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CHAPTER XIII, 113-138.
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command, that scanty knowledge and ignorance are more loved by him, (124) and his desire for them is more than for knowledge and wisdom. 125. And that even his advantage from ignorance was more, (126) because while the tree of knowledge was not tasted by them they were ignorant, and not disobedient and without benefit unto him, (127) but just as their knowledge arose they became disobedient unto him. 128. There was also no anxiety for him from their ignorance, but just as their knowledge arose (129) he became exhausted and wrathful about them, (130) and, forced out of paradise by him, with grievous discomfort and disgrace, they are cast 1 to the earth. (131) The sum total is this, that the cause of this birth of man's knowledge, in the worldly existence, was owing to the serpent and deceit.
132. They also say this, that things of every kind were created for mankind-on account of which it is evident that even that tree was created by him for mankind-(133) and man was made by him predominant over every creature and creation 2 134. If that be so, why were they now to incline their desires away from that tree which was their own ?
135. From this following statement this, too, is evident, that knowledge was not really originating with him, (136) because if he came forth to the gardens and raised his voice, and called Adam by name thus : 'Where art thou,' it is just as though he were unaware of the place where he existed; (137) and if he had been unanswered by him, he would have been unaware of the place where Adam existed. 138. If it were not owing to his (agas)
Or admitted.'
See $$ 46, 47.
See § 29.
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