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. '100 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.

"When thou hast read and learned many things, thou must always return to one first principle. I am ‘He that teacheth man knowledge,'101 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,'102 and the ‘hidden things of darkness'103 shall be made manifest, and the arguings of tongues shall be silent.