"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness (Wisdom); for they shall be filled." The first step toward obtaining Wisdom is to open the heart to good, declare for and have faith in the omnipotence of Truth, and not to fear or believe that evil has intelligence, or the power to act, to produce, or to control anything. This condition of mind is the finding of the pearl, after which it must be bought. The price set upon it must be paid before it can be possessed. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." Those who apprehend Wisdom—that is, have sought and found the pearl, and then shrink from fulfilling the demands it makes upon them, are they of whom Jesus said: "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Think not that Wisdom is easily won, and be not dismayed by the trials and struggles that are in the way. Remember there is a cross to bear on every road that leads towards God. Even on the material plane, the same law prevails; from the lowest material belief up to the highest spiritual concept, that which is esteemed good is reached only through sacrifice.
Rising above material sense the spiritual law is revealed. Self-immolation is the price of Wisdom, and he who is unwilling to bear the cross of suffering and of persecution, if need be, can never gain the blessing. Such unwillingness is personal selfishness and dishonesty. Every step of the way must be travelled alone. There would be no self-immolation if another could minister to the weak cravings of personal sense for assistance. To be "one with God," means exclusion of a third, or human aid, from the union.
