d by the Divine Manifestations is
knowledge. To what extent is it limited?

Answer.--Knowledge is of two kinds. One is subjective and the other
objective knowledge--that is to say, an intuitive knowledge and a knowledge
derived from perception.

The knowledge of things which men universally have is gained by reflection
or by evidence--that is to say, either by the power of the mind the
conception of an object is formed, or from beholding an object the form is
produced in the mirror of the heart. The circle of this knowledge is very
limited because it depends upon effort and attainment.

But the second sort of knowledge, which is the knowledge of being, is
intuitive; it is like the cognizance and consciousness that man has of
himself.

For example, the mind and the spirit of man are cognizant of the
conditions and states of the members and component parts of the body, and
are aware of all the physical sensations; in the same way, they are aware
of their power, of their feelings, and of their spiritual conditions. This
is the knowledge of being which man realizes and perceives, for the spirit
surrounds the body and is aware of its sensations and powers. This
knowledge is not the outcome of effort and study. It is an existing thing;
it is an absolute gift.

Since the Sanctified Realities, the supreme Manifestations of God,
surround the essence and qualities of the creatures, transcend and contain
existing realities and understand all things, therefore, Their knowledge
is divine knowledge, and not acquired--that is to say, it is a holy bounty;
it is a divine revelation.

We will mention an example expressly for the purpose of comprehending this
subject. The most noble being on the earth is man. He embraces the animal,
vegetable and mineral kingdoms--that is to say, these conditions are
contained in him to such an extent that he is the possessor of these
conditions and states; he is aware of their mysteries and of the secrets
of their existence. This is simply an example and not an analogy. Briefly,
the supreme Manifestations of God are aware of the reality of the
mysteries of beings. Therefore, They establish laws which are suitable and
adapted to the state of the world of man, for religion is the essential
connection which proceeds from the realities of things. The
Manifestation--that is, the Holy Lawgiver--unless He is aware of the
realities of beings, will not comprehend the essential connection which
proceeds fro