Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 138 -
MARTIN'S REASON FOR REJECTING THE WISDOM-PRIZE. THE PROFOUND WISDOM OF THE SUN-MAIDENS' REPLY.
1
(After this soliloquy, Martin again turns to the three and says): "Oh, you inconceivably glorious daughters of the sun, although you have replied very well to what I have said, you have still made a considerable mistake.
2
You are right if your light tells you that the great Primordial Spirit is indivisible in His love and wisdom. For where there is a body, there also must be a head, or in other words, whoever receives a prize of love must not disregard the prize of wisdom if he wants to be perfect. But your bright, heavenly eyes can surely see that my head is already adorned with a prize looking very much like yours. And since you are so well-informed about all my previous experiences, you must surely know that I was thus adorned by the Lord Himself.
3
This being a fact which you, sweet children, cannot deny, would the Lord have given me a divided prize, namely, the one of love only? However, it does comprise the necessary and justified degree of wisdom. Consequently, this prize given by the great God is not a divided but a complete gift, perfectly measured. So, notwithstanding your very wisely put reply, I do not see what good your wisdom-prize could do for me.
4
Since as you can see I have already one head, what would I do with another one? Should I really need another head, I shall be happy, if it is the will of my Lord, to accept it from you, lovable daughters of the sun. But if it is not necessary to have two heads, but only one that is perfect, you will understand that I cannot possibly then accept your prize. Do speak! I am listening!"
5
(Say the three): "Oh, you glorious and sublime one, we are quite aware that with your prize you have been given more than we would ever comprehend. Thus we know very well that your prize is a complete one. But from countless experiences, repeating themselves in one and the same way, we also know that the great God gives every being a perfect and complete life.
6
We also know that no human being is born into the world without a head. It has eyes to see with, ears to hear with, a nose for smelling, a palate for tasting, and many nerves for various sensations. A newborn child has all this, which surely originates in the Supreme Spirit's wisdom as well as His love, both of which you can discern at a glance.
7
Why then does a newborn child - as a work of the great God's combined love and wisdom - always attains wisdom so much later than love which is the real life? You yourself have already lived for a long time and possess an abundance of love. But if you ask yourself whether your wisdom is as old as your life, you are sure to find a rather conflicting answer.
8
Through our top philosophers, we know that the great God on your earth has said to a certain wise Jew: 'Except a man be born again of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.' Tell us: How can the great God demand of a philosopher who has already lived a long time, rebirth of the spirit, if He has already given a child in the womb everything it needs to take full possession of the eternal Kingdom of God?
9
You can see it everywhere that maturity follows only long after a being has come into existence. Can you prove to us from the history of your earth that a human being has ever come from the womb fully mature? Or do you already know for sure why the Great Spirit has only now, after you have gone through a number of transformations, directed you to this vast world of light, accompanied by these two wisest of spirits? Speak, glorious one, tell us about it as we look to you for a lot of profound wisdom."