he enemies of the light, and when once they understood that the
light-holder was the place of manifestation of the light, they became
sincere friends of it.

The meaning is this: to remain far from the light-holder does not entail
everlasting banishment, for one may become awakened and vigilant; but
enmity toward the light is the cause of everlasting banishment, and for
this there is no remedy.

32: EXPLANATION OF THE VERSE "FOR MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN"

Question.--In the Gospel Christ said: "Many are called, but few are
chosen,"(110) and in the Qur'an it is written: "He will confer particular
mercy on whom He pleaseth." What is the wisdom of this?

Answer.--Know that the order and the perfection of the whole universe
require that existence should appear in numberless forms. For existing
beings could not be embodied in only one degree, one station, one kind,
one species and one class; undoubtedly, the difference of degrees and
distinction of forms, and the variety of genus and species, are
necessary--that is to say, the degree of mineral, vegetable, animal
substances, and of man, are inevitable; for the world could not be
arranged, adorned, organized and perfected with man alone. In the same
way, with only animals, only plants or only minerals, this world could not
show forth beautiful scenery, exact organization and exquisite adornment.
Without doubt it is because of the varieties of degrees, stations, species
and classes that existence becomes resplendent with utmost perfection.

For example, if this tree were entirely fruit, the vegetable perfections
could not be attained; for leaves, blossoms and fruits are all necessary
so that the tree may be adorned with utmost beauty and perfection.

In the same way consider the body of man. It must be composed of different
organs, parts and members. Human beauty and perfection require the
existence of the ear, the eye, the brain and even that of the nails and
hair; if man were all brain, eyes or ears, it would be equivalent to
imperfection. So the absence of hair, eyelashes, teeth and nails would be
an absolute defect, though in comparison with the eye they are without
feeling, and in this resemble the mineral and plant; but their absence in
the body of man is necessarily faulty and displeasing.

As the degrees of existence are different and various, some beings are
higher in the scale than others. Therefore, it is by the will and wish of
God that some