to curious Speculations, it would be worse with them, and they would not be able to attain to the Degree of the Blessed, but would fluctuate and be toss’d up and down, and make a bad End.  But on the contrary, if they continu’d in that State in which they were till Death overtook them, they should be happy, and stand on the right Hand:  But as for those that out-went them, they should also take place of them, and that they should be the next.

Sec. 119.  So they took their leave and left them, and sought for an Opportunity of returning to their Island, till it pleas’d God to help them to a Convenience of passing.  And Hal Ebn Yokdhan endeavour’d to attain to his lofty Station, by the same means he had sought it at first, till he recover’d it; and Asal followed his Steps, till he came near him, or wanted but very little of it; and thus they continued serving God in this Island till they died.

Sec. 120.  And this is that (God assist thee and us by his Spirit) which we have receiv’d of the History of Hai Ebn Yokdhan, Asal and Salaman; which comprehends such Choice of Words, as are not found in any other Book, nor heard in common Discourse.  And it is a piece of hidden Knowledge which none can receive, but those which have the Knowledge of God, nor can any be ignorant of it, but those which have not.  Now we have taken a contrary Method to our pious Ancestors, as to their Reservedness in this Matter, and Sparingness of Speech.  And the Reason which did the more easily persuade me to divulge this Secret, and tear the Veil, was, because of the corrupt Notions which some Pretenders to Philosophy in our Age have broach’d and scatter’d, so that they are diffus’d through several Countries, and the Mischief which arises from thence is become Epidemical.  Fearing therefore lest those weak ones, who reject the Tradition of the Prophets (of Blessed Memory) and make choice of that which is delivered them by Fools, should imagine that these Opinions are that Secret, which ought to be with-held from those who are not worthy or capable of it, and so their Desire and Study of these Opinions should be increas’d.  I have thought good to give them a Glimpse of this Secret of Secrets, that I might draw them into the right Way, and avert them from this other.  Nevertheless, I have not so delivered the Secrets which are comprehended in these few Leaves, as to leave them without a thin Veil or Cover over them, which will be easily rent by those who are worthy of it; but will be so thick to him, that is unworthy to pass beyond it, that he shall not be able to get through it.  And I desire of those my Brethren who shall see this Discourse, that they would excuse me for being so easily induc’d to explain it, and so free in the Description of it; seeing I had not done so, if I had not been elevated to such Heights, as transcend the Reach of Humane Sight.  And I was willing to express it in easie Terms, that I might dispose Men, and raise a Desire in them to enter into the right Way.  And I beg of God Pardon and Forgiveness, and that he would please to bring us to the true and certain Knowledge of himself, for he is gracious and liberal of his Favours. Peace be to thee, my Brother, whose Promotion is decreed, and, the Mercy find Blessing of God be upon thee,