round the
Reality Itself, the Infinite Word. Inasmuch as the source of traditions
and interpretations is human reason, and human reason is faulty, how can
we depend upon its findings for real knowledge?

The fourth criterion I have named is inspiration through which it is
claimed the reality of knowledge is attainable. What is inspiration? It is
the influx of the human heart. But what are satanic promptings which
afflict mankind? They are the influx of the heart also. How shall we
differentiate between them? The question arises: How shall we know whether
we are following inspiration from God or satanic promptings of the human
soul? Briefly, the point is that in the human material world of phenomena
these four are the only existing criteria or avenues of knowledge, and all
of them are faulty and unreliable. What then remains? How shall we attain
the reality of knowledge? By the breaths and promptings of the Holy
Spirit, which is light and knowledge itself. Through it the human mind is
quickened and fortified into true conclusions and perfect knowledge. This
is conclusive argument showing that all available human criteria are
erroneous and defective, but the divine standard of knowledge is
infallible. Therefore, man is not justified in saying, "I know because I
perceive through my senses," or "I know because it is proved through my
faculty of reason," or "I know because it is according to tradition and
interpretation of the Holy Book," or "I know because I am inspired." All
human standards of judgment are faulty, finite.

17 April 1912
Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney
780 West End Avenue, New York

Notes by John G. Grundy

In the Holy Books it is recorded that when the Sun of Truth dawns, it will
appear in the East, and its light will be reflected in the West. Already
its dawning has taken place in the East, and its signs are appearing in
the West. Its illumination shall spread rapidly and widely in the
Occident. The Sun of Truth has risen in Persia, and its effulgence is now
manifest here in America. This is the greatest proof of its appearance in
the horizon of the world, as recorded in the heavenly Books. Praise be to
God! That which is prophesied in the Holy Books has been fulfilled.

On Sunday last at Carnegie Hall the revered soul who introduced
'Abdu'l-Baha gave voice to the statement that according to tradition
demons would appear from the land of the sunrise, but now we find angels
appe