d advancement of humanity, the cultivation of
divine fruits in the gardens of human hearts, the reflection of heavenly
effulgence in the mirrors of human souls, the quickening of mental
capacity and the increase of spiritual susceptibilities. When these
results and outcomes are witnessed in mankind, the function and mission of
the Manifestations are unmistakable. Christ, single and alone, without
schooling or outward education and trained to labor in the shop of a
carpenter, appeared in the world at the time when the Jewish nation was in
the greatest abasement. This radiant Youth, without wealth, power of
armies or prestige, rescued the Jews who believed on Him from tyranny and
degradation and lifted them to the highest plane of development and glory.
Peter, His disciple, was a fisherman. Through the power of Christ he shed
light upon all the horizons of the world. Furthermore, various people of
the Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Assyrian nations were brought together in
unity and agreement; where warfare and bloodshed had existed, humility and
love were manifest, and the foundations of divine religion were
established, never to be destroyed. This proves that Christ was a heavenly
Teacher and Educator of the world of humanity, for such evidences are
historical and irrefutable, not based upon tradition and circumstantial
report. The power of His Word in cementing these nations together is as
clear and evident as the sun at midday. There is no need of further
demonstration.

The proof of the validity of a Manifestation of God is the penetration and
potency of His Word, the cultivation of heavenly attributes in the hearts
and lives of His followers and the bestowal of divine education upon the
world of humanity. This is absolute proof. The world is a school in which
there must be Teachers of the Word of God. The evidence of the ability of
these Teachers is efficient education of the graduating classes.

In the early part of the nineteenth century the horizon of Persia was
shrouded in great darkness and ignorance. The people of that country were
in a condition of barbarism. Hatred and bigotry prevailed among the
various religions; bloodshed and hostility were frequent among sects and
denominations of belief. There were no evidences of affiliation and unity;
violent prejudice and antagonism ruled the hearts of men. At such a time
as this Baha'u'llah proclaimed the first principle of His mission and
teaching--the oneness of the w