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THE UNIVERSAL CYCLES 54 |
Each one of the luminous bodies in this limitless firmament has
a cycle of revolution which is of a different duration, and every
one revolves in its own orbit, and again begins a new cycle. So
the earth, every three hundred and sixty-five days, five hours, forty-eight
minutes and a fraction, completes a revolution; and then it
begins a new cycle, that is to say, the first cycle is again renewed. In
the same way, for the whole universe, whether for the heavens or for
men, there are cycles of great events, of important facts and occurrences.
When a cycle is ended, a new cycle begins, and the old one, on account
of the great events which take place, is completely forgotten, and not a
trace or record of it will remain. As you see, we have no records of
twenty thousand years ago, although we have before proved by argument
that life on this earth is very ancient. It is not one hundred
thousand, or two hundred thousand, or one million or two million
years old; it is very ancient, and the ancient records and traces are
entirely obliterated.
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Each of the Divine Manifestations has likewise a cycle, and during
the cycle his laws and commandments prevail and are performed.
When his cycle is completed by the appearance of a new Manifestation,
a new cycle begins. In this way cycles begin, end, and are renewed,
until a universal cycle is completed in the world, when important
events and great occurrences will take place which entirely efface
every trace and every record of the past; then a new universal cycle
begins in the world, for this universe has no beginning. We have
before stated proofs and evidences concerning this subject; there is no
need of repetition.
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Briefly, we say a universal cycle in the world of existence signifies
a long duration of time, and innumerable and incalculable periods and
epochs. In such a cycle the Manifestations appear with splendor in
the realm of the visible, until a great and universal Manifestation
makes the world the center of his radiance. His appearance causes
the world to attain to maturity, and the extension of his cycle is very
great. Afterwards other Manifestations will arise under his shadow,
who according to the needs of the time will renew certain commandments
relating to material questions and affairs, while remaining
under his shadow.
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