As in the physical world there are four seasons, so in the
realm of religion there is the season of heavenly and spiritual springtime.
When its outpourings gradually diminish, the trees of existence cease to be
verdant and creeping torpor spreads, it will become like winter. The souls will
become withered and distressed and the soil of the hearts will become full of
thorns and thistles. There will be no flowers, no hyacinths, no greenery, no
pleasure, no freshness and no cheer. Then, once again, the divine spring will
raise its tabernacle. The gardens of the world of humanity will become green
and verdant, full of freshness and purity. The flowers of reality will open and
the trees of existence will bring forth enduring fruit. This is the law of God
and is in accord with the world of creation and this is the cause for the
reappearance of holy Manifestations Who effect renewal and change in religious
laws and commandments.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha’s, from a talk, September 6, 1912,
Montreal, Canada; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
