s
with other atoms; nay, all are privileged to possess the virtues existent
in these kingdoms and to reflect the attributes of their organisms. In the
various transformations or passages from kingdom to kingdom, the virtues
expressed by the atoms in each degree are peculiar to that degree. For
example, in the world of the mineral, the atom does not express the
vegetable form and organism, and when through the process of transmutation
it assumes the virtues of the vegetable degree, it does not reflect the
attributes of animal organisms, and so on.

It is evident then that each elemental atom of the universe is possessed
of a capacity to express all the virtues of the universe. This is a subtle
and abstract realization. Meditate upon it, for within it lies the true
explanation of pantheism. From this point of view and perception,
pantheism is a truth, for every atom in the universe possesses or reflects
all the virtues of life, the manifestation of which is effected through
change and transformation. Therefore the origin and outcome of phenomena
is verily the omnipresent God for the reality of all phenomenal existence
is through Him. There is neither reality nor the manifestation of reality
without the instrumentality of God. Existence is realized and possible
through the bounty of God, just as the ray or flame emanating from this
lamp is realized through the bounty of the lamp from which it originates.
Even so all phenomena are realized through the divine bounty, and the
explanation of true pantheistic statement and principle is that the
phenomena of the universe find realization through the one power animating
and dominating all things; and all things are but manifestations of its
energy and bounty. The virtue of being and existence is through no other
agency. Therefore in the words of Baha'u'llah the first teaching is the
oneness of the world of humanity....

Baha'u'llah has announced that no matter how far the world of humanity may
advance in material civilization, it is nevertheless in need of spiritual
virtues and the bounties of God. The spirit of man is not illumined and
quickened through material sources. It is not resuscitated by
investigating phenomena of the world of matter. The spirit of man is in
need of the protection of the Holy Spirit. Just as he advances by
progressive stages from the mere physical world of being into the
intellectual realm, so must he develop upward in moral attributes and
spiritual gr