CHAPTER XXXI.

_Against vain knowledge._

_Christ._ SON, let not the fair speeches and subtle sayings of men move thee: for the kingdom of God consisteth not in word but in power.

Labour to mortify thy sins; for that will profit thee more than the knowledge of many difficult questions.

2. When thou hast read and knowest many things, thou must ever return to one principle.

*I am he that teacheth man knowledge, and giveth unto babes a more clear understanding than can be taught by man.

He to whom I speak, shall quickly be wise, and he shall profit much in the spirit.

Woe be to them that enquire many curious things of men; and little mind the way how to serve me.

*The time will come, when the Master of Masters shall appear, Christ the Lord of angels, to hear the lesson of all, that is, to examine the conscience of every one.

And then he will search _Jerusalem_ with a candle, and the hidden things of darkness shall be laid open, and the arguing of men’s tongues shall be silent.

*3. I am he that teacheth without the noise of words, without the confusion of opinions.

I am he that teacheth to despise earthly things, to disdain things present, to seek the everlasting, to relish things eternal, to fly honours, to suffer injuries, to place all hope in me, to desire nothing out of me, and above all things ardently to love me.

I am the teacher of truth, the searcher of the heart, the discerner of the thoughts, the promoter of good actions, distributing to every one as I judge meet.