As the essence of Divinity transcends the comprehension of
man, therefore God brings forth certain Manifestations of the divine Reality
upon Whom He bestows heavenly effulgences in order that They may be intermediaries
between humanity and Himself. These holy Manifestations or Prophets of God are
as mirrors which have acquired illumination from the Sun of Truth, but the Sun
does not descend from its high zenith and does not effect entrance within the
mirror. In truth, this mirror has attained complete polish and purity until the
utmost capacity of reflection has been developed in it; therefore, the Sun of
Reality with its fullest effulgence and splendor is revealed therein. These
mirrors are earthly, whereas the reality of Divinity is in its highest apogee.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk on 12 May 1912, New Jersey; ‘The Promulgation of
Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United
States and Canada in 1912’)
