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The influence of the Manifestation survives the passage of centuries. No ruler, scientist, philosopher, poet, or artist has ever had such an enduring and pervasive influence on humankind. It is only to the Manifestations that people still faithfully turn even after hundreds of years have passed. No one in history has ever equaled the Manifestations of God in their sovereignty. (108:1) The further we contemplate the lives of the Manifestations the more we will be able to perceive the evidences of their divine virtues and qualities. The greatest measure of forgiveness is apparent in the way They forgave not only their loved ones but also their oppressors, and even extended their forgiveness to any repentant man or woman, no matter how villainous. (108:2) Their lives testify to their innate knowledge, graciousness, majesty, forbearance, mercy, fearlessness, and many other spiritual perfections. The unbiased observer who becomes acquainted with and who reflects on the lives of the Prophets will readily acknowledge that They are the greatest examples of perfection evident to the world. (108:3) Some may argue that many people suffer, and some even sacrifice their lives for noble causes, but this does not make them Prophets of God. This observation is correct. Prophets are not the only examples of such virtues in the world. However, our purpose is to demonstrate that They are the greatest examples of such virtues and the perfect in every way, and that their perfections became evident both because They suffered and due to the reason for their suffering.
(108:4)
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