In proceeding to the contemplation of the mysteries of knowledge,we shall adhere to the celebrated and venerable rule of tradition,commencing from the origin of the universe, setting forth thosepoints of physical contemplation which are necessary to bepremised, and removing whatever can be an obstacle on the way; sothat the ear may be prepared for the reception of the tradition ofthe Gnosis, the ground being cleared of weeds and fitted for theplanting of the vineyard; for there is a conflict before theconflict, and mysteries before the mysteries.—S. Clement ofAlexandria.
Let the specimen suffice to those who have ears. For it is notrequired to unfold the mystery, but only to indicate what issufficient.—Ibid.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.—S. Matthew.
The object of this book is to suggest certain lines of thought as to thedeep truths underlying Christianity, truths generally overlooked, andonly too often denied. The generous wish to share with all what isprecious, to spread broadcast priceless truths, to shut out none fromthe illumination of true knowledge, has resulted in a zeal withoutdiscretion that has vulgarised Christianity, and has presented itsteachings in a form that often repels the heart and alienates theintellect. The command to "preach the Gospel to everycreature"[1]—though admittedly of doubtful authenticity—has beeninterpreted as forbidding the teaching of the Gnosis to a few, and hasapparently erased the less popular saying of the same Great Teacher:"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearlsbefore swine."[2][Pg viii]
This spurious sentimentality—which refuses to recognise the obviousinequalities of intelligence and morality, and thereby reduces theteaching of the highly developed to the level attainable by the leastevolved, sacrificing the higher to the lower in a way that injuresboth—had no place in the virile common sense of the early Christians.S. Clement of Alexandria says quite bluntly, after alluding to theMysteries: "Even now I fear, as it is said, 'to cast the pearls beforeswine, lest they tread them underfoot, and turn and rend us.' For it isdifficult to exhibit the really pure and transparent words respectingthe true Light to swinish and untrained hearers."[3]
If true knowledge, the Gnosis, is again to form a part of Christianteachings, it can only be under the old restrictions, and the idea oflevelling down to the capacities of the least developed must bedefinitely surrendered. Only by teaching above the grasp of the littleevolved can the way be opened up for a restoration of arcane[Pg ix] knowledge,and the study of the Lesser Mysteries must precede that of the Greater.The Greater will never be publis