ehold the resplendent morn of
true knowledge.

Know verily that Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. The one
welleth out from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a
reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God
Himself; the motive-force of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire.
The one is guided by the principle: "Fear ye God; God will teach you;"(54)
the other is but a confirmation of the truth: "Knowledge is the most
grievous veil between man and his Creator." The former bringeth forth the
fruit of patience, of longing desire, of true understanding, and love;
whilst the latter can yield naught but arrogance, vainglory and conceit.
From the sayings of those Masters of holy utterance, Who have expounded
the meaning of true knowledge, the odour of these dark teachings, which
have obscured the world, can in no wise be detected. The tree of such
teachings can yield no result except iniquity and rebellion, and beareth
no fruit but hatred and envy. Its fruit is deadly poison; its shadow a
consuming fire. How well hath it been said: "Cling unto the robe of the
Desire of thy heart, and put thou away all shame; bid the worldlywise be
gone, however great their name."

The heart must needs therefore be cleansed from the idle sayings of men,
and sanctified from every earthly affection, so that it may discover the
hidden meaning of divine inspiration, and become the treasury of the
mysteries of divine knowledge. Thus hath it been said: "He that treadeth
the snow-white Path, and followeth in the footsteps of the Crimson Pillar,
shall never attain unto his abode unless his hands are empty of those
worldly things cherished by men." This is the prime requisite of whosoever
treadeth this path. Ponder thereon, that, with eyes unveiled, thou mayest
perceive the truth of these words.

We have digressed from the purpose of Our argument, although whatsoever is
mentioned serveth only to confirm Our purpose. By God! however great Our
desire to be brief, yet We feel We cannot restrain Our pen.
Notwithstanding all that We have mentioned, how innumerable are the pearls
which have remained unpierced in the shell of Our heart! How many the
huris of inner meaning that are as yet concealed within the chambers of
divine wisdom! None hath yet approached them;--huris, "whom no man nor
spirit hath touched before."(55) Notwithstanding all that hath been said,
it seemeth as if not one letter of