1. God indeed can be reached directly, for there is no distance between Him and His Son. 2His awareness is in everyone’s memory, and His Word is written on everyone’s heart. 3Yet this awareness and this memory can arise across the threshold of recognition only where all barriers to truth have been removed. 4In how many is this the case? 5Here, then, is the role of God’s teachers. 6They, too, have not attained the necessary understanding as yet, but they have joined with others. 7This is what sets them apart from the world. 8And it is this that enables others to leave the world with them. 9Alone they are nothing. 10But in their joining is the power of God.
2. There are those who have reached God directly, retaining no trace of worldly limits and remembering their own Identity perfectly. 2These might be called the Teachers of teachers because, although they are no longer visible, their image can yet be called upon. 3And they will appear when and where it is helpful for them to do so. 4To those to whom such appearances would be frightening, they give their ideas. 5No one can call on them in vain. 6Nor is there anyone of whom they are unaware. 7All needs are known to them, and all mistakes are recognized and overlooked by them. 8The time will come when this is understood. 9And meanwhile, they give all their gifts to the teachers of God who look to them for help, asking all things in their name and in no other.
3. Sometimes a teacher of God may have a brief experience of direct union with God. 2In this world, it is almost impossible that this endure. 3It can, perhaps, be won after much devotion and dedication, and then be maintained for much of the time on earth. 4But this is so rare that it cannot be considered a realistic goal. 5If it happens, so be it. 6If it does not happen, so be it as well. 7All worldly states must be illusory. 8If God were reached directly in sustained awareness, the body would not be long maintained. 9Those who have laid the body down merely to extend their helpfulness to those remaining behind are few indeed. 10And they need helpers who are still in bondage and still asleep, so that by their awakening can God’s Voice be heard.
4. Do not despair, then, because of limitations. 2It is your function to escape from them, but not to be without them. 3If you would be heard by those who suffer, you must speak their language. 4If you would be a savior, you must understand what needs to be escaped. 5Salvation is not theoretical. 6Behold the problem, ask for the answer, and then accept it when it comes. 7Nor will its coming be long delayed. 8All the help you can accept will be provided, and not one need you have will not be met. 9Let us not, then, be too concerned with goals for which you are not ready. 10God takes you where you are and welcomes you. 11What more could you desire, when this is all you need?