A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
“NO created thing shall ever attain its paradise unless it …” |
NO created thing shall ever attain its paradise unless it
appeareth in its highest prescribed degree of perfection.
For instance, this crystal representeth the paradise of the
stone whereof its substance is composed. Likewise there
are various stages in the paradise for the crystal itself…
So long as it was stone it was worthless, but if it attaineth
89
the excellence of ruby—a potentiality which is latent in it—how much a carat will it be worth? Consider likewise every
created thing.
|
Man’s highest station, however, is attained through
faith in God in every Dispensation and by acceptance of
what hath been revealed by Him, and not through learning;
inasmuch as in every nation there are learned men who
are versed in divers sciences. Nor is it attainable through
wealth; for it is similarly evident that among the various
classes in every nation there are those possessed of riches.
Likewise are other transitory things.
|
True knowledge, therefore, is the knowledge of God,
and this is none other than the recognition of His Manifestation
in each Dispensation. Nor is there any wealth
save in poverty in all save God and sanctity from aught else
but Him—a state that can be realized only when demonstrated
towards Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation.
This doth not mean, however, that one ought not
to yield praise unto former Revelations. On no account is
this acceptable, inasmuch as it behooveth man, upon
reaching the age of nineteen, to render thanksgiving for the
day of his conception as an embryo. For had the embryo
not existed, how could he have reached his present state?
Likewise had the religion taught by Adam not existed,
this Faith would not have attained its present stage. Thus
consider thou the development of God’s Faith until the
end that hath no end. V, 4.
|