אות - לד

And he said: A great heresy [apikorsus] is spreading through the world. And he also related many times that, because of our many sins, a great heresy is spreading and advancing in the world. Fortunate is one who will hold firm in faith in these times. And he said: Even though it is of no use whatsoever that he tells this — that there will be heresy in the world and that one must strengthen oneself in faith — because even though he says this, the heresy and confusions still intensify. Because after all, Daniel and the like also foretold previously that before Mashiach comes, many will be clarified and whitened and refined — *"And the wicked will act wickedly and the wise will understand"* etc. [Daniel 12:10]. And if so, since it was foretold beforehand that this will be the test before the coming of Mashiach — that many will be clarified and whitened and refined in faith — then one who merits to stand in the test and to remain firm in his faith is fortunate, and will merit all the good that is destined to come to us speedily in our days, which all our prophets and sages foretold. And if so, it was appropriate that every person should exercise wisdom and take care of himself to remain firm and strong in his faith, and that he should no longer have any test or refinement whatsoever, since this was already foretold beforehand. And in truth, even so, even though this was foretold beforehand — even so there will be a great test. And many will act wickedly as it is written: *"And the wicked will act wickedly"* [Daniel 12:10]. But even so, I am announcing this beforehand for the sake of those few upright ones who will strengthen themselves in their faith. And certainly they will have great battles in their minds. So that this should be a strengthening and an encouragement and fortification for them when they see that this was already spoken of beforehand.[66]