The Gnostic Bible: Gnostic Texts of Mystical Wisdom form the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

6io MANICHAEAN LITERATURE

from the word of sin, and add it to his word

so he becomes the nourisher and strengthener.^36

WHEN HE IS PERFECT

When he is perfect. The twelve members

and his wisdom. He becomes just

as he perfects. Formerly he was running aimlessly,

but now he runs up his road and his path

and mount to the heights, to the great aeons.

So the old man is bound in lust,

foolishness in these five members of the body; the dark

spirit is imprisoned with them in a bond

and in severe misery.

THE NEW MAN REIGNS BY LOVE

And the new man reigns by love, by faith, by perfection,

by patience, and by wisdom.

Yet his king is the light mind, who is king of all.

He reigns over it as he wishes. The members' sin

is imprisoned, yet the light mind is king,

and an affection often rises in the body.

FOOLISH SIN CLIMBS UP

There are instances when sin will climb up

and show off its foolishness.^37

It disturbs consideration and clouds wisdom

and understanding. It splits truth

and puts doubt in him, uttering foolish words.

When this kind of foolishness enters the church,

the teachers and elders gather.

36. All of this describes the process whereby a person becomes renewed, sanctified by the light.


37. A person may still backslide into sin, in spite of the best efforts and intentions of teachers
    and friends.