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Humanity is like a flock of birds, and the civilization in which it lives is like a tree whose mighty branches provide for its shelter and protection. In this day the tree of civilization has become sick and withered, lifeless and leafless. Humanity is no longer protected by this tree, but is left without a haven, relentlessly bombarded by the elements which attack it day after day with increasing violence (163:4) Baha'u'llah did not come to heal this dying tree of civilization. He did not come to induce a cure by which it would come to life, sprout new leaves, and become lush and green. He did not come to water it, to heal its wounds, or even to protect it. No, He came to plant a new tree (163:5) The changes occurring in the world today will not produce, but rather will prepare humanity to receive, the Order which has been planted in its midst. Baha'u'llah did not come to reform the existing institutions of the world or to improve, modify or correct the existing order that those institutions promote. No, what He has done is to offer to the world the perfect Order for life on this planet (163:6) Mankind has but to receive it
(163:7)
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