evidences of
Divinity.

All created things have their degree, or stage, of maturity. The period of
maturity in the life of a tree is the time of its fruit bearing. The
maturity of a plant is the time of its blossoming and flower. The animal
attains a stage of full growth and completeness, and in the human kingdom
man reaches his maturity when the lights of intelligence have their
greatest power and development.

From the beginning to the end of his life man passes through certain
periods, or stages, each of which is marked by certain conditions peculiar
to itself. For instance, during the period of childhood his conditions and
requirements are characteristic of that degree of intelligence and
capacity. After a time he enters the period of youth, in which his former
conditions and needs are superseded by new requirements applicable to the
advance in his degree. His faculties of observation are broadened and
deepened; his intelligent capacities are trained and awakened; the
limitations and environment of childhood no longer restrict his energies
and accomplishments. At last he passes out of the period of youth and
enters the stage, or station, of maturity, which necessitates another
transformation and corresponding advance in his sphere of life activity.
New powers and perceptions clothe him, teaching and training commensurate
with his progression occupy his mind, special bounties and bestowals
descend in proportion to his increased capacities, and his former period
of youth and its conditions will no longer satisfy his matured view and
vision.

Similarly, there are periods and stages in the life of the aggregate world
of humanity, which at one time was passing through its degree of
childhood, at another its time of youth but now has entered its long
presaged period of maturity, the evidences of which are everywhere visible
and apparent. Therefore, the requirements and conditions of former periods
have changed and merged into exigencies which distinctly characterize the
present age of the world of mankind. That which was applicable to human
needs during the early history of the race could neither meet nor satisfy
the demands of this day and period of newness and consummation. Humanity
has emerged from its former degrees of limitation and preliminary
training. Man must now become imbued with new virtues and powers, new
moralities, new capacities. New bounties, bestowals and perfections are
awaiting and already descendin