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[Pages 21–28] 21 |
realities. Thus to connect and harmonize these
diverse and infinite realities an all-unifying Power
is necessary, that every part of existent being may
in perfect order discharge its own function. Consider
the body of man, and let the part be an indication
of the whole. Consider how these diverse parts
and members of the human body are closely connected
and harmoniously united one with the
other. Every part is the essential requisite of all
other parts and has a function by itself. It is the
mind that is the all-unifying agency that so uniteth
all the component parts one with the other that
each dischargeth its specific function in perfect
order, and thereby co-operation and reaction are
made possible. All parts function under certain
laws that are essential to existence. Should that all-unifying
agency that directeth all these parts be
harmed in any way there is no doubt that the constituent
parts and members will cease functioning
properly; and though that all-unifying agency in
the temple of man be not sensed or seen and the
reality thereof be unknown, yet by its effects it
manifesteth itself with the greatest power.
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Thus it hath been proven and made evident that
these infinite beings in this wondrous universe will
discharge their functions properly only when
directed and controlled by that Universal Reality,
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so that order may be established in the world. For
example, interaction and co-operation between the
constituent parts of the human body are evident
and indisputable, yet this does not suffice; an all-unifying
agency is necessary that shall direct and
control the component parts, so that these through
interaction and co-operation may discharge in perfect
order their necessary and respective functions.
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You are well aware, praised be the Lord, that
both interaction and co-operation are evident and
proven amongst all beings, whether large or small.
In the case of large bodies interaction is as manifest
as the sun, whilst in the case of small bodies, though
interaction be unknown, yet the part is an indication
of the whole. All these interactions therefore
are connected with that all-embracing power
which is their pivot, their centre, their source and
their motive power.
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For instance, as we have observed, co-operation
among the constituent parts of the human body is
clearly established, and these parts and members
render services unto all the component parts of the
body. For instance, the hand, the foot, the eye, the
ear, the mind, the imagination all help the various
parts and members of the human body, but all these
interactions are linked by an unseen, all-embracing
power, that causeth these interactions to be produced
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with perfect regularity. This is the inner
faculty of man, that is his spirit and his mind, both
of which are invisible.
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In like manner consider machinery and workshops
and the interaction existing among the
various component parts and sections, and how
connected they are one with the other. All these
relations and interactions, however, are connected
with a central power which is their motive force,
their pivot and their source. This central power is
either the power of steam or the skill of the
mastermind.
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Likewise every arrangement and formation that
is not perfect in its order we designate as accidental,
and that which is orderly, regular, perfect in
its relations and every part of which is in its proper
place and is the essential requisite of the other constituent
parts, this we call a composition formed
through will and knowledge. There is no doubt
that these infinite beings and the association of these
diverse elements arranged in countless forms must
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have proceeded from a Reality that could in no
wise be bereft of will or understanding. This is clear
and proven to the mind and no one can deny it.
It is not meant, however, that that Universal
Reality or the attributes thereof have been comprehended.
Neither its Essence nor its true attributes
hath any one comprehended. We maintain, however,
that these infinite beings, these necessary relations,
this perfect arrangement must of necessity
have proceeded from a source that is not bereft of
will and understanding, and this infinite composition
cast into infinite forms must have been caused
by an all-embracing Wisdom. This none can dispute
save he that is obstinate and stubborn, and
denieth the clear and unmistakable evidence, and
becometh the object of the blessed Verse: ‘They
are deaf, they are dumb, they are blind and shall
return no more’.
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Now regarding the question whether the
faculties of the mind and the human soul are one
and the same. These faculties are but the inherent
properties of the soul, such as the power of imagination,
of thought, of understanding; powers that
are the essential requisites of the reality of man,
even as the solar ray is the inherent property of the
sun. The temple of man is like unto a mirror, his
soul is as the sun, and his mental faculties even as
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the rays that emanate from that source of light. The
ray may cease to fall upon the mirror, but it can
in no wise be dissociated from the sun.
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In short, the point is this, that the world of man
is supernatural in its relation to the vegetable
kingdom, though in reality it is not so. Relatively
to the plant, the reality of man, his power of hearing
and sight, are all supernatural, and for the plant
to comprehend that reality and the nature of the
powers of man’s mind is impossible. In like manner
for man to comprehend the Divine Essence and the
nature of the great Hereafter is in no wise possible.
The merciful outpourings of that Divine Essence,
however, are vouchsafed unto all beings and it is
incumbent upon man to ponder in his heart upon
the effusions of the Divine Grace, the soul being
counted as one, rather than upon the Divine
Essence itself. This is the utmost limit for human
understanding. As it hath previously been mentioned,
these attributes and perfections that we recount
of the Divine Essence, these we have derived
from the existence and observation of beings,
and it is not that we have comprehended the
essence and perfection of God. When we say that
the Divine Essence understandeth and is free, we
do not mean that we have discovered the Divine
Will and Purpose, but rather that we have acquired
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knowledge of them through the Divine Grace
revealed and manifested in the realities of things.
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Now concerning our social principles, namely
the teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh spread far
and wide fifty years ago, they verily comprehend
all other teachings. It is clear and evident that without
these teachings progress and advancement for
mankind are in no wise possible. Every community
in the world findeth in these Divine Teachings the
realization of its highest aspirations. These teachings
are even as the tree that beareth the best fruits
of all trees. Philosophers, for instance, find in these
heavenly teachings the most perfect solution of
their social problems, and similarly a true and noble
exposition of matters that pertain to philosophical
questions. In like manner men of faith behold the
reality of religion manifestly revealed in these
heavenly teachings, and clearly and conclusively
prove them to be the real and true remedy for the
ills and infirmities of all mankind. Should these
sublime teachings be diffused, mankind shall be
freed from all perils, from all chronic ills and sicknesses.
In like manner are the Bahá’í economic
principles the embodiment of the highest aspirations
of all wage-earning classes and of economists
of various schools.
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In short, all sections and parties have their aspirations
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realized in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. As
these teachings are declared in churches, in
mosques and in other places of worship, whether
those of the followers of Buddha or of Confucius,
in political circles or amongst materialists, all shall
bear witness that these teachings bestow a fresh life
upon mankind and constitute the immediate
remedy for all the ills of social life. None can find
fault with any of these teachings, nay rather, once
declared they will all be acclaimed, and all will confess
their vital necessity, exclaiming, ‘Verily this is
the truth and naught is there beside the truth but
manifest error.’
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In conclusion, these few words are written, and
unto everyone they will be a clear and conclusive
evidence of the truth. Ponder them in thine heart.
The will of every sovereign prevaileth during his
reign, the will of every philosopher findeth
expression in a handful of disciples during his lifetime,
but the Power of the Holy Spirit shineth
radiantly in the realities of the Messengers of God,
and strengtheneth Their will in such wise as to influence
a great nation for thousands of years and
to regenerate the human soul and revive mankind.
Consider how great is this power! It is an extraordinary
Power, an all-sufficient proof of the truth
of the mission of the Prophets of God, and a conclusive
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evidence of the power of Divine Inspiration.
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