In former cycles no distinct Covenant was made in writing by
the Supreme Pen; no distinct personage was appointed to be the Standard
differentiating falsehood from truth, so that whatever he said was to stand as
truth and that which he repudiated was to be known as falsehood. At most, His
Holiness Jests Christ gave only an intimation, a symbol, and that was but an
indication of the solidity of Peter's faith. When he mentioned his faith, His
Holiness said, 'thou art Peter’ - which means rock - 'and upon this rock will I
build my church.' This was a sanction of Peter's faith; it was not indicative
of his (Peter) being the expounder of the Book, but was a confirmation of
Peter's faith.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 1912, USA; (Star of the West, vol.
5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)
