The temple was inlaid with gold. I saw a mind standing, with elevated wisdom over his head, and at his feet were sitting students of nature, who received instruction from him. In his right hand he held a book, and in his left a banner. The book was opened, and the banner unfurled. “This is not made with hands” said he, “but came from Mount Horeb, where the everlasting covenant was given to the children of the Most High. Advance stranger, and receive the blessing which thou hast refused in thy unbelief.”
I stepped forward as if drawn by an attractive power to do what was required, when he placed the book in my hands, and said: “Receive this Revelation with meekness, and make it thy study. Thou hast ridiculed without reading; read now without ridicule. Turn thou not from its light, but when thou readest understand. Seek not thy own interpretation, but let wisdom conduct thee in candor, to add nothing to or take nothing from what thou hast no right, and which is not thy own.” The mind then sat down.
I next saw the words on the banner. It was a beautiful banner, filled with gems and devices; and when I saw it, I read the words, “Justice, Wisdom, Progression, Order, and Harmony.” Beneath it was written, “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.”
My guide then said, “Understandest thou what thou seest?”
What will you say, I inquired of Justice?
G. Justice is not cruelty, but is doing what benevolence requires. When thou seest a mind whom thou canst aid, and unto whom thou canst render assistance, be it thy friend or a stranger, then be just to the law which makes thee and him companions, and recognizes the deed of mercy as a deed of good to thyself. If he fall by the way side, because he can not see, then take him by thy strength, and bear him where he may rest. Put thy hand upon him gently, and say: “I will not forsake thee till thou canst aid others as I will aid thee.” Let him want nothing, and justice to thy needy friend will be satisfied.
T. What is Wisdom?
G. Wisdom is wise. It is wise to relieve want. It is wise to do good. It is wise to understand thyself, to know thy dependence on others, to see the wisdom of God in his works and wonders. It is wise to act, to say, and to wish well toward all mind. It is wise to speak the truth, to utter nothing but the truth, and to oppose nothing which is good. It is wise to love, as we see love begets love. It is wise to learn, because what thou learnest of wisdom will add to thy circle of bliss, and the bliss of others, when they are taught of thee. It is wise to co-operate in harmony with the thousands who saw thee in need, and aided thy welcome within these courts. It is wise to obey the Master of this house; for in so doing great good shall be thy reward, and thou shalt wear a crown which the ignorant may envy, but can not pluck from thy head.
T. What is Progression?
G. Progression is the expansion of thy mind in the wisdom thou mayest receive from instructed minds around thee. When thou doest good, it is wise; and as thou becomest wise, thy wisdom will swell thy mind with the luxury it gives. Thou knowest from what thou hast seen, that according to thy works of well doing, so shall thy measure of bliss be. If thou wouldst do more to benefit those who need, thou must be found faithful unto the instruction thou receivest, and then thou wilt be prepared to discharge thy trust with honor to thy station, and with satisfaction to thyself.