The existence of the world may be compared to that of a man,
and the Prophets and Messengers of God to skillful doctors. The human being
cannot remain in one condition: different maladies occur which have each a
special remedy. The skillful physician does not give the same medicine to cure
each disease and each malady, but he changes remedies and medicines according
to the different necessities of the diseases and constitutions. One person may
have a severe illness caused by fever, and the skilled doctor will give him
cooling remedies; and when at some other time the condition of this person has
changed, and fever is replaced by chills, without doubt the skilled doctor will
discard cooling medicine and permit the use of heating drugs. This change and
alteration is required by the condition of the patient and is an evident proof
of the skill of the physician.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, table talks in Akka,
authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’)
