T. What other influences can control?
W. The weight of fear and favor. The fear of wrath and the hope of deliverance will move the wheel. But the motion will be tremulous and unsteady. Thou hast seen by the words of the centurion and his teacher, that the power is given by fear and hope. Thou wilt see that when minds are moved by these weights, selfishness is consulted. The love of self moves the mind to seek what will avert wrath, and secure favor. It is not the love of goodness which controls the minds of this circle, but the fear of evil. The fear of evil is not goodness.
T. Are not fear and hope essential to minds in this castle, in order to keep them from outbreaking sins?
W. The fear and hope of these minds, are what make them slaves. Their master understands the uses which such motives exert over his servants. Thou wilt see what will astonish thee; and, when thou seest, thou wilt not rejoice, but mourn.
T. Thou wilt not rejoice, but mourn! What will make me mourn?
W. Thou wilt see, shortly.
When we had considered the motives of those who occupied this castle, we next proceeded to a secret work, which was concealed near a large mansion, surrounded with an armed force of minds, ready to execute the mandates of the occupant.
“This is the king’s palace,” said William.
T. But what king needs such an armed force? Is he a tyrant that he requires aid to protect him from harm?
W. He is not without fear and hope. He fears what the minds may do whom he rules, and he hopes by an armed force to coerce minds into submission to his authority.