Against vain and worldly knowledge
“My Son, let not the fair and subtle sayings of men move thee. For the
kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.(1) Give ear to My words,
for they kindle the heart and enlighten the mind, they bring
contrition, and they supply manifold consolations. Never read thou the
word that thou mayest appear more learned or wise; but study for the
mortification of thy sins, for this will be far more profitable for
thee than the knowledge of many difficult questions.
2. “When thou hast read and learned many things, thou must always
return to one first principle. I am He that teacheth man knowledge,(2)
and I give unto babes clearer knowledge than can be taught by man. He
to whom I speak will be quickly wise and shall grow much in the spirit.
Woe unto them who inquire into many curious questions from men, and
take little heed concerning the way of My service. The time will come
when Christ will appear, the Master of masters, the Lord of the Angels,
to hear the lessons of all, that is to examine the consciences of each
one. And then will He search Jerusalem with candles,(3) and the hidden
things of darkness(4) shall be made manifest, and the arguings of
tongues shall be silent.
3. “I am He who in an instant lift up the humble spirit, to learn more
reasonings of the Eternal Truth, than if a man had studied ten years in
the schools. I teach without noise of words, without confusion of
opinions, without striving after honour, without clash of arguments. I
am He who teach men to despise earthly things, to loathe things
present, to seek things heavenly, to enjoy things eternal, to flee
honours, to endure offences, to place all hope in Me, to desire nothing
apart from Me, and above all things to love Me ardently.
4. “For there was one, who by loving Me from the bottom of his heart,
learned divine things, and spake things that were wonderful; he
profited more by forsaking all things than by studying subtleties. But
to some I speak common things, to others special; to some I appear
gently in signs and figures, and again to some I reveal mysteries in
much light. The voice of books is one, but it informeth not all alike;
because I inwardly am the Teacher of truth, the Searcher of the heart,
the Discerner of the thoughts, the Mover of actions, distributing to
each man, as I judge meet.”
(1) 1 Corinthians iv. 20. (2) Psalm xciv. 10. (3) Zephaniah i. 12. (4)
1 Corinthians iv. 5.