Without
divine civilization the mysteries of the Kingdom are not revealed and the
bounties of heaven are not ascertained; supernatural wisdom and power do not
manifest themselves; the intelligence of humanity does not reach maturity; the
world of humanity does not become the mirror of the world above; spiritual
powers fail to overcome animal influences of nature. These perfections are
attained through divine civilization of which the world of man is in need.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a conversation, 13 September 1912, Chicago, USA; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
