Knowledge of God
J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era, (1923) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
But if the essence is unknowable, the manifestations of its bounty are everywhere apparent. If the first cause cannot be conceived, its effects appeal to our every faculty. Just as knowledge of a painter’s pictures gives to the connoisseur a true knowledge of the artist, so knowledge of the universe in any of its aspects—knowledge of nature or of human nature, of things visible or of things invisible—is knowledge of God’s handiwork, and gives to the seeker for Divine truth a real knowledge of His Glory. “The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.—Ps. xix, 1–2.
Source: J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era (1923). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19241.
Discuss this story
For adults
- What stands out about J. E. Esslemont's response in this account?
- What in your own life does this story bring to mind?
- Where do you see justice appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
For teens
- Who is someone you know who lives out justice the way this story describes?
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
Reflection
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
- How does justice show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Knowledge of God" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Esslemont, J. E.. (1923). *Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19241/pg19241-images.html
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