This is the first age, and the early beginnings of the
dispensation of the Most Great light, wherefore, within this century, virtues
must be acquired, goodly qualities must be perfected within this span of time.
In these very days the Abhá Paradise must pitch its pavilions on the plains of
the world. The lights of reality must now be revealed, and the secrets of God's
bestowals must now be made known, and now must the olden grace shine forth and
this world change into the pleasure-ground of heaven, the garden of God. And
out of pure hearts, and through heavenly bounties, all the perfections,
qualities and attributes of the divine must now be made manifest.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, "Selections from the
Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I,
Excellence in All Things)
