T. 27. VII. 3 – 6. Jesus: “The specious ‘reasoning’ by which the world is made, on which it rests, and by which it is maintained, is simply this: ‘You exist and think apart from me, and it is your sin that justifies my wrath. You are the cause of what I do and what I feel! While you constantly attack me, I am the one who is always innocent. And what I suffer from is only your attack.’
No one who looks in honesty upon this reasoning, exactly as it is, can fail to see it simply does not follow, and really makes no sense at all. Yet it is attractive for relief from the pain of separation, because it looks as if the ‘world outside’ were hurting you.
So then, to find the cause of your recurring pain, it seems there is no need to go beyond this ‘obvious’ reason. But there is indeed a need to do so!
The world’s escape from condemnation is a need which those within the world are joined in sharing. Yet, unfortunately, they do not recognize their common need. For each one thinks that if he does his part, the condemnation of the world will rest on him alone. This ‘self-sacrifice’ is what he expects to be his part in its deliverance. Then comes his vengeance, which must have a specific focus. Otherwise is the avenger’s knife in his own hand, and pointed to himself. And for his own relief, he now must see it in another’s hand, so he can play the victim of attack he did not choose nor bring upon himself in any way. And thus he suffers from the wounds a knife he does not hold has seemed to make upon himself!
This is the purpose of the world he sees outside himself! And looked at thus, the world provides him with the means by which this purpose seems to be fulfilled. But the ‘means’ he has chosen merely attest the purpose, and are not themselves a cause! Nor will the cause be changed at all by seeing it apart from its effects. The cause produces the effects, which then bear witness to the cause, and not themselves!
Look, then, beyond the mere ‘effects!’ It is not there the cause of suffering and sin must lie. Dwell not upon the suffering and sin, for they are but reflections of their cause within the mind. The part you play in salvaging the world from condemnation is thus your own escape!
Forget not that the witness to the world of evil cannot speak except for a mind that has seen a need for evil! And now we come to where your guilt was first beheld. In separation from your brother was the first attack upon yourself begun. And it is this the world of form bears witness to!
Seek not another cause apart from your obsession to be separate, nor for its undoing should you look among the mighty legions of its ‘witnesses.’ They but support its claim on your allegiance! What conceals the truth is not where you should look to find the truth!”