2 A multitude of people followed and the master said to them, Behold, for you are followers for selfish gain.
3 If you would follow me in love, and be disciples of the Holy Breath, and gain at last the crown of life, you must leave all there is of carnal life behind.
4 Be not deceived; stay, men, and count the cost.
5 If one would build a tower, or a home, he first sits down and counts the cost to be assured that he has gold enough to finish it.
6 For well he knows that if he makes a failure of his enterprise he may lose all his wealth, and be the butt of ridicule.
7 And if a king desires to take the kingdom of another king, he calls his trusted men and they consider well their strength; he will not measure arms with one of matchless power.
8 Count well the cost before you start to follow me; it means the giving up of life, and all you have.
9 If you love father, mother, wife, or child, more than you love the Christ, you cannot follow me.
10 If you love wealth or honor more than you love the Christ, you cannot follow me.
11 The paths of carnal life do not run up the mountain side towards the top; they run around the mount of life, and if you go straight to the upper gate of consciousness you cross the paths of carnal life; tread in them not.