iefs,
denominations, sects and cults by freeing them from the fetters of past
imitations and superstitions, leading them to the very foundation of the
divine religions. From this foundation shines forth the radiance of
spirituality, which is unity, the love of God, the knowledge of God,
praiseworthy morals and the virtues of the human world. Baha'u'llah
renewed these principles, just as the coming of spring refreshes the earth
and confers new life upon all phenomenal beings. For the freshness of the
former springtimes had waned, the vivification had ceased, the life-giving
breezes were no longer wafting their fragrances, winter and the season of
darkness had come. Baha'u'llah came to renew the life of the world with
this new and divine springtime, which has pitched its tent in the
countries of the Orient in the utmost power and glory. It has refreshed
the world of the Orient, and there is no doubt that if the world of the
Occident should abandon dogmas of the past, turn away from empty
imitations and superstitions, investigate the reality of the divine
religions, holding fast to the example of Jesus Christ, acting in
accordance with the teachings of God and becoming unified with the Orient,
an eternal happiness and felicity would be attained.

In the western world material civilization has attained the highest point
of development, but divine civilization was founded in the land of the
East. The East must acquire material civilization from the West, and the
West must receive spiritual civilization from the East. This will
establish a mutual bond. When these two come together, the world of
humanity will present a glorious aspect, and extraordinary progress will
be achieved. This is clear and evident; no proof is needed. The degree of
material civilization in the Occident cannot be denied; nor can anyone
fail to confirm the spiritual civilization of the Orient, for all the
divine foundations of human uplift have appeared in the East. This,
likewise, is clear and evident. Therefore, you must assist the East in
order that it may attain material progress. The East must, likewise,
promulgate the principles of spiritual civilization in the western world.
By this commingling and union the human race will attain the highest
degree of prosperity and development. Material civilization alone is not
sufficient and will not prove productive. The physical happiness of
material conditions was allotted to the animal. Consider how the ani