he
substance of the tree, it is another substance, but when we look at the
blossoms, leaves and fruits, the same fragrance, delicacy and taste are
produced. Therefore, the perfection of the tree has returned a second
time.

In the same way, if we regard the return of the individual, it is another
individual; but if we regard the qualities and perfections, the same have
returned. Therefore, when Christ said, "This is Elias," He meant: this
person is a manifestation of the bounty, the perfections, the character,
the qualities and the virtues of Elias. John the Baptist said, "I am not
Elias." Christ considered the qualities, the perfections, the character
and the virtues of both, and John regarded his substance and
individuality. It is like this lamp: it was here last night, and tonight
it is also lighted, and tomorrow night it will also shine. We say that the
lamp of this night is the same light as that of last night, and that it
has returned. It refers to the light, and not to the oil, the wick or the
holder.

This subject is fully and clearly explained in the Kitab-i-Iqan.

34: PETER'S CONFESSION OF FAITH

Question.--In the Gospel of St. Matthew it is said: "Thou art Peter, and
upon this rock I will build My church."(117) What is the meaning of this
verse?

Answer.--This utterance of Christ is a confirmation of the statement of
Peter, when Christ asked: Whom do you believe Me to be? and Peter
answered: I believe that "Thou art the Son of the living God." Then Christ
said to him: "Thou art Peter"(118)--for Cephas in Aramaic means rock--"and
upon this rock I will build My church." For the others in answer to Christ
said that He was Elias, and some said John the Baptist, and some others
Jeremias or one of the Prophets.(119)

Christ wished by suggestion, or an allusion, to confirm the words of
Peter; so on account of the suitability of his name, Peter, He said: "and
upon this rock I will build My church," meaning, thy belief that Christ is
the Son of the living God will be the foundation of the Religion of God,
and upon this belief the foundation of the church of God--which is the Law
of God--shall be established.

The existence of the tomb of Peter in Rome is doubtful; it is not
authenticated. Some say it is in Antioch.

Moreover, let us compare the lives of some of the Popes with the religion
of Christ. Christ, hungry and without shelter, ate herbs in the
wilderness, and was unwilling to hurt the feeling