The Holy Manifestations of God come into the world in order
to effect the disappearance of the physical, the animal, dark aspect of man, so
that the darkness in him may be dispelled, his imperfections be eradicated, his
spiritual, heavenly phase may become manifest, his God like aspect may become
paramount and his perfections might become visible, his innate great power may
become known, and that all the virtues of the world of humanity potential
within him may come to life. Thus these Holy Manifestations of God are the
educators and trainers of the world of existence and they are the teachers of
the world of humanity.
These Holy Manifestations of God liberate men from the world
of darkness and nature. They deliver him from gloom, from error, from
hideousness, from ignorance, from imperfections, and likewise from all the evil
qualities. Then they cause him to be clad in the garment of perfection and high
virtues. Men are ignorant; the Manifestations of God make them wise. They are
animalistic; the Manifestations make them human. They are ferocious; the
Manifestations cause them to become kingdoms of light. They are unjust; the
Manifestations cause them to be just. Man is selfish; they cause him to be
severed from self and desire. Men are haughty; the Manifestations cause them to
become meek and amiable. They are earthly; the Manifestations cause them to be
heavenly. They are material; They cause them to become divine. They are
immature children; the Manifestations cause them to become mature. Men are
poor; They cause them to become wealthy. They are base; they cause them to
become noble. Men are mean, and They cause them to become lofty.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From an address given at the Theosophical Society, New York City, December 4, 1912; Star of the West, vol. VII, no. 8,
August 1, 1916)
