Now concerning nature, it is but the essential properties
and the necessary relations inherent in the realities of things. And though
these infinite realities are diverse in their character yet they are in the
utmost harmony and closely connected together. As one's vision is broadened and
the matter observed carefully, it will be made certain that every reality is
but an essential requisite of other realities. Thus to connect and harmonize
these diverse and infinite realities an all-unifying Power is necessary, that
every part of existent being may in perfect order discharge its own function.
Consider the body of man, and let the part be an indication of the whole.
Consider how these diverse parts and members of the human body are closely
connected and harmoniously united one with the other. Every part is the
essential requisite of all other parts and has a function by itself. It is the
mind that is the all-unifying agency that so uniteth all the component parts
one with the other that each dischargeth its specific function in perfect
order, and thereby co-operation and reaction are made possible. All parts function
under certain laws that are essential to existence. Should that all-unifying
agency that directeth all these parts be harmed in any way there is no doubt
that the constituent parts and members will cease functioning properly; and
though that all-unifying agency in the temple of man be not sensed or seen and
the reality thereof be unknown, yet by its effects it manifesteth itself with
the greatest power.
Thus it hath been proven and made evident that these
infinite beings in this wondrous universe will discharge their functions
properly only when directed and controlled by that Universal Reality, so that
order may be established in the world. For example, interaction and
co-operation between the constituent parts of the human body are evident and indisputable,
yet this does not suffice; an all-unifying agency is necessary that shall
direct and control the component parts, so that these through interaction and
co-operation may discharge in perfect order their necessary and respective
functions. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablet to Dr. Forel, printed in "The Bahá'í
World 1968-1973", vol. XV; compilation ‘Nature’, prepared by the Research
Department of the Universal House of Justice)
