OF THE TEACHING OF TRUTH
Blissful is he whom truth itself teacheth, not by figures or voices, but as it is.
What availeth great searching of dark and hidden things for the which we shall not be blamed in the judgment though we know them not?
He to whom the Word Everlasting speaketh is delivered from a multitude of opinions. Of one Word came all things, and all things speak one word; that is the Beginning that speaketh to us. No man without the Word understandeth or judgeth righteously.
He to whom all things are one and who draweth all things to one and seeth all things in one may be quiet in heart and peaceably abide in God.
O God of truth, make me one with thee in everlasting love!
Ofttimes it wearieth me to hear and read many things; in thee Lord is all that I wish and can desire.
Let all teachers hold their peace and all manner of creatures keep their silence in thy sight: Speak thou alone to me!
Who hath a stronger battle than he that useth force to overcome himself? This should be our occupation, to overcome ourselves and every day to be stronger and somewhat holier.
Meek knowing of thyself is more acceptable to God than deep inquiry after knowledge.
Knowledge or bare and simple knowing of things is not to be blamed, the which, in itself considered, is good and ordained of God: but a good conscience and a virtuous life is ever to be preferred.
And forasmuch as many people study more to have knowledge than to live well, therefore ofttimes they err and bring forth little fruit or none.
Certainly at the day of doom it shall not be asked of us what we have read but what we have done; nor what good we have spoken but how religiously we have lived.
Verily he is great that in himself is little and meek and setteth at naught all height of honour. Verily he is great that hath great love. Verily he is prudent that deemeth all earthly things foul so that he may win Christ. And he is verily well learned that doth the will of God and forsaketh his own will.