superior being in the world of
creation. All the imperfections found in the animal are found in man. In
him there is antagonism, hatred and selfish struggle for existence; in his
nature lurk jealousy, revenge, ferocity, cunning, hypocrisy, greed,
injustice and tyranny. So to speak, the reality of man is clad in the
outer garment of the animal, the habiliments of the world of nature, the
world of darkness, imperfections and unlimited baseness.

On the other hand, we find in him justice, sincerity, faithfulness,
knowledge, wisdom, illumination, mercy and pity coupled with intellect,
comprehension, the power to grasp the realities of things and the ability
to penetrate the truths of existence. All these great perfections are to
be found in man. Therefore we say that man is a reality which stands
between light and darkness. From this standpoint of view, his nature is
threefold, animal, human and divine. The animal nature is darkness; the
heavenly is light in light.

The holy Manifestations of God come into the world to dispel the darkness
of the animal or physical nature of man, to purify him from his
imperfections in order that his heavenly and spiritual nature may become
quickened, his divine qualities awakened, his perfections visible, his
potential powers revealed and all the virtues of the world of humanity
latent within him may come to life. These holy Manifestations of God are
the educators and trainers of the world of existence, the teachers of the
world of humanity. They liberate man from the darkness of the world of
nature, deliver him from despair, error, ignorance, imperfections and all
evil qualities. They clothe him in the garment of perfections and exalted
virtues. Men are ignorant; the Manifestations of God make them wise. They
are animalistic; the Manifestations make them human. They are savage and
cruel; the Manifestations lead them into kingdoms of light and love. They
are unjust; the Manifestations cause them to become just. Man is selfish;
they sever him from self and desire. Man is haughty; they make him meek,
humble and friendly. He is earthly; they make him heavenly. Men are
material; the Manifestations transform them into semblance divine. They
are immature children; the Manifestations develop them into maturity. Man
is poor; they endow him with wealth. Man is base, treacherous and mean;
the Manifestations of God uplift him into dignity, nobility and loftiness.

These holy Manifestations liberate t