minerals, atoms, and organisms; but these only
appeared by degrees: first the mineral, then the plant, afterward the
animal, and finally man. But from the first these kinds and species
existed, but were undeveloped in the terrestrial globe, and then appeared
only gradually. For the supreme organization of God, and the universal
natural system, surrounds all beings, and all are subject to this rule.
When you consider this universal system, you see that there is not one of
the beings, which at its coming into existence has reached the limit of
perfection. No, they gradually grow and develop, and then attain the
degree of perfection.

THE SPIRIT IN THE BODY

The wisdom of the appearance of the spirit in the body is this: the human
spirit is a Divine Trust, and it must traverse all conditions; for its
passage and movement through the conditions of existence will be the means
of its acquiring perfections. So, when a man travels and passes through
different regions and numerous countries with system and method, it is
certainly a means of his acquiring perfection; for he will see places,
scenes, and countries, from which he will discover the conditions and
states of other nations. He will thus become acquainted with the geography
of countries, and their wonders and arts; he will familiarize himself with
the habits, customs, and usages of peoples; he will see the civilization
and progress of the epoch; he will become aware of the policy of
governments, and the power and capacity of each country. It is the same
when the human spirit passes through the conditions of existence: it will
become the possessor of each degree and station. Even in the condition of
the body it will surely acquire perfections.

Besides this, it is necessary that the signs of the perfection of the
spirit should be apparent in this world, so that the world of creation may
bring forth endless results, and this body may receive life and manifest
the divine bounties. So, for example, the rays of the sun must shine upon
the earth, and the solar heat develop the earthly beings; if the rays and
heat of the sun did not shine upon the earth, the earth would be
uninhabited, without meaning, and its development would be retarded. In
the same way, if the perfections of the spirit did not appear in this
world, this world would be unenlightened and absolutely brutal. By the
appearance of the spirit in the physical form, this world is enlightened.
As the spirit