Know that, while the Manifestations of God possess infinite
virtues and perfections, They occupy only three stations: The first is the
material station; the second is the human station, which is that of the
rational soul; and the third is that of divine manifestation and heavenly
splendour.
As for the material station, it has an origin in time, for
it is composed of the elements, and every composition must ultimately be
decomposed. It is indeed impossible for composition not to be followed by
disintegration.
The second station is that of the rational soul, which is the
human reality. This also has a beginning, and the Manifestations of God share
it in common with all humanity.
The third station is that of divine manifestation and
heavenly splendour, which is the Word of God, the everlasting Grace, and the
Holy Spirit. This station has neither beginning nor end; for firstness and
lastness pertain to the contingent world and not to the world of God. For God
the beginning and the end are one and the same. Similarly, the reckoning of
days, weeks, months, and years—of yesterday and today—is made with respect to
the earth; but in the sun such things are unknown: There is neither yesterday,
nor today, nor tomorrow, neither months nor years—all are equal. Likewise, the
Word of God is sanctified above all these conditions and exalted beyond every
law, constraint, or limitation that may exist in the contingent world.
