The Two Ways.

1 And now I will proclaim, O ye who are drawing near and seeking to be taught, those counsels which appertain to Him who knows all things whatsoever; the praises which are for the Wise Lord, and the offerings which spring from the Good Mind, and likewise the benignant meditations inspired by Righteousness. And I pray that good results may be seen, for the lights of heaven are signs of God.

2 Hear ye then with your ears; see ye the bright lights, the signs of God, with the Better Mind. It is for a decision as to religions, man and man, each individually for himself. Before the great effort of the cause, awake ye all to our teaching!

3 Thus there are two primeval inclinations, a pair, opposed in their striving and independent in their action, which have been famed of old. They are a better and a worse, as to thought, as to word, and as to deed. And between these two let the wisely acting choose aright. Choose not as the evil-doers!

4 Yea, when these two met at the first, there arose life and life's absence, and it was decreed how the world shall be at the last: for the wicked the worst existence (Hell), for the righteous the Best Mind (the Garden).

5 Of these two, the evil one chose to work the worst of possible results, but the bountiful one chose Righteousness; and likewise those who content the Wise Lord with actions really performed in accordance with the faith; for it is He who has established the firm heavens.

6 And between these two the devils, and they who give them worship, cannot make a righteous choice, for delusion came upon them. As they were questioning and debating in their council, Satan, the Worst Mind, approached them that he might be chosen. They made their fatal decision. And thereupon they rushed together unto the demon of wrath, that they might pollute the lives of mortals.

7 Then Piety approached, and with her came the Sovereign Power, the Good Mind, and Righteousness. And Piety, the abiding and ever strenuous, gave bodies to the creations. And for these Thy servants so let the body be at the last, O Wise Lord, as it was when Thou didst first begin Thy creation!

8 And when the great struggle shall have been fought out, and when the just vengeance shall have come upon these wretches, then, O Wise Lord, the Kingdom shall be manifestly Thine, established through Thy Good Mind. For to those, O Living Lord, does Thy Good Mind give command, who will deliver the demon of the Lie into the hands of Righteousness.

9 And may we be among those who bring on this great renewal, and make this world progressive till its perfection shall have been reached. May we be servants of the Wise Lord, in helpful readiness to meet Thy people, presenting benefits in union with Righteousness. For there will our thoughts be tending where true wisdom abides in her home.

10 And when perfection shall have been attained, then shall the blow of destruction fall upon the demon of Falsehood, and her adherents shall perish with her; but swiftest in the happy abode of the Good Mind and of the Wise Lord shall the righteous saints gather, they who proceed in their walk on earth in good repute and honour.

11 Wherefore, O ye men, ye are learning thus these religious incitations which God gave in our happiness and our sorrow. And ye are also learning what is the long wounding for the wicked, and the blessings which are in store for the righteous. And when these shall have begun their course, salvation shall be your portion!