When my guide had aided me thus far, he said: “Now, Thomas, thou wilt turn thy face to the left, and receive a lesson from the High Priest of this temple.”
I turned and walked about four or five paces, when he said, “This is the High Priest. He has a message, and will now aid thee in thy duty to those with whom thou wilt henceforth be associated. Listen attentively to what he may say, and let thy mind be opened to the words which he may speak for thy benefit.”
As he arose, a mind said to me, “Kneel.”
“Why so?” I inquired.
“This is the order when he speaks.”
I knelt, and he proceeded: “Thomas, wouldst thou understand more of the mysteries of this company?”
I responded, “What is useful, I would not refuse.”
P. Open then the book, and read.
I opened the book, and read: “What man, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the pasture, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders and rejoiceth; and when he hath brought it home, he calleth his neighboring friends, and saith unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, likewise, that joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance?”
P. Thou hast well read thy lesson. Dost thou wish an interpretation? I see thy mind responds, nay. Thou hast well said, nay. I am not here to interpret what thou understandest, neither would I have thee undertake to do what that book forbids thee. Shouldst thou wish for more light, thou wilt not find it without a revealment be made to thee. What is revealed, is well, and what is not revealed, thou wilt not find by any interpretation which thy wisdom may see fit to place on the words of another. Thou mayest interpret thy own words, but thou hast no right to disturb the words of another, lest thy interpretation be taken for the wisdom which instructs thee.