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When the season of spring appears in the arena of existence, the whole world is rejuvenated and finds new life. The soul-refreshing breeze is wafted from every direction; the soul-quickening bounty is everywhere; the cloud of mercy showers down its rain, and the sun shines upon everything. Day by day we perceive that the signs of vegetation are all about us. Wonderful flowers, hyacinths and roses perfume the nostrils. The trees are full of leaves and blossoms, and the blossoms are followed by fruit. The spring and summer are followed by autumn and winter. The flowers wither and are no more; the leaves turn grey and life has gone. Then comes another springtime; the former springtime is renewed; again a new life stirs within everything. (138:1) The appearances of the Manifestations of God are the divine springtime. When Christ appeared in this world, it was like the vernal bounty; the outpouring descended; the effulgences of the Merciful encircled all things; the human world found new life. Even the physical world partook of it. The divine perfections were upraised; souls were trained in the school of heaven so that all grades of human existence received life and light. Then by degrees these fragrances of heaven were discontinued; the season of winter came upon the world; the beauties of spring vanished; the excellences and perfections passed away; the lights and quickening were no longer evident; the phenomenal world and its materialities conquered everything; the spiritualities of life were lost; the world of existence became life unto a lifeless body; there was no trace of the spring left. (138:2) Baha'u'llah has come into this world. He has renewed that springtime. The same fragrances are wafting; the same heat of the Sun is giving life; the same cloud is pouring its rain, and with our own eyes we see that the world of existence is advancing and progressing. The human world has found new life. (Promulgation 10) (138:3) In the parable of the fig tree, 'these things' refers to the putting forth of leaves, which happens in the springtime, and that which is 'near' is summer. Christ states that 'when you see these things, know that it is near'. But it is not clear which of the things Christ has spoken of in His discourse is being likened to the putting forth of leaves. Is it the tribulation (v. 29), the sign that is to appear in heaven (v. 30), and/or the sending forth of His angels (v. 31)? And what does He mean by 'it' is near? Is 'it' the tribulation, the appearance of Christ, or the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth?
(138:4)
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