pirits; They give spiritual life and are
shining with the light of realities and meanings. The enlightenment of the
world of thought comes from these centers of light and sources of
mysteries. Without the bounty of the splendor and the instructions of
these Holy Beings the world of souls and thoughts would be opaque
darkness. Without the irrefutable teachings of those sources of mysteries
the human world would become the pasture of animal appetites and
qualities, the existence of everything would be unreal, and there would be
no true life. That is why it is said in the Gospel: "In the beginning was
the Word," meaning that it became the cause of all life.(131)

Now consider the influence of the sun upon the earthly beings, what signs
and results become evident and clear from its nearness and remoteness,
from its rising or its setting. At one time it is autumn, at another time
spring; or again it is summer or winter. When the sun passes the line of
the equator, the life-giving spring will become manifest in splendor, and
when it is in the summer solstice, the fruits will attain to the acme of
perfection, grains and plants will yield their produce, and earthly beings
will attain their most complete development and growth.

In like manner, when the Holy Manifestation of God, Who is the sun of the
world of His creation, shines upon the worlds of spirits, of thoughts and
of hearts, then the spiritual spring and new life appear, the power of the
wonderful springtime becomes visible, and marvelous benefits are apparent.
As you have observed, at the time of the appearance of each Manifestation
of God extraordinary progress has occurred in the world of minds, thoughts
and spirits. For example, in this divine age see what development has been
attained in the world of minds and thoughts, and it is now only the
beginning of its dawn. Before long you will see that new bounties and
divine teachings will illuminate this dark world and will transform these
sad regions into the paradise of Eden.

If we were to explain the signs and bounties of each of the Holy
Manifestations, it would take too long. Think and reflect upon it
yourself, and then you will attain to the truth of this subject.

43: THE TWO CLASSES OF PROPHETS

Question.--How many kinds of Prophets are there?

Answer.--Universally, the Prophets are of two kinds. One are the
independent Prophets Who are followed; the other kind are not independent
and are themselve