The Garden of Paradise
Heavenly Character
~ 76 ~
HEAVENLY CHARACTER
God requires men of excellence to take up their
abode in paradise. To this end, He has provided
models throughout the cosmos to inspire human
beings to attain that level of excellence. Take the
iron found in the cosmos. That is man’s model for
human resoluteness. The water, which gushes forth
from barren rocks, is his model for leniency and
compassion. The immutability of the laws of nature
shows man how faithfully he must keep his
promises. The fragrance, colour and beauty of the
material world are there to inspire man to deal
equitably with others. The fact that billions of stars
remain in orbit without colliding is an example of
how man should operate within his own sphere and
avoid clashing with others. Returning good for evil
is exemplified by the trees that take in harmful
carbon dioxide and supply us with life-giving
oxygen in return. The mountains and everything
that stands erect cast their shadows on the ground
as if in self-prostration: man is required in the same
way to be humble. He should never be proud or
domineering. Whoever wishes to share in God’s
eternal blessings should be pleased only with that
