of coercion?
Yet when FATHER DIVINE says, where coercion begins the work of GOD that moment ends, He means just that. Children growing up in Peace Missions connections have the freedom to make their own decisions and to live as they desire in their own heart. The atmosphere in which they are reared is a happy one, filled with constructive activities, and they are free to compare such a life with all that the world has to offer. They make their own choice.
Even in swimming attire modesty is upheld
with suits covering the knees and shoulders.
Swimming and all kind of sports are enjoyed in Peace Mission connections. Summer time is picnic time, with the enjoyment of bike riding, hiking and so forth. Constructive movies are shown in church auditoriums. There is opportunity for the study of music and art, as well as commercial, scientific and elementary subjects. A follower can equip himself for any field of endeavor which is constructive and advancing.
Independence is the fundamental of life lived in Peace Mission connections. This is the keynote to trust in GOD and brings peace of mind to the individual and the abundance of material things. Where all that is necessary for life is recognized as being the gift of GOD, the giving and receiving of personal gifts has no place. Young people appreciate the freedom which independence brings and seek employment as soon as they can. Even if they desire a higher education, they will earn their way through college.
As FATHER DIVINE attracts to Him people from all walks of life, from all professions and all countries of the world, there is abundance of social life in Peace Mission connections. There are no social, racial, creedal or economic barriers. The only line which is drawn in social activities is that between the sexes.
This is a restriction to which those who have sincerely been requesting of GOD according to the LORD'S Prayer:
"Lead us not into temptation"
willingly submit themselves. Realizing that the living of the divine life is not attainable overnight and that the higher nature must be cultivated at the expense of the lower,
they do not mix with the opposite sex except on business. When they relax, it is an atmosphere where there is no occasion for indulgence of human affection.
Daily more and more people are willingly submitting themselves to this way of life. They see it as offering the only solution to the problems of this civilization. While it calls for the disciplining of a man's animalistic desires, they realize it offers a freedom and joy attainable in no other way.
Throughout the world the International Modest Code of FATHER DIVINE has gone forth:
"No smoking - no drinking - no obscenity - no vulgarity - no profanity - no undue mixing of sexes - no receiving of gifts, presents. tips or bribes"
The money which a man commonly spends in smoking, drinking and other detrimental indulgences, followers of FATHER DIVINE have invested in palatial homes and hotels. On all these premises the Modest Code is upheld. Guests staying in Peace Mission hotels which admit people of any religious faith, undertake to observe this standard while in the building. Many have found that conforming to the Moral Code to this extent has led to an entire change of their habits. Health and increased prosperity have amply rewarded them.
This is a standard which is being lifted in all parts of the world. Where bribery and corruption have been taken for granted as part of daily life, the International Modest Code has challenged such customs. Governmental legislation, not only in the United States but all over the world, reflects the change. The giving of bribes to governmental employees is already forbidden in some countries.
Where, as in France, it is customary to drink wine with meals, the International Modest Code is still rigidly adhered to by those who claim FATHER DIVINE. The lifting of such a standard already has had its effect on the nation. The manufacturing of soft drinks, which the wine growers have tried to prevent, is now proceeding.
MOTHER DIVINE with Miss Peaceful Love, her companion-maid,
taken at the Divine Lorraine Hotel during the anniversary
of Her Marriage to FATHER DIVINE.
The dress of followers is modest at all times and baring of the shoulders is taboo.
Vulgarity expresses itself in many ways. One of the commonest is in the fashion of feminine dress. Modesty of attire is outstanding among followers of FATHER DIVINE. While it does not preclude jewelry in good taste and attractive hair styles, sleeveless, low cut garments are never worn. MOTHER DIVINE, always beautifully attired, sets a perfect example. So charming is she to look at that such a modesty becomes highly desirable.
This modesty of dress is carried out in evening as well as in casual wear. Even bathing suits are fashioned knee-length with short sleeves, that no immodesty be portrayed in public places. Furthermore care is always taken in Peace Mission connections in the drawing of shades in bedrooms and in dressing rooms.
Here again a standard has been lifted for the world. Its effect is being felt. Not only in the United States is there a call for greater modesty in beach wear and in dress for other occasions. From Rome the Pope has demanded modesty in women's styles. South American show girls have been ordered by law to wear more clothes. These are a few instances only.
The moral standard which FATHER DIVINE is lifting goes far beyond the fundamentals of the international Modest Code. It calls for the fulfilling of the law of love in each individual life. As Jesus expressed it in the Sermon on the Mount:
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so unto them."
The Creeds of the Peace Mission Movement which followers memorize and endeavor to put into practice daily, are explicit as to the conduct required in every phase of life. They forbid the taking out of life insurance, the buying on credit, the owing or borrowing from anyone, or the attending of unevangelical entertainment. Above all, they admonish the courageous upholding of the same rights for all people.
It is in this field of human rights, that FATHER DIVINE'S moral standard had the most startling results. The conscience of humanity has been stirred and racial prejudice is condemned by the overwhelming majority. Integration in all phases of life from the schoolroom up is becoming law and order for the United States.
The Creeds could also be described as a text book for the practice of the Presence of GOD. Malice, deceitfulness, resentment or anger are never to be indulged in. As the "Rosebuds Endeavor" admonishes:
"... abstain from all appearance of evil. Refuse to anger, use obscenity, profanity or vulgarity. Serve the LORD Your GOD with all your might and refuse to use any of your energy to fuss or fight."
If members of the youth group of Rosebuds are known to indulge in anger, fussing or fighting, they lose the treasured privilege of wearing their red, white and blue uniform. They cease to be a member of the International Rosebud Choir, unless or until they show a sincere desire to refrain from doing such things.
The other organized groups of the Peace Mission Movement, the International Lilly Bud Choir and the Crusaders' Choir are disciplined in a similar way if they fail to live up to the standard of the Creeds.
The number of those who appreciate the work of FATHER DIVINE grows daily. Many people, not claiming to be His followers, incorporate some, if not all of His teachings in their daily lives.
This is a standard of moral perfection which will change the face of the world, for FATHER DIVINE is never daunted nor discouraged. He says:
"If men can gather to battle in the nefarious spirit of hate and of prejudice, whereby millions are destroyed, to the complete reverse of same, the gathering of the people in the unity of spirit, mind, aim and purpose for Righteousness, creates a clean bill of health both in the things that concern them and in the affairs of government, for the people are the government.
"Upon this foundation I call for a citizenry among men that is second to none. I call for perfection, even as by the Spirit of My Presence, I produce the very nature and the characteristics of the Truth among men. Ninety-nine and a half won't do."
Because FATHER DIVINE exemplifies perfection, He can call for it in others. Though mankind has been turning away from the command of Jesus,
"Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect,"
perfection is now before their eyes on the material plane. It is for all to copy after, and nothing less than FATHER DIVINE'S moral Code will solve humanity's problems.
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