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23. “As preordained by the Fountain-head of Creation, the temple of the world…” |
As preordained by the Fountain-head of Creation, the temple of the world
hath been fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body. In
fact each mirroreth forth the image of the other, wert thou but to
observe with discerning eyes. By this is meant that even as the human
body in this world, which is outwardly composed of different limbs and
organs, is in reality a closely integrated, coherent entity, similarly
the structure of the physical world is like unto a single being whose
limbs and members are inseparably linked together.
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Were one to observe with an eye that discovereth the realities of all
things, it would become clear that the greatest relationship that
bindeth the world of being together lieth in the range of created things
themselves, and that co-operation, mutual aid and reciprocity are
essential characteristics in the unified body of the world of being,
inasmuch as all created things are closely related together and each is
influenced by the other or deriveth benefit therefrom, either directly
or indirectly.
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Consider for instance how one group of created things constituteth the
vegetable kingdom, and another the animal kingdom. Each of these
two maketh use of certain elements in the air on which its own life
dependeth, while each increaseth the quantity of such elements as
are essential for the life of the other. In other words, the growth and
development of the vegetable world is impossible without the
existence of the animal kingdom, and the maintenance of animal life is
inconceivable without the co-operation of the vegetable kingdom. Of
like kind are the relationships that exist among all created things.
Hence it was stated that co-operation and reciprocity are essential
properties which are inherent in the unified system of the world of
existence, and without which the entire creation would be reduced to
nothingness.
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In surveying the vast range of creation thou shalt perceive that the
higher a kingdom of created things is on the arc of ascent, the more
conspicuous are the signs and evidences of the truth that co-operation
and reciprocity at the level of a higher order are greater than those
that exist at the level of a lower order. For example, the evident
signs of this fundamental reality are more discernible in the vegetable
kingdom than in the mineral, and still more manifest in the animal world
than in the vegetable.
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And thus when contemplating the human world thou beholdest this wondrous
phenomenon shining resplendent from all sides with the utmost
perfection, inasmuch as in this station acts of co-operation, mutual
assistance and reciprocity are not confined to the body and to things
that pertain to the material world, but for all conditions, whether
physical or spiritual, such as those related to minds, thoughts,
opinions, manners, customs, attitudes, understandings, feelings or other
human susceptibilities. In all these thou shouldst find these binding
relationships securely established. The more this interrelationship is
strengthened and expanded, the more will human society advance in
progress and prosperity. Indeed without these vital ties it would be
wholly impossible for the world of humanity to attain true felicity and
success.
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Now consider, if among the people who are merely the manifestations of
the world of being this significant matter is of such importance, how
much greater must be the spirit of co-operation and mutual assistance
among those who are the essences of the world of creation, who have
sought the sheltering shadow of the heavenly Tree, and are favoured by
the manifestations of divine grace; and how the evidences of this spirit
should, through their earnest endeavour, their fellowship and concord,
become manifest in every sphere of their inner and outer lives, in the
realm of the spirit and divine mysteries and in all things related to
this world and the next. Thus there can be no doubt that they must be
willing even to offer up their lives for each other.
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This is the basic principle on which the institution of
Ḥuqúqu’lláh is established, inasmuch as its proceeds
are dedicated to the furtherance of these ends. Otherwise the one true
God hath ever been and will always be independent of all else beside
Him. Even as He hath enabled all created things to partake of His
boundless grace and loving-kindness, likewise is He able to bestow
riches upon His loved ones out of the treasuries of His power. However,
the wisdom of this command is that the act of giving is well-pleasing in
the sight of God. Consider how well-pleasing must this mighty act be in
His estimation that He hath ascribed it unto His Own Self. Rejoice ye
then, O people of generosity!
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This matter needeth further details, but We have treated it in brief.
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