and for the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the
world.

What miracle could be greater than this? Only one, and that the
accomplishment throughout the entire world of the task to which these men
have set themselves. And signs are not lacking that this greater miracle,
too, is in progress. The Faith is showing an astonishing vitality, and is
spreading, like leaven, through the lump of humanity, transforming people
and society as its spreads.(43)

The relatively small number of Baha'is may still seem insignificant in
comparison with the followers of the ancient religions, but they are
confident that a divine Power has blessed them with the high privilege of
serving a new order into which will throng the multitudes of East and West
at no distant day.

While, therefore, it remains true that the Holy Spirit has reflected from
pure hearts in all countries still unconscious of the Source, and the
growth of the Faith can be witnessed in the many efforts outside the
Baha'i community to promote one or another of Baha'u'llah's teachings,
nevertheless the lack of any enduring foundation in the old order is
convincing proof that the ideals of the Kingdom can only become fruitful
within the framework of the Baha'i community.

Prophethood of Bab and Baha'u'llah

The more we study the lives and teachings of the Bab and Baha'u'llah, the
more impossible does it seem to find any explanation of Their greatness,
except that of Divine Inspiration. They were reared in an atmosphere of
fanaticism and bigotry. They had only the most elementary education. They
had no contact with Western culture. They had no political or financial
power to back Them. They asked nothing from men, and receive little but
injustice and oppression. The great ones of earth ignored or opposed Them.
They were scourged and tortured, imprisoned and subjected to direst
calamities in the fulfillment of Their mission. They were alone against
the world, having no help but that of God, yet already Their triumph is
manifest and magnificent.

The grandeur and sublimity of Their ideals, the nobility and
self-sacrifice of Their lives; Their dauntless courage and conviction,
Their amazing wisdom and knowledge, Their grasp of the needs of both
Eastern and Western peoples, the comprehensiveness and adequacy of Their
teachings, Their power to inspire wholehearted devotion and enthusiasm in
Their followers, the penetration and potency of Their influence, the
progr