V
1. It will be asked: "How can you refer to a Creator Whom you do not know?"
Reply: "Historically and scientifically we know the Great Teachers who have created the quality of our consciousness."
"In recognizing the influence of the ideology of the Teachers, are you not restricting your freedom?" Reply: "The quality of freedom is remarkable; if freedom exists at all, nothing can limit it. The body can be shackled, but nothing can diminish consciousness except ugliness. When we touch upon the heights of freedom, we must guard against ugliness. If we wish to exalt matter, we must think wisely about beauty."
In Beauty will Infinity be manifested. In Beauty the teachings of the Seekers of the spirit are illumined. In Beauty we do not fear to manifest the truth of freedom. In Beauty do we kindle radiance in every drop of water. In Beauty do we transform matter into a rainbow.
There is no ugliness which will not be engulfed in the rays of the rainbow. There are no fetters which will not disintegrate in the freedom of Beauty.
How shall we find the words to approach the concept of the universe? How shall we tell about the evolution of forms? How to uplift the consciousness to the study of fundamentals? How to stimulate humanity to scientific cognition of the worlds?
Each realization is born in Beauty.
Know how to think radiantly, and nothing terrifying will touch you. Remember, We have no forbiddances.
2. It has been said that he who speaks against the spirit shows himself ignorant, and that blasphemy against the Spirit is the worst of all.
Saints have been spoken about, but to whom can this inexplicable concept be applied?
Those who perform miracles will be learned magicians. Those who keep their lives in purity will be practical people. Only those who have consciously renounced all the personal and who have transported their consciousness into the conception of world evolution can be called saints in Our understanding. It is imperative that this process be accomplished consciously, outside of fortuitous external conditions.
It is impossible to forcibly implant religion anew - it would be but a sacrilegious monstrosity.
The way of renouncing the ugliness of life will prompt the spirit to truthful quests. Then the obviousness of the interrelation of the worlds will compel one to ponder scientifically.
This ineffable thought is the beginning of spiritual discipline. These quests, void of the personal element, awaken the reflex of action - this is called achievement.
It is better, in general, to replace the word "saint" with an absolutely definite term - achiever. The manifestation of achievement in life is unceasing, and without hypocrisy We will be able thus to proclaim its evident manifestations.
Life's achievement must be performed by human hands.
3. A prophet, is a man who possesses spiritual foresight. Just as on the physical plane there is near-sightedness and farsightedness, thus simply must one understand the quality of farsightedness of the spirit.
It would be absolutely the height of ignorance to deny all prophecies.
It would be completely stupid to condemn the prophets.
If we scientifically and impartially examine prophecies which have chanced to be preserved, what do we see? We find people who, disregarding personal advantage or disadvantage, have peered into a forthcoming page of history, were terrified, and forewarned the people.
Among known prophecies one does not find selfish intentions, one does not find a criminal self-interest, one does not find slander. The symbols of visions are tinted because of the distance, the difference in space and time.
When will scholars find time to investigate prophecies scientifically and to make historical comparisons?
It would be a fine book for a young scientist to write!
Yes, friends, it is time to learn to approach obvious manifestations culturally. Otherwise, future attainments will be to men what electrons are to cradled infants. Your uniforms and togas do not conceal your timorous infancy.
You will ask who determined your rankings and denominations. Verily, you would be horrified to see the forefathers of your contentment. Dwarfs of cupidity attempted to screen the Giants of the Common Weal.
The radiance of the New World does not penetrate into your burrow! But let a whirlwind sweep away the roots which shroud the Dawn!
There is nothing more beautiful than sunrise - and the sun rises in the East!
4. Can it be so very difficult for you to understand the meaning of astrology? If knowledge of it is lacking, I suggest making an experiment. Suppose you take tour organisms: a plant, a fish, a bird, and an animal - let us say a lily, a carp, a dove, and a dog. Provide seven specimens of each, and for each group construct a place deprived of daylight and saturated with a colored electric light. The glass should be of various colors, conforming as closely as possible to the colors of the rainbow. At night you should merely reduce the amount of light. Thus you may observe them for about four months.
At the end of this time even a blind man will grasp the difference in the results. Besides, there will be lacking the principal factor of the stellar ray; namely, its chemical composition. It is impossible to ignore the importance of the physical influence of the planetary bodies.
The attention and expectations of humanity must be turned to the far-off worlds. Hence, everything pertaining to this subject must be studied without prejudices. Since exact knowledge is needed, astronomy is strikingly applicable.
5. It is possible to issue decrees, to make promises, and to intimidate; but only understanding impels. What could replace the understanding of application.
People will say, "How beautiful! How powerful! How sublime!" But all these outbursts are like will-o-the-wisps over a marsh, and are extinguished as easily as they are generated. Pure but superficial thoughts are like multi-colored dust particles; the first wind carries them away into space. The value of such particles is negligible.
We appreciate a thought which has engendered a decision. The decision is valued according to its applicability. Applicability is judged by spirit-knowledge, and then an action results at which one may rejoice. Whoever rejoices has faith also. Even faith must be well-grounded, and thus can the Teaching
We compute well. We apply well. If you are accused of economy, do not reject this either; for economy is opposed to madness, and madness is opposed to spirit knowledge. But whatever circle of reasoning we choose, we shall inevitably return to the great knowledge of the spirit.
I do not vaguely feel, I know! Not superstition, but certainty. When we are filled with immutability, it is as if we have contacted the magnet of the planet. Then we stand steadfast.
6. Avoid uniformity, as to both place and work. Actually, uniformity accompanies that greatest fallacy, the concept of personal ownership. First of all, the slave of property loses mobility of spirit. Such a slave ceases to understand that each day of labor should be tinged with a special quality of the spirit. He cannot change place, because his spirit will be permanently fixed in his earthly home.
Ask yourself - is it easy for you to move to another place? Is it easy for you to change the nature of your work? If it is, this means that you can appreciate the value of the Common Good.
If each journey forces you to write your last will and testament, and a change of work makes you unhappy, this means that a remedy must be taken. Most dangerous journeys should be prescribed, and changes in the way of most diversified work should be assigned. This will develop courage, and resourcefulness, because the primary cause of the defect is fear.
The embryo of proprietorship is also fear, the feeling that one must be attached to the Earth at least by something! As if a miserable hovel could be an adequate anchor for the spirit! As if a heap of personal belongings could protect one from the lightning! Periodically the injurious playthings of ownership have been taken away from humanity. But again fear, the father of lies, spins his cobweb and again terrors are concocted. Therefore, let us abolish fear. With it will depart property ownership and boredom.
How much new health there is in diversity of place and of labor!
7. Nirvana is the quality of assimilation of all actions. The saturation of all-inclusiveness brings you true knowledge, flowing from the tremor of illumination. Languages have no more precise definition of this process. Quietude is only an external aspect, and quietude does not express the essential nature of the condition.
Buddha mentioned quietude, but only this external aspect was assimilated by his listeners. For to the people who heard him the idea of rest was very attractive. Action as something meritorious is too little understood.
You like scientific construction - so do We. It you have heard the theory of vortical rings, the theory of waves, of magnetism, of attraction and repulsion, then you must realize that there exist on the Earth places of very diverse significance. Even dull-witted heads have pondered over the strange fate of many cities. The combination of a physicist, an astro-chemist, a biologist, and an astrologer would yield the best answer without any mysticism. The construction of large cities ought to be cautiously planned. Least significant of all is contemporary politics, because this concept lacks scientific basis and beauty.
Gauging the requirements of the future city, be not misled by an apparently broad concept; a trifle is often more indicative.
Also, in selecting coworkers pay attention to details during small actions.
Determining the essential nature of a man through the pupil of his eye. We surround him with habits of small actions. Least of all attach significance to words; they are as flowing waters. Small actions which saturate the whole life best denote the nature of a man - from them grow the large ones. We do not place much trust in chance achievements. From fear one can accomplish a deed of courage.
Conscious actions are necessary; they alone lead to Nirvana.
8. Let us imagine a man imbued with the thought that his two eyes see differently. Of course he will be right, but by this very thought he will ruin his eyesight. Coordination of reflexes is difficult, but it alone assure successful operation of the apparatus. The difference between the eyes is what gives perspective to the thing seen.
Just so can two different truths coalesce in a healthy organism. A man who is obsessed with thought about different truths is like the man who ponders about the difference of his eyes, he loses perspective of conception.
9. Outside the window sounded a call. One worker ignored it with "Don't disturb me, I am busy!" Another promised to come but forgot. A third came after his work was finished, but the place was already empty. A fourth was set atremble at the call, and, putting aside his tools, went forth at once with, "Here I am!" This is called the tremor of sensitiveness.
Only this tremor, lit by the consciousness day and night, leads to spirit-knowledge. Over and above the reason, the gates are opened by a tremor which is even audible to human apparati.
If you are unable to suppress within yourself this tremor of sensitiveness - good for you!
10. Ask a composer if he likes unison choirs and symphonies. He will pronounce your question an absurdity, because there is no such thing as a symphony in unison. For a new tone the composer is ready to introduce the most unexpected instrument. Just so in the formation of a group - be not astonished at an apparent diversity of the members. Not according to birth, nor habits, nor mistakes are they grouped; their contact is in spirit. They are united in a chorus by spirit, which is imponderable, invisible and inaudible. Therefore, do not reproach any one for the pitch of his voice - its quality is what is important.
It is joyous to realize that quality can always be improved if there is discipline of spirit.
11. In creeds and laws treachery, slander, and revilement are condemned; but it is not adequately shown why these actions are essentially harmful. Hence, these censures have the appearance of prohibitions. But any forbiddance is relative and unconvincing. When harm and usefulness are indicated, the essential nature must be explained.
The harm of treachery, slander and revilement can easily be shown in an ordinary example. Of course, the ultimate injury will be not to the betrayed but to the betrayer.
The entire world is divided along a boundary line between individual and general welfare. If we act within the sphere of the general welfare with sincere intentions, then in support of us stands the entire reservoir of cosmic accumulations. This chalice of the best achievements begins to act along an invisible ray.
Imagine it this way: A candle filled with malice is trying to bum you. You have not yet taken any measures, but from behind you there is approaching a powerful torch. Perform this experiment and you will see how the candle gutters, chars, and goes out.
It is not a punishment but a consequence of the laws of nature.
People betray, slander, and revile the bearers of the Common Weal, but not enviable is the fate of these carriers of singeing fires. Therefore, treachery, slander and revilement are not practical.
Therefore, think not about revenge; for even the ancients effectively said, "Vengeance is mine," said the Lord." Is the life of a traitor an easy one?
Likewise, in creeds and laws theft has been spoken against, but again this sounds like a prohibition. Whereas, it must be pointed out that theft is harmful as a concept which augments the sense of personal ownership. Theft injures world evolution, and not enviable is the lot of those who harm world evolution. They send themselves a long way backward.
It is unimportant that some object passes into other hands, but what is important is that two men will experience the onset of the sense of personal ownership.
The law concerning theft is incomplete, because the principal thefts are those of knowledge and creative ideas, which cannot be guarded against.
Theft will be abolished with the elimination of privately owned property.
12. In creeds and laws intemperance is much condemned, but again without explanation. The practicality of temperateness in food and speech can be seen over a period of several months. Of course, as always. We are opposed to fanaticism and torments; the body knows its full needs. About sexual temperance it is necessary to speak in more detail; too much space has been allotted this subject by contemporary thinking.
Very ancient mysteries said: "The lingam is the vessel of wisdom," but in time this knowledge was converted into hideous phallic cults, and religion began to prohibit something without knowing exactly why. Whereas, it should have been said simply that the fact of conception is so wondrous that it is impossible to deal with it by ordinary measures.
One may weigh, one may analyze up to the most minute particles, but still there remains an imperceptible and inscrutable substance, as irreplaceable as the vital force of a seed. In due time We shall direct attention to certain striking properties of this substance, which can be seen; but now it must be agreed that such an extraordinary substance must be very precious and must have some extremely important qualities - even a fool will comprehend this. Experiment provides certainly the best proof. If we compare two individuals, of whom one dissipates the vital substance while the other consciously conserves it, we will be amazed at how much more sensitive the spiritual apparatus of the second becomes. The quality of his labors becomes entirely different, and the quantity of his projects and ideas multiplies. The centers of the solar plexus and brain are being heated, as it were, by an invisible fire. That is why temperance is not a pathological renunciation but a sensible action. To bestow life does not mean to cast away the entire supply of vital substance.
If at the first step people would at least remember the value of the vital substance, then by this alone the necessity of prohibitions would be notably reduced. Forbiddance must be done away with; this is a law of striving. But an irreplaceable treasure will be preserved, and this also is a law of striving.
Let us look at things more voraciously - everything irreplaceable will be in the prime places of conservation.
Can we actually cast the treasure away into space? Indeed, this energy will adhere to the elements from which it has been extracted with such difficulty; and instead of cooperation with evolution there results rubbish, which is subject to a reworking.
Thus, let us picture temperance as wings!
13. Two signs of the authenticity of the Teaching are: first, striving for the Common Weal; second, acceptance of all previous Teachings which are congruous with the first sign. It must be noted that the primary form of a Teaching does not contain negative postulates. But superstitious followers begin to fence in the Covenants with negations, obstructing the good. There results the ruinous formula: "Our creed is the best," or, "We are the true believers; all others are infidels." From this point it is a single step to the Crusades, to the Inquisition, and to seas of blood in the name of Those Who condemned killing. There is no worse occupation than forcible imposition of one's creed.
Whoever wishes to follow Us must first of all forget negation and freely bear the renewed life with out constraint of others. People are attracted by beauty and by luminous knowledge. Only that Teaching which contains all hope, which makes life beautiful, which manifests action, can promote true evolution. Certainly life is not a market, where one can make a fine bargain for entrance into the Heavenly Kingdom. Certainly life is not a grave, where one trembles before the justice of an Unknown Judge!
In keeping with their opinion, scholars have proposed the ingenious consolation: "Man begins to die from the moment of his birth" - a scanty and funereal comfort. But We say that man is eternally being born, and particularly at the moment of so-called death.
The servitors of distorted religions encourage their wards in the purchase of places in the cemetery, where through their advance arrangements they will lie more advantageously and honorably than others more indigent and hence undeserving of lengthy prayers. The incense for these poor ones will be adulterated and the prayers abominably sung.
Ask people, finally, what authentic Teaching has enjoined this monstrous practice? Verily, we have had enough of graves, cemeteries, and intimidations!
One may know how loftily the Teachers have regarded the transition to future manifestations, and least of all have They been concerned about a cemetery site.
The attitude toward death is a very important indicator of the character of the Teaching, for in it is contained the understanding of reincarnation.
I urge you to consider reincarnation strictly scientifically.
If you can propound any other structure of the universe. We shall reserve for you a chair as professor of theology and promise you a first-class funeral; for indeed in the eyes of the enlightened you will have already decided to die.
Read attentively the writings of the Teachers published by you, and you will be amazed at how unanimously in all ages They speak about the change of life.
The Path of Light will appear when you venture to look scientifically and without prejudices.
The daring ones are with Us - joy to the daring ones!
14. Action of the spirit is incalculably swift. Thought is a reflex of the spirit; hence the motion of thought is incredibly rapid.
Only after many steps on a slow scale is the calculation of the speed of light begun.
Since the significance of the spirit is great, then great value should be attached to thought, the child of the spirit. What significance thought has is shown even by a simple apparatus for study of the spectrum of the aura. The aura changes color not only from realized thoughts but, in the same measure, from the errant flies of our spirit reservoir which do not reach the reason nor the memory.
The identical significance of thought and action is spoken about everywhere. This is easily established. Note the effects of a thought about murder and of the act of murder upon the spectrum of the aura - the results will be identical. It is difficult for people to assimilate the fact that the thought has the same effect as the deed. But whoever wishes to take part in world evolution must understand the significance of thought. When thoughts are transformed into physical colors, their action at a distance is just as evident as that revealed by the study of light waves. One must approach scientifically the theory of the force of thought. One should not refer this to exceptional personalities - this law is common to all. Its principal effect will be recognition of the impracticality of falsehood and hypocrisy as well as the need of solicitude toward one's near ones.
Open-minded scholars know that by a single fleeting thought the entire aura is physically colored. The thought may seem to be absolutely secret, yet it has in effect a physical color, scientifically ascertained.
A measuring scale for auras will provide adequate proof for the ignorant.
We have to deal with civilized ignoramuses as with children. A burnt finger teaches them the proper handling of fire. We speak about prejudices, but every state official does not know what a savage beast prejudice is. Let us proceed to joy!
15. Some say that work can be fatiguing and even injurious to the health. Thus say lazy and inert people.
Understand that work properly apportioned cannot in itself be fatiguing. One should understand how to effect a proper change of the group of working nerves, and then no fatigue can find access. Do not try to find rest in idleness. Idleness is but the microbe of indolence. Muscles may ache after tension, but you have but to plunge into idleness to begin to feel the full pain. Whereas, by calling into action the opposite centers one can completely avoid the reflex of the previous tension. Indeed, implicit herein is a great mobility, which is developed by conscious experience.
When a physician prescribes a diversified treatment, time and opportunities are found to carry it out. In the same way one can find a rational change of work. This concerns all kinds of labor.
It is sad to come upon that immobility of mind which impedes the work of the higher centers.
It must be kept in mind that certain bodily positions should be avoided - or at least often changed. Stooping from a standing position interferes with the solar plexus. Throwing the head back hampers the brain centers. Arms stretched forward overburden the center of the aorta. Lying on the back may impede the center of kundalini, though it also may stimulate it. Clear thinking may come with a rush when the position of the light is improved. One has but to turn oneself toward the light or away from it and the reaction is perceptible. First of all, remember that each position has its advantage, but if one is turned into a weather-vane for every shifting wind, then the system of ascent will be disrupted.
16. Success will not abandon those who are striving impetuously, for it is difficult to strike an arrow in flight. How swiftly approaching are the dates of those predestined ones, yet in movement yesterday must be distinguished from tomorrow.
Nations have rebelled, kings are departing - is this by chance? Only the blind do not perceive the movement of evolution. Every youthful heart quivers with a presentiment of new forms. In these movements each new form, though imperfect, is more valuable than the polished old one.
If one is to call oneself a sun-bearer, one must forget about darkness.
Can one aught but uphold those who are striving toward the sun? It is easier to explain to them the significance of solar prana. The solar ray will illumine for them new depths - but one must accept.
Each summoned one is offered the entire chalice. If he does not receive the messenger, he will get only a portion of what has been decreed. If he cannot assimilate this part, he will be given a still smaller particle - thus does each one determine his own allotment.
It must be said to those choosing a lesser portion:
"Self-belittlers, you have driven yourselves from the garden through habits of lightmindedness! Perceive how easy it would have been to acknowledge the messenger of the chalice. Together with him you could have planted a seedling of great freedom. How hard it is now to look into the eyes of passers-by, seeking him who sought admittance to you. What is easy today is inaccessible tomorrow. Therefore, gird yourselves with all vigilance."
One can repeat a Decree, but it is impossible to open eyes forcibly. Let the sleeper continue his slumber! But could one sleep through a time of scintillation of the sky and trembling of the whole earth?
17. Let us recall several cases of error repeated many times in different lives. People have awaited the Messenger for ten years yet closed the door on the day before His coming. Choosing the least portion, they have imagined that all was permitted and tolerated. Selecting a particle, they have fallen into blissful inaction and wondered why the particle wasted away. Choosing a particle, they have decided to retain old habits - as it on one side of the bosom could repose the portion of good and on the other could be kept pet cockroaches. Choosing a particle, they have decided to jump off the train for only a minute, forgetting that such a leap in motion carries one perilously backward. Choosing a particle, they have thought to slander a brother, forgetting that the slander would beat back painfully on their own foreheads.
You may ask: "How should one conduct oneself so as not to besmirch the chosen portion?" I can give this advice: Instead of a particle, accept the entire chalice of the Common Good. This will shield you against all impurities. Instead of timorous hesitation, resolve as an experiment to adopt for seven years the plan of the General Welfare. If My advice is poor, you can return later to breeding your cockroaches.
To whomever the Chalice of the Common Good seems heavy, I shall say that the Teaching is not sugar-coated nuts and it is not silver trinkets. The Teaching is rich silver ore, destined- and treasured. The Teaching is curative resin, revealed and directed.
I shall tell the wavering one that he must beware of becoming a traitor, because the fate of even a small traitor is horrible!
I shall say to the toiler that to attract a small force is of considerable merit, but to attract a great force is a luminous achievement. Verily, the chalice of the Common Weal is not weighty to the toiler.
When you are seeking coworkers, do not be confused. Working hands may disguise the Messenger; His complexion may be due to the mountain snows. The Messenger of Truth will not be shouting in the bazaar.
Thus gather the signs - the time is near!
18. Now that you have assimilated the distinguishing marks of the Messenger, We shall remind you of the characteristics of coworkers. They are without prejudices, mobile in action, young in spirit, fearless of chasms. It is well not to forget the unknown ones and the orphans.
Now it is time to speak of the signs of the path leading to Us. First of all, do you clearly accept the existence of the Teachers?
When you read about a discovery of dinosaur eggs, you readily accept the information. Just as easily do you accept information about a new species of ape; about the vital capacity of seeds found in the tombs of the Pyramids; about an unknown metal; about a new tribe of descendants of island castaways. A whole train of information outside of your everyday life you accept without demur.
Is it difficult to accept the fact that a group that has acquired knowledge by the path of tenacious labor can be united in the name of the Common Good? Empirical knowledge has led to the finding of a favorable place, where the currents permit easier communications in diverse directions.
Surely you have heard the accounts of travelers about discovering unknown Yogis in caves. It you extend this fact in the direction of actual knowledge, you will easily arrive at the perception of the group of Teachers of Knowledge.
How then to find the way to Our Laboratories? Without a summons, no one will reach Us. Without a Guide no one will pass! At the same time there is necessary an indomitable personal striving and readiness for the hardships of the way.
According to custom the wayfarer must traverse a certain portion of the way alone. Just before arrival, even those who have been in direct communication with Us do not sense Our tidings. It must be thus because of human conditions.
Those arriving alone, except for profound reasons, are divided into two groups: those striving personally and those summoned for a mission.
Without a special Indication, no one will recognize those who have been to see Us.
Since Our Messenger does not shout m the market place, so too those who have been with Us know how to guard the Common Weal.
An unmistakable sign of Our Call is when you are borne irresistibly, as if on wings. Thus accept Our Community of Knowledge and Beauty. And be assured that, although one can search every mountain gorge, an uninvited visitor will not find the way.
Many times have We visited your cities, and no one can say We are estranged from the world You yourselves locate your observatories outside cities, and take care to leave scientists in quietude. Accept, then, Our considerations, and be not vexed at the lack of a definite address.
Remember Those working for the Common Good!
19. You will inevitably encounter a certain kind of people who fly into a rage at mention of the Teachers. They are ready to trust in any despicable stock market speculation, they are ready to believe in any swindle, but the idea of the General Welfare is inadmissible to them.
Look intently into the pupil of the eye of these people. Therein you will find an evasive shadow, and they cannot long endure your gaze. These are hidden dugpas. Often they are more dangerous than their more obvious colleagues.
Even if a purse of money is sent to them, they will recall a non-existent debtor. If they are saved from ruin, their gratitude will go to the police. Even if one should bring these seemingly well-intentioned people to the very boundary of Our Abode they will declare that what is seen is a mirage. It might be thought that this is due to ignorance, but the reason is far worse.
Beware of them! Chiefly, protect the children. They are the cause of many children's ailments. They find access into the schools. For them historical fact and the law of knowledge are non-existent. Upon encountering sickly children inquire about the quality of their teachers.
Just now, when an important time is drawing near, it is necessary to disinfect as many children as possible; they will be the ones to think about the cities of the future. They must be given a truthful book about the saintly heroes of the Common Good, but this book has not yet been written. Fallacious are children's books, spurious their playthings, false the smiles of their tutors. Amidst constant falsification is it possible to expect truthfulness?
I advise to devote time to the children. Let them carry stones and timbers for their city.
I have spoken about secret dugpas for your information; but for yourselves you need pay no attention to them, as to every striving worker they are mere dust.
But if you show children Our Domicile, they will joyously walk through all the laboratories and observatories. Our prismatic mirrors will give them unforgettable joy; because they love everything real, and We Ourselves strive for Truth.
Give the children only real, true objects!
20. From Our Community We sow seeds of the Common Good throughout all parts of the world. You, ask how to keep the Code of the Community? You have already heard about many features of Our Labor, and now remember this not merely for information but for immediate application. If renouncement of the personal brings one near, then abstinence from action for the Common Good removes one immeasurably - this is a rule of the Community. Through mobility of mind it is easy to preserve the personal during striving for the General Welfare.
You ask why so many tests are necessary. In the Community everything is attained by experience; therefore, it is right to regard testings as growth. Tests lie as thresholds to the gates of Beauty.
Do away with sighing and tearful faces when speaking about tests.
Rejection of the Common Good casts even a giant into a pit.
Whoever has had the advantage of listening to Our discourses can testify as to how efficiently and amidst what diverse activities Our time passes. For the increase of possibilities. We have been obliged to curtail lengthy forms of speech, seeking in different ages the better and briefer definitives. It is necessary to be able to give in three minutes' time the salient contents of a three-hour speech. In saying this, I am ignoring the indignation of lawyers and preachers.
To evaluate the treasure of time is possible only through labor for the General Welfare. Least of all is it admissible to steal the time of one's brother. Aimlessly stealing time is the same as stealing ideas.
To the testing there may be added a question that even a child can be asked: "What do you consider of the utmost importance right now?" Understanding the train of thought, one can recognize the true nature according to the reply. It is sad to look upon those who conceal their thoughts. Thought is lightning!
