In its function, the power to punish is not essentially different from that of curing or educating.
The soul that is attached to anything, however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of Divine union. For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds it fast; for until the cord be broken, the bird cannot fly.
Of winter’s lifeless world each tree now seems a perfect part; Yet each one holds summer’s secret deep down within its heart.
There are ways from light into darkness and from darkness into light. There are ways, also, from the gloom into deeper darkness, and from the dawn into brighter light. The wise man will use the light he has to receive more light. He will constantly advance in the knowledge of truth.
Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.
