110. It is like the dark collyrium, which is broken down by the surrounding waters or seas, serving as its grinding mill; and yet men are maddened with it, as those struck by moon-beams. (Moonstruck lunatics).
111. The visible world disappears at the sight of reason, as a man flies from the sight of his foe; and the train of imaginary creations fly before it, like hosts of demons vanquished by the gods.
112. Thus is this world, which is a false creation of fancy, and exists nowhere except in the idle brains of the ignorant, lost into nothing at the sight of reason.
113. He who is not able to govern his mind, and efface the thoughts of this false world, arising in the minds of the ignorant only; is not worthy of being advised in the abstruse doctrines of spirituality.
114. Those who are confirmed in their belief of the visibles, and are self-sufficient in their knowledge of these; are unable to grasp the subtile science of abstract philosophy, and are therefore unfit to receive spiritual instruction.
115. These men are insensible of the soft tunes of the lute who are accustomed to the loud beatings of drum, and they are startled at seeing the face of a sleeping friend (i.e. their hidden soul).
116. They who fly with fear from the loud songs (preachings) of false preachers, cannot have the patience to listen to the silent lesson of their inward monitor; and they who are deluded by their own minds, can hardly be reclaimed by any other.
117. Those who are tempted to taste the gall of worldly pleasures for sweet, are so subdued by its effects on their understandings, that they lose the power of discerning the truth altogether; and it is therefore useless to remonstrate with them.
CHAPTER XIV.
ASCERTAINMENT OF THE THINKING PRINCIPLE.
Argument. People unworthy of persuasion, their transmigrations, and purification of the mind.