That is, the same perfections and virtues and
properties which existed in the past springtime have returned during this
present springtime. For instance: When one says, these fruits are the same
as those of last year; in this sense, he hath reference to the freshness
and delicacy of the fruit, which hath returned, although there is no doubt
that the identical fruit of last year hath not returned.

Have the friends of God found such enjoyments and repose during their
existence on this visible earth, that they might wish to have their return
renewed and repeated constantly? Are all these calamities, injuries,
trials and difficulties of the once coming not sufficient for them that
they should wish a repeated life in this world? Hath this cup been of such
sweetness that they should long for it successively and repeatedly? No!
the friends of the Beauty of El-Baha never seek any recompense or reward
except the meeting and the visit in the Kingdom of El-Baha; and they never
walk but in the valley of desire to attain the Supreme Height. They only
wish the immortal blessing and the eternal gift, which are sanctified
above the worldly understanding.

Because, when thou lookest with the iron sight, thou wilt find that all
mankind is suffering in this earthly world; there is no one in such
tranquillity that this state might have been a reward for his good deeds
in a former life and there is no soul so happy that this might be the
fruit of his past pain! Had the life of a man in his spiritual being been
only confined to his life in this world, the creation would have proved
useless; the divine qualities would have no result and effect; nay, all
things, created beings and the world of creation would have proved
abortive. I ask pardon of God for such false imaginations and for such
errors!

As the usefulness and powers of the life were not seen in that dark and
narrow world, but when it is brought into this vast world, all the use of
its growth and development becometh manifest and obvious in it, so
likewise, reward and punishment, paradise and hell, and the requital of
deeds and actions done by it in the present life become manifest and
evident when it is transferred to the world to come--which is far from this
world! Had the life and growth of the child in the womb been confined to
that condition, then the existence of the child in the womb would have
proved utterly abortive and unintelligible; as would the life of this
world, wer