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SECTION XIII
MEM
The Ministry of John the Harbinger
Chapter 61
John, the harbinger, returns to Hebron. Lives as a hermit in the wilds. Visits Jerusalem and speaks to the people.
1. It came to pass when John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, had finished all his studies in the Egyptian schools that he returned to Hebron, where he abode for certain days.
2. And then he sought the wilderness and made his home in David's cave where many years before, he was instructed by the Egyptian sage.
3. Some people called him Hermit of Engedi; and others said, He is the Wild Man of the Hills.
4. He clothed himself with skins of beasts; his food was carobs, honey, nuts and fruits.
5. When John was thirty years of age he went into Jerusalem, and in the market place he sat in silence seven days.
6. The common people and the priests, the scribes and Pharisees came out in multitudes to see the silent hermit of the hills; but none were bold enough to ask him who he was.
7. But when his silent fast was done he stood forth in the midst of all and said:
8. Behold the king has come; the prophets told of him; the wise men long have looked for him.
9. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
10. And that was all he said, and then he disappeared, and no one knew where he had gone.
11. And there was great unrest through all Jerusalem. The rulers heard the story of the hermit of the hills.
12. And they sent couriers forth to talk with him that they might know about the coming king; but they could find him not.
13. And after certain days he came again into the market place, and all the city came to hear him speak; he said:
14. Be not disturbed, you rulers of the state; the coming king is no antagonist; he seeks no place on any earthly throne.
15. He comes the Prince of Peace, the king of righteousness and love; his kingdom is within the soul.
16. The eyes of men shall see it not and none can enter but the pure in heart.
17. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
18. Again the hermit disappeared; the people strove to follow him, but he had drawn a veil about his form and men could see him not.
19. A Jewish feast day came; Jerusalem was filled with Jews and proselytes from every part of Palestine, and John stood in the temple court and said,
20. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
21. Lo, you have lived in sin; the poor cry in your streets, and you regard them not.
22. Your neighbours, who are they? You have defrauded friend and foe alike.
23. You worship God with voice and lip; your hearts are far away, and set on gold.
24. Your priests have bound upon the people burdens far to great to bear; they live in ease upon the hard earned wages of the poor.
25. Your lawyers, doctors, scribes are useless cumberers of the ground; they are but tumours on the body of the state;
26. They toil not neither do they spin, yet they consume the profits of your marts of trade.
27. Your rulers are adulterers, extortioners and thieves, regarding not the rights of any man;
28. And robbers ply their calling in the sacred halls; the holy temple you have sold to thieves; their dens are in the sacred places set apart for prayer.
29. Hear! hear! you people of Jerusalem! Reform; turn from your evil ways or God will turn from you and heathen from afar will come, and what is left of all your honour and your fame will pass in one short hour.
30. Prepare, Jerusalem, prepare to meet your king.
31. He said no more; he left the court and no one saw him go.
32. The priests, the doctors and the scribes were all in rage. They sought for John intent to do him harm. They found him not.
33. The common people stood in his defence; they said, The hermit speaks the truth.
34. And then the priests, the doctors and the scribes were sore afraid; they said no more; they hid themselves away.
Chapter 62
John, the harbinger, again visits Jerusalem. Speaks to the people. Promises to meet them at Gilgal in seven days. Goes to Bethany and attends a feast.
1. Next day John went again into the temple courts and said,
2. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
3. The chief priests and the scribes would know the meaning of his words; they said.
4. Bold man, what is the purport of this message that you bring to Israel? If you be seer and prophet tell us plainly who has sent you here?
5. And John replied, I am the voice of one who cries out in the wilderness, Prepare the way, make straight the paths, for, lo, the Prince of Peace will come to rule in love.
6. Your prophet Malachi wrote down the words of God:
7. And I will send Elijah unto you before the retribution day shall come, to turn again the hearts of men to God, and if they will not turn, lo, I will smite them with a curse.
8. You men of Israel; you know your sins. As I passed by I saw a wounded bird prone in your streets, and men of every class were beating it with clubs; and then I saw that Justice was its name.
9. I looked again and saw that its companion had been killed; the pure white wings of Righteousness were trampled in the dust.
10. I tell you men, your awfulness of guilt has made a cesspool of iniquity that sends a fearful stench to heaven.
11. Reform, O Israel, reform; prepare to meet your king.
12. And then John turned away and as he went he said,
13. In seven days, lo, I will stand at Gilgal, by the Jordan ford, where Israel first crossed into the promised land.
14. And then he left the temple court to enter it no more; but many people followed him as far as Bethany, and there he tarried at the home of Lazarus, his kin.
15. The anxious people gathered all about the home and would not go; then John came forth and said,
16. Reform, O Israel, reform; prepare to meet your king.
17. The sins of Israel do not all lie at the door of priest and scribe. O think you not that all the sinners of Judea are found among the rulers and the men of wealth.
18. It is no sign that man is good and pure because he lives in want.
19. The listless, shiftless vagabonds of earth are mostly poor and have to beg for bread.
20. I saw the very men that cheered because I told the priests and scribes of their injustice unto man, throw stones and beat poor Justice in the streets.
21. I saw them trample on the poor dead bird of Righteousness;
22. And you who follow after me,you commoners, are not one whit behind the scribes and priests in crime.
23. Reform, you men of Israel; the king has come; prepare to meet your king.
24. With Lazarus and his sisters, John remained for certain days.
25. In honour of the Nazarite a feast was spread, and all the people stood about the board.
26. And when the chief men of the town poured out the sparkling wine and offered John a cup, he took it, held it high in air, and said,
27. Wine makes glad the carnal heart, and it makes sad the human soul; it plunges deep in bitterness and gall the deathless spirit of the man.
28. I took the vow of Nazar when a child, and not a drop has ever passed my lips.
29. And if you would make glad the coming king, then shun the cup as you would shun a deadly thing.
30. And then he threw the sparking wine out in the street.
Chapter 63
John, the harbinger, visits Jericho. Meets the people at Gilgal. Announces his mission. Introduces the rite of baptism. Baptises many people. Returns to Bethany and teaches. Returns to the Jordan.
1. And John went down to Jericho; there he abode with Alpheus.
2. And when the people heard that he was there they came in throngs to hear him speak.
3. He spoke to none; but when the time was due he went down to the Jordan ford, and to the multitudes he said.
4. Reform and in the fount of purity wash all your sins away; the kingdom is at hand.
5. Come unto me and in the waters of this streambe washed, symbolic of the inner cleansing of the soul.
6. And, lo, the multitudes came down, and in the Jordan they were washed, and every man confessed his sins.
7. For many months, in all the regoins round about, John pled for purity and righteousness, and after many days he went again to Bethany; and there he taught.
8. At first few but the honest seekers came; but, by and by, the selfish and the vicious came with no contrition; came because the many came.
9. And when John saw the repentant Pharisees and Sadducees come unto him, he said,
10. You children of the vipers, stay; are you disturbed by news of coming wrath?
11. Go to, and do the things that prove repentance genuine.
12. Is it enough for you to say that you are heirs of Abraham? I tell you, no.
13. The heirs of Abraham are just as wicked in the sight of God when they do wrong as any heathen man.
14. Behold the axe! and every tree that bears not wholesome fruit is cut down at the roots and cast into the fire.
15. And then the people asked, What must we do?
16. And John replied, Accept the ministry of helpfulness for all mankind; spend not upon your selfish selves all that you have.
17. Let him who has two coats give one to him who has no coat; give part of all the food you have to those in need.
18. And when the publicans came up and asked, What must we do? John answered them,
19. Be honest in your work; do not increase for selfish gain the tribute you collect; take nothing more than what your king demands.
20. And when the soldiers came and asked, What must we do? The harbinger replied,
21. Do violence to none; exact no wrongful thing, and be contented with the wages you receive.
22. Among the Jews were many who had been waiting for the Christ to come, and they regarded John as Christ.
23. But to their questions John replied, In water I do cleanse, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul; but when he comes who is to come, lo, he will cleanse in Holy Breath and purify in fire.
24. His fan is in his hand, and he will separate the wheat and chaff; will throw the chaff away, but garner every grain of wheat. This is the Christ.
25. Behold he comes! and he will walk with you, and you will know him not.
26. He is the king; the latchet of his shoes I am not worthy to unloose.
27. And John left Bethany and went again unto the Jordan ford.
Chapter 64
Jesus comes to Galilee, and is baptised by John. The Holy Breath testified on his messiahship.
1. The news reached Galilee, and Jesus with the multitude went down to where the harbinger was preaching at the ford.
2. When Jesus saw the harbinger he said. Behold the man of God! Behold the greatest of the seers! Behold, Elijah has returned!
3. Behold the messenger whom God has sent to open up the way! The kingdom is at hand.
4. When John saw Jesus standing with the throng he said, Behold the king who cometh in the name of God!
5. And Jesus said to John, I would be washed in water as a symbol of the cleansing of the soul.
6. And John replied, you do not need to wash, for you are pure in thought, and word, and deed. And if you need to wash I am not worthy to perform the rite.
7. And Jesus said, I come to be a pattern for the sons of men, and what I bid them do, that I must do; and all men must be washed, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul.
8. This washing we establish as a rite--baptism rite we call it now, and so it shall be called.
9. Your work, prophetic harbinger, is to prepare the way, and to reveal the hidden things.
10. The multitudes are ready for the words of life, and I come to be made known by you to all the world, as prophet of the Triune God, and as the chosen one to manifest the Christ to men.
11. Then John led Jesus down into the river at the ford and he baptised him in the sacred name of him who sent him forth to manifest the Christ to men.
12. And as they came out of the stream, the Holy Breath, in form of dove, came down and sat on Jesus' head.
13. A voice from heaven said, This is the well-beloved son of God, the Christ, the love of God made manifest.
14. John heard the voice, and understood the message of the voice.
15. Now Jesus went his way, and John preached to the multitude.
16. As many as confessed their sins, and turned from evil ways to ways of right, the harbinger baptised, symbolic of the blotting of sins by righteousness.
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SECTION XIV
NUN
The Christine Ministry of Jesus--Introductory Epoch
Chapter 65
Jesus goes to the wilderness for self-examination, where he remains forty days. Is subjected to three temptations. He overcomes. Returns to the camps of John and begins teaching.
1. The harbinger had paved the way; the Logos had been introduced to men as love made manifest, and he must now begin his Christine ministry.
2. And he went forth into the wilderness to be alone with God that he might look into his inner heart, and note its strength and worthiness.
3. And with himself he talked; he said, My lower self is strong; by many ties I am bound down to carnal life.
4. Have I the strength to overcome and give my life a willing sacrifice for men?
5. When I shall stand before the face of men, and they demand a proof of my messiahship, what will I say?
6. And then the tempter came and said, If you be son of God, command these stones to turn to bread.
7. And Jesus said, Who is it that demands a test? It is no sign that one is son of God because he does a miracle; the devils can do mighty things.
8. Did not the black magicians do great things before the Pharaohs?
9. My words and dees in all the walks of life shall be the proof of my messiahship.
10. And then the tempter said, If you will go into Jerusalem, and from the temple pinnacle cast down yourself to earth, the people will believe that you are the Messiah sent from God.
11. This you can surely do; for did not David say, He gives his angels charge concerning you, and with their will they uphold lest you should fall?
12. And Jesus said, I may not tempt the Lord, my God.
13. And then the tempter said, Look forth upon the world; behold its honours and its fame! Behold its pleasures and its wealth!
14. If you will give your life for these they shall be yours.
15. But Jesus said, Away from me all tempting thoughts. My heart is fixed; I spurn this carnal self with all its vain ambition and its pride.
16. For forty days did Jesus wrestle with his carnal self; his higher self Prevailed. He then was hungry, but his friends had found him and they ministered to him.
17. Then Jesus left the wilderness and in the consciousness of Holy breath, he came unto the camps of John and taught.
Chapter 66
Six of John's disciples follow Jesus and become his disciples. He teaches them. They sit in the Silence.
1. Among the followers of John were many men from Galilee. The most devout were Andrew, Simon, James, and John, with Philip and his brother of Bethsaida.
2. One day as Andrew, Philip and a son of Zebedee, were talking with the harbinger, the Logos came, and John exclaimed, Behold the Christ!
3. And then the three disciples followed Jesus, and he asked, What do you seek?
4. And the disciples asked, Where do you live? And Jesus answered, Come and see.
5. And Andrew called his brother Simon, saying, Come with me, for I have found the Christ.
6. When Jesus looked in Simon's face he said, Behold a rock! and Peter is your name.
7. And Philip found Nathaniel sitting by a tree, and said, My brother, come with me, for I have found the Christ! In Nazareth he abides.
8. Nathaniel said, Can anything of good come out of Nazareth? And Philip answered, Come and see. 9 When Jesus saw Nathaniel come he said, Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile!
10. Nathaniel said, How can you speak about me thus?
11. And Jesus said, I saw you as you sat beneath the fig tree over there, before your brother called.
12. Nathaniel lifted up his hands and said, This surely is the Christ, the king, for whom the harbinger has often testified.
13. And John went forth and found his brother James, and brought him to the Christ.
14. The six disciples went with Jesus to the place where he abode.
15. And Peter said, We long have sought for Christ. We came from Galilee to John; we thought that he was Christ, but he confessed to us that he was not;
16. That he was but the harbinger sent forth to clear the way, and make the pathway easy for the coming king; and when you came he said, Behold the Christ!
17. And we would gladly follow where you go. Lord, tell us what to do.
18. And Jesus said, The foxes of the earth have homes, the birds have nests; I have no, place to lay my head.
19. He who would follow me must give up all cravings of the self and lose his life in saving life.
20. I come to save the lost, and man is saved when he is rescued from himself. But men are slow to comprehend this doctrine of the Christ.
21. And Peter said, I cannot speak for any other man, but for myself I speak: I will leave all and follow where you lead.
22. And then the others spoke and said, You have the words of truth; you came from God, and if we follow in your footsteps we cannot miss the way.
23. Then Jesus and the six disciples sat a long, long time in silent thought.
Chapter 67
Jesus visits John at the Jordan. Delivers his first Christine address to the people. The address. He goes with his disciples to Bethany.
1. Now, on the morrow Jesus came again and stood with John beside the ford; and John prevailed on him to speak, and standing forth he said.
2. You men of Isael, Hear! The kingdom is at hand.
3. Behold the great key-keeper of the age stands in your midst; and with the spirit of Elijah he has come.
4. Behold, for he has turned the key; the mighty gates fly wide and all who will may greet the king.
5. Behold these multitudes of women, children, men! they throng the avenues, they crowd the outer courts; each seems to be intent to be the first to meet the king.
6. Behold, the censor comes and calls, Whoever will may come; but he who comes must will to prune himself of every evil thought;
7. Must overcome desire to gratify the lower self; must give his life to save the lost.
8. The nearer to the kingdom gate you come, more spacious is the room; the multitudes have gone.
9. If men could come unto the kingdom with their carnal thoughts, their passions and desires, there scarcely would be room for all.
10. But when they cannot take these through the narrow gate they turn away; the few are ready to go in and see the king.
11. Behold, John is a mighty fisher, fishing for the souls of men. He throws his great net out into the sea of human life; he draws it in and it is full.
12. But what a medley catch! a catch of crabs, and lobsters, sharks and creeping things, with now and then a fish of better kind.
13. Behold the thousands come to hear the Wild Man of the hills; they come in crowds that he may wash them in the crystal flood, and with their lips they do confess their sins.
14. But when the morrow comes we find them in their haunts of vice again, reviling John, and cursing God, and heaping insults on the king.
15. But blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see the king.
16. And blessed are the strong in heart, for they shall not be cast about by every wind that blows;
17. But while the fickle and the thoughtless have gone back to Egypt land for leeks and carnal herbs to satisfy their appetites, the pure in heart have found the king.
18. But even those whose faith is weak, and who are naught but carnal manifests, will some day come again, and enter in with joy to see the king.
19. O men of Israel, take heed to what this prophet has to say! Be strong in mind; be pure in heart; be vigilant in helpfulness; the kingdom is at hand.
20. When Jesus had thus said he went his way, and with his six disciples came to Bethany; and they abode with Lazarus many days.
Chapter 68
Jesus speaks to the people in Bethany. Tells them how to become pure in heart. Goes to Jerusalem and in the temple reads from a prophetic book. Goes to Nazareth.
1. The news soon spread abroad that Jesus, king of Israel, had come to Bethany, and all the people of the town came forth to greet the king.
2. And Jesus, standing in the midst of them, exclaimed, Behold, indeed, the king has come, but Jesus is not king.
3. The kingdom truly is at hand; but men can see it not with carnal eyes; they cannot see the king upon the throne.
4. This is the kingdom of the soul; its throne is not an earthly throne; its king is not a man.
5. When human kings found kingdoms here, they conquer other kings by force of arms; one kingdom rises on the ruins of another one.
6. But when our Father-God sets up the kingdom of the soul, he pours his blessings forth, like rain, upon the thrones of earthly kings who rule in righteousness.
7. It is not rule that God would overthrow; his sword is raised against injustice, wantonness and crime.
8. Now, while the kings of Rome do justice, and love mercy and walk humbly with their God, the benediction of the Triune God will rest upon them all.
9. They need not fear a messenger whom God sends forth to earth.
10. I am not sent to sit upon a throne to rule as Caesar rules; and you may tell the ruler of the Jews that I am not a claimant for his throne.
11. Men call me Christ, and God has recognised the name; but Christ is not a man. The Christ is universal love, and Love is king.
12. This Jesus is but man who has been fitted by temptations overcome, by trials multiform, to be the temple through which Christ can manifest to men.
13. Then hear, you men of Israel, hear! Look not upon the flesh; it is not king. Look to the Christ within, who shall be formed in every one of you, as he is formed in me.
14. When you have purified your hearts by faith, the king will enter in, and you will see his face.
15. And then the people asked, What must we do that we may make our bodies fit abiding places for the king?
16. And Jesus said, Whatever tends to purity in thought, and word, and deed will cleanse the temple of the flesh.
17. There are no rules that can apply to all, for men are specialists in sin; each has his own besetting sin,
18. And each must study for himself how he can best transmute his tendency to evil things to that of righteousness and love.
19. Until men reach the higher plane, and get away from selfishness, this rule will give the best results:
20. Do unto other men what you would have them do to you.
21. And many of the people said, We know that Jesus is the Christ, the king who was to come, and blessed be his name.
22. Now, Jesus and his six disciples turned their faces toward Jerusalem, and many people followed them.
23. But Matthew, son of Alpheus, ran on before, and when he reached Jerusalem, he said, Behold the Christines come! The multitudes came forth to see the king.
24. But Jesus did not speak to any one until he reached the temple court, and then he opened up a book and read:
25. Behold, I send my messenger, and he will pave the way, and Christ, for whom you wait, will come unto his temple unannounced. Behold, for he will come, says God, the Lord of hosts.
26. And then he closed the book; he said no more; he left the temple halls, and with his six disciples, went his way to Nazareth,
27. And they abode with Mary, Jesus' mother, and her sister, Miriam.
Chapter 69
Jesus and the ruler of the synagogue of Nazareth. Jesus teaches not in public, and the people are amazed.
1. Next day as Peter walked about in Nazareth, he met the ruler of the synagogue who asked, Who is this Jesus lately come to Nazareth?
2. And Peter said, This Jesus is the Christ of whom our prophets wrote; he is the king of Israel. His mother, Mary, lives on Marion Way.
3. The ruler said, Tell him to come up to the synagogue, for I would hear his plea.
4. And Peter ran and told to Jesus what the ruler said; but Jesus answered not; he went not to the synagogue.
5. Then in the evening time the ruler came up Marmion Way, and in the home of Mary found he Jesus and his mother all alone.
6. And when the ruler asked for proof of his messiahship, and why he went not to the synagogue when he was bidden, Jesus said,
7. I am not slave to any man; I am not called unto this ministry by priest. It is not mine to answer when men call. I come the Christ of God; I answer unto God alone.
8. Who gave you right to ask for proof of my messiahship? My proof lies in my words and works, and so if you will follow me you will not lack for proof.
9. And then the ruler went his way; he asked himself, What manner of a man is this to disregard the ruler of the synagogue?
10. The people of the town came out in throngs to see the Christ, and hear him speak; but Jesus said,
11. A prophet has no honour in his native town, among his kin.
12. I will not speak in Nazareth until the words I speak, and works I do in other towns have won the faith of men.
13. Until men know that God has christed me to manifest eternal love.
14. Good will to you, my kin; I bless you with a boundless love, and I bespeak for you abundant joy and happiness.
15. He said no more, and all the people marvelled much because he would not speak in Nazareth.
Chapter 70
Jesus and his disciples at a marriage feast in Cana. Jesus speaks on marriage. He turns water into wine. The people are amazed.
1. In Cana, Galilee, there was a marriage feast, and Mary and her sister Miriam, and Jesus and his six disciples were among the guests.
2. The ruler of the feast had heard that Jesus was a master sent from God, and he requested him to speak.
3. And Jesus said, There is no tie more sacred than the marriage tie.
4. The chain that binds two souls in love is made in heaven, and man can never sever it in twain.
5. The lower passoins of the twain may cause a union of the twain, a union as when oil and water meet.
6. And then a priest may forge a chain, and bind the twain. This is not marriage genuine; it is a counterfeit.
7. The twain are guilty of adultery; the priest is party to the crime. And that was all that Jesus said.
8. As Jesus stood apart in silent thought his mother came and said to him, The wine has failed; what shall we do?
9. And Jesus said, Pray what is wine? It is but water with the flavouring of grapes.
10. And what are grapes? They are but certain kinds of thought made manifest, and I can manifest that thought, and water will be wine.
11. He called the servants, and he said to them, Bring in six water pots of stone, a pot for each of these, my followers, and fill them up with water to the brims.
12. The servants brought the water pots, and filled them to their brims.
13. And Jesus with a mighty thought stirred up the ethers till they reached the manifest, and, lo, the water blushed, and turned to wine.
14. The servants took the wine and gave it to the ruler of the feast who called the bridegroom in and said to him,
15. This wine is best of all; most people when they give a feast bring in the best wine at first; but, lo, you have reserved the best until last.
16. And when the ruler and the guests were told that Jesus, by the power of thought, had turned the water into wine, they were amazed;
17. They said, This man is more than man; he surely is the christed one who prophets of the olden times declared would come.
18. And many of the guests believed on him, and gladly would have followed him.
Chapter 71
Jesus, his six disciples and his mother, go to Capernaum. Jesus teaches the people, revealing the difference between the kings of earth and the kings of heaven.
1. The city of Capernaum was by the sea of Galilee, and Peter's home was there. The homes of Andrew, John and James were near,
2. These men were fishermen, and must return to tend their nets, and they prevailed on Jesus and his mother to accompany them, and soon with Philip and Nathaniel they were resting by the sea in Peter's home.
3. The news spread through the city and along the shore that Judah's king had come, and multitudes drew near to press his hand.
4. And Jesus said, I cannot show the king, unless you see with eyes of soul, because the kingdom of the king is in the soul.
5. And every soul a kingdom is. There is a king for every man.
6. This king is love, and when this love becomes the greatest power in life, it is the Christ; so Christ is king.
7. And every one may have this Christ dwell in his soul, as Christ dwells in my soul.
8. The body is the temple of the king, and men may call a holy man a king.
9. He who will cleanse his mortal form and make it pure, so pure that love and righteousness may dwell unsullied side by side within its walls, is king.
10. The kings of earth are clothed in royal robes, and sit in state that men may stand in awe of them.
11. A king of heaven may wear a fisher's garb; may sit in mart of trade; may till the soil, or be a gleaner in the field; may be a slave in mortal chains;
12. May be adjudged a criminal by men; may languish in a prison cell; may die upon a cross.
13. Men seldom see what others truly are. The human senses sense what seems to be, and that which seems to be and that which is, may be diverse in every way.
14. The carnal man beholds the outer man, which is the temple of the king, and worships at his shrine.
15. The man of God is pure in heart; he sees the king; he sees with eyes of soul:
16. And when he rises to the plane of Christine consciousness, he knows that he himself is king, is love, is Christ, and so is son of God.
17. You men of Galilee, prepare to meet your king.
18. And Jesus taught the people many lessons as he walked with them beside the sea.
MEM
The Ministry of John the Harbinger
Chapter 61
John, the harbinger, returns to Hebron. Lives as a hermit in the wilds. Visits Jerusalem and speaks to the people.
1. It came to pass when John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, had finished all his studies in the Egyptian schools that he returned to Hebron, where he abode for certain days.
2. And then he sought the wilderness and made his home in David's cave where many years before, he was instructed by the Egyptian sage.
3. Some people called him Hermit of Engedi; and others said, He is the Wild Man of the Hills.
4. He clothed himself with skins of beasts; his food was carobs, honey, nuts and fruits.
5. When John was thirty years of age he went into Jerusalem, and in the market place he sat in silence seven days.
6. The common people and the priests, the scribes and Pharisees came out in multitudes to see the silent hermit of the hills; but none were bold enough to ask him who he was.
7. But when his silent fast was done he stood forth in the midst of all and said:
8. Behold the king has come; the prophets told of him; the wise men long have looked for him.
9. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
10. And that was all he said, and then he disappeared, and no one knew where he had gone.
11. And there was great unrest through all Jerusalem. The rulers heard the story of the hermit of the hills.
12. And they sent couriers forth to talk with him that they might know about the coming king; but they could find him not.
13. And after certain days he came again into the market place, and all the city came to hear him speak; he said:
14. Be not disturbed, you rulers of the state; the coming king is no antagonist; he seeks no place on any earthly throne.
15. He comes the Prince of Peace, the king of righteousness and love; his kingdom is within the soul.
16. The eyes of men shall see it not and none can enter but the pure in heart.
17. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
18. Again the hermit disappeared; the people strove to follow him, but he had drawn a veil about his form and men could see him not.
19. A Jewish feast day came; Jerusalem was filled with Jews and proselytes from every part of Palestine, and John stood in the temple court and said,
20. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
21. Lo, you have lived in sin; the poor cry in your streets, and you regard them not.
22. Your neighbours, who are they? You have defrauded friend and foe alike.
23. You worship God with voice and lip; your hearts are far away, and set on gold.
24. Your priests have bound upon the people burdens far to great to bear; they live in ease upon the hard earned wages of the poor.
25. Your lawyers, doctors, scribes are useless cumberers of the ground; they are but tumours on the body of the state;
26. They toil not neither do they spin, yet they consume the profits of your marts of trade.
27. Your rulers are adulterers, extortioners and thieves, regarding not the rights of any man;
28. And robbers ply their calling in the sacred halls; the holy temple you have sold to thieves; their dens are in the sacred places set apart for prayer.
29. Hear! hear! you people of Jerusalem! Reform; turn from your evil ways or God will turn from you and heathen from afar will come, and what is left of all your honour and your fame will pass in one short hour.
30. Prepare, Jerusalem, prepare to meet your king.
31. He said no more; he left the court and no one saw him go.
32. The priests, the doctors and the scribes were all in rage. They sought for John intent to do him harm. They found him not.
33. The common people stood in his defence; they said, The hermit speaks the truth.
34. And then the priests, the doctors and the scribes were sore afraid; they said no more; they hid themselves away.
Chapter 62
John, the harbinger, again visits Jerusalem. Speaks to the people. Promises to meet them at Gilgal in seven days. Goes to Bethany and attends a feast.
1. Next day John went again into the temple courts and said,
2. Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
3. The chief priests and the scribes would know the meaning of his words; they said.
4. Bold man, what is the purport of this message that you bring to Israel? If you be seer and prophet tell us plainly who has sent you here?
5. And John replied, I am the voice of one who cries out in the wilderness, Prepare the way, make straight the paths, for, lo, the Prince of Peace will come to rule in love.
6. Your prophet Malachi wrote down the words of God:
7. And I will send Elijah unto you before the retribution day shall come, to turn again the hearts of men to God, and if they will not turn, lo, I will smite them with a curse.
8. You men of Israel; you know your sins. As I passed by I saw a wounded bird prone in your streets, and men of every class were beating it with clubs; and then I saw that Justice was its name.
9. I looked again and saw that its companion had been killed; the pure white wings of Righteousness were trampled in the dust.
10. I tell you men, your awfulness of guilt has made a cesspool of iniquity that sends a fearful stench to heaven.
11. Reform, O Israel, reform; prepare to meet your king.
12. And then John turned away and as he went he said,
13. In seven days, lo, I will stand at Gilgal, by the Jordan ford, where Israel first crossed into the promised land.
14. And then he left the temple court to enter it no more; but many people followed him as far as Bethany, and there he tarried at the home of Lazarus, his kin.
15. The anxious people gathered all about the home and would not go; then John came forth and said,
16. Reform, O Israel, reform; prepare to meet your king.
17. The sins of Israel do not all lie at the door of priest and scribe. O think you not that all the sinners of Judea are found among the rulers and the men of wealth.
18. It is no sign that man is good and pure because he lives in want.
19. The listless, shiftless vagabonds of earth are mostly poor and have to beg for bread.
20. I saw the very men that cheered because I told the priests and scribes of their injustice unto man, throw stones and beat poor Justice in the streets.
21. I saw them trample on the poor dead bird of Righteousness;
22. And you who follow after me,you commoners, are not one whit behind the scribes and priests in crime.
23. Reform, you men of Israel; the king has come; prepare to meet your king.
24. With Lazarus and his sisters, John remained for certain days.
25. In honour of the Nazarite a feast was spread, and all the people stood about the board.
26. And when the chief men of the town poured out the sparkling wine and offered John a cup, he took it, held it high in air, and said,
27. Wine makes glad the carnal heart, and it makes sad the human soul; it plunges deep in bitterness and gall the deathless spirit of the man.
28. I took the vow of Nazar when a child, and not a drop has ever passed my lips.
29. And if you would make glad the coming king, then shun the cup as you would shun a deadly thing.
30. And then he threw the sparking wine out in the street.
Chapter 63
John, the harbinger, visits Jericho. Meets the people at Gilgal. Announces his mission. Introduces the rite of baptism. Baptises many people. Returns to Bethany and teaches. Returns to the Jordan.
1. And John went down to Jericho; there he abode with Alpheus.
2. And when the people heard that he was there they came in throngs to hear him speak.
3. He spoke to none; but when the time was due he went down to the Jordan ford, and to the multitudes he said.
4. Reform and in the fount of purity wash all your sins away; the kingdom is at hand.
5. Come unto me and in the waters of this streambe washed, symbolic of the inner cleansing of the soul.
6. And, lo, the multitudes came down, and in the Jordan they were washed, and every man confessed his sins.
7. For many months, in all the regoins round about, John pled for purity and righteousness, and after many days he went again to Bethany; and there he taught.
8. At first few but the honest seekers came; but, by and by, the selfish and the vicious came with no contrition; came because the many came.
9. And when John saw the repentant Pharisees and Sadducees come unto him, he said,
10. You children of the vipers, stay; are you disturbed by news of coming wrath?
11. Go to, and do the things that prove repentance genuine.
12. Is it enough for you to say that you are heirs of Abraham? I tell you, no.
13. The heirs of Abraham are just as wicked in the sight of God when they do wrong as any heathen man.
14. Behold the axe! and every tree that bears not wholesome fruit is cut down at the roots and cast into the fire.
15. And then the people asked, What must we do?
16. And John replied, Accept the ministry of helpfulness for all mankind; spend not upon your selfish selves all that you have.
17. Let him who has two coats give one to him who has no coat; give part of all the food you have to those in need.
18. And when the publicans came up and asked, What must we do? John answered them,
19. Be honest in your work; do not increase for selfish gain the tribute you collect; take nothing more than what your king demands.
20. And when the soldiers came and asked, What must we do? The harbinger replied,
21. Do violence to none; exact no wrongful thing, and be contented with the wages you receive.
22. Among the Jews were many who had been waiting for the Christ to come, and they regarded John as Christ.
23. But to their questions John replied, In water I do cleanse, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul; but when he comes who is to come, lo, he will cleanse in Holy Breath and purify in fire.
24. His fan is in his hand, and he will separate the wheat and chaff; will throw the chaff away, but garner every grain of wheat. This is the Christ.
25. Behold he comes! and he will walk with you, and you will know him not.
26. He is the king; the latchet of his shoes I am not worthy to unloose.
27. And John left Bethany and went again unto the Jordan ford.
Chapter 64
Jesus comes to Galilee, and is baptised by John. The Holy Breath testified on his messiahship.
1. The news reached Galilee, and Jesus with the multitude went down to where the harbinger was preaching at the ford.
2. When Jesus saw the harbinger he said. Behold the man of God! Behold the greatest of the seers! Behold, Elijah has returned!
3. Behold the messenger whom God has sent to open up the way! The kingdom is at hand.
4. When John saw Jesus standing with the throng he said, Behold the king who cometh in the name of God!
5. And Jesus said to John, I would be washed in water as a symbol of the cleansing of the soul.
6. And John replied, you do not need to wash, for you are pure in thought, and word, and deed. And if you need to wash I am not worthy to perform the rite.
7. And Jesus said, I come to be a pattern for the sons of men, and what I bid them do, that I must do; and all men must be washed, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul.
8. This washing we establish as a rite--baptism rite we call it now, and so it shall be called.
9. Your work, prophetic harbinger, is to prepare the way, and to reveal the hidden things.
10. The multitudes are ready for the words of life, and I come to be made known by you to all the world, as prophet of the Triune God, and as the chosen one to manifest the Christ to men.
11. Then John led Jesus down into the river at the ford and he baptised him in the sacred name of him who sent him forth to manifest the Christ to men.
12. And as they came out of the stream, the Holy Breath, in form of dove, came down and sat on Jesus' head.
13. A voice from heaven said, This is the well-beloved son of God, the Christ, the love of God made manifest.
14. John heard the voice, and understood the message of the voice.
15. Now Jesus went his way, and John preached to the multitude.
16. As many as confessed their sins, and turned from evil ways to ways of right, the harbinger baptised, symbolic of the blotting of sins by righteousness.
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SECTION XIV
NUN
The Christine Ministry of Jesus--Introductory Epoch
Chapter 65
Jesus goes to the wilderness for self-examination, where he remains forty days. Is subjected to three temptations. He overcomes. Returns to the camps of John and begins teaching.
1. The harbinger had paved the way; the Logos had been introduced to men as love made manifest, and he must now begin his Christine ministry.
2. And he went forth into the wilderness to be alone with God that he might look into his inner heart, and note its strength and worthiness.
3. And with himself he talked; he said, My lower self is strong; by many ties I am bound down to carnal life.
4. Have I the strength to overcome and give my life a willing sacrifice for men?
5. When I shall stand before the face of men, and they demand a proof of my messiahship, what will I say?
6. And then the tempter came and said, If you be son of God, command these stones to turn to bread.
7. And Jesus said, Who is it that demands a test? It is no sign that one is son of God because he does a miracle; the devils can do mighty things.
8. Did not the black magicians do great things before the Pharaohs?
9. My words and dees in all the walks of life shall be the proof of my messiahship.
10. And then the tempter said, If you will go into Jerusalem, and from the temple pinnacle cast down yourself to earth, the people will believe that you are the Messiah sent from God.
11. This you can surely do; for did not David say, He gives his angels charge concerning you, and with their will they uphold lest you should fall?
12. And Jesus said, I may not tempt the Lord, my God.
13. And then the tempter said, Look forth upon the world; behold its honours and its fame! Behold its pleasures and its wealth!
14. If you will give your life for these they shall be yours.
15. But Jesus said, Away from me all tempting thoughts. My heart is fixed; I spurn this carnal self with all its vain ambition and its pride.
16. For forty days did Jesus wrestle with his carnal self; his higher self Prevailed. He then was hungry, but his friends had found him and they ministered to him.
17. Then Jesus left the wilderness and in the consciousness of Holy breath, he came unto the camps of John and taught.
Chapter 66
Six of John's disciples follow Jesus and become his disciples. He teaches them. They sit in the Silence.
1. Among the followers of John were many men from Galilee. The most devout were Andrew, Simon, James, and John, with Philip and his brother of Bethsaida.
2. One day as Andrew, Philip and a son of Zebedee, were talking with the harbinger, the Logos came, and John exclaimed, Behold the Christ!
3. And then the three disciples followed Jesus, and he asked, What do you seek?
4. And the disciples asked, Where do you live? And Jesus answered, Come and see.
5. And Andrew called his brother Simon, saying, Come with me, for I have found the Christ.
6. When Jesus looked in Simon's face he said, Behold a rock! and Peter is your name.
7. And Philip found Nathaniel sitting by a tree, and said, My brother, come with me, for I have found the Christ! In Nazareth he abides.
8. Nathaniel said, Can anything of good come out of Nazareth? And Philip answered, Come and see. 9 When Jesus saw Nathaniel come he said, Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile!
10. Nathaniel said, How can you speak about me thus?
11. And Jesus said, I saw you as you sat beneath the fig tree over there, before your brother called.
12. Nathaniel lifted up his hands and said, This surely is the Christ, the king, for whom the harbinger has often testified.
13. And John went forth and found his brother James, and brought him to the Christ.
14. The six disciples went with Jesus to the place where he abode.
15. And Peter said, We long have sought for Christ. We came from Galilee to John; we thought that he was Christ, but he confessed to us that he was not;
16. That he was but the harbinger sent forth to clear the way, and make the pathway easy for the coming king; and when you came he said, Behold the Christ!
17. And we would gladly follow where you go. Lord, tell us what to do.
18. And Jesus said, The foxes of the earth have homes, the birds have nests; I have no, place to lay my head.
19. He who would follow me must give up all cravings of the self and lose his life in saving life.
20. I come to save the lost, and man is saved when he is rescued from himself. But men are slow to comprehend this doctrine of the Christ.
21. And Peter said, I cannot speak for any other man, but for myself I speak: I will leave all and follow where you lead.
22. And then the others spoke and said, You have the words of truth; you came from God, and if we follow in your footsteps we cannot miss the way.
23. Then Jesus and the six disciples sat a long, long time in silent thought.
Chapter 67
Jesus visits John at the Jordan. Delivers his first Christine address to the people. The address. He goes with his disciples to Bethany.
1. Now, on the morrow Jesus came again and stood with John beside the ford; and John prevailed on him to speak, and standing forth he said.
2. You men of Isael, Hear! The kingdom is at hand.
3. Behold the great key-keeper of the age stands in your midst; and with the spirit of Elijah he has come.
4. Behold, for he has turned the key; the mighty gates fly wide and all who will may greet the king.
5. Behold these multitudes of women, children, men! they throng the avenues, they crowd the outer courts; each seems to be intent to be the first to meet the king.
6. Behold, the censor comes and calls, Whoever will may come; but he who comes must will to prune himself of every evil thought;
7. Must overcome desire to gratify the lower self; must give his life to save the lost.
8. The nearer to the kingdom gate you come, more spacious is the room; the multitudes have gone.
9. If men could come unto the kingdom with their carnal thoughts, their passions and desires, there scarcely would be room for all.
10. But when they cannot take these through the narrow gate they turn away; the few are ready to go in and see the king.
11. Behold, John is a mighty fisher, fishing for the souls of men. He throws his great net out into the sea of human life; he draws it in and it is full.
12. But what a medley catch! a catch of crabs, and lobsters, sharks and creeping things, with now and then a fish of better kind.
13. Behold the thousands come to hear the Wild Man of the hills; they come in crowds that he may wash them in the crystal flood, and with their lips they do confess their sins.
14. But when the morrow comes we find them in their haunts of vice again, reviling John, and cursing God, and heaping insults on the king.
15. But blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see the king.
16. And blessed are the strong in heart, for they shall not be cast about by every wind that blows;
17. But while the fickle and the thoughtless have gone back to Egypt land for leeks and carnal herbs to satisfy their appetites, the pure in heart have found the king.
18. But even those whose faith is weak, and who are naught but carnal manifests, will some day come again, and enter in with joy to see the king.
19. O men of Israel, take heed to what this prophet has to say! Be strong in mind; be pure in heart; be vigilant in helpfulness; the kingdom is at hand.
20. When Jesus had thus said he went his way, and with his six disciples came to Bethany; and they abode with Lazarus many days.
Chapter 68
Jesus speaks to the people in Bethany. Tells them how to become pure in heart. Goes to Jerusalem and in the temple reads from a prophetic book. Goes to Nazareth.
1. The news soon spread abroad that Jesus, king of Israel, had come to Bethany, and all the people of the town came forth to greet the king.
2. And Jesus, standing in the midst of them, exclaimed, Behold, indeed, the king has come, but Jesus is not king.
3. The kingdom truly is at hand; but men can see it not with carnal eyes; they cannot see the king upon the throne.
4. This is the kingdom of the soul; its throne is not an earthly throne; its king is not a man.
5. When human kings found kingdoms here, they conquer other kings by force of arms; one kingdom rises on the ruins of another one.
6. But when our Father-God sets up the kingdom of the soul, he pours his blessings forth, like rain, upon the thrones of earthly kings who rule in righteousness.
7. It is not rule that God would overthrow; his sword is raised against injustice, wantonness and crime.
8. Now, while the kings of Rome do justice, and love mercy and walk humbly with their God, the benediction of the Triune God will rest upon them all.
9. They need not fear a messenger whom God sends forth to earth.
10. I am not sent to sit upon a throne to rule as Caesar rules; and you may tell the ruler of the Jews that I am not a claimant for his throne.
11. Men call me Christ, and God has recognised the name; but Christ is not a man. The Christ is universal love, and Love is king.
12. This Jesus is but man who has been fitted by temptations overcome, by trials multiform, to be the temple through which Christ can manifest to men.
13. Then hear, you men of Israel, hear! Look not upon the flesh; it is not king. Look to the Christ within, who shall be formed in every one of you, as he is formed in me.
14. When you have purified your hearts by faith, the king will enter in, and you will see his face.
15. And then the people asked, What must we do that we may make our bodies fit abiding places for the king?
16. And Jesus said, Whatever tends to purity in thought, and word, and deed will cleanse the temple of the flesh.
17. There are no rules that can apply to all, for men are specialists in sin; each has his own besetting sin,
18. And each must study for himself how he can best transmute his tendency to evil things to that of righteousness and love.
19. Until men reach the higher plane, and get away from selfishness, this rule will give the best results:
20. Do unto other men what you would have them do to you.
21. And many of the people said, We know that Jesus is the Christ, the king who was to come, and blessed be his name.
22. Now, Jesus and his six disciples turned their faces toward Jerusalem, and many people followed them.
23. But Matthew, son of Alpheus, ran on before, and when he reached Jerusalem, he said, Behold the Christines come! The multitudes came forth to see the king.
24. But Jesus did not speak to any one until he reached the temple court, and then he opened up a book and read:
25. Behold, I send my messenger, and he will pave the way, and Christ, for whom you wait, will come unto his temple unannounced. Behold, for he will come, says God, the Lord of hosts.
26. And then he closed the book; he said no more; he left the temple halls, and with his six disciples, went his way to Nazareth,
27. And they abode with Mary, Jesus' mother, and her sister, Miriam.
Chapter 69
Jesus and the ruler of the synagogue of Nazareth. Jesus teaches not in public, and the people are amazed.
1. Next day as Peter walked about in Nazareth, he met the ruler of the synagogue who asked, Who is this Jesus lately come to Nazareth?
2. And Peter said, This Jesus is the Christ of whom our prophets wrote; he is the king of Israel. His mother, Mary, lives on Marion Way.
3. The ruler said, Tell him to come up to the synagogue, for I would hear his plea.
4. And Peter ran and told to Jesus what the ruler said; but Jesus answered not; he went not to the synagogue.
5. Then in the evening time the ruler came up Marmion Way, and in the home of Mary found he Jesus and his mother all alone.
6. And when the ruler asked for proof of his messiahship, and why he went not to the synagogue when he was bidden, Jesus said,
7. I am not slave to any man; I am not called unto this ministry by priest. It is not mine to answer when men call. I come the Christ of God; I answer unto God alone.
8. Who gave you right to ask for proof of my messiahship? My proof lies in my words and works, and so if you will follow me you will not lack for proof.
9. And then the ruler went his way; he asked himself, What manner of a man is this to disregard the ruler of the synagogue?
10. The people of the town came out in throngs to see the Christ, and hear him speak; but Jesus said,
11. A prophet has no honour in his native town, among his kin.
12. I will not speak in Nazareth until the words I speak, and works I do in other towns have won the faith of men.
13. Until men know that God has christed me to manifest eternal love.
14. Good will to you, my kin; I bless you with a boundless love, and I bespeak for you abundant joy and happiness.
15. He said no more, and all the people marvelled much because he would not speak in Nazareth.
Chapter 70
Jesus and his disciples at a marriage feast in Cana. Jesus speaks on marriage. He turns water into wine. The people are amazed.
1. In Cana, Galilee, there was a marriage feast, and Mary and her sister Miriam, and Jesus and his six disciples were among the guests.
2. The ruler of the feast had heard that Jesus was a master sent from God, and he requested him to speak.
3. And Jesus said, There is no tie more sacred than the marriage tie.
4. The chain that binds two souls in love is made in heaven, and man can never sever it in twain.
5. The lower passoins of the twain may cause a union of the twain, a union as when oil and water meet.
6. And then a priest may forge a chain, and bind the twain. This is not marriage genuine; it is a counterfeit.
7. The twain are guilty of adultery; the priest is party to the crime. And that was all that Jesus said.
8. As Jesus stood apart in silent thought his mother came and said to him, The wine has failed; what shall we do?
9. And Jesus said, Pray what is wine? It is but water with the flavouring of grapes.
10. And what are grapes? They are but certain kinds of thought made manifest, and I can manifest that thought, and water will be wine.
11. He called the servants, and he said to them, Bring in six water pots of stone, a pot for each of these, my followers, and fill them up with water to the brims.
12. The servants brought the water pots, and filled them to their brims.
13. And Jesus with a mighty thought stirred up the ethers till they reached the manifest, and, lo, the water blushed, and turned to wine.
14. The servants took the wine and gave it to the ruler of the feast who called the bridegroom in and said to him,
15. This wine is best of all; most people when they give a feast bring in the best wine at first; but, lo, you have reserved the best until last.
16. And when the ruler and the guests were told that Jesus, by the power of thought, had turned the water into wine, they were amazed;
17. They said, This man is more than man; he surely is the christed one who prophets of the olden times declared would come.
18. And many of the guests believed on him, and gladly would have followed him.
Chapter 71
Jesus, his six disciples and his mother, go to Capernaum. Jesus teaches the people, revealing the difference between the kings of earth and the kings of heaven.
1. The city of Capernaum was by the sea of Galilee, and Peter's home was there. The homes of Andrew, John and James were near,
2. These men were fishermen, and must return to tend their nets, and they prevailed on Jesus and his mother to accompany them, and soon with Philip and Nathaniel they were resting by the sea in Peter's home.
3. The news spread through the city and along the shore that Judah's king had come, and multitudes drew near to press his hand.
4. And Jesus said, I cannot show the king, unless you see with eyes of soul, because the kingdom of the king is in the soul.
5. And every soul a kingdom is. There is a king for every man.
6. This king is love, and when this love becomes the greatest power in life, it is the Christ; so Christ is king.
7. And every one may have this Christ dwell in his soul, as Christ dwells in my soul.
8. The body is the temple of the king, and men may call a holy man a king.
9. He who will cleanse his mortal form and make it pure, so pure that love and righteousness may dwell unsullied side by side within its walls, is king.
10. The kings of earth are clothed in royal robes, and sit in state that men may stand in awe of them.
11. A king of heaven may wear a fisher's garb; may sit in mart of trade; may till the soil, or be a gleaner in the field; may be a slave in mortal chains;
12. May be adjudged a criminal by men; may languish in a prison cell; may die upon a cross.
13. Men seldom see what others truly are. The human senses sense what seems to be, and that which seems to be and that which is, may be diverse in every way.
14. The carnal man beholds the outer man, which is the temple of the king, and worships at his shrine.
15. The man of God is pure in heart; he sees the king; he sees with eyes of soul:
16. And when he rises to the plane of Christine consciousness, he knows that he himself is king, is love, is Christ, and so is son of God.
17. You men of Galilee, prepare to meet your king.
18. And Jesus taught the people many lessons as he walked with them beside the sea.
