Last year’s spring is now only a story; the freshness itself is gone. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá uses that plain fact to pose the harder question of whether we recognise a season while it is still here. When a Manifestation of God appears, He teaches, the rain, sun and breeze of a divine springtime pass over the world, and what returns to life is not a new set of doctrines but the old human virtues, purity, humility, patience and constancy, which had survived only as outward forms. Some trees blossom in that season and some, being dry, do not; growth is gradual; and the Nightingale will one day fly from its earthly nest, so the time to listen is now. Qur’án 57:17 links God’s reviving of the earth after its death with the making clear of His signs so that people may understand [1], and the Writings make the visible world a mirror of the spiritual. From here the journey continues into the cycles of the physical and spiritual worlds, the renewal of religion through progressive revelation, and the sense in which each age receives teachings that are its own spirit.
Consider that the last year's springtime is past and all that thou mayest say or hear (about it) is but a story (or narrative); but appreciate thou this New Year's Spring--which is this present time-hath pitched its tent with the utmost magnificence in the field and plain and hath made the mountain and desert verdant and fresh, hath made the trees to appear pure and fresh, blooming with flowers and blossoms through the vernal bounty and caused them to bring forth pure fruits.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Jun-21, to Sarah J Farmer -- AB01074)
02
O thou seeker after truth! The world of the Kingdom is one world. The only difference is that spring returneth over and over again, and setteth up a great new commotion throughout all created things. Then plain and hillside come alive, and trees turn delicately green, and leaves, blossoms and fruits come forth in beauty, infinite and tender. Wherefore the dispensations of past ages are intimately connected with those that follow them: indeed, they are one and the same, but as the world groweth, so doth the light, so doth the downpour of heavenly grace, and then the Daystar shineth out in noonday splendor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Mar-06, to E E Wrestling Brewster -- AB00276)
03
It is purity, detachment, humility, forbearance, patience, and constancy. These are divine qualities. These commandments will never be abrogated, but will remain in force and effect for all eternity. These human virtues are renewed in every Dispensation; for at the close of each Dispensation the spiritual law of God, which consists in the human virtues, vanishes in substance and persists only in form.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 11, Commentary on the Eleventh Chapter of the Revelation of John, 1904-Jul ca. -- AB00019)
04
Now in this world of being, the Hand of Divine Power hath firmly laid the foundations of this all-highest Bounty and this wondrous Gift. Gradually whatsoever is latent in the innermost of this Holy Cycle shall appear and be made manifest, for now is but the beginning of its growth and the dayspring of the revelation of its Signs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Rashti, Aqa Mirza Husayn Khan et al -- AB08712)
05
Strive that from this mighty grace and ancient bounty fruits may appear from the tree of your being that will sweeten the taste of the spiritually-minded and delight the palate of the divinely-attracted ones. In this divine season and merciful springtime you have been gathered together and become renowned. Therefore, you must, with God's help, burst forth entirely into blossom and become manifest and celebrated among the people through the goodly fruits of divine characteristics.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1892-Sep-16, to Haji Muhammad Rida et al -- AB09149)
06
Consider, for example, how the sun shines in spring, how the clouds pour down their rain and the breeze blows but though the plants may grow through gifts such as these, they are unaware of their privilege and thus do not express delight and joy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906 ca., to Mirza Abdu'l-Husayn et al -- AB06196)
07
O ye beloved of 'Abdu'l-Baha! The divine springtime hath arrived, the morn of hope hath dawned, and the breezes from the direction of God's favor have blown. Every tree that was fresh and verdant hath brought forth blossoms and leaves, while every tree that was dry and withered remained deprived of this heavenly bounty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Feb-26, to Ustad Nushiravan Mihraban et al -- AB07692)
08
When we look upon the phenomenal world, we perceive that it is divided into four seasons; one is the season of spring, another the season of summer, another autumn and then these three seasons are followed by winter.
The appearances of the Manifestations of God are the divine springtime.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at the Morton home on 1912-Apr-13 -- ABU1161)
09
The vernal season has rain-laden clouds and musk-scented breezes, life-giving zephyrs and perfectly mild weather. The rain falls, the sun shines, the reviving winds blow, the world is renewed, and the breath of life reveals itself in plant, animal and man alike.
… The spiritual cycles associated with the Prophets of God proceed in like manner. That is, the day of the advent of the Holy Manifestations is the spiritual springtime. It is divine splendour and heavenly grace; it is the wafting of the breeze of life and the dawning of the Sun of Truth.
… The spiritual cycles of the Sun of Truth, like the cycles of the physical sun, are in a state of perpetual motion and renewal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 14, Material and Spiritual Cycles, 1904-Dec-13 -- AB00086)
10
The fifth degree of spirit is the Holy Spirit, which is the mediator between God and His creation. … Whensoever it appears the world is revived, a new cycle is ushered in, and the body of humanity is clothed in a fresh attire. It is like the spring: when it arrives it transports the world from one condition to another.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 36, The Five Kinds of Spirit, 1904 ca. -- AB00266)
11
In every age and cycle He hath, through the splendorous light shed by the Manifestations of His wondrous Essence, recreated all things, so that whatsoever reflecteth in the heavens and on the earth the signs of His glory may not be deprived of the outpourings of His mercy, nor despair of the showers of His favors.
Creation has always existed, and the Manifestations of the glory of the Divine Unity and Dawning-places of eternal holiness have been sent forth in the primordial centuries, calling creation to the Truth. However, due to the changes and transformations in the conditions of the world, some names and mentions have not remained.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Abdu'r-Razzaq, to Abd-i-Razz -- BH00060)
13
Each of the Manifestations of God has likewise a cycle wherein His religion and His law are in full force and effect. When His cycle is ended through the advent of a new Manifestation, a new cycle begins. Thus, cycles are inaugurated, concluded, and renewed, until a universal cycle is completed in the world of existence and momentous events transpire which efface every record and trace of the past; then a new universal cycle begins in the world, for the realm of existence has no beginning.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 41, Universal Cycles, 1904 ca. -- AB00206)
14
Briefly, there were many universal cycles preceding this one in which we are living. They were consummated, completed and their traces obliterated. The divine and creative purpose in them was the evolution of spiritual man, just as it is in this cycle. The circle of existence is the same circle; it returns. The tree of life has ever borne the same heavenly fruit.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at 309 W 78th St on 1912-Jul-05 -- ABU0403)
15
In this mortal world every important matter hath an end; and every remarkable achievement a termination; none having permanent existence. For instance, consider how the important achievements of the ancient world have been totally exterminated and not a trace remaineth therefrom save the great Cause of the Kingdom of God, which hath no beginning and will have no end. At most, it is only renewed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-27, to Emma B Stott -- AB02090)
16
Furthermore, just as the solar cycle has its four seasons, the cycle of the Sun of Reality has its distinct and successive periods. Each brings its vernal season or springtime.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Plymouth Congregational Church on 1912-May-05 -- ABU0174)
17
Every spring has an autumn, and every autumn has its spring. The coming of a Manifestation of God is the season of spiritual spring.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Parsons home in Washington, 1912-Apr-24 -- ABU0394)
18
As in the physical world there are four seasons, so in the realm of religion there is the season of heavenly and spiritual springtime.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Windsor Hotel in Montreal, 1912-Sep-07 -- ABU2227)
19
When the divine spring is over and the heavenly bounty ceases, the trees of being lie dormant. Lifelessness and stillness prevail over the world of man. People become spiritless and withered. Autumn and winter set in. There exists no flower or greenery, no cheerfulness or mirth, no happiness or joy.
Then the spiritual spring spreads its tent once more. The gardens of the hearts regain their freshness, charm and verdure. The buds of knowledge open and the anemones of reality appear. The world of man becomes another world,
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Oct-03 -- ABU2228)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
20
Abdul Baha then gave an illustration of the four successive seasons, - spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and said that no man of intelligence would venture to state that because the spring of last year has come once that it is sufficient for all time, and we do not need another spring.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to E.J. Rosenberg et al, spoken around Feb. 1901 -- ABU1928)
21
The appearance of the Manifestations of God is like spring - naturally spring does not remain permanent and eternal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some clergymen, spoken at Hotel Ansonia on 1912-Apr-13 -- ABU2747)
22
Yes, today is the Day of the Ancient Beauty and the age of the Greatest Name. It is the day of the wedding feast, the springtime. After this will come the days of summer, autumn and winter.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Jan. 1909 -- ABU3466)
23
The outward spring -- unto which, by the command of the Creator of Names, the training of the outward forms of things is committed and entrusted -- appeareth but once in the year. Even so the spiritual spring, which nurtures souls and illumined hearts, and bestoweth the everlasting, enduring life, revealeth itself but once in a thousand years, or more; and upon all things, in the realms of the seen and the unseen, it conferreth the robe of existence and the splendor of lordship.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1277-10-01 [1861-04-12], to Zaynul-Muqarrabin -- BH00507)
24
Listen with heart and soul to the songs of the spirit, and treasure them as thine own eyes; for heavenly wisdoms, even as vernal showers, will not rain forever upon the earth of men's hearts, and though the grace of the All-Bounteous One is never ceasing and never stilled, yet to every time and era a portion is allotted and a bounty assigned, which is vouchsafed in a given measure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Haft Vadi (The Seven Valleys), to Shaykh Muhiyid-Din Judge of Khaniqayn et al -- BH00047)
25
The day will surely come when the Nightingale of Paradise will have winged its flight away from its earthly abode unto its heavenly nest. Then will its melody be heard no more, and the beauty of the rose cease to shine. Seize the time, therefore, ere the glory of the divine springtime hath spent itself, and the Bird of Eternity ceased to warble its melody, that thy inner hearing may not be deprived of hearkening unto its call.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude), 1278 ca. [1861-1862], to Haji Mirza Siyyid Muhammad, great uncle of the Bab (Khal-i-Akbar) -- BH00002)
26
Know the value of these days, for union is not always possible. The nightingale singeth only in spring and crieth not until it seeth the rose. The time cometh when the divine nightingale ceaseth from mentioning meanings and taketh flight to the spiritual branch and settleth in the divine invisible rose gardens.
O friends! In this springtime of the All-Merciful, when the Divine Tree of Will hath been adorned with wondrous fruits of knowledge, strive ye to pluck these ripe fruits with your own hands and partake thereof, for in other seasons they cannot be found, and even if found, they will surely lack their original freshness.
What regret and remorse, that in this spiritual springtime thou hast not adorned thyself with the wondrous attire, nor inhaled the sweet fragrances from the paradise of inner meanings.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Badi', 1283 ca. [1866-1867], to Aqa Mirza Mihdi Rashti -- BH00004)
29
Then the bright dawn rose, and there came tidings of great joy. The divine springtime was here, pitching its tents in this contingent world, so that all creation leapt and danced. The withered earth brought forth immortal blooms, the dead dust woke to everlasting life. Then came forth flowers of mystic learning, and, bespeaking the knowledge of God, fresh greenery from the ground. The contingent world displayed God's bounteous gifts, the visible world reflecting the glories of realms that were hidden from sight.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of Qazvin, et al -- AB00034)
30
In flower-spangled meadows hath the divine springtime pitched its tents, and the spiritual are inhaling sweet scents from the Sheba of the spirit, carried their way by the east wind. Now doth the mystic nightingale carol its odes, and buds of inner meaning are bursting into blossoms delicate and fair.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Dec or <, to Baha'is of the world -- AB00065)
31
Through the life of mercy hast Thou revived these regions and domains. Thus have the meadows been adorned, the fountains made to flow, and the groves embellished through a ceaseless downpour from the clouds of grace and bounty. From the wafting breeze of Thy loving-kindness hath come a gentle wind, vivifying to souls and hearts. The lands have turned green, the trees have brought forth leaves, flowers have been made to bloom, fruits have ripened, the anemones of inner reality have opened wide, birds have broken into song, and eyes have been gladdened by beholding these signs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Oct-26+, to Baha'is of Bushihr et al -- AB01450)
32
The Divine springtime hath come, and the Day-Star of the heavenly realm hath dawned. The life-giving breezes of Farvardin are blowing, and the musk-laden sweet savours of the Beloved are wafting. The Divine vernal showers are descending, and the resplendent radiance of the Day Star of His Majestic righteousness is shining forth.
Soon the whole world, as in springtime, will change its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past; the bleakness of the wintertime is over. The new year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; from the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees; while the birds are singing among the rose branches like the angels in the highest heavens, announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915 or <, to George T Winterburn -- AB02755)
34
After the coming of the spiritual springtime, the falling of the vernal showers, the shining of the Sun of Reality, the blowing of the breezes of perfection, all phenomena become imbued with the life of a new creation and are reformed in the process of a new genesis.
… When the holy, divine Manifestations or Prophets appear in the world, a cycle of radiance, an age of mercy dawns. Everything is renewed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at New Thought Forum on 1912-Aug-25 -- ABU0079)
35
The day of the Manifestation of God is the divine and spiritual springtime when the trees of human souls become green and flourishing, new beauty and freshness are brought to the gardens of the hearts and new inspiration and fresh bounties are bestowed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Divine Knowledge Club on 1912-Nov-15 -- ABU0425)
36
He is the Divine Spring which comes after the long winter of death and inaction. The Wisdom of God is seen in His Coming. He adorns the soul of man with new Life, Divine Attributes, and higher Spiritual qualities. By this the soul is enlightened, illumined.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU1273)
37
The dawn of hope broke. The divine light shone forth. The Sun of Truth blazed with intense heat, and the life-giving breeze of the spiritual springtime blew. The earth of souls was stirred and the flowers of realities and meanings sprouted forth.
In this radiant century and merciful age the ears are open, hearts awakened, eyes seeing, consciences stirred. The age of estrangement has passed. The century of friendship has arrived. The dark hours have disappeared and the Orb of Unity has dawned.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-May-23, to referring to Mr Bryan's message -- AB09733)
41
O loved ones of God! The religion of the All-Merciful is in the days of its youth, and this wondrous Cause is in the season of its springtime. … Open, then, the ear of understanding to the counsels and admonitions of God, and with sincerity of purpose, purity of nature, goodness of disposition, and loyal devotion to the state, manifest a shining hand, that it may be firmly established and clearly demonstrated in the assemblage of the world and the concourse of nations that ye are the radiant candle of the world of humanity and the rose of the garden of the divine world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Siyasiyyih (The Art of Divine Polity - Treatise on Politics), 1892 ca. -- AB00011)
42
O divine friends! His honor Nazim had written a letter mentioning the divine friends, and therefore the heart of Abdul-Baha was moved and stirred, and remembering those loving friends, engaged in this remembrance and utterance: O divine friends! This is the spiritual springtime and the divine spring season. This is the first century of the Ancient Beauty and the great cycle of the Greatest Name.
It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the year. A year is the expression of a cycle (of the sun); but now is the beginning of a cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a New Year. Therefore it is very Blessed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906, to Baha'is of the United States -- AB02184)
44
O World-Embracing One! Naw-Ruz is the day when the world-illumining Sun of the eternal realm shone forth in the heaven of glory, bestowed abundant radiance, and provided guidance. It was this life-giving springtime that made the withered trees fresh and alive.
The luminous celestial Sun has its rising and setting, and because of this the universe has its night and day, its springtime and autumn, its summer and winter seasons. This cycle is eternal and, being inherent to the world of existence, knows neither change nor alteration. When springtime arrives, the Sun bestows a new bounty, its heat and rays shine forth, April clouds pour down rain, and life-giving breezes blow. The clouds weep and meadows smile, the spring breeze becomes musk-laden, and plain and mountain become flowering gardens. The vernal equinox manifests, the world finds renewed spirit, and a new resurrection takes place.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-16 in Paris -- ABU0215)
46
At this moment the sun appears at the meridian and the day and night are equal. Until today the north pole has been in darkness. This sacred day when the sun illumines equally the whole earth is called the equinox and the equinox is the symbol of the divine messenger.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 15 Rue de Greuze in Paris, 1913-Mar-21 -- ABU0881)
47
There are two equinoxes, the vernal (Aries) and the autumnal (Libra). Before this vernal season, the earth, mountains, and gardens are as dead; this season brings life.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1915 in Abu Sinan -- ABU2883)
48
During this vernal season all creation is renewed - the meadows and orchards, the verdant fields and gardens are revived, and that which had withered is restored to freshness and life. What grace, what splendor, what radiance and what spiritual potency are manifest!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Mar-21 -- ABU1261)
49
This time of the world may be likened to the equinoctial in the annual cycle. For, verily, this is the spring season of God.
… At the time of the vernal equinox in the material world a wonderful vibrant energy and new life-quickening is observed everywhere in the vegetable kingdom; the animal and human kingdoms are resuscitated and move forward with a new impulse. The whole world is born anew, resurrected. … Likewise, the spiritual bounty and springtime of God quicken the world of humanity with a new animus and vivification.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Studio Hall in Washington, 1912-Apr-21 -- ABU0373)
50
According to an intrinsic law all phenomena of being attain to a summit and degree of consummation, after which a new order and condition is established.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at New York Peace Society reception, spoken at Hotel Astor on 1912-May-13 -- ABU0186)
51
O Bahman! The weeping of the clouds of Bahman (January) is followed by the laughter of rose gardens and meadows, and greenery and freshness and blossoms and flowers and fragrant herbs appear in succession.
For Bahman and Isfand (February-March) lead to the pleasing Farvardin, when the bounties of the spiritual springtime appear and the outpourings of the All-Merciful are unveiled, when the goodly fruits adorn the trees and souls find repose beneath their shade.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Bahman Khudamurad (Yazd) -- AB08380)
52
O Jamshid! the morning light has dawned, the sun has risen, the springtime has come, the spring clouds have poured forth their sweet showers, the vernal season has transformed the universe into a paradise!
The divine springtime hath arrived and the April showers of the mercy of the All-Merciful have poured down. … The gardens of divine unity have become verdant and flourishing, and the hills and plains and wilderness and valleys of existence have been adorned with the flowers of new bounty and wondrous grace.
Winter was ended - Spring appeared. The meadows and prairies became verdant and all the trees were adorned with blossoms - multicolored roses and hyacinths perfumed the air. The trees attained fruition and the world inhaled the fragrance of the flowers - The surface of the earth was transformed -This world became the mirror of the Kingdom and this lower sphere expressed the virtues of the higher world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Rue St. Didier 30 in Paris, 1913-Feb-07 -- ABU0206)
55
This is the outpouring of the wonderful and new springtime and the falling of the showers of the Bounty of the Most Great Lord!"
O friends! The divine springtime has arrived, the season of the garden has come, and the time for strolling in the rose garden has begun.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Nov-11, to Namdar Khudadad et al -- AB09370)
57
O thou who hast clung to the hem of bounty! The veils have been rent asunder, the gleaming rays of mysteries have shone forth, the lights have encompassed all, the seasons and the night and day have become balanced, the springtime of the righteous hath come, the garden of the free hath been adorned, the fountains of sacrifice have overflowed, and the believers are in joy and gladness, might and renown.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1896-Jul-30, to Rida Quli -- AB11070)
58
O Rubin! The Manifest Truth declares: Today the springtime of the All-Merciful has appeared, and the new saplings that were planted by the divine hand of training in the paradise of oneness have become manifest and visible with their ripe fruits and delicate leaves.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-07 [1884-Apr], to Mirza Rubin Uncle of Mirza Mihdi Khan -- BH06362)
59
O ye tender seedlings in the garden of the love of God!
O ye fresh saplings in the meadows of the knowledge of God!
The sight of the flowering plants in a springtime garden is delightful. The new-grown herbs shed abroad their pungent fragrances, each blossom charms the eye with its particular beauty, while the leaves and fruit are speedily burgeoning. And when people find their way into the garden and gaze on the beauty of the flowers, they inhale the perfume, their souls are exhilarated and their hearts are solaced.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to School of Vahdat-i-Bashar -- AB04105)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
60
In the springtime of youth and the prime of life, whosoever attaineth unto the love of God is accounted among the denizens of the most exalted Paradise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302 ? [1884-1885], to Mirza Abbas Quli -- BH09436)
61
It is the season of the divine springtime and the breezes of grace and supreme bounty are stirring, and the vernal clouds of greatest mercy are pouring forth their rain, and the rays of the Sun of Truth are shining, and the trees of existence are attaining to new garments, and the gardens of beings and created things are displaying all manner of adornments through the bounty and gifts of this spiritual spring.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1888-Nov-04, to Hasan Khurasani -- AB05161)
62
O thou who speakest in remembrance of God! In these days when the bounties of the All-Merciful have encompassed the kingdom of possibilities, and the favors of the Lord of Mercy have quickened all existence and contingent beings, the breezes of the divine springtime have made meadow and plain verdant and flourishing, and the all-encompassing grace of the Celestial Beauty hath adorned the flower garden and rose bower.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca., to Mashhadi Baba Samaduf Shirvani -- AB07608)
63
Dost thou not observe how the spring rain giveth life to the black earth, and maketh the withered tree green and flourishing? Nay more, it maketh the pure earth the envy of the heavens.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897 or <, to Karbala'i Qasim Badkubihi -- AB08778)
64
O rose adorned and blossoming in the gardens of the love of God! The springtime has come, and the lofty clouds have poured down their copious rain upon both noble and lowly alike. The breezes of God have wafted over the gardens of earth and heaven with a new spirit, and the heat of the Sun of Truth has intensified upon every goodly plant and graceful tree growing in blessed soil from every clime.
The divine springtime hath pitched its pavilions with infinite majesty! The cloud of mercy is pouring down its rain! The Orb of bounty is radiating its splendor! The breeze of eternal life is wafting!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Ali-Kuli Khan -- AB09821)
66
Therefore we may liken the present state of the world to the winter but the spring, Ah yes! the spring is coming, it is bound to come.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1915-Feb-27 -- ABU0621)
67
In the winter season, the cold, the storms, the rain come—but wait until spring and then all is gladness. God will, if He wishes, always let the spring follow the dreary winter.
Soon shall we see the signs of the coming of the spring upon the mountains and on the plains. When the spring comes, God shows a great wisdom in its appearance. God has a special purpose in each Spring-time. The world will be renewed; the dead ground will be made alive; the fields and meadows will be adorned with new beauty; the base trees will become green and fresh, bringing forth their wealth of blossoms and flowers; different kinds of fruit will come; birds and all animals will appear; all souls who possess the thrill of life will be refreshed, renewed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mrs MacNutt in Jan. 1905 -- ABU1150)
69
The progress of the Cause is like unto the coming of the spring and its early signs. Suddenly one sees here a tree is putting forth leaves, another bush is being adorned with roses, the nightingales are singing and the meadows are green.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Herrigel, spoken at Hotel Marquardt on 1913-Apr-26 -- ABU1943)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
70
The resistless march of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, viewed in this light, and propelled by the stimulating influences which the unwisdom of its enemies and the force latent within itself both engender, resolves itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations, precipitated, on the one hand, through the explosive outbursts of its foes, and the vibrations of Divine Power, on the other, which speed it, with ever-increasing momentum, along that predestined course traced for it by the Hand of the Almighty.
MA.051 (12 Aug. 1941 from Shoghi Effendi)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified