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WHOEVER then would arrive at this theoretical knowledge must first
pursue practical knowledge with all his might and main. For this practical
knowledge can be acquired without theoretical, but theoretical cannot
possibly be gained without practical. For there are certain stages, so
distinct, and arranged in such a way that man's humility may be able to
mount on high; and if these follow each other in turn in the order of which
we have spoken, man can attain to a height to which he could not fly, if
the first step were wanting. In vain then does one strive for the vision of
God, who does not shun the stains of sins: "For the spirit of God hates
deception, and dwells not in a body subject to sins."
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