Spencer Heath Archive

Item 289

Extract from a letter to Ruth St. Denis (originals envelope 287)

April 27, 1935

It is with me a profound conviction that on their positive and creative sides art and religion are identical as to office and function; that their transcendent value and service to mankind comes wholly of their power to inspire, to harmonize inner conflicts and induce exalta­tions (and exultation) of body and mind. To me this is the supreme ministry, the highest service and fulfillment of the divine, for it is only Beauty that speaks direct to the soul and under this inspiration all human action and energy must turn away from death and destruction and be led upward into universal creation. Let religion and art but give men this vision, they will pursue it and in this alone can they lose their chains and bonds and view the smiling eyes of Freedom.