T. They will not suppose, because the subject of a supposition is known without it. There is no need of a supposition, when wisdom discloses the fact. All suppositions admit of two sides. They admit of doubt and fear. But where knowledge reigns, where light shines, and wisdom controls, all are of one mind. Hence, my mind is as all the rest, who work with me in the temple. If we were divided, the work would fall, because of its disagreement. And I wish you to understand, that all the work is prepared by one rule, and, therefore, they who work by that rule, must make their works agree. In the circle to which you belong, I find discord and wrangling. It is because the workmen have different rules. One works by one rule, and another by a different rule. When they bring their works together, they disagree. Do you know the reason?
C. I see the reason.
T. Would you avoid the disagreement?
C. I would have my work useful.
T. You see that no work can be useful, which is not practical. The works which disagree, can not be made practical, because of their difference. One opposes the other. Wrangling ensues; wretchedness is promoted; good is despised; the law of harmony is disregarded; and wisdom is set at naught. The whole wrangling is wrong, and he who encourages it by precept or example, is a patron of the wrong.
C. Was not your presence an encouragement to wrangling, when you came to see me?
T. I came to correct, not to support, wrangling.
C. But while you were a witness, did not your presence support it?
T. No: checked it. Had I not succeeded, I should have retired.
C. I will say, no mind should tarry to witness an evil, it has no wisdom to correct. Better leave the evil to consume itself, than throw yourself into the fire to be injured with the flames.