The Holy Manifestations of God possess two stations: one is
the physical station, and one the spiritual. In other words, one station is
that of a human being, and one, of the Divine Reality. If the Manifestations
are subjected to tests, it is in Their human station only, not in the splendour
of Their Divine Reality.
And further, these tests are such only from the viewpoint of
mankind. That is, to outward seeming, the human condition of the Holy
Manifestations is subjected to tests, and when Their strength and endurance
have by this means been revealed in the plenitude of power, other men receive
instruction therefrom, and are made aware of how great must be their own
steadfastness and endurance under tests and trials. For the Divine Educator
must teach by word and also by deed, thus revealing to all the straight pathway
of truth.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
