is under influences from the
outside, and that without those influences man could not grow. And
likewise, those outside influences are subjected to other influences in
their turn. For example, the growth and development of a human being is
dependent upon the existence of water, and water is dependent upon the
existence of rain, and rain is dependent upon the existence of clouds, and
clouds are dependent upon the existence of the sun, which causeth land and
sea to produce vapour, the condensation of vapour forming the clouds. Thus
each one of these entities exerteth its influence and is likewise
influenced in its turn. Inescapably then, the process leadeth to One Who
influenceth all, and yet is influenced by none, thus severing the chain.
The inner reality of that Being, however, is not known, although His
effects are clear and evident.

And further, all created beings are limited, and this very limitation of
all beings proveth the reality of the Limitless; for the existence of a
limited being denoteth the existence of a Limitless One.

To sum it up, there are many such proofs, establishing the existence of
that Universal Reality. And since that Reality is pre-existent, It is
untouched by the conditions that govern phenomena; for whatever entity is
subject to circumstances and the play of events is contingent, not
pre-existent. Know then: that divinity which other communions and peoples
have conjured up, falleth within the scope of their imagination, and not
beyond it, whereas the reality of the Godhead is beyond all conceiving.

As to the Holy Manifestations of God, They are the focal points where the
signs, tokens and perfections of that sacred, pre-existent Reality appear
in all their splendour. They are an eternal grace, a heavenly glory, and
on Them dependeth the everlasting life of humankind. To illustrate: the
Sun of Truth dwelleth in a sky to which no soul hath any access, and which
no mind can reach, and He is far beyond the comprehension of all
creatures. Yet the Holy Manifestations of God are even as a looking-glass,
burnished and without stain, which gathereth streams of light out of that
Sun, and then scattereth the glory over the rest of creation. In that
polished surface, the Sun with all Its majesty standeth clearly revealed.
Thus, should the mirrored Sun proclaim, 'I am the Sun!' this is but truth;
and should It cry, 'I am not the Sun!' this is the truth as well. And
although the Day-Star, with all Its