ely obliterated.

Each of the Divine Manifestations has likewise a cycle, and during the
cycle His laws and commandments prevail and are performed. When His cycle
is completed by the appearance of a new Manifestation, a new cycle begins.
In this way cycles begin, end and are renewed, until a universal cycle is
completed in the world, when important events and great occurrences will
take place which entirely efface every trace and every record of the past;
then a new universal cycle begins in the world, for this universe has no
beginning. We have before stated proofs and evidences concerning this
subject; there is no need of repetition.

Briefly, we say a universal cycle in the world of existence signifies a
long duration of time, and innumerable and incalculable periods and
epochs. In such a cycle the Manifestations appear with splendor in the
realm of the visible until a great and supreme Manifestation makes the
world the center of His radiance. His appearance causes the world to
attain to maturity, and the extension of His cycle is very great.
Afterward, other Manifestations will arise under His shadow, Who according
to the needs of the time will renew certain commandments relating to
material questions and affairs, while remaining under His shadow.

We are in the cycle which began with Adam, and its supreme Manifestation
is Baha'u'llah.

42: THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF THE DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

Question.--What is the degree of the power and the perfections of the
Thrones of Reality, the Manifestations of God, and what is the limit of
Their influence?

Answer.--Consider the world of existence--that is to say, the world of
material things. The solar system is dark and obscure, and in it the sun
is the center of light, and all the planets of the system revolve around
its might and are partakers of its bounty. The sun is the cause of life
and illumination, and the means of the growth and development of all the
beings of the solar system; for without the bounty of the sun no living
being could exist: all would be dark and destroyed. Therefore, it is
evident and clear that the sun is the center of light and the cause of the
life of the beings of the solar system.

In like manner, the Holy Manifestations of God are the centers of the
light of reality, of the source of mysteries, and of the bounties of love.
They are resplendent in the world of hearts and thoughts, and shower
eternal graces upon the world of s