T-17.IV.6. You have but little difficulty now in realizing that the thought system the special relationship protects is but a system of delusions. 2 You recognize, at least in general terms, that the ego is insane. 3 Yet the special relationship still seems to you somehow to be "different." 4 Yet we have looked at it far closer than we have at many other aspects of the ego's thought system that you have been more willing to let go. 5 While this one remains, you will not let the others go. 6 For this one is not different. 7 Retain this one, and you have retained the whole.
T-17.IV.7. It is essential to realize that all defenses do what they would defend. 2 The underlying basis for their effectiveness is that they offer what they defend. 3 What they defend is placed in them for safe-keeping, and as they operate they bring it to you. 4 Every defense operates by giving gifts, and the gift is always a miniature of the thought system the defense protects, set in a golden frame. 5 The frame is very elaborate, all set with jewels, and deeply carved and polished. 6 Its purpose is to be of value in itself, and to divert your attention from what it encloses. 7 But the frame without the picture you cannot have. 8 Defenses operate to make you think you can.
T-17.IV.8. The special relationship has the most imposing and deceptive frame of all the defenses the ego uses. 2 Its thought system is offered here, surrounded by a frame so heavy and so elaborate that the picture is almost obliterated by its imposing structure. 3 Into the frame are woven all sorts of fanciful and fragmented illusions of love, set with dreams of sacrifice and self-aggrandizement, and interlaced with gilded threads of self-destruction. 4 The glitter of blood shines like rubies, and the tears are faceted like diamonds and gleam in the dim light in which the offering is made.
T-17.IV.9. Look at the picture. 2 Do not let the frame distract you. 3 This gift is given you for your damnation, and if you take it you will believe that you are damned. 4 You cannot have the frame without the picture. 5 What you value is the frame, for there you see no conflict. 6 Yet the frame is only the wrapping for the gift of conflict. 7 The frame is not the gift. 8 Be not deceived by the most superficial aspects of this thought system, for these aspects enclose the whole, complete in every aspect. 9 Death lies in this glittering gift. 10 Let not your gaze dwell on the hypnotic gleaming of the frame. 11 Look at the picture, and realize that death is offered you.
T-17.IV.7. It is essential to realize that all defenses do what they would defend. 2 The underlying basis for their effectiveness is that they offer what they defend. 3 What they defend is placed in them for safe-keeping, and as they operate they bring it to you. 4 Every defense operates by giving gifts, and the gift is always a miniature of the thought system the defense protects, set in a golden frame. 5 The frame is very elaborate, all set with jewels, and deeply carved and polished. 6 Its purpose is to be of value in itself, and to divert your attention from what it encloses. 7 But the frame without the picture you cannot have. 8 Defenses operate to make you think you can.
T-17.IV.8. The special relationship has the most imposing and deceptive frame of all the defenses the ego uses. 2 Its thought system is offered here, surrounded by a frame so heavy and so elaborate that the picture is almost obliterated by its imposing structure. 3 Into the frame are woven all sorts of fanciful and fragmented illusions of love, set with dreams of sacrifice and self-aggrandizement, and interlaced with gilded threads of self-destruction. 4 The glitter of blood shines like rubies, and the tears are faceted like diamonds and gleam in the dim light in which the offering is made.
T-17.IV.9. Look at the picture. 2 Do not let the frame distract you. 3 This gift is given you for your damnation, and if you take it you will believe that you are damned. 4 You cannot have the frame without the picture. 5 What you value is the frame, for there you see no conflict. 6 Yet the frame is only the wrapping for the gift of conflict. 7 The frame is not the gift. 8 Be not deceived by the most superficial aspects of this thought system, for these aspects enclose the whole, complete in every aspect. 9 Death lies in this glittering gift. 10 Let not your gaze dwell on the hypnotic gleaming of the frame. 11 Look at the picture, and realize that death is offered you.
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