118. Iesus speaks on idolatry
Then said Iesus:
'Ye speak the truth, for now was Israel desirous to establish the idolatry that they have in their hearts, in holding me for God; many of whom have now despised my teaching, saying that I could make myself lord of all Judaea, if I confessed myself to be God, and that I am mad to wish to live in poverty among desert places, and not abide continually among princes in delicate living. Oh hapless man, that prizest the light that is common to flies and ants and despisest the light that is common only to angels and prophets and holy friends (of God)!
'If, then (the eye shall not be guarded) O Andrew, I tell thee that it is impossible not to fall headlong into lust. Wherefore Jeremiah (the prophet) weeping vehemently, said truly: "Mine eye is a thief that robbeth my soul." For therefore did David (our father) pray with greatest longing to God (our lord) that he would turn away his eyes in order that he might not behold vanity. For truly everything which hath an end is vain. Tell me, then, if one had two pence to buy bread, would he spend it to buy smoke? Assuredly not, seeing that smoke doth hurt to the eyes and giveth no sustenance to the body. Even so then let man do, for with the outward sight of his eyes and the inward sight of his mind he should seek to know God (his Creator) and the good-pleasure of his will, and should not make the creature his end, which causeth him to lose the Creator.