Election Day, November 5, 1935 was an historic day in the lives of the followers of FATHER DIVINE who, with their Divine names legalized, could claim their right as American citizens to go to the polls. It was also an historic day for America. Now, for the first time, the Angelic Nature was legalized, opening the door for Righteousness, Justice and Truth to be materialized and become a living reality on the earth plane. FATHER DIVINE spoke along these lines at the Banquet Service at noon, also giving instructions on how to vote righteously.
FATHER DIVINE:
PEACE, Everyone: I believe we all have a good appetite and we have good health, and we have good will for everybody, even on Election Day, and we have good manners and good behavior even on Election Day. Now isn't that Wonderful!
For this cause we can see there is a reality in the Peace Mission as it has been established and made practical on Election Day, to bring about a Righteous Government where there has been unrighteousness exhibited. Because of this, we are not telling you especially for whom to vote, but you have the data on many of their records, and not only so but you have their platform, and you pretty well know whether they stand for Righteousness, Justice and Truth.
Of course we know there are not many of the politicians at this election qualified to be recognized as Evangelical, but the time will come when they will be in perfect harmony with all of the principles that we stand for. As it is now, the person or persons whom we believe will come nearer, or in other words, the nearest to Righteousness, Justice and Truth, that is the person or persons for whom to vote, regardless of what their political affiliation may be, regardless to what their professions may be, regardless to what their religious views may be. Vote for the person whom you sincerely believe will be nearer to the Fundamental that we believe in.
It may be a little strange and it may be a little odd, but let these men as candidates, and as other officials, present something to us that is far-reaching enough to convince us that they are for Righteousness, Justice and Truth. If they are a failure in this election, they may be elected in the next one, for we are merely making ready in this election, but the next election, according to the Court Ruling, we will be ready to meet every issue, scientifically and politically, and none will be able to criticize us. Now isn't that Wonderful!
I hope every individual will be governed by his or her highest intuition and let your intuition be sponsored by the Spirit of Righteousness, Justice and Truth, through a complete self-denial, eradicating every selfish tendency, every selfish fancy or pleasure. If I did not think the issue of a person who may be connected with ME Personally, as far as friendship may be or even business or profession would be concerned if I did not think they were worthy and qualified, I would not vote for them. If it would be your own brother, if it is your own mother, I mean in mortal consciousness, if you did not think she could fill the office more justifiably than the other opponent to the individual, you should vote for the opponent. Now isn't that Wonderful!
Righteousness, Justice and Truth shall have their free access in you. We shall work from that point of view. The time cometh and now is, this Movement shall be felt. . . . The masses throughout the universe shall feel the effect of it. Whatsoever issue that an individual introduces that is for Righteousness, Justice and Truth, we are here to endorse it. There may be some who present or introduce bills that are not according to the policies of the Peace Mission. If we are convinced that they are not Righteous and Just for everybody, we will not endorse them. I thank you.
At this juncture, FATHER mentioned a certain Petition presented to the Mayor of New York as follows:
I will have the secretary to read this Petition that all might understand for what they are signing. Give your signature if you desire to, but understand and know what you are signing. When you have read it yourselves and are convinced that it is something good for the common masses and not for a selfish purpose, let us sign accordingly. Those of our visiting friends, it matters not who you may be, it is your privilege to do so, for your name, your signature counts a vote as an endorsement to this Petition. I thank you
The Central Committee of Harlem Parents Associations urges that the City Government grant the following items for the welfare of the children of Harlem:
1. The reduction of class registers to a maximum of 25.
2. The appointment of additional teachers to the schools.
3. The erection of many new schools in Harlem, at least two immediately.
4. The establishment of properly supervised community centers and playgrounds to be kept open the entire day and entire year.
5. The establishment of a separate school for over-aged boys and girls.
6. The extension of adult education throughout Harlem.
7. The establishment of free nursery schools for pre-school children.
8. The provision of adequate equipment for all schools.
9. The appointment of visiting teachers to every school in Harlem.
10. The appointment of vocational guidance counselors to the schools of Harlem.
11. The provision of adequate facilities and supervision in the lunchrooms.
12. The establishment of a Board of Guardians for the supervision of neglected and delinquent children.
13. The investigation, approval and supervision of more foster homes for neglected and delinquent children.
14. The appointment of more probation officers to the Children's Court in this community.
15. The establishment of a unit of the Bureau of Child Guidance Clinic in Harlem.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr. John Griggs, Chairman Mr. George Lindsay, Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Eddie Spinally, Secretary
Mrs. Agnes Stoakley, Treasurer 215 West 133 street, New York City
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