Chapter XII.—The Mysteries of the Faith Not to Be Divulged to All.
But since this tradition is not published alone
for him who perceives the magnificence of the word; it is requisite,
therefore, to hide in a mystery the wisdom spoken, which the Son of
God taught. Now, therefore, Isaiah the prophet has his tonguepurified
by fire, so that he may be able to tell the vision. And we must purify
not the tongue alone, but also the ears, if we attempt to be partakers
of the truth.
For it is difficult to exhibit the really
pure and transparent words respecting the true light, to swinish and
untrained hearers. For scarcely could anything which they could hear be
more ludicrous than these to the multitude; nor any subjects
on the other hand more admirable
or more inspiring to those of noblenature. “But the natural man
receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness
to him.”1941
of the true knowledge, and expound them
aloft and conspicuously; and as we have heard in the ear, so to deliver
them to whom it is requisite; but not enjoining us to communicate to all
without distinction, what is said to them in parables. But there is only
a delineation in the memoranda, which have the truth sowed sparse1944
1944 [A word (sparse) hitherto
branded as an “Americanism.”]
and broadcast,
that it may escape the notice of those who pick up seeds like jackdaws;
but when they find a good husbandman, each one of them will germinate
and produce corn.
