Among these
philosophers was the famous Socrates. He visited the Holy Land and studied
with the prophets of Israel, acquiring principles of their philosophical
teaching and a knowledge of their advanced arts and sciences. After his
return to Greece he founded the system known as the unity of God. The
Greek people rose against him and at last he was poisoned in the presence
of the king. Hippocrates and many other Greek philosophers sat at the feet
of the learned Israelitish doctors and absorbed their expositions of
wisdom and the inner truth.

Inasmuch as His Holiness Moses through the influence of his great mission
was instrumental in releasing the Israelites from a low state of
debasement and humiliation, establishing them in a station of prestige and
glorification, disciplining and educating them, it is necessary for us to
reach a fair and just judgment in regard to such a marvelous teacher. For
in this great accomplishment he stood single and alone. Could he have made
such a change and brought about such a condition among these people
without the sanction and assistance of a heavenly power? Could he have
transformed a people from humiliation to glory without a holy and divine
support?

No other than a divine power could have done this. Therein lies the proof
of prophethood because the mission of a prophet is education of the human
race such as this personage accomplished, proving him to be a mighty
prophet among the prophets, and his book the very Book of God. This is a
rational, direct and perfect proof.

In brief, His Holiness Moses--Upon whom be peace!--founded the law of God,
purified the morals of the people of Israel and gave them an impetus
toward nobler and higher attainments. But after the departure of His
Holiness Moses, following the decline of the glory of Solomon's era and
during the reign of Jeroboam there came a great change in this nation. The
high ethical standards and spiritual perfections ceased to exist.
Conditions and morals became corrupt, religion was debased and the perfect
principles of the Mosaic law were obscured in superstition and polytheism.
War and strife arose among the tribes and their unity was destroyed. The
followers of Jeroboam declared themselves rightful and valid in kingly
succession, and the supporters of Rehoboam made the same claim. Finally
the tribes were torn asunder by hostility and hatred, the glory of Israel
was eclipsed and so complete was the degradation, that a gol