Chapter 18

1But because in the midst of the assembly of the people [there are], more and more, many carnal desires, and the labourers are feeble® and few, only My perfect labourers shall know the multitude of My words, all also which at times® I spake to you in private before I should suffer, and which ye know; ye both have them and understand them. For My mysteries are given to those who are Mine, with whom I shall rejoice and be glad with My Father. When they shall be loosed from [this] life they shall come to Me. But these remaining words, determining and appointing them, speak ye in the Churches. But from the day that My faithful ones also have the desire to know, that they may do the things of My Father, what[soever is] in this My testament, I will be with them, and will be praised among them, and I will make My habitation with them, by power informing them of the will of My Father. See that ye give not My holy things to the dogs, and cast not pearls before swine,’ as I have often commanded you. 10Qr: shall be like. There is a reminiscence of St. Luke xx. 36 (?). object). Give not My holy things! to defiled and wicked men who do not bear My cross, and are not subject [to Me]; and My commandments shall be for derision among them. And it? shall be to him that is embittered # and doeth them not, but giveth My words without profit, for the destruction of their souls. But it* shall be spoken and given to those who are firm and fixed, and do not fall away, who keep> My commandments and this tradition, [to the end] that they, keeping these [things], may abide holy and upright and strong in Me, fleeing from the downfall of iniquity and the death of sin; the Holy Ghost [also] bestowing upon them His grace, that they may believe uprightly,® that they may in the Spirit spiritually know the things of the Spirit,’ and in hope® endure labour, and in joy serve My Gospel,’ and bear the reproach of My cross, not doubting but [rather] glorying®; for verily I say unto you, that such as these [men] and such as these [women] shall, after death, dwell ° in the third order of My Father who hath sent Me.