creatures are chosen for the highest degree, as man, and
some others are placed in the middle degree, as the vegetable, and some
are left in the lowest degree, like the mineral.

It is from the bounty of God that man is selected for the highest degree;
and the differences which exist between men in regard to spiritual
progress and heavenly perfections are also due to the choice of the
Compassionate One. For faith, which is life eternal, is the sign of
bounty, and not the result of justice. The flame of the fire of love, in
this world of earth and water, comes through the power of attraction and
not by effort and striving. Nevertheless, by effort and perseverance,
knowledge, science and other perfections can be acquired; but only the
light of the Divine Beauty can transport and move the spirits through the
force of attraction. Therefore, it is said: "Many are called, but few are
chosen."(111)

But the material beings are not despised, judged and held responsible for
their own degree and station. For example, mineral, vegetable and animal
in their various degrees are acceptable; but if in their own degree they
remain imperfect, they are blamable, the degree itself being purely
perfect.

The differences among mankind are of two sorts: one is a difference of
station, and this difference is not blameworthy. The other is a difference
of faith and assurance; the loss of these is blameworthy, for then the
soul is overwhelmed by his desires and passions, which deprive him of
these blessings and prevent him from feeling the power of attraction of
the love of God. Though that man is praiseworthy and acceptable in his
station, yet as he is deprived of the perfections of that degree, he will
become a source of imperfections, for which he is held responsible.(112)

33: THE "RETURN" SPOKEN OF BY THE PROPHETS

Question.--Will you explain the subject of Return?

Answer.--Baha'u'llah has explained this question fully and clearly in the
Iqan.(113) Read it, and the truth of this subject will become apparent.
But since you have asked about it, I will explain it briefly. We will
begin to elucidate it from the Gospel, for there it is plainly said that
when John, the son of Zacharias, appeared and gave to men the glad tidings
of the Kingdom of God, they asked him, "Who art thou? Art thou the
promised Messiah?" He replied, "I am not the Messiah." Then they asked
him, "Art thou Elijah?" He said, "I am not."(114) These words prove an