the Manifestation of God
in every age to appear in the visible realm in accordance with the
text of established traditions, none could possibly deny or turn
away, not would the blessed be distinguished from the miserable,
and the transgressor from the God-fearing. Judge fairly: Were the
prophecies recorded in the Gospel to be literally fulfilled; were
Jesus, Son of Mary, accompanied by angels, to descend from the
visible heaven upon the clouds; who would dare to disbelieve, who
would dare to reject the truth, and wax disdainful? Nay, such
consternation would immediately seize all the dwellers of the
earth that no soul would feel able to utter a word, much less to
reject or accept the truth.--Kitab-i-Iqan, pp. 67, 71-73, 76,
78-79, 80-81.

According to the above explanation the coming of the Son of Man, in lowly
human form, born of woman, poor, uneducated, oppressed and set at naught
by the great ones of the earth--this manner of coming is the very
touchstone by which He judges the people of earth and separates them one
from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Those whose
spiritual eyes are opened can see through those clouds and rejoice in the
"power and great glory"--the very glory of God--which He comes to reveal;
the others, whose eyes are still holden by prejudice and error, can see
but the dark clouds and continue to grope in gloom, deprived of the
blessed sunshine.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way
before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his
temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in.
... But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand
when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like
fullers' sope.... For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as
an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall
be stubble: ... But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of
righteousness arise with healing in his wings.--Mal. iii, 1-2; iv.
1-2.

NOTE--The subject of fulfillment of prophecy is such an extensive one that
many volumes would be required for its adequate exposition. All that can
be done within the limits of a single chapter is to indicate the main
outlines of the Baha'i interpretations. The detailed Apocalypses revealed
by Daniel and St. John have been left untouched. Readers will find cer