IRITUAL SPRINGTIME

In the world of existence man has traversed successive degrees until he
has attained the human kingdom. In each degree of his progression he has
developed capacity for advancement to the next station and condition.
While in the kingdom of the mineral he was attaining the capacity for
promotion into the degree of the vegetable. In the kingdom of the
vegetable he underwent preparation for the world of the animal and from
thence he has come onward to the human degree or kingdom. Throughout this
journey of progression he has ever and always been potentially man.

In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the world of the
matrix. There he received capacity and endowment for the reality of human
existence. The forces and powers necessary for this world were bestowed
upon him in that limited condition. In this world he needed eyes; he
received them potentially in the other. He needed ears; he obtained them
there in readiness and preparation for his new existence. The powers
requisite in this world were conferred upon him in the world of the
matrix, so that when he entered this realm of real existence he not only
possessed all necessary functions and powers but found provision for his
material sustenance awaiting him.

Therefore in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond. That
which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must be obtained here. Just as
he prepared himself in the world of the matrix by acquiring forces
necessary in this sphere of existence, so likewise the indispensable
forces of the divine existence must be potentially attained in this world.

What is he in need of in the Kingdom which transcends the life and
limitation of this mortal sphere? That world beyond is a world of sanctity
and radiance; therefore it is necessary that in this world he should
acquire these divine attributes. In that world there is need of
spirituality, faith, assurance, the knowledge and love of God. These he
must attain in this world so that after his ascension from the earthly to
the heavenly Kingdom he shall find all that is needful in that life
eternal ready for him.

That divine world is manifestly a world of lights; therefore man has need
of illumination here. That is a world of love; the love of God is
essential. It is a world of perfections; virtues or perfections must be
acquired. That world is vivified by the breaths of the Holy Spirit; in
this world we must seek them. That i