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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: they contained kingly diadems and girdles. But those, that were
be-smeared with pitch and tar, were cheap and of paltry worth,
said they. Then said the king to them, `I know that such is your
answer, for with the eyes of sense ye judge the objects of sense,
but so ought ye not to do, but ye should rather see with the
inner eye the hidden worthlessness or value.' Whereupon he
ordered the golden chests to be opened. And when they were
thrown open, they gave out a loathsome smell and presented a
hideous sight.
"Said the king, `Here is a figure of those who are clothed in
glory and honour, and make great display of power and glory, but
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