C. Then, I can try it here.
E. Not till thou hast received it.
C. But, may I not receive it here, as elsewhere?
E. Thou mayest receive what thou canst here, and practice it; but what thou lackest is sight. Now, thou only believest, because of my saying; but when thou seest, thou wilt know, not because of my saying, but because what thou seest will make thee know the wisdom which I now declare unto thee. Thou wouldst prefer facts for faiths, realities for doubts, and stability for uncertainty.
C. I will go with thee.
E. Who else?
The whole company were of one mind. They all said, “I will go.” I recorded their names in the book of life, and found a thousand times ten thousand, who sung a new song on the walls of scorn, and were received into the temple not made with hands, as were the hundred and forty and four thousand. They were made free from the bondage of fear and doubt; and, when they were free, they said, “Glory, glory, to the Lord God Almighty, who art from everlasting to everlasting, Supreme over the works which he hath made; and who suffereth no unclean thing to frustrate the immutable counsel of his wisdom and pleasure.” And the voice of the temple was one voice; for joy was increased, when reform was effectual in reclaiming so great a multitude.
CHAPTER IX.
MISSION TO ANOTHER CIRCLE.
Thomas finds two minds wrangling—Enters into conversation with them—Refuses to give his name—Opposes teaching what the teacher does not know—Opposes controversy—Rejects innate depravity—Discards wrong views—Recommends facts for opinions—Explanation of sun and moon, which stood still by the command of Joshua—Nature instructs mind—Wrangling unwise—Wisdom will overcome wrong—Freedom induces righteousness—Masters responsible for the doings of servants—Another mind is converted—The work of the temple harmonious—Duty to avoid discord—The assent is gained—The convert sees a light—William gives him advice, and conducts him to the temple, when he receives a new name, and a white stone.
The master then requested me to take with me no mind, but go to another circle, who were sympathizers with those in the castle. I went where there was a company, who sought for wisdom in works of wrong. They were aided with no light but such as they had found in the rudimental condition. I saw them disputing about something which they did not understand. Though I could see them, yet they could not see me. I heard one mind say to another, who came to instruct him in the wisdom of his circle, that it was better to control by force than by reason.