18. Thus we recognize that desire is sin. For it
is a lusting out of one into many, and introduces
many into one. It will possess, and yet should be
will-less. By desire substance is sought, and in
substance desire kindles fire.
19. Now each particular fire burns in accordance
with the character of its own being ; and here
separation and enmity are born. For Christ says :
He that is not with me is against me ; and he that
gathereth not with me scattereth (Luke xi. 23).
For he gathereth without Christ; and whatsoever
is not in Him is out of God.
20. We see, then, that covetousness is sin; for
it is a desire out of God. And we see also that
pride is sin, for it will be a thing of its own; and
separates itself from God, as from the One.
21. For whatever will be in God must walk in
him, in his will. Seeing then we are in God but
one in many members, it is against God when
one member withdraws itself "from the other, and
makes a lord of itself, as pride does. Pride will
be lord, and God alone is lord. Thus there are
two lords, and one separates from the other.
22. All, therefore, is sin and a contrary will,
that desire possesses as its own, be it meat or drink.
If the will imaginate thereinto, it fills itself there-
with and kindles the fire thereof, and then another
fire bums in the first, and there is contrary will
and error.
23. Therefore out of the contrary will must
grow a new will, which gives itself up again to the
one Unity; and the contrary will must be broken
and slain-