“In a living organism the full measure of its development is not known or realized
at the time of its inception or birth.
Development and progression imply gradual stages or degrees.
For example, spiritual advancement may be likened to the light of the early dawn.
Although this dawn light is dim and pale,
a wise man who views the march of the sunrise at its very beginning
can foretell the ascendancy of the sun in its full glory and effulgence.
He knows for a certainty that it is the beginning of its manifestation
and that later it will assume great power and potency.
Again, for example, if he takes a seed and observes that it is sprouting,
he will know assuredly that it will ultimately become a tree.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
The Promulgation of Universal Peace
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O thou dove of the rose-garden of faithfulness!
—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
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O Thou the Compassionate God.
Bestow upon me a heart which,
like unto a glass,
may be illumined with the light of Thy love,
and confer upon me thoughts
which may change this world into a rose garden
through the outpourings of heavenly grace.
—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
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“Ye are all the waves of one sea,
the rays of one sun,
the flowers of one garden,
the lions of one thicket,
the birds of one meadow,
and the fragrant blossoms of one rose garden:
wherefore ye are even as a single soul,
and this letter is in reality written to each one of you.“
—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
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“O thou tender plant in the garden of the love of God!
The heavenly gifts of the Ancient Beauty make every plant verdant and fresh, and through the radiance of His everlasting Kingdom every darkness turneth into veritable light. Therefore thou, who art a sapling in the orchard of divine bounty and a smiling blossom of His rose-garden, shouldst become so verdant and flourishing through the outpourings of His grace as to make us all delighted at thy tender beauty.”
—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
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