CHICAGO ADDRESSES...!! By Swami Vivekanand 11th Sep. 1893.

Sisters & Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of relegions; I thank you in the name of the millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks ,also, to some of the speakers on this platformwho, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these man from far - off nations may well claim the honour of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud of belong to a religion which has taught the both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which thier holy temple was sheltered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I'll quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which i remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day reapeted by millions of human beings; 'As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held,is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita; 'Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, ireach him; all men are struggling throughs paths which is the end lead to Me.' 

                                                                          Continued..........