Toward the Light

An unpublished version of Ardor’s Account, by Harry Eric Prior, amalgamated from the three English Toward the Light translations of 1950, 1975 and 1979. Syntax has been improved and many redundancies eliminated, resulting in 1,422 fewer words than the official 1979 translation of Ardor’s Account. Nothing has been added, nothing deleted, no meaning changed except for correcting a few words erroneously translated from the Danish text in the 1979 edition.

Harry is the nephew of the late Kai Prior, translator and publisher of the 1975 edition. Harry lives in Tarpon Springs, Florida, U.S.A., and at age 79 as of the year 2007 could be reached by email at <hprior1@tampabay.rr.com>

(THIS TEXT WAS READY IN AUGUST, 2006. ANYONE MAY COPY IT. EDITING NOTES AVAILABLE FROM HARRY TO SHOW CHANGES HE MADE AND WHY. HE WLL EMAIL SAME TO ANYONE UPON REQUEST.)

Ardor's Account

40,403 words

Forgive Your Enemies!

I greet you in the name of our God and Father!

I, Ardor, am sent by the Almighty to answer your questions, and I have promised to form my thoughts so that the words by which the thoughts are reproduced can be understood by human beings.

I ask you to remember, however, that words are only the means whereby divine thought is revealed to man, for many believe that words are in and of God. But this is not so. Words, in the forms known by you, are of Earthly origin. But the simpler the word, the more clearly does it convey the Thought, which comes from God and is in God—Thought, the source of all that is.

––––––––––––

Has God existed from eternity, and is God a personal being?

From eternity Darkness was everywhere.

In the Darkness was the Light; in the Light were Thought and Will.

But the Thought and the Will were not in the Darkness.

In the Light was the potential for all that is good, but in Darkness was the potential for all that is evil.

Unknown eternities passed.

Slowly, the Thought and the Will were drawn toward each other.

Slowly, the Light spread; it became brighter and purer.

It became dawn.

Again, unknown eternities passed.

The Thought and the Will came yet nearer to each other.

The Light spread more and more; it shone brightly and beautifully.

It became Morning.

Again, unknown eternities passed.

The Thought and the Will came nearer still to each other.

The Light welled forth everywhere; it blazed clear, fair and glorious.

It became day.

Again, unknown eternities passed.

The Thought and the Will became united.

Then arose from the Light, by the combined strength of the Thought and the Will, a flaming figure, a spiritual Being—God.

And in that moment God also caused twelve radiant figures—spiritual beings—to come forth from the Light. And these became the Helpers of God—God’s Servants.

And this was the beginning of time.

But no human being, now or ever, will be able to measure the eternities that have passed from the beginning of time until this, your day.

When God came forth from the Light, Darkness was vanquished but not destroyed. By the strength of Thought-Will, He drew the Darkness under the concealing waves of the sea of Light.

To segregate and to purify the evil and the impure, God causes Darkness to flow through His flaming Being in an eternally circulating wave-like motion. Gradually, Darkness diminishes; but when that day will come when all evil and everything impure has been absorbed by the Light and purified by God’s flaming Being is known to Him alone, Who is all-knowing.

When God came forth from the Light, He was perfect—all-knowing, all-loving, almighty. And He endowed His Helpers with much knowledge, much love, much power.

By the Thought and from the Light, He formed and created a vast realm, perfect in its glory.

By the Thought and from the Light, He formed and created abodes for Himself and for His Helpers.

Then God became the Creator.

But I can describe nothing of this realm and of these abodes, nothing that can be comprehended by human beings; for, compared with the glorious Kingdom of God, even the most beautiful region on Earth is misty and cold.

How did the angels enter God’s Kingdom, and what is their relationship to God?

In God were found possibilities for infinite forms of life, for God bore all creation within Himself.

By the Thought and from His own flaming Being, He formed and created thousands upon thousands of glorious, graceful figures—spiritual beings—the Angels.

And He endowed them with wisdom, with love and with power; and He gave them all abodes in His vast realm.

Then God became the Father.

When God and His twelve Helpers emerged from the Light they were two within themselves, for they bore within their nature all that is male and all that is female.

But the beings whom God created from His own Self were made to be one within themselves, to be man and woman, destined to fulfill and complement each other in wisdom and in love, destined to be eternally separate—to be two—and yet be as one.

To these children of His own, God gave His deep, his infinite love, for they were of Him, with Him and in Him. And He was truly in them all.

And they led a life in splendor and joy in God's Kingdom.

And to them, God gave the potential and the will to study and to learn. And His Helpers instructed them in the laws and the secrets of the Light; showed them how by the Thought and from the Light they could form and create.

But the Helpers of God had not the ability to solve the secret of life, which He alone knew—He who was, and is, Master of the Thought and of Life.

How and for what purpose did God create the globes of the universe?

Many eons passed.

The Father was pleased to behold the progress of His children in wisdom and in love.

Then arose in God the thought to create new beings.

And His intent was to create them to be beautiful and good, with possibilities for them to attain to the same fullness of wisdom and love as His older children, under their guidance.

And He resolved to prepare dwelling places for these children to come, where they might live in beauty and happiness and strive to reach the fullness of the Light and His Kingdom of Glory.

Then did God put in place the plan and gave the laws for the making and the existence of the universe.

By the Thought and from the Light, God formed and created four mighty suns, and in their fiery bosoms He laid down many forms of life.

Borne in space by God’s thought, maintaining one another by equal attraction, by equal repulsion, these glowing suns swing two and two, opposite one another, in eternal orbit about God’s Kingdom.

And from these mother suns have all the globes of the universe been cast forth and formed.

Borne by, and ordered by God’s thought, they all move in fixed orbits according to given laws.

Have human beings been created by God? From where, and why has sin and death come to the human race?

Many eons passed.

Then God saw that dense fogs veiled certain of the maturing globes. And He saw in His wisdom that after some eons had passed these would become suitable to serve as dwelling places for the beings He thought to create.

And He selected one globe, your world—the Earth.¹

By the Thought and from the Light, God brought into being a gloriously radiant spiritual world above and about the fogs and vapors of the globe, so that the Light from that realm of beauty might penetrate and irradiate the globe and make it conform to the likeness of the spiritual prototype formed by Him.

Slowly, the Light spread over the Earth to ripen it for life, to make it fruitful, and to draw forth from its bosom the dormant possibilities for the many forms of life.

Some eternities passed.

Then God saw that the fogs about the globe grew less dense. And He knew, in His wisdom, that after a time the Earth would be ready.

Then God spoke to His children,

And He said, “I, your Father, shall give you a part in My creation for I shall bring forth new beings, bring them forth from My own Being and from the strong radiations of the globe. I shall create them beautiful and good, with the possibilities for them to receive, under your guidance, all that can be given from the Light. And they shall lead a life in beauty and glory on one of the developed globes, on the one that I have chosen for that purpose. In the fullness of time shall I choose from among you some, and to these shall I give a dwelling in the world that I have placed about the Earth; for from there shall they lead My youngest children—lead them along the paths of the Light, until they reach my Kingdom of Glory. But those whom I choose may, when they so desire, return to their abodes in My Kingdom that they may rest—for no work can be well done if it is not accompanied by rest.”

And God bade His Helpers show them the Earth and the world around it, to which it was conforming

And they all went there.

And God’s Helpers instructed His children in much of what was to come. And they knew that the Father would give them a difficult task.

Some time passed.

God’s children spoke with one another of whom their Father would choose. And many among the older children—the “Eldest”—believed that the choice would fall upon them.

These often journeyed to, and remained at length in the new-formed world that had been placed around the Earth, and they took great pleasure in staying there, for it was truly beautiful.

Some time passed.

Then said some of the Eldest: “Why does our Father not create? See, the Earth is now ready for habitation. Why does our Father then tarry?”

Whereupon God caused His voice to be heard in warning at that moment.

And He said: “My children, return to your abodes in My Kingdom; for you have not been chosen; those only are fit who are possessed of patience."

And all heard their Father’s voice but returned not, for they still believed the choice should fall upon them.

Again some time passed.

Then said one of the Eldest: “Still our Father tarries, and we become restless. Let us seek to solve the secret of life and let us ourselves create the new beings. Then will they be our children, and our power over them shall be greater.”

And they were all agreed.

By their thought and from the Light, the Eldest attempted to form and to create spiritual beings. But they were not able to solve the secret of life.

Then their impatience grew. And some said: “We know that there is life also in the Darkness. Let us make use of that.”

Again God caused His voice to be heard, and he said: “My children, return to your abodes in My Kingdom, for you have not been chosen. Those only are fit who are possessed of patience. You who waver between good and evil, between Light and the Darkness, are not worthy to lead others. My children, I tell you that though you seek through eternity never will you fathom the secret of life that is in the Light; for you have arisen not by reason of your own will, but are formed and created by Me, your Father, formed and created of My own Being. But you, who are of Me, though you may possess the power to create from the Darkness, the power to solve its secret of life, yet I say to you: concern yourselves not therewith! For the life of Darkness is not everlasting. For in Darkness is the potential for all that is evil—for sin and for death! Should you nevertheless choose to partake of the evil and call yourselves its masters, beware lest you become its servants!"

And they all heard God’s voice.

But none heeded it, for their impatience was great.

Then the Elder of the Eldest stood forth.

And he said: “Our Father says the life of Darkness is not everlasting, but we know not this to be so!

“Let us seek to create from Darkness, and is the life thereof not everlasting then will we return to our abodes and remain there to await our Father’s call.”

Again God's voice sounded.

And God said: “My son, why concern yourself with the Darkness? Beware, lest you become its servant! For I alone am Lord, and almighty.

“Know you, My son, that the beings whom you can by your thought bring forth from the Darkness, will never bless you but will only curse you and that whereof they were created. For know that every form of life, however wretched and lowly, will strive ever toward the Light, toward that which became victorious through My Being. My son, do you take of the evil, then will Darkness bind you and all who follow you—bind you until your children have learned to take pity on you rather than curse you.

“My son, my children! I have spoken to you, that you may choose that which is right.”

And they all heard God’s voice. But none took heed, for they were all of one accord.

Then God, their Father fell silent; for He compels none to do right. In sorrow, he looked upon their conduct.

Much time passed.

By the combined power of their thought and will, the Eldest sought to draw the Darkness from the concealing sea of the Light.

Slowly the Light receded and Darkness broke forth.

In heavy waves it whelmed over the Eldest, flowed through them, bound itself to them, tainted and confused their thoughts.

In heavy waves Darkness surged through their beautiful world and laid it waste, while dense fogs laid their dwellings in ruin and took away the pure, brilliant colors; while evil vapors spread everywhere.

In heavy waves Darkness whelmed over the globe, made it fruitful and brought forth some of the many dormant forms of life.

In horror, the Eldest saw the destruction of all that was beautiful.

And they said: “How came this to pass? This was not our will, this was not in our thoughts.

“Truly, the power of Darkness is awesome!”

Much time passed.

The Youngest among God’s children grieved deeply over the evil that had come to pass.

And they determined that they would visit the ruined kingdom in order to call upon their brothers and sisters to return to their abodes in God's Kingdom.

And they all went there.

The Eldest heard their calling voices and they all listened. But the calls sounded faint and distant and the Eldest gave no answer, for they could not see the radiant forms of their younger brothers and sisters. The vapors of the Darkness obscured everything.

Then did the Youngest grieve still more.

And they returned to God’s beautiful Kingdom, unable to forget the evil they had seen.

And they went to their Father.

And they said: “Father, forgive our brothers and sisters! Father, bid them return!”

But God answered: “I bid none do right, and not I but their own evil deeds bind them to the Darkness. But for the sake of your plea will I sound My voice to them at the passing of each eon of time, that they should remember that which they have forsaken, and repent of that which they have done. For are they able to repent, then will the Light in their hearts release them from the binding power of Darkness and draw them back to their rightful Home; and I, their Father, shall forgive them; for my love is for all.”

Then the Youngest fell silent, for they saw that their Father’s grief was without bound.

Much time passed.

The Eldest tried to restore their ruined kingdom but in vain. Dense vapors laid waste all that they attempted to rebuild. And they were homeless amidst their unfinished dwellings.

All was barren and dark.

And there was no gladness.

Much time passed.

Then said the Elder: “We are not able to put this in order, for we have not the power. Let us, therefore, descend to the Earth itself, for I can see that it also has darkened."

And they all went there.

But then were they met with yet greater horrors, for the Darkness here was even deeper, the fogs still more dense, the vapors very hot.

But life was everywhere.

The Darkness had caused many forms of monstrous, hideous and fearsome beasts to be drawn forth and spawned a profusion of ugly, pallid growths. Devoid of order, these sprouted and budded amongst each other—small, large and gigantic.

For the Eldest, these ugly growths and these hideous creatures were the first forms of plant and animal life upon the Earth, since they had not witnessed the corruption by the Darkness of all that which had already been created under the radiance of the Light, had not seen how the Darkness had made fruitful and called forth some of the many dormant forms of life.

In awe the Eldest beheld the evil and the ugliness.

Huge beasts waded in the swamps and trampled the ground. Some moved ponderously through the air, others slid through the waters, many gave forth roars and terrifying cries.

Everywhere was chaos.

The Eldest saw the beasts mate and bring forth new creatures.

And they saw them fall upon one another, hurl one another to the ground, tear and trample one another asunder.

And those that fell rose not again.

And the Eldest saw the sundered bodies of the monsters slowly disintegrate to be absorbed into the ground as evil exhalations spread everywhere. And they saw dark shadows rise from the sundered bodies, saw them slowly be absorbed into the surrounding Darkness.

Then said the Elder: “Truly, the life of the Darkness is not lasting, for we have seen the earthly bodies disintegrate and be absorbed into the ground, and we see the immaterial bodies be absorbed by the Darkness about them. Thus, all returns to that from whence it has been taken. Truly, this is death! The power of the Darkness is awesome!”

And they journeyed further over the globe.

But everywhere they found the same life, the same chaos.

Then said the Elder: “These creatures we can never lead, for we have not the power. Let us, therefore, now carry out our intent: to form and to create earthly beings after our own likeness; let us endow them with the ability and the will to multiply and to bring forth new beings. For we have seen that not the single being, but the kind lives on. And when we have formed and created our children, then shall we guide them that they may become rulers over this globe, and we shall give them such power that they can make themselves masters over the beasts.”

And the Eldest were all agreed, for they believed that this was good.

But then God’s voice sounded to them, for now an eon had passed from the time God had promised His youngest children that He would help their fallen brothers and sisters.

And God said: “My children, I, your Father, speak to you that you may remember that which you have forsaken and repent of that which you have done; for are you able to repent, then will the Light in your hearts deliver you from the binding power of Darkness and draw you back to your rightful Home; and I, your Father, shall forgive you.”

The Eldest heard God’s voice, but it sounded distant and faint.

And they all feared.

And they dared not answer.

Then God fell silent, for He compels none to do right. But he looked with sorrow upon their conduct.

Much time passed.

By thought and from the emissions of the Darkness and of the Earth, the Eldest attempted to form and to create earthly beings in their own likeness. But their thoughts were confused and their many experiments were in vain.

Again, much time passed while they attempted to fashion the images of their thoughts in the earthly clay.

And at length, after much difficulty, the Eldest were able to bring forth beings who could breathe and live in the dense vapors of the Earth.

These were the first of the human race; but in no way had they any beauty, neither were they good, and their creators were unable to give them power, only lust for power.

Thus, in truth, were the human beings not brought into existence by God, but were instead developed and created by God’s fallen children.

Have human beings no right then to call themselves children of God?

When the human beings had been formed and brought to life, the Eldest chose lands and places that lay somewhat above the swamps and the waters.

And they brought the new beings to these places, that they might make themselves masters over the Earth and over the beasts.

But when the humans awoke to life and saw the huge beasts, they fled in terror. Some hid in the densely entwined growths; some dug caves, dug them with their hands in the steep slopes; others fled into the bleak mountains; and none dared come forth until hunger drove them out in search of food. Then they fell upon the smaller beasts, killed them and sucked their blood.

In this way they sustained life.

By their thought, the Eldest sought to influence and to guide their creatures. But the Eldest’s thoughts were evil, and incited the human beings to many wicked, many cruel actions.

The humans were not able to see their creators, but when they felt the evil currents that emanated from the Eldest’s thoughts they raised their hands fearfully toward the Earth’s sun which shone with a reddish glow through the fogs.

And the Eldest said to one another: "See! Our children turn to the light of the Earth for help; our children turn away from us, away from Darkness.

The humans looked on one another with evil in their eyes; they fought, they killed one another, and the living sucked the blood of the dead.

Then did the Eldest see the immaterial bodies of the dead rise slowly from the ground and move without aim among the living.

And they saw these drift about, without thought, without will. They saw them as faint shadows, animate and yet without life.

And some of the Eldest said: “The human spiritual bodies are not absorbed in the Darkness that is about them, but the earthly bodies disintegrate and return to that from which they were taken.

“Why does the Darkness not also absorb the spiritual bodies?”

And the Elder answered: “When we formed and created these beings from the emissions of the Darkness and of the Earth, we remembered not to withhold our own substance, and some of that from which we ourselves were formed flowed with the waves of the Darkness into the spiritual bodies of our creatures. And it matters not how faint the Light of our Father, it can never be quenched; and these shadows will continue to be through eternity.”

Then replied some of the Eldest: “This is terrible, this was not our will. Let us seek to withhold our own nature that no more shadows shall become animate and yet be without life.”

Much time passed.

The humans were as the animals, living like them, mating like them; and their offspring became abundant.

And the flowing waves of the Darkness carried spiritual vitality from the Eldest and imparted it to all the newborn children.

And the Eldest attempted to break the power of the Darkness, attempted to withhold their natures. But they could not, for Darkness bound them.

Then said some: “Truly we are become the servants of Darkness, for we are not able to free ourselves of our creatures; we are not able to withhold our own substance. Darkness pervades us, Darkness binds us, and the human shadows will continue to be through eternity.”

The Elder answered and said: “Let us persevere, until at last we become the masters of Darkness!”

But they who had spoken would not hear him, for they were not with him. And they said to one another: “Let us remain in our ruined kingdom, in our imperfect dwellings and nevermore venture onto the Earth; for we have no power to set straight this confusion.”

Much time passed.

The humans continued to multiply. And they went forth across the Earth; but their shadows followed them. And these grew ever greater in number.

Some of the shadows found their way to the ruined kingdom, attracted by the Eldest’s thoughts.

Then were the Eldest dismayed.

Many fell silent. And for them there was no joy, for they grieved much.

The shadows entered the imperfect dwellings and wandered about in the ruined kingdom without thought, without will, without aim; animate, yet devoid of life.

And the Eldest saw this.

But they had not the power to help them.

Then sounded God’s voice once more, for another eon had passed.

And the Eldest all listened.

But God's voice was distant.

And God said: “My children, I, your Father, speak to you that you may remember that which you have forsaken, and repent of that which you have done.”

Then some of the Eldest gave reply.

And they cried: “Father, Father, show pity for these wretched shadows, our creatures! Father, grant them the everlasting life of the Light that they shall not live forever and yet be without life! Father, show compassion! Forgive us our wicked deeds!”

When they had thus cried out, God's voice was heard once more, now clear and resonant.

“For the sake of your prayer shall I take your children into My care. For the sake of your prayer shall I make your creatures Mine and give them of My own nature, give them of eternal life. “My children, allow the remorse in your hearts to draw you to your rightful Home. I, your Father, forgive you; for my love is for you all!”

Then those who answered not when God spoke saw their brothers and sisters depart from the ruined kingdom, borne by the radiant waves of the Light.

And the Darkness closed around those who remained, and it became darker yet about them.

God gave His repentant children abodes in distant places of His great Kingdom, and He said: “Remain here in peace and rest until the Light has flowed through you and purified you; remain until I call upon you, that you may help your beings—help them to journey towards the Light until they reach My Kingdom!”

And God went to His youngest children.

And He said: “My children, some of your older brothers and sisters are returned. Welcome them, for they have suffered much.

“My children, I, your Father, have promised these, your brothers and sisters, to take their beings into My care and to make them My own. And behold! Upon each human shadow shall I bestow a spark of My own radiant Being, that each can thereby strive forward, through numerous lives on Earth, from the deepest Darkness onward to My Kingdom of Glory. My children, I know much time must pass before the last human being is delivered from the bondage of Darkness and from life upon the Earth. But I know also that you, My children, can lessen this time greatly will you but allow your radiant spirits to be bound to earthly bodies, will you live as humans live, and suffer as humans suffer, that you may bring the spiritual Light to the Earth, that your future brothers and sisters can the easier find the way to My Kingdom of Glory.

“My children, you shall not be constrained to go to the Earth; but would you of your own free will do this, then I, your Father, shall give you my thanks.”

The Youngest all kept silent. They dared not answer, for they remembered the evil they had seen.

But when they had been silent a time, the eldest of the Youngest stood forth.

And he said: “Father, I am ready. I shall bring the Light to the children of the Earth. I shall be like them, shall live among them and strive to help them—they who shall be my brothers and sisters. Father, send me to the Earth!”

And then it was that they all cried out: "Father, we are ready, we will help our future brothers and sisters that in time they may enter your Kingdom."

In fondness, God looked upon them all.

And He said: “My children, you have chosen that which is right. I, your Father, give you thanks. But I tell you that should human beings have struggled forward without your help, should they have fought alone against Darkness, through pain and sorrows, through sin and through death, until they had reached their rightful Home, then would their glory have become greater than yours, then would human beings have become the first, and you the last; for then would they themselves have had to strive forward to all that I, your Father, have given you. But are you able to keep your promise, to help your earthly brothers and sisters, then will you all be equal when in time you gather in My House, and I, your Father, will give to you all My love."

And God turned to the eldest of the Youngest.

And He said: “My son, you were the first who was willing and ready to bring the Light to the Earth. By you has this work of the Light begun. Through you shall it also be completed. To you I grant the authority to lead human beings forward through numerous earthly lives, until you release them that they may journey further along brighter ways. And your brothers and sisters shall all be with you in obedience. But I, your Father, shall be at your side that you weary not. And in the fullness of time shall you bring to humanity the greatest of all things, which is Love; for you shall teach them to love one another, teach them to do good to all who suffer. And I shall guide you in your journeying upon the Earth.”

And God spoke further to His children.

And He said: “Your Father’s blessing follows you all. Your sorrows shall be My sorrows, your suffering My suffering; and your sins shall I forgive and remove when you repent and when you pray; for the power of Darkness is great and you will all sin! My children, I say to you: go never against the good, against the true; never against love, against mercy. Turn never from the Light that is within you, for then will the Darkness bind you, then will you not remember your Father, and then will you delay your work, hinder your progress towards the high goal!

And all promised to obey, all promised to follow their brother.²

Does God predestine the many earthly lives of human beings?

When the Youngest had pledged to let themselves be bound to earthly bodies, had agreed to live as human beings, God gave them a certain time that they might prepare for the difficult task.

In this time, God made the plan and gave the laws for the existence of mankind in the time to come.

Then God became the Keeper.

And He saw that dwelling places lacked for the future human spirits, and He resolved to form a number of spiritual worlds for them.

By the Thought and from the Light, God planned and created six spiritual worlds, laying the first spherically about the ruined kingdom and the Earth and the others outside the first.

And God created these spheres in such manner that they brightened, through numerous shadings, from shimmering dawn to clear and beautiful Light. And He created within the spheres many dwellings, that none of His future children should be without a home.

And God determined that, while embodied upon the Earth, the human spirit should itself prepare for its next earthly lifetime by the effort of the free will to strive toward the Light and the good, and by the struggle of the free will against the Darkness and against evil.

And He so arranged that when the spirit was by death released from the physical body it was taken to that place, to that abode for which it had prepared itself by its deeds, prepared itself by that purity, by that wisdom and that love to which it had attained through the struggles and pains of its life on Earth.

And God arranged so that after each life lived on Earth the spirit might for a time stay in its abode to reflect upon the bygone life, to repent, to rest, to learn, and to prepare itself for the next journey.

Thus, should the human spirit, throughout the many earthly lifetimes, by struggle and victory, prepare itself and rise slowly from the faint dawn of the first spiritual sphere to the last abode of the final spiritual sphere in bright and beautiful Light. And there should the eldest of the Youngest, by you called Christ, receive the human spirit and in the name of the Father release it from the Earth that it might further journey along brighter ways.

When God had fashioned and arranged all this, He bade His Helpers gather the shadows. And the Helpers gathered all the shadows from the Earth and from the kingdom laid waste by Darkness.

And behold, there was a mighty host, legions upon legions.

And God bestowed upon each shadow a spark of His own flaming Being. And He took them all into His keeping, to a place He had prepared for them far from the Earth that in peace they might remain there until the divine radiance was become one with their bodies of shadow. And thus made living could they once more be bound to human bodies, to begin their journey towards the high goal.

How were the spiritual bodies of God’s children bound to human bodies? And how did the Youngest Bring the Light to mankind?

When God had taken the shadows into His keeping, He went to the youngest children.

And He said: “See! All is made ready, and the hour to make good your pledge is come. I, your Father, have formed new abodes for you in the outermost of the spiritual spheres that I have laid about the Earth and the ruined kingdom. There shall you abide while you work for mankind and in them shall you rest when you return from each completed lifetime upon the Earth.

“My children, I have so prepared that not all of you shall walk the Earth at once. Some shall be embodied now, some shall help your older brother guide the journeying of mankind, and others are to watch and protect those brothers and sisters who are amongst the human beings so that they lose not their way. My children, I have so prepared that you are to weary not, for when the first return they shall rest while others of you are upon the Earth. Thus for a time will you all be among those who lead, for a time among those who rest, for a time among those who guard and protect, and for a time you shall live amongst the suffering human beings.”

Then God chose some of the Youngest.

And He said: “My children, you shall be the first to go forth to the Earth!”

And God gave them His blessing, and He said: “When you are become as the human beings and feel the evil currents that issue from your fallen brothers and sisters, then pray you for them, but curse them not. For with your prayer your thoughts of compassion will reach them, and remorse will more readily awaken in their hearts.”

When God had spoken thus, the Youngest all went forth to their new dwelling places in the outermost of the spiritual worlds that God had placed around the earth and the ruined kingdom.

And they whom God had chosen to be embodied in human form were brought to the Earth by the Helpers of God and by their brothers and sisters and there bound by the life-giving cord of the Light to human children as yet unborn. And God withheld from them their thoughts, their remembrance, and they kept only as much of the spiritual Light as they had pledged to bring to mankind.

As the time for birth neared, the Youngest now bound to the unborn bodies of the children were drawn nearer and nearer to these. And at the moment of birth, the spiritual bodies of the Youngest—guided by the Will of God—were laid as a mantle about the new-born, and they took the form of their earthly material bodies, whilst through the life-giving cord the current of Light from the spiritual body was brought to the earthly body. And then death only could sever the cord and release the spirit.

In this way were God’s children united with human bodies, and, in this way, under the laws of the Light, will all spiritual bodies be bound to the physical bodies of Earth.

And it was with the embodiment of the first of the Youngest as human beings that earthly time began, for before then all was chaos.

——————————

As century was added to century, millennium to millennium, the Youngest led human beings forward towards the Light.

From their leaders, human beings learned much; learned to express their simple thoughts in speech and by signs, for until then humans spoke not. Like the animals, they made various cries to give warning, to call attention, to show joy, fear, dislike and anger.

Slowly, human beings received more and more knowledge.

And they were taught to kindle fire with wood and flint, taught to fashion implements for work and to defend themselves, taught to protect themselves against the animals and to be wary of the places where flaming fire, rocks and hot vapors erupted from within the earth.

Thousands of centuries passed.

And to each new generation the Youngest brought yet more and greater knowledge.

Slowly the waves of the Light welled over the Earth. At many places, new and better species of animals appeared. Some of the monstrous and hideous beasts became extinct, for God rendered their offspring weak and they could not multiply.

More useful and attractive plants came forth everywhere. People learned to till the soil and put some of the animals to useful service, and they learned to make use of the stems and leaves of plants and trees and their fruits. They learned to erect dwellings of stone hewn from the mountains, learned to sculpt likenesses of themselves and of animals in wood, in stone and in colored clay with which to adorn their buildings.

Thousands upon thousands of centuries passed.

With each passing century the human body grew more pleasing in appearance, the human spirit became brighter, human thought purer, more lucid.

And the Youngest attempted to bring to humans knowledge of a higher Power, of a spiritual Being who ruled over and appointed all things. But simple human thought could not conceive of that which the eye could not see, and the people kneeled in worship of the earthly sun that shone above, prostrated themselves before the glowing orb that brought light and dispersed the fogs of the Earth.

Thus human beings continued, century after century, millennium after millennium, to worship the power that to them seemed the highest—the blazing light of the sun.

Generation after generation, humans journeyed onward towards the Light.

Through the passing centuries they moved searchingly on towards the goal, guided by God’s youngest children who were incarnated among them.

Thus were the purifying currents of the Light led over the Earth, and thus was spiritual enlightenment brought to mankind.

How did the Eldest view the work of the Youngest on behalf of mankind?

With wonder, the Eldest in the ruined kingdom followed the activity of their younger brothers and sisters. And the Darkness, flowing through them without cease, confused their thoughts even more and aroused their anger; Then were they agreed that they would strive against their younger brothers and sisters, agreed that they would try to draw mankind back into Darkness; for they were determined that their creatures should not belong to the Light.

Then began the struggle between the Eldest and the Youngest.

The Youngest taught the human beings to live in purity, in love and in peace with one another.

But the Eldest taught them to envy and to persecute one another, to live in sin and lawlessness; taught them to gather themselves in mighty armies against each other, to kill and to plunder; taught them to seize peoples, cities and riches to which they had no right.

The Youngest taught the humans to make just laws.

But the Eldest taught them to make unjust laws.

The Youngest taught that one man and one woman should go through life together; taught humans to love and to care for their offspring.

But the Eldest taught men to take many women, and women to take many men; for in this way they were neither able to care for nor to love each of their offspring; many knew not their own children even, nor could they follow their lives.

And as centuries were added to centuries, millennia to millennia, Darkness compelled the Eldest to oppose without cease their younger brothers and sisters; for with each passing century the power of the Darkness over the Eldest increased, confusing still further their thoughts so that they were able to think and do only evil; for they were truly become the servants of Darkness.

And the Eldest continued to cast stones in the path of the Youngest.

Many fell and many grew weary; but God, their Father, raised up the fallen, sustained the weak, forgave and nullified that in which they had erred and sinned.

God, their Father helped and strengthened them, and gave them courage anew.

And onward they all pressed, striving against Darkness, striving for the Light and striving for the good.

But when an eon had passed since some of the Eldest had last answered God's calling voice in repentance, God let his voice sound again to those who were still in the ruined kingdom.

Few answered, for but few repented of what they had sinned. But God forgave the repentant, for He loved them all. And the streaming waves of the Light carried these away from the ruined kingdom, and it became darker yet about those left behind.

Again, century upon century, millennium upon millennium passed.

And the Youngest tried to bring mankind greater knowledge of that which was invisible to the human eye; tried to teach that the highest power was God; taught that God was a merciful and loving Father, Who loved all, and would bring all to His Kingdom.

But the Eldest whispered to humans that the highest power was a being of wrath and vengeance, taught that those who bowed not before this harsh deity would be cast into the pit, there to languish forever.

And they taught them to have many gods, to form images of wood and stone, and to kneel before these lifeless objects; taught them to appease divine wrath by shedding the blood of human beings and animals upon the altars that had been built to these images that were without life and without power.

As centuries passed, as millennia were added to millennia, the thoughts of human beings became confused, and everything they were taught became bewildering, for they were unable to tell evil from good, to separate Darkness from the Light; for the Eldest continued to beset the Youngest in their work.

And they drew Darkness closely over the Earth, and the Darkness awakened the inner forces of the globe to terrible, fiery eruptions. And the greatest of those realms that the embodied Youngest had created upon the Earth was laid waste and sank into the sea. Few only were able to flee the death and destruction, for the waters washed away the greater part of the mighty land.

And the Youngest grieved over that which was lost.

But God, their Father, supported and strengthened the weak and gave them courage.

And they pressed onward, striving for Light, striving for the good.

Again, century was added to century, millennium to millennium. Again, the Youngest brought more and greater knowledge to the humans, taught them again to found mighty realms and great nations, to build beautiful cities and magnificent dwellings; taught them to extract the ores and many-hued, sparkling stones of the mountains, to embellish their dwellings with the metals and to adorn their bodies with the precious stones.

And the Youngest strove anew to impart to humans greater knowledge of that hidden to the earthly eye. And some few learned to receive messages from the world they could not see.

But unseen to humans, the Eldest followed and beset the Youngest in their activities.

And they drew Darkness closer about the Earth, and they taught the humans to make use of some of the hidden forces of the Darkness, taught them again to worship many gods, taught them to commit many cruel acts by calling upon the powers of the Darkness.

Thus, first gaining and at other times losing ground, human beings journeyed slowly forward through the passing millenniums towards the Light, acquiring ever greater knowledge under the guidance of the Youngest, whilst the Eldest strove to draw them back, draw them under the power of the Darkness.

Did the Eldest remain unseen to human beings? Were none incarnated on Earth?

Many thousands of centuries had passed since God had last sounded His voice to the Eldest. Then said one of those who had remained in the ruined kingdom, “See, we live in Darkness and misery still. We have not yet been able to bring back light and beauty to our dwelling places, and neither have we the power to bring back into the Darkness those we created. Let us seek then to ourselves become human beings, and live among humans as do our younger brothers and sisters; for we have seen that remembrance of the life with our Father is taken away whilst they walk upon the Earth. Let us bind ourselves to mortal bodies; for then will also the remembrance of our misery, of our lack of power and our suffering be removed while we are as humans, and we again shall rejoice in the possession of power and of riches and beauty.”

They listened all to these words and spoke much thereof, for all wished to be able to cease remembrance of their suffering.

Then spoke God to them in warning.

And God said: “My children, bring this not to pass; for with such will come much strife, much misery and great suffering to mankind, your creation, and it will profit you nothing. My children, seek to repent of the evil you have already done, then I, your Father, shall forgive you that you may return to your rightful Home. But are you still not able to repent, and would you, against my words, bind yourselves to mortal bodies, then know that you must all walk under the laws that I have given for the progress of mankind. Then must you strive from Darkness to the Light, then must you walk the paths that human beings walk; but this will be for you sorely trying, for Darkness will gather closely about you, and you will become greater in measure than the human beings, greater in your evil-doing. For the fear of Darkness will never depart you, and your suffering will become great!

“My children, I, your Father, have spoken, that you may choose that which is right. Take much thought before you commit this act! My children, take much thought!”

And they all heard God’s voice but were silent, for they were unable to feel repentance.

Then stood forth the Elder of the Eldest.

And he said: “We will do our beings no harm, we seek only to remove memory of our suffering. Surely we shall feel no greater horror among human beings than we feel in this, our ruined home; surely we shall not feel greater suffering amongst them than we find here.

“See how the sun that shines over the Earth brings warmth and beauty to all who dwell there. Is this not better than the cold and gloom that prevails here? See the splendid dwellings of the people, their proud temples, the imposing edifices of their princes! Is this not better than our crumbled ruins? See their splendid raiment, their golden adornments with their glittering, many-hued gems! See the riches they possess, and the riches yet resting in the earthly bosom and in the mountains! Is this not better than our nakedness and the miserable rags with which we seek to cover ourselves? See the nations and splendid cities of the Earth, the tall and luxuriant vegetation, the flowers with their many beautiful colors, the waters flowing clear, and the mighty seas! Is this not better than our barren rocks, our murky and fog-shrouded waters? Is this not better than the evil vapors that well forth everywhere in our realm?

"Truly we will do our beings no harm. We wish only to have a share in their riches and splendor. We seek only to remember no more our suffering!"

Then cried they all: “We wish our creatures no harm, we seek only to remember no more our sufferings.”

God, their Father, answered them not; for He compels none to do right. But with sorrow he looked upon their actions.

And the Eldest attempted to bind themselves to the bodies of the human beings—but they found that they could not do so. Only the Elder possessed the ability to do this, for his power was great. And when his brothers and sisters beseeched him, he promised to help them all.

Slowly the Elder journeyed from place to place across the Earth, and he bound his brothers and sisters to human bodies yet unborn, bound them with the life-giving cord of Darkness. And he tried, but was successful only partially in removing their memory. Lust for power still lay in their hearts and the memory of the horror of the Darkness followed them all.

When the Elder had helped his brothers and sisters, he attempted then to bind himself to an unborn human body. But it came about that this he could not do, for he had not the power to remove his own remembrance.

And the hour came when the Elder was alone.

Alone and unseen by humans, he wandered the Earth. Alone with his horror, he roamed the ruined kingdom. In heavy waves the Darkness surged through his body, oppressing his mind and confusing further his thoughts.

Then hatred awoke in his heart.

And he raised his hands toward the heavens and he cursed his God and Father, the Creator of all.

Then he stretched his hands towards the Earth, cursing his creatures, cursing his younger brothers and sisters, and cursing those brothers and sisters who had left him to be alone.

But at that moment, God’s voice sounded in warning.

And God said: “My son, cease your curses, for they are of no gain. My son, I say to you that the hour will come when, in grief and remorse, you shall humble yourself before human beings to seek their forgiveness. My son, make it not yet more difficult for your creatures to forgive you by adding your curses to the evil you have already caused them—sin, suffering, misery and the bitterness of death. My son, cease your curses, for they gain you nothing, and I, your Father, grieve over you.”

The Elder heard God’s voice but answered not, for Darkness and hatred bound his mind and his thoughts.

The times grew heavy for the human beings, for the Eldest grew up among them and they became greater than humans, greater in sin, greater in hatred, and they sowed the evil seed of the Darkness everywhere.

Some of the Eldest were born to rule, and they wielded the scourge of power over all the peoples beneath them. And they placed the yoke of bondage upon men and upon women, that they should serve them and be slaves for their evil passions. And they surrounded themselves with much resplendence. They took many women, tormented and put to death many people. They warred incessantly with neighboring kings and princes, and they gained much land, many cities and great riches by force and by treachery. And they sent thousands upon thousands of warriors to their death; for their desires were insatiable; for they were evil and pitiless, and arrogant.

But in their hearts they were cowardly and depraved, for the horror of the Darkness was with them.

Many of the Eldest were born to serve in the temples, born to be priests and priestesses of the gods. And they wielded the scourge of power over the peoples, over the kings and over the princes; for they spoke with much authority, threatening severe retribution by their god, or gods. And all people bowed before them, bowed in fearful submission.

The priests were counselors to the kings and to the princes; but they gave evil advice.

And they tried to conceal the sinful acts that took place in the hidden chambers of the temples, for some of the priestesses of the gods were harlots.

The priests gathered great riches, plundering by force and by stealth, and they heaped up gold in the treasure chambers of the temples.

Still they continued to seek more riches, to seek greater power; for their greed was insatiable; for they were cruel and arrogant.

But in their hearts they were cowardly and depraved, for the horror over the Darkness was with them.

Heavy were the times for human beings.

Once more the inner forces of the globe broke forth in fiery eruption; again a mighty realm sank into the sea. Thousands upon thousands of people perished, while mountain rocks crushed the splendid temples, the beautiful dwellings, while the waters engulfed and swept away all without trace. Few only escaped, fleeing far and wide, migrating in small groups across nearby islands to lands new and unknown to them.

And the Youngest grieved over that which had been lost, grieved over the evil seed of the Eldest; for they saw it sprout everywhere, and they saw it bear much fruit.

But God, their Father, comforted and strengthened them, and they journeyed onward, striving for the Light, striving for the good.

The centuries passed, millennium was added to millennium, human beings spread more and more across the globe, moving ever farther from their first dwellings and lands. And they built new realms, new nations; and each nation lived according to its own laws, governed under one or more rulers.

But those who had departed far from their original habitations remembered nothing of their ancestors; and no longer could they speak the tongue of their forefathers.

Heavy were the times upon the Earth, for the Eldest continued to be born among humans and wickedness spread everywhere.

And when death released the Eldest from their earthly bodies, the Darkness drew them back to the ruined kingdom where they implored their elder brother again to bind them to new bodies; for they longed to be in the Light of the Earth, in power and glory.

And the Elder, as the obedient Servant of Darkness, bound them anew to human bodies yet unborn. Often he did this against his will, for his hatred was turned upon those whom he believed had failed him, who had left him to be alone. And Darkness compelled him, for the power of Darkness is great.

But each time that the Eldest returned to the ruined kingdom after earthly life, remembrance of the times that were before their first incarnations became fainter, receded yet more; for the Elder was not able to restore all that he had taken from their memory.

Remembrance became fainter still, but their horror over the Darkness never left them.

As the centuries passed, some of the Eldest wearied of life among the human beings and chose instead to remain in the ruined kingdom; for they feared human embodiment; for they dared not harvest the evil seed they themselves had sown.

By strength of their combined thought and will, they attempted to build likenesses of earthly dwellings and communities; and in these places they "re-lived" their earthly existences.

But with their evil thoughts they continued to draw Darkness closer over the human beings, their own creation.

Heavy were the times on Earth.

Again, the globe’s inner forces erupted.

Again, one of mankind’s mighty realms was swept away. Blazing fire and glowing rocks devastated all, while the earth opened in gaping fissures, while proud mansions and splendid cities fell in ruins and were no more. Thousands upon thousands perished. Only a few were able to flee the flowing, all-consuming fire.

And the Youngest grieved for that which had been lost.

But they persisted in their efforts to attract the Light to the Earth, for God, their Father, gave them still greater strength, and they strove mightily against those Eldest who were born among the human beings.

Centuries were added to centuries, millenniums to millenniums.

Again the Youngest taught humans to establish realms, to raise new cities, to form new communities.

And they brought ever more knowledge to humans; taught them to peer into the vastness of space, taught them to chart the positions and the movements of the shining stars. But human beings were only faintly able to conceive of some of the greater whole that encompassed their world.

Heavy were the times on Earth; for the Eldest who were born as human beings gained ever greater power over mankind; for they pulled down that which the Youngest had built up; for they continued to sow their evil seed everywhere, and their triumphs over the Youngest became ever greater.

Ever more heavily did Darkness fall over the Earth, and mankind grew ever more wicked, sank ever lower.

And the times came when many of the human spirits, upon release by death from their mortal bodies, were not able to ascend to the abodes that God had given them in the spiritual worlds about the Earth; for their evil habits and desires bound them to the places where they had once moved about while their physical bodies breathed.

And then the spirits of the dead began to walk among the living, to wander about in homes, in temples and in the mansions of kings and princes. Wherever human beings were, the spirits of the dead followed, whispering to them evil thoughts—yes, seeking even to tempt people to commit the harmful deeds of Darkness.

And much confusion came about.

Some people were able to see the dead, and they were much afraid; for this strengthened in many their belief in an evil deity who fought God the highest for dominion over humanity, dominion upon the Earth.

And much fear arose in human hearts.

Heavy were the times on Earth. The Youngest grieved over the advance of evil, and but few dared venture to the globe to oppose the powers of the Darkness.

But these few brought much learning.

And they taught the human beings to ponder creation and the existence of all nature, tried to open their eyes to good and to evil, to pure and to impure; tried with clear words and authoritative speech to strengthen in them their belief in a just, all-embracing Divinity; tried to bring to them some knowledge of the ongoing struggle between Light and Darkness.

And they taught mankind to search out some of nature’s hidden laws, and to make use of this knowledge; taught them to express their thoughts, their yearnings, their joys and their sorrows in melodious verse; taught them to reproduce the deep searching of their thought in wise and profound teachings.

And they taught humans to erect glorious temples and splendid dwellings with mighty, beautifully formed vaults borne by slender columns and richly embellished with representations in many forms of animals and of artistically intertwined leaves, flowers and fruits.

They taught them to sculpt in stone—in the white marble—likenesses of the human body and images of gods and goddesses. And with these splendid works of art the human beings adorned their temples and their dwellings.

But the Youngest were not able to break the hold of the Darkness.

And when more than a hundred centuries had passed since the Eldest had for the first time let themselves be incarnated among the human beings, the Youngest were disheartened and few only dared venture to the Earth to struggle further against the Darkness.

——————————

Then came the hour when many of the Youngest were gathered in the outermost of the spiritual worlds about the Earth. And they spoke much of the troubled times that were, and of the difficult times that would come. And they deliberated upon ways they should follow that they might defeat the Darkness.

But they remained disheartened, and one said: "We are no longer able to lead the human beings, for we have not the power. Behold all this disorder!

“Many human spirits trespass against our Father’s laws for them. And see how thousands upon thousands of their dwellings in the spiritual worlds stand empty, while the spirits, bound by their evil cravings, wander the Earth among the living. But we are not able to call back our earthly brothers and sisters, and neither are we able to deliver them from the power of Darkness.

"And behold the ruined kingdom where some of our eldest brothers and sisters attempt, by strength of thought and will, to create an appearance of earthly regions, cities and dwellings, and in these shadow-realms live over and over again their last earthly lives. To these shadow-realms they draw, by their thought and will, many of the human spirits bound in sin that they can be slaves to their lusts. And we know that our brothers and sisters remain in the ruined kingdom so as to evade the laws to which they of their own accord submitted at the time they first took on human form.

"We know that they do this so as not to reap the evil seed they themselves have sown, so as not to be overtaken by their own evil deeds. All this we know, but we have no power to bring our brothers and sisters in under the laws that they evade. We shall never be able to put this in order.

“Nor shall we be able to guide human beings. Indeed, even when at our Father’s bidding we appeared before them in our full glory, without earthly form, so as to strengthen their faith in our Father’s Divinity, we were able to awaken them to reflection for but a short time. Soon, they again fell back into sin.

“Truly, we have fought—but we have not overcome. Humanity is lost.”

Then spoke the eldest of the Youngest.

And he said: “If we but keep the pledge we have given our Father, then are the human beings not lost. And never shall we break it, for do we so then are we not worthy of His trust.

“And this remember: you have all given your pledge to follow me, your elder brother; and therefore I say: let us ask our Father to help us, for He only can give us counsel. He alone is able to set right all these things. Let us pray our Father for help; for He has promised to support us, has promised to guide us. I ask you, how often has He not stood by our side, how often not raised the fallen, sustained the weak and comforted the disheartened? How often has He not shown us the road when we saw it vanish in the dark? Indeed, let us ask of Him still greater strength that we may overcome; for remember that we are not only pledged to lead the human beings to our Father’s Kingdom, but also to deliver our elder brothers and sisters; and when we are born amongst humanity, then can we at the same time render our brothers and sisters much help during their difficult journeying on the Earth. We can with love meet them, help them bear their burdens, try to remove the stones from their path; we can support them and lead them forward beside us. And pray consider, I ask you all, what joy is there for us whilst our eldest brother be against us, whilst his hatred and his curses are upon us? Indeed, let us all seek our Father’s help; for He alone can give us right counsel.”

When he had spoken they all fell silent, for they searched their hearts.

And again they spoke much with one another, until they were all agreed; then they said: "Brother, we shall follow you, for we know that your words are true."

And they went forth to God’s Kingdom, and the eldest of the Youngest stood forth.

And he said: “Father, we come to Thee with our sorrows; for we are defeated by the Darkness. We come to ask Thee to grant us greater might, that we may reach our goal.”

Then God, their Father, looked with affection upon them all.

And He said: "My children, be you patient; for only they who possess patience can overcome."

And God came amongst them, and He spoke to each, and to them all He said: “I, your Father, give thanks that none of you have forsaken your pledge to me; for great was the temptation to do so. My children, I say: put not exceeding trust in the strength that is your own, but be mindful instead that I will give you all the strength you need as long as you strive for the Light, for the good, and for the true!”

And God spoke more.

And He said: “I, your Father, compel not the human beings to follow the laws that I have given under which they may advance. Of their own free will must they walk under these laws. But so as to lighten your burden, I shall, at the final hour of each passing century, allow My voice to sound to all human spirits bound to the Earth in sin. And I shall speak to them, that contrition may awaken in their hearts, that the Light may draw them back to the dwellings that stand empty."

And God comforted the weak, and he strengthened them all.

And He spoke some more.

And He said: “My children, when you are again embodied amongst humanity then pray for those bound by evil; for the thoughts of love in your prayer can evoke remorse in their hearts, and then will the currents of the Light carry the penitent back to the empty dwellings. My children, I, your Father, ask that you try all, as you journey among the human beings, to remember your eldest brother and pray for him; for then shall you be victorious."

And then God spoke to the eldest of the Youngest, and He said: “My son, see, I shall send a multitude of your brothers and sisters to the Earth that they may guide the human beings. And I shall send many to the Jewish people, for there I hear the most cries to me for help; for there the people sigh under the evil yoke of bondage. My son, make ready; for soon shall you follow your brothers and sisters. The times are heavy, and the human beings are in much need!”

Then answered the son, and he said: "Father, I am ready, Thy Will be done!"

And God blessed them all.

And He sent a multitude to the Earth, and many went to the Jewish people.

When all the Youngest were departed, God let his mighty voice sound over the whole Earth to all human spirits who were bound by sin, bound by the Darkness; and they all ceased in what they were about, for God called to each by name.

Many heeded God’s calling voice; but many remained still in Darkness, for they were not yet able to repent, and only those who answered God, their Father, were borne by the streaming waves of the Light back to the empty dwellings.

And they remained for some time in their habitations in the spiritual worlds to be purified, to rest and to learn—until they should again go forth to new lives upon the Earth.

But before a century had ended, God summoned the eldest of the Youngest.

And He said: "My son are you ready? For the time is near, when according to your promise to Me, your Father, you are to be born on the earth among the human beings.

“You shall teach the human beings to love one another as brothers and sisters, teach them to love the Light and to shun the evil deeds of Darkness. You shall strengthen them in belief of the good, of the true. And you shall teach them to have faith in Me, their God, the Father of their spirit.”

The son answered Him and said: “Father, I am ready.”

God spoke more.

And He said: “My son, it may happen that your journeying will be burdensome, for among the humans will you find many roads that you may walk. The times are heavy. Darkness prevails over the Earth, and it will be difficult for you to find the right road. My son, are you ready?”

But the son answered Him and said: "Father, tell me: shall I choose the right road?"

With affection, God looked upon him, and He said: “I, your Father, shall not choose the way for you, only show you the path that can lead to the goal; and none can know beforehand whether you are able to accomplish your mission."

“My son, hear me, for I shall seek to guide you; and can you while in human form pray for your eldest brother, then will your loving thoughts awaken remorse in his heart, then will he return to his rightful home in My Kingdom. And with your brother’s deliverance will the Darkness have no servant to oppose you, then will your journey lighten and become easier, for the people will see in you the being that you are. Many will love you, and only few bear you hatred."

And God spoke yet more.

And He said: “My son, should you remember not your brother, should you fail to pray for him, then will he strive against you, then will the road you journey become stony and dusty. Thorns will prick you, few will love you, many will hate you, mock and persecute you. Yes, the human beings will give you death—death upon the cross. Such will be their gratitude for the gifts you bring them.

“My son, your Father asks: are you ready?”

Then the son lowered his gaze and he stood silent for a time, for he searched his heart.

And his love for suffering humanity prevailed, and he looked with resolve upon his Father and answered: “Father, I remain ready. But Father, forgive me should I not find the right path while I live upon the Earth; for Thou knowest the Darkness; for Thou knowest its terrrible power.”

Then God embraced His son, and He said: "I, your Father, shall guide you, that your journeying should not be too burdened; but I tell you: heed always My voice when it sounds to you, for then will you not lose your way."

And God spoke yet more.

And He said: "My son, behold, I will ask one of your brothers to accompany you on your journeying, that he may carry some of your burdens, that he may remove some of the stones from your path."

And God chose one of the Youngest, who pledged to accompany his brother.

And God spoke to both.

And He said: "Support one another, bear one another's burdens, fail not!"

And God blessed them, and He took their remembrances, but He let them keep a faint memory of the times that were before the creation of mankind. This God did, that the eldest of the Youngest should never doubt who he was, nor doubt the truth of the words he should speak to the human beings. This God did so as to make easier their work together, that the younger brother should not fail the older one.

And He sent them both to the Jewish people.

And one was called Jesus of Nazareth and the other, Joseph of Arimathea.

Before God sent the two brothers to the Earth, He called upon one more of the Youngest.

And God said to him: "See, your elder brother is uncertain; the times are evil, for the Darkness is prevailing over the Earth. I, your Father, ask: will you prepare the way for him? Will you seek to remove some of the obstacles from his path that his footsteps shall not falter upon his journey? My son, will you go with your brother?"

The son answered him and said: "Father, I am ready; give me Thy blessing and I shall go with my brother."

When he had answered thus, God spoke some more.

And He said: "Teach the human beings to shun the deeds of Darkness, teach them to turn from their false gods; to repent of the evil they have done, that they may travel the straight road to My Kingdom. My son, pray for all who are bound by the Darkness, my son seek to remember your eldest fallen brother."

And God took his remembrance, but He let him keep a faint memory of the brother he loved, and for whom he should prepare the way. This God did so that he might know the eldest of the Youngest when they met in their journeying on the Earth.

God sent him to the Jewish people, and he became known as John the Baptist.

Was the birth of Jesus supernatural? Was he conceived by the “Holy Ghost”?

Of the desire and will of man and woman was the mortal body of Jesus conceived and born.

And with the life-giving cord of the Light was the eldest of the Youngest bound to this body, for thus are all spirits of Light bound to earthly bodies according to God's will.

But God Himself guided and protected him in his burdensome journeying upon the Earth.

What were the thoughts of Jesus concerning his mission on Earth?

In evil times he was born upon the Earth.

In evil times he grew up among the people.

His thoughts were pure. His eye saw and his ear heard more than did the weak eyes and deaf ears of humans.

Love and compassion filled his heart. And his hands brought healing to many.

But his countenance was sorrowful, for he carried the heaviest of burdens upon his shoulders.

And he was a stranger among the people.

His eye saw much sin, much grief, much suffering.

And he heard the people in the synagogue and in their homes cry to their god to free them from their yoke of bondage and soon, soon to send them the Messiah, the promised, the long-awaited One.

Gradually, God awakened in Jesus the idea that he was sent to the Earth to deliver the people from bondage to sin, and to cleanse their hearts of all impurity; that he was sent to teach the people to love one another, to strengthen their faith in their Heavenly Father.

Slowly the hope awoke in the heart of Jesus that he was the promised, the long awaited One.

But he dared not believe this fully. And he pondered much upon these thoughts.

He sat often in the synagogue, studying the sacred Writings of old. And he listened to the elders and to the scribes as they explained the words.

But he found not the peace for which he searched.

He studied much the old Writings, But his heart was heavy; for the god he found therein was often vindictive, and in no way just.

But Jesus wearied not. He continued to seek until he was able finally to discern faintly the image of a gentle divinity—the God of Truth, of Love and of Compassion.

And this God of Truth and of the Light whom he glimpsed beyond the deity of wrath and vengeance, became for him a reminder of the Father whose image he bore within his heart.

And it was to Him that he prayed with passion for help—for peace, for strength.

And God heard his prayer.

And He granted him strength, purity and peace of heart.

When Jesus felt this strength come over him, he went into the synagogue and stood forth, and he spoke words of challenge to the elders and the scribes.

And all who heard him wondered, for his words were clear and he spoke with much authority.

Some of the words of Jesus were these: “Behold, I tell you this: that the god you fear and worship is not a true god but a false one! And I say: should you search with care the old Scriptures that speak of this your god, then would you see that he is weak and fickle. Now he wields the scourge of vengeance and retribution over the heads of your forefathers and drives his people into exile, then calls them back. Now he bids, through the prophets, the leaders take arms against neighboring peoples to pillage and to slay; and when thus for a time he has raged with his might, he repents of what he has done and promises to temper his wrath, promises to show greater mercy. Truly, truly I tell you: this is neither the God of Truth nor of Justice.

“And see the worship he demands of you!

“See the many animals he bids you slaughter and offer before his image that this may please him! Behold all the blood spilt upon his altar that the scent thereof might rise to the heavens and please his heart!

“Behold, I ask: is it not said to you in the Law of Moses that you shall not kill one another? Yet how often has your god not spoken, through the prophets, to your forefathers and bidden them slay thousands upon thousands of their enemies? And has he not promised to reward your forefathers for these evil deeds with much glory, many riches and much land? I tell you truly that the God who says thou shalt not kill and that god who bids you kill, are not the same; for that god who bids you slay your enemies, he is of the evil, and he you should shun!”

And Jesus continued to speak, for they all kept silent.

And he attempted by the words of the sacred Writings to show them the God of love and truth, the God of the Light who in full justice punishes human transgressions; attempted to show them the God whose embrace was open to each repentant sinner—the true, the highest, the only God; He, who was not only the God of the Jewish people, but of all the world—yes, even of the heathen.

When he fell silent then was everyone in dismay.

And the scribes spoke to him in harsh condemnation.

And the highest ones among them stood forth and forbade him to ever again speak in the synagogue, yes, forbade him to interpret the words of the sacred Writings.

But Jesus answered them and said: "None have the right to bid me keep silence in my Father's house.³

Then were they all yet more dismayed, and some cried: “See! The Evil One is in him and speaks from his mouth. Hear how he profanes the holy and disdains the exalted!”

And they tried to drive him from the synagogue.

But Jesus made no answer and walked of his own accord out of his Father's House.

When the people in the city heard about that which had happened, they were astonished and many were angered.

And the parents of Jesus, the carpenter Joseph and his wife Mary, rebuked him sternly for the words he had spoken in the synagogue against the elders and the scribes.

But Jesus answered them and said: "Know you not that I love you, and have I not tried to do your bidding? How much more should I then not seek to do the bidding of Him by Whom I am sent? How much more should I then not love my Father in Heaven, He Who rules over all?"

But they understood him not, and they grieved much, for they believed his thoughts were confused.

How should we understand the baptism of Jesus?

Some time after Jesus had been driven out of the synagogue, he heard much talk of a man, John, called "The Baptist", who journeyed from place to place in the region of the River Jordan.

Jesus heard that John spoke to the people there, and that he taught them much of the Kingdom of Heaven; heard that this man spoke sternly to the people, rebuking them for their ungodliness and for their worship of mammon and of power.

Some of the words of John were: “The Kingdom of Heaven is near—when you repent of the evil you have done, when you turn away from the false gods of this world, when you shun the deeds of Darkness.”

And when men and women came to him in sorrow and in remorse, John took water from the river into his hand and poured it over them.

And he said: “As with this water I cleanse your bodies of earthly dust and soil, so shall the Lord cleanse your hearts with heavenly fire; cleanse you of the impurities of sin and evil.”

But would any ask: “Are you the expected Messiah?” John would answer: “One who is greater than I shall come. I am but sent by the Lord to prepare the way for him.”

Many spoke of all this to Jesus.

And God awakened in his heart the desire to see this man and to speak with John, for that which he heard caused Jesus to wonder.

And Jesus went to the place where John was.

When John saw him coming, his spirit knew him.

And he bowed before Jesus and said: "Brother, be welcome!" Then John turned to the many who were with him and said: “It is he, whom I awaited; it is for him that I have prepared the way."

Then was Jesus gladdened by his words.

And he spoke with John and he said: "Brother, baptize me as you baptize the people, that cleansed I may go forth on my work."

Then John bowed to Jesus and said: "As your body is pure, even so is your heart."

But Jesus answered, saying: “None but God is pure.”

Then John did as Jesus wished.

When he had baptized Jesus, John turned to the people gathered about and called out in a loud voice: "This is the Son of God, the Beloved One! Follow him, obey him; for his words are true."

And as Jesus rose from the water the multitude fell back, for he stood before them as if a king.

Many bowed before him and some tried to kiss the hem of his robe, but Jesus bade them not do this.

And he stayed with John, and they spoke much with one another.

Then after a time they took leave of each other, and each went his own way.

How should we interpret the “Temptation in the Wilderness”?

After his meeting with the Baptist, Jesus went often into the solitude of the desert where in the stillness he could search his heart, ponder his task, and listen to his inner urgings.

When he was thus by himself, his eldest brother, the Servant of the Darkness, stood at his side and sought to instill in him impure thoughts.

But Darkness could not make unclean the mind of Jesus.

Then the Elder tried to rouse false pride in his heart.

But when Jesus sensed the alien thoughts, he heard with his inner ear a distant, gentle voice saying: "Pray for him who is bound by the evil."

And Jesus, who was possessed of second sight, searched all about him for the evil spirit who inspired in him the sinful thoughts of pride.

But he saw no one, for Darkness concealed his older brother.

And then he believed the thoughts to be his own, and that the distant voice sought to warn him against such wrongful thinking. And he prayed with passion and humbleness to his Heavenly Father to forgive him for the pride that filled his mind.

But the thoughts persisted.

And again the voice said: “Pray for him who is bound by the evil!”

Jesus listened to the words, and he tried to understand them.

But he could not, for the maledictions the Elder had called down upon him oppressed his thought and hid the faint remembrance he bore in his heart of the brother who had succumbed to the power of the Darkness.

And a great fear filled Jesus, for he believed an evil spirit had possessed his body and that this prevented him from discerning the evil from the good.

And he cried: “Begone, you evil one!”

But when the thoughts persisted, he called in his distress to his Heavenly Father and cried: "Father, deliver me from him who threatens me!"

Then God drew the Darkness away from the Elder and Jesus beheld his brother’s visage, and then did there awaken in him a faint remembrance of the pledge made to his Father before he began his journeying on the Earth.

And he heard a distant, sorrowful voice saying: "My son, the path of your journeying will be strewn with stones and be covered by dust, and the human beings will give you death—death upon the cross."

From that moment Jesus knew no joy, for he bore the heaviest burden of sorrow in his heart.

And later, when a time had passed and he spoke to his disciples of the Evil One who tempts humanity to sin, some asked: “Master, tell us, did the Evil One ever tempt you?”

Then Jesus answered: “When I walked in the desert places he came and spoke to me, to rouse in my heart false pride; but I said: depart from me! For I was not able to pray for him, for I remembered not the pledge I had given my Father.”

But those who heard his words understood them not.

And they questioned him not further, for they saw that he sorrowed greatly.

Did Jesus teach of an “eternal Hell”? Did he teach nothing more of the Kingdom of Heaven than already known from the Gospels?

About the time his eldest brother’s visage was revealed to Jesus, some people came to him who had seen him by the River Jordan and had heard what the Baptist said of him. And they much desired to hear him speak.

And Jesus did so.

And he explained much of the old sacred Writings to them, spoke to them of the God of Truth and Justice.

Then those who heard the words spoke to others thereof.

After this, many would come in search of Jesus and would assemble in great numbers to see him and to hear his words.

From among these gatherings, Jesus selected twelve men that they might accompany him upon his journeying and help him speak to the people; for he retained a faint remembrance of the Twelve who accompanied his Father.

Thus he journeyed from town to town, accompanied by some or by greater numbers of his chosen followers.

He spoke in synagogues, in homes, and at places where people gathered to rest after the toils of the day.

And he spoke to them of God as their Father, spoke of His love and compassion. And he rebuked them for their lack of tolerance, for their ways of enmity, their hatreds.

And some of the words of Jesus were these: “Love one another as brothers and sisters, for even as you love so shall your Heavenly Father love you.

“Be compassionate to all who come to you, for as you are compassionate so also shall your Father show compassion toward you.

"Be forgiving of your enemies, of all who sin against you; for in the same measure as you forgive, will your Heavenly Father forgive you when you repent of that which you have sinned against Him. Indeed, I tell you: become reformed and repent of your sins and seek to cleanse your hearts of all that is impure; for then shall you surely behold Heaven's glory, then shall you of a certainty enter the Kingdom of Heaven; for in my Father's Kingdom are many mansions prepared for you; and all joy and glory are there for those who have repented of that which they have sinned. And I tell you that you shall go forward to greater blessedness, yes, you shall go forward until you behold our Father's countenance. Therefore, be you all perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect! Be you all pure; for then shall you surely behold His countenance, that of He Who loves you all!

"But I tell you: Never demand the Kingdom of Heaven as a reward for the good you will do. Neither allow the flourish of trumpets in market places or streets that all may know what you have done. Nor ever with loud voice cry: "See how we have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, have given to many, so that now to us belongs the Kingdom of Heaven! For do you thus, then is the Kingdom of Heaven not yours. For I tell you: are you good, then will you do good, not evil! Are you merciful then will you show mercy to all, for you cannot do otherwise! And are your hearts loving, then will you be compassionate to all who suffer, and then will you forgive your enemies also, and all who have sinned against you.

"I tell you indeed, that do you all this as I have told it, then shall you surely partake of the blessings of Heaven, and then shall God's Kingdom be yours!"

Even having heard this, some yet came to Jesus and said: "Master tell us: how shall we enter God's Kingdom?"

Jesus looked upon them and he said: "Heard you not my words? I tell you that you shall love your God and Father with all your heart. And you shall love your neighbor as you love yourselves."

But those who had asked, answered him: "We heard what you spoke to us, but many are those who heard not the words."

Then said Jesus: "Go and proclaim that which you have heard, that all may share in the joy of Heaven."

And Jesus spoke yet more to the people.

And some of his words were these: "Will you not change and repent of your sins and cleanse yourselves of impurity but continue to journey in sin and disobedience, continue in corrupt ways, continue to rob and kill, continue to speak falsely of your neighbor, continue to hate, to persecute and to curse others, then shall you surely go to the Evil Place, and there shall you suffer everlasting⁴ torment; there no sun shall shine, and no moon give light to you in the darkness, but a fire⁵ shall be kindled in your hearts—a fire that will not be put out but neither consume you; there shall you suffer the agonies of hunger and thirst, for no one gives you to eat and no one slakes your thirst; there shall you grieve, for no joy is there but only weeping and the gnashing of teeth; for the worm⁵of sin shall gnaw at and pain you."

But when Jesus spoke in this manner, great fear came over the gathering.

And some went to him and said: “Master, tell us, does no one return from that place?”

Then Jesus remembered the image of his brother's countenance, remembered his failed pledge, and he answered: "I tell you that you must indeed change your ways and repent of your sinful deeds while there is time; for none but God knows if any return; for none but God knows whether the fire shall be put out; indeed I tell you: none but God knows whether the worm that gnaws and pains shall die!”

But the people continued to question.

“Master, tell us: how shall we prevent that many must go to that evil place?”

Then answered Jesus: “Did you not hear my words? You must change your ways and you must repent.”

But those who had asked, answered him and said: "We heard the words, but many are they who did not."

And Jesus said to them: “Be you then the salt; for even as the meat is salted that it spoil not, so shall you salt the hearts of the people and proclaim to all that which you have heard. But I say: you must speak in my name; for if the salt lacks in savor then shall the meat spoil and it will reek, and then will neither the salt nor the meat be any longer fit and must be cast away. Thus shall it be with you also.”

Then the disciples understood him, understood that they should not speak their own words but those of Jesus only.

And they went forth to others to speak of that which they had heard.

Many turned to Jesus, many followed him, and those who did so loved him much.

But the scribes and they who were called Pharisees and Sadducees hated him and persecuted him.

Did Jesus perform miracles? Did he heal the sick?

As he journeyed from town to town, Jesus searched out the poor and the sick.

And the gifts he received from those who loved him, he shared with the poor. And to the sick he spoke also words of hope and of comfort. And to lessen their suffering he often laid his hands upon their bodies, and when he felt the power of his spirit come upon them then did he pray: "Father, be it Thy will, then let these be healed!"

Thus did he bring healing and strength to many.

But this is not miraculous; this many have done from the earliest times, and this many will be able to do for as long as the Earth exists.

Could Jesus call the dead back to life?

And it happened on one of the journeys of Jesus that a man came to him and said: “Master, heal my daughter, for she suffers much. Follow me and heal her, for she is near death!”

When Jesus heard the words, he answered: "Then will it be of no avail for me to come, for I cannot deliver her from death."

But the father of the girl pleaded, and he said: “Master, help her, for she is my heart’s delight!”

And Jesus took pity on him, for in his heart he suffered with the suffering.

And he followed him.

But when they were arrived at the place, they heard that death had come to the girl.

When Jesus saw the grief of the father, he went with him into the house to give him solace.

And as Jesus stood at the child's bedside, his inner eye saw that her spirit had withdrawn partially from the body but that the body still lived, for the cord that bound the spirit had not yet separated.

When he had seen this, he turned to those present and said: “She is not dead, she sleeps; but I shall seek to waken her, I shall seek to call back her spirit.”

When he had said this, he took her hand, gazed upon her and called out her name loudly. And see, then did her spirit return to the body and she awoke.

When Jesus saw this, he said: "Give her food and drink and give her care, for she is weak."

Then all were in awe, and they wondered much.

And they said to one another: “His power is great. Truly, he must be the Son of the Most High!”

And they knelt in the dust before him, yes, they would even worship him.

But Jesus drew back.

And he said: "Heard you not my words? Heard you not that I said she is not dead, she but sleeps!"

The people answered him and said: "Master, we heard your words—but we saw that the girl was without life."

Then said Jesus: "I tell you: has the spirit left the body then life is no more, then is the body dead; but I saw that her spirit was still among us, and when I called to it, then did she awaken."

But the people answered: “Master, we saw that you gave her life.”

Then was Jesus angered, and he said: "Foolish ones, you see and yet you see not, and you hear yet hear not; and you will believe not when my words are true. But should I speak falsely then would you believe me, then would you fall down and worship me. But I say to you: worship not me, but worship Him by whom I am sent; for He has given me all, and of myself I can do nothing. Indeed, pray that your Heavenly Father enlighten you so that you may become seeing, for you are truly not able to tell right from wrong. And never should you speak to others in this way about the death of this girl, for you know not what you say!"

When Jesus had said this, he left them and went on his way.

But that which Jesus did was no miracle; many have done the same before his time and after, and it can be done for as long as the Earth exists.

Could Jesus drive out evil spirits?

On his many travels, Jesus came upon those to whose bodies clung spirits of the dead—those possessed. And their suffering was great, for the evil spirits made impure their thoughts and sapped their strength so that their bodies were made wretched and weak.

But when Jesus, with second sight, saw the evil spirits cling to the human bodies, he spoke in stern manner, bidding them depart and leave people in peace; and he forbade them ever again to return.

And to those he had thus delivered, he said: "Cleanse your hearts and thoughts of all evil, of all impurity; for if you wander on in sin then will your suffering become even greater, for then will the evil spirits again return to cause you new and yet greater torments."

Some who had been possessed did as Jesus bade, but many remained unclean.

Thus Jesus was not able to bring peace to all he sought to help.

But that which Jesus did was no miracle; many have done this before him, and many have done it after his time.

How should we understand the “Transfiguration on the Mount”?

Jesus often went into the solitude of the desert that, in the stillness, he could search his heart and listen to his thoughts.

There, in the solitude, he grieved much over human misery, grieved over the pains of the people, grieved over their hatred and wickedness toward one another.

And he asked his Heavenly Father to grant him the strength to guide the sinful and confused human race.

One day, as Jesus, laden with his cares, rested by himself while his companions, exhausted from their journeying, napped, God sent two of the Youngest to him that they could appear before his mortal eye and thus bring him comfort and strength.

When Jesus beheld the faint outline of the radiant forms, he called out: "Father, I thank Thee!"

His cry awoke his companions, and by the suddenness of their arousal they kept a fleeting remembrance of the glory they had seen. For while their bodies rested, their spirits had seen and known the radiant forms.

What was the relationship of Jesus to the apostles?

The twelve whom Jesus had chosen from among the disciples all had to labor hard for their daily bread, but Jesus helped them by sharing with them the gifts that he received from those who loved him.

Some of the companions of Jesus had wife and home and were therefore not always able to accompany him, but he went often to their dwellings to rest a few days when his body was weary after his many travels. His companions received him with much joy and were saddened whenever he departed, for he was much loved by all his disciples, loved by men and women alike.

Eleven of the companions of Jesus were of the Youngest. They were good and strong of spirit, but were much below Jesus in worldly wisdom and learning; and the remembrances they bore in their hearts of the times that were before mankind were faint, for their earthly bodies and their eldest brother's curses lay heavily upon them.

The twelfth companion of Jesus was of the Eldest.

And his name was Judas—Judas of Iscariot.

Often when Jesus spoke to the disciples, before the time when he had chosen the twelve, he saw Judas among them. And when the spirit of Jesus knew him, he saw that Judas bore the heavy burdens of the Darkness.

And when Jesus had chosen the eleven companions, he went to Judas and said: "Brother, come and be one of us."

But Judas turned his face away, and said: "Master, are you able to give me the peace I seek?"

Jesus answered him and said: "Not I, but the Most High."

And he spoke further to him, and he said: "Judas, seek to repent of what you have sinned; take your burdens to our Heavenly Father, then will He forgive you that your heart may become pure."

But Judas answered: “Never can my heart be cleansed. I must bear my burdens alone. None can bear them for me.”

Then Jesus continued to speak to him.

And Judas harkened to the words and promised to go with him. But he said: "I am not able to help you in your mission, for did I this then the impure would defile the pure."

From that time, Judas was among the companions of Jesus. And when Jesus spoke to them, Judas listened to the words; but his visage was dark, and he questioned not, nor spoke to the people. He chose to walk alone, for the eleven companions shunned him. They loved him not.

Jesus spoke often with his companions, and he attempted to rouse the full strength of their spirit.

And he taught them how they could, by the strength of their spirit and the will of their thought, heal the weak and drive out unclean spirits.

And he said to them: “Pray the Most High to give you understanding, that you may know when you are able to help and when you are not; for this you cannot know of yourselves.”

And Jesus often sent them two and two to the cities of the region, that they might proclaim his words to many.

This he did to strengthen them in their task, this he did to try their strength of spirit.

And he spoke much with them of the time to come, when they should be alone upon the great mission; spoke of the time when he should leave them. For he understood that he was not able to overcome the people’s will toward evil, and he told his companions that his death should come soon.

But when he spoke in this manner, his followers said: “Master, how shall we fare when you are no longer with us? For we have not your wisdom and not your power?"

Then Jesus answered: "When I am returned to my Father, I shall ask that He grant you more of His strength, grant you more of His Holy Breath.⁶

When he had spoken thus, some of his companions asked: "Master, tell us, when you have departed from us will you then never return? Shall we not see you amongst us while we are here? Shall we not meet again until we also have departed this world?"

When they had asked this, Jesus was silent a time; for he remembered the radiant forms he had seen with his earthly eyes.

And he said: "Does our Heavenly Father so permit, then shall you surely see me amidst you."

Then they all asked: "Master, when shall we then expect you?"

To this, Jesus answered: “None know this, only God.”

Was Jesus always ready when he was called to the sick and the grieving?

And it happened one day that Jesus came to Simon Peter's house to rest after many days of wearisome travel. When he entered, he spoke a greeting and said: "Give me water and food, for I thirst and hunger much.”

And Simon Peter and his wife bade him be welcome, and they gave him a cup of water.

And while Jesus cleansed his body and his robe, Simon Peter's wife prepared him a meal.

When all was ready, she said: "Master, eat, for you sorely need to strengthen your body."

But just then a shepherd entered the room, went over to Simon Peter, greeted him and said: “Know you where I may seek out the Master from Nazareth? Tell me then, for I wish to see him and to speak with him.”

Simon Peter pointed to Jesus, and said: “The one you seek is here!”

Then the shepherd turned to Jesus, greeted him and said: "Master, my aged mother has sent me to you, for she has for a long time lain motionless in her bed; for she is ill and palsied and she is not able to come to you. Master, follow me, for death is drawing near and she wishes much to hear your words."

When he had spoken thus, Jesus rose, and said: "Brother, I follow you."

But the wife of Simon Peter stepped forth and said: “Master, strengthen your body with food and drink, and rest, for you are very tired. The old woman can wait.”

Then Jesus looked upon her, and he answered: “They who grieve and they who suffer shall not call upon me in vain, and death waits neither.”

And he took his staff and departed with the shepherd.

When they had walked for a time along stony roads, they came to a low-lying old hut. And when Jesus entered, he withdrew in haste from the stench that met him. But when in the gloom he discerned an old woman lying outstretched in bed, he went inside once more and he laid his hands on her head, and said: "The Lord's peace be with you."

The old woman greeted him and thanked him.

And Jesus said: “See, I am come; for you wished to speak with me.”

The woman answered: “My time is drawing near; but I am in fear of death and of the wrath of the Most High, for I have sinned against His commandments.”

Jesus looked gently upon her and said: “Those whom God loves, He forgives much.”

But the old woman answered him and said: “I have sinned against the Lord’s commandments, how can He then forgive me?”

Jesus was silent a while, for he spoke with his God and Father; and then he knew how he should form his words.

And after a time he said: "Tell me, where is your daughter, your youngest child? Is she not with you in your old age to give you comfort? For I see only your son, who brought me here.”

The woman answered him and said: “My daughter is no longer here, for she has hardened her heart; for her mother’s home was too poor, and she followed ways her mother did not know."

Jesus looked at her and said: “And you have cursed her and have turned her away?”

Then sudden strength came over the old woman; she rose in bed and cried: "How can a mother curse and turn away that child who has grown up in her sight and at her hands? How can a mother curse and turn away that child she bore to life? Indeed, you know not a mother's heart!"

Jesus laid her gently back on the bed and said: "See, your daughter has sinned against you; and though she has repented not and returned not, yet have you already forgiven her in your heart, forgiven her out of your love for her. Truly, I tell you that when you who are of this world can find forgiveness in your heart for the child who has sinned against you, how much more must our heavenly Father then not forgive His children; for is your love great, then is His greater still. I say to you that never shall you fear death, nor the Lord's wrath; for you have loved much, and you have forgiven much—and much shall also be forgiven you."

Then the old woman took the hands of Jesus and said: "Master, your words have brought solace to my heart and banished my fear; but pray, seek out my daughter, lead her back to the right way; tell her that her mother forgave her before she departed life."

Then the old woman closed her eyes.

And Jesus stayed with her until her spirit was returned home to the heavenly abodes; then he rose from her bedside and traveled back, traveled alone the long and arduous way to Simon Peter's house. And when he reached there he sank to the ground, for he was exhausted from his many travels.

And Simon Peter saw him and helped him inside and offered him rest.

From that time Jesus sought without cease, inquiring about the daughter. But none knew her, and none knew where she was to be found.

But when some time had passed and Jesus was come on a visit to Jerusalem, he heard that the young woman lived in that city and that she abode with a wealthy merchant, and Jesus was shown to that place.

Jesus sought her out, came before her and spoke to her in her mother's name. And he bade her follow him and away from the ways of sin, back to purity and peace. And he brought her old mother's words of love, brought her the old woman's forgiveness.

Then did sorrow and remorse awaken in the daughter's heart. The costly raiment and the glittering jewelry tempted her no longer; and she departed the merchant's house, for they were not wedded; and she accompanied Jesus.

And he brought her to the house of Simon Peter. And Simon Peter and his wife received her with much kindness and they gave her care, and she remained with them.

And this young woman was Mary of Magdala.⁷

Did Jesus speak on the significance of baptism with the words ascribed to him by tradition?

People came often to Jesus that he might baptize them.

But Jesus did not baptize.

And it happened one day that some came to him and asked: "Master baptize us that we may be cleansed of our sins!"

But Jesus looked upon them, and he said: "Tell me, how often do you cleanse your bodies?"

The people wondered at his words. But they answered him and said: "After our daily toil we cleanse ourselves of the dust of the road and the sweat of our bodies."

Again, Jesus asked: “Tell me, do you cleanse yourselves today of that which will cling to your bodies tomorrow?”

Then they answered: "This we do not; we cleanse ourselves today of that which has today soiled us, and tomorrow of that which will tomorrow soil us."

Then answered Jesus: "Yes, this you do, for the other cannot be done. Therefore, I tell you: each day shall you repent of your sins and each day shall you ask the Lord's forgiveness; for He forgives you not today what you sin tomorrow. I tell you truly that that which is, the Lord our God can forgive; but that which is not⁸ He cannot forgive. Yes, I tell you: if each day you repent and pray for forgiveness, then on the day of your judgment shall you of a certainty be fully pure; for then shall no evil thought bear witness against you, and no false words shall judge you."

But when he had said this, the people answered: “John baptizes all who come to him.”

Then Jesus looked at them, and he said: "John has shown you the way; go and do as he has shown you, and as I have told you."

But they wondered at his words.

And they went from him to John, and they let themselves be baptized by him; for they understood not the words of Jesus.⁹

Why did Jesus not baptize those who came to him?

After his own baptism Jesus spoke with many whom John had baptized and he saw that not all were able to understand the act in its true meaning, for the people often saw more in baptism than intended by John; yes, some even believed that by being baptized they had been cleansed for all time from the taint of sin.

Therefore, Jesus would not baptize; but he did attempt to guide all who came to him, sought to teach them that baptism was but an act of symbolism, no more.

Why did Jesus allow the Apostles to baptize, when he himself would not do so?

When Jesus sent his companions forth from place to place that they should preach his words, they were met often with much mistrust and much opposition when, at the wish of Jesus, they would not baptize the people who came to them.

And when they had returned from their first journey, they said: “Master, permit us to baptize as John does. People often turn from us when we will not do so, for they believe that this would make them worthy to be received in our community.”

And when the companions of Jesus had returned from their first journeys, they said: "Master, allow us to baptize as does John; for often the people turn from us when we will not baptize them, thereby to make them worthy to be received into communion with us."

So Jesus answered them and said: “Baptize not, when it is not demanded of you; for many are those who are not able to understand the true meaning of baptism, and we should not confuse their thoughts still further."

But they continued to ask permission to baptize.

Then said Jesus: "Do you meet with mistrust and opposition, and is it demanded of you, then baptize all who desire it; but then shall you also teach those you baptize to each day repent and pray their Heavenly Father forgive that which they have sinned; yes, teach them also that after the baptism they will yet sin each day."

And his companions promised to do as Jesus bade.

How did the high priests and the scribes look upon the actions of Jesus?

When the enemies of Jesus heard about all that had come to pass, they became greatly angered. And they talked amongst themselves as to how they should prevent people from going to Jesus and following him, for they wished much to do him harm.

And one of the highest among them said: "Let us go to Jesus of Nazareth and let us ourselves call him to account; let us seek to get the better of him that we may turn his words against him, for then can we accuse him before the council, then can we bear witness to that which we had heard."

And some of the scribes went to Jesus.

And one said: "We have heard that you have much power, and that by this, your power, you heal the sick and cast out evil spirits. Tell us: in whose name do you this?"

But Jesus knew their wicked purpose.

And he said: “Tell me, in whose name did your forefathers drive out evil spirits? And in whose name do you do this?”

To this the scribes answered and said: “In the name of the Most High!”

Then Jesus looked upon them and said: "I tell you truly that what I do, this I do in the name of the Almighty, in the name of my God and Father; for He has sent me to the Earth that I should tell human beings about Him, that I should reveal His power, reveal the glory of His Kingdom."

But when he had spoken thus, the scribes cried: "Hear, how he profanes the holy!"

Jesus answered them and said: "It is not I, but you who profane; for you profane Him by whom I am sent; for in your thoughts are you evil; for you are arrogant, and you pretend to righteousness before your god, but your hearts are hard as stones. Truly, I say: you close your eyes, for you will not see; and you stop up your ears, for you will not hear. And this you do because you will not receive me, will not receive the one who is sent to you. Truly, I tell you that the hour will come when you shall see me with the hosts of the heavens, and then shall you know my power and my glory. Yes, I tell you that the day will come when you shall bow before him you denied, bow before him you would not receive when he was amongst you."

When Jesus had said this, the chief scribe stood forth before them.

And he said to those with him: “Heard you not his ungodly words? Heard you not how he profaned the Lord? For he said that he was the Son of the Almighty, of the Most High!”

And they all answered, and they cried: “We heard the words, and we shall bear witness against him!”

Then the chief scribe turned to Jesus and said: "We forbid you to spread your false teachings among the people; for it is our place to guide them, that they shall not lose their way."

But Jesus looked upon him and answered: "The blind cannot lead the blind; for can none of them see, then will they all stumble into a pit and there perish wretchedly."

Then the chief scribe was yet more angered.

And he said: "If you cease not your ungodly speech, then shall we accuse you before the council and all give evidence against you; for now that we have heard how you profane the holy and profane the exalted, we know from whence comes your power and we know by whose help you cast out evil spirits; for you do it with Satan's help, with the help of he who is the most evil."

And when he had said this, they all cried: “We know you do this with Satan’s help!”

But Jesus looked upon them and said: “If you say that I drive out evil with the help of evil, then it is but good that I do so; for I tell you that if I do this, then are Satan and all his brood in discord. Yes, I tell you that do the servants disagree and are in discord with their master, and does he drive them all from his house, then is the door open and any who wish may enter and bind up the master of the house; for then has he none to give help. Truly, I tell you that if by the aid of Satan I drive out all his brood, then have I prepared the way for you, then have I opened the door for you, that you may enter in and bind up the Hated One—if you possess such power!

"But I tell you that if your words are false and you mean not what you say, then beware the Day of Judgment; for on that day shall you give account for every false word you have spoken; yes, you shall account for much."

And Jesus spoke further.

And he said: "What you have sinned against me, that I forgive you; for you are blinded and you know me not; but what you have sinned against the holy¹⁰ within, that shall you not be forgiven until you have suffered for it and repented of the evil you have done. Truly, I tell you to beware of the Day of Judgment; for then shall your words bear witness against you, then shall your words judge you."

When Jesus had said this, he rose from the boulder upon which he sat, and he walked away.

And he continued to heal the sick, continued to cast out evil spirits, and he continued to speak to the people of God's love and mercy, continued to explain the sacred Writings in the way his spirit moved him.

But in their righteousness, the enemies of Jesus grew more angered.

Was Joseph of Arimathea able to support Jesus in his mission?

It happened one day that when Jesus was near Jerusalem, a scribe came up to him and walked by his side part way along the road and they talked together.

The scribe was Joseph of Arimathea, who was highly learned and much esteemed.

And he was among those who with great longing hoped for the early coming of the Messiah; and he prayed each day that God would grant him the privilege and joy of beholding the long-awaited One.

When God saw the longing in Joseph’s heart, he awoke the hope in his mind that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised, the expected Messiah.

But Joseph dared not fully believe in this hope, for he had heard much evil talk among the scribes about this Jesus and he knew that many of the elders and highest ones had made protest to the council in Jerusalem, had made complaint against the Nazarene's blaspheming words.

And when he heard that Jesus was near, he resolved to see him and speak with him.

And Joseph went forth from Jerusalem to meet Jesus.

But, unseen, the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, followed him upon this journey.

And the Elder tried to remove the faint remembrance that Joseph bore in his heart of the times that were, before mankind; and when he stood before Jesus his spirit knew him not.

But the spirit of Jesus knew his brother.

And Jesus said: "Brother, be welcome; be with me, not against me!"

Joseph wondered at these words.

And when he had kept silent a while, he said: "Truly, I am not against you, but you are against me. Yes, you are against all we who are the true teachers of the people, and you stir the people against us. Tell me, by what right do you this?"

Jesus looked upon him, but he made no answer..

Then Joseph continued to speak.

And he said: "Many say that you are the Messiah; and are you him whom we all expect then should you not be against us, then should you gather the people about you that together we may break the heavy yoke of bondage; then should you gather the people about you that together we may throw off the despised and heavy burdens placed upon our backs by the foreigners. Yes, are you the Messiah, then should you come to us, then should we make you the leader of all the people, then should we clothe you in purple and place you upon the throne of David that we may fulfill the words that have been spoken to us of the Messiah. And then should we all bow before you, all obey your words."

But Jesus answered and said: "Truly, I tell you that I was born not to the Earth to rule over the people, for my kingdom is not of this world. Truly, I tell you that I am not come to gather the multitudes about me by force. I am not come to slay, neither to cast out the foreigners, nor to rob; I am sent instead to teach the people to love one another, to bear witness to our Father's justice and to lead all to His Kingdom."

While Jesus spoke in this manner, Joseph heard distantly a voice with his inner ear.

And the voice said: "Sustain one another, bear each other's burdens, fail not!."

And Joseph listened to the words; his heart softened, and he said: "Are you the Messiah, then tell it to me and I shall plead your cause before all, then shall the elders and the highest ones receive you upon my words."

But Jesus answered and said: "Will you plead my cause then must you walk by my side, then must you give to the poor your riches, then must you turn away from all power, honors and esteem. Truly, I tell you that would you plead my cause then must you forsake all that is yours and travel with me along the stony and dusty roads; then should we sustain one another, then should we bear one another's burdens and together should we lead the people to our Father."

While Jesus spoke in this manner, Joseph heard again the distant voice.

And the voice said: "Follow your brother, fail not."

Then Joseph hesitated. But doubt arose again in him, for the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, stood by his side and attempted to confuse his thoughts.

And Joseph said: "Are you the Messiah, then tell it to me, then give me a sign that I may know your words are true."

Once more Jesus looked upon him.

And he said: "Does your heart not tell you that my words are true, then will a sign help but little; for they who doubt, and who are unsure will demand ever more signs, demand ever greater signs. Truly, I tell you that by outward signs will doubt never cease but grow only greater, and then will hope and faith never turn to certainty."

When Jesus had answered thus, he walked away in anger—anger so great that he gave no parting word even to the scribe.

From that time there was no peace for Joseph of Arimathea, for the worm of doubt gnawed ever at him and the inner voice whispered often: "Follow your brother, fail not!"

But at those times and at those places where Jesus spoke to the disciples, spoke to the many who gathered about him, Joseph was often among the people, listening to his words.

And they saw each other but were not able to meet, for their eldest brother and his maledictions stood between them and bound their hearts.

But both grieved much.

Did Jesus foretell the “End of the World” and his “Second Coming” as related in the Scriptures?

And it happened that when Jesus went out from the temple in Jerusalem one day, one of his companions said: "Master, behold this edifice! How magnificent it is, and glorious. Surely, no other is more richly adorned!"

But Jesus answered and said: "Truly is this temple glorious to behold, and yet I tell you that the time will come when the abomination of destruction shall come upon it and not a stone shall be left standing."

When his companions heard these words, some said: “This temple shall surely stand until the end of time, for so close-fitted are its stones.”

But Jesus answered: “Know you not that the prophets have cried out: “Woe, woe to Jerusalem, woe to all the people, yes, to all the Earth?”

And he continued, saying: "Know you not that the days will come when Jerusalem shall be laid waste, when everything human hands have built shall be pulled down to destruction? Have you not heard that the days will come when peoples shall rise against peoples, when brother shall stand against brother and father against son? Yes, have you not heard that the days will come when the mountains shall fall upon you and crush you, when the rivers shall run dry and the seas shall cover the lands and wash away all that lives? Truly, this the prophets have foretold—and you know it not? See, I tell you that when these days come then shall the Earth be shaken to its very foundation and everything be laid waste, then shall the sun not shine and the moon not give any light; yes, all the stars shall be extinguished. But then will you see the heavens open, then will you see me in my Father's Kingdom with the heavenly hosts, and then shall you know my power and my glory. And you shall hear a mighty voice everywhere; yes, you shall hear it throughout all the Earth. For the Lord God will call upon the dead and He will call upon the living. Then shall He send forth His angels that they may gather all who were, and all who are in that hour. And when all are gathered, then shall I go forth and lead the just and the good to our Father's Kingdom, and there shall be great joy. But the unjust and wicked shall go to the place which is prepared for them, and there shall they suffer much."

But when Jesus had spoken thus, some of his disciples said: “Master, tell us, when shall all this come to pass?”

Then Jesus looked upon them and said: "Tell me, have the prophets foretold to us the day and the hour?"

Those who knew the ancient Writings answered: "No, this they have not done."

And Jesus said to them: "I tell you that the prophets have not foretold this to us, for none but God knows the day and the hour.

“But I tell you to turn away from all wickedness that these days shall never come. Truly, I tell you: pray each day of your Heavenly Father that the times shall not come when men curse their offspring and women lament over the children they have borne; for when men and women do this then is the end near."

Thus spoke Jesus to his companions and to his disciples of all that the prophets had foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem, of the peoples, and of the Earth.

Thus he spoke to his companions and to his disciples of the time when all the generations of the Earth should see him in his Father's Kingdom, and know his power and his glory.

But never did Jesus speak to his companions or to his disciples of a time when he should again walk upon the Earth amongst mankind.

Was it foreordained that Judas betray Jesus? Why and with what words did Jesus institute the Eucharist?

When the time for the Passover Festival drew near, Jesus decided to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival there.

But as he sensed the hour was soon to come when the people would give him death, he sent word to his twelve companions asking them to meet him in Jerusalem together with his disciple, Samuel the Waterbearer, that they might all partake of the Passover meal there.

The companions of Jesus made known their intent to attend, and some went ahead to make preparations.

But when the hour was come and they were met in the house of Samuel the Waterbearer, Judas was not among them.

And Jesus said: “Let us wait until all are gathered.”

When some time had passed, Judas entered and Jesus went to meet him and said: "Judas, we have missed you, be welcome among us."

But the features of Judas were dark.

And he answered not, but went straightway to the place which had been prepared for him at the table.

When all were seated, Jesus prayed for the blessing of God upon the meal. Then he poured wine into the cups, took the unleavened loaf and gave them all of it, and he asked them to eat of the Paschal Lamb.

When Jesus had done this, he looked upon Judas and he said: “I bade you be with us in this hour that I might take leave of all of you before we part."

But when the companions of Jesus heard these words, they said: "Master, stay with us, depart from us not."

Jesus answered them and said: "Truly, I tell you that it is not by my wish that I leave you, but the people demand my life."

Then Jesus spoke further, to Judas.

And he said: "None shall say that I fear my enemies and that I hide from them, and after our repast I shall go to meet my enemies, for I know that they seek after me.

“Judas, I say this to you that you shall listen not to your evil thoughts and turn them to deed.”

When Jesus spoke these words, fear and anger fell upon the eleven of the companions of Jesus, and they cried out: "Master, tell us, what has he done, for we understand not your words?"

Jesus answered them and said: “Be not distressed, for I spoke to Judas alone—and I saw that he understood my words.”

When all had eaten and the repast was done, Jesus took his cup and said: “Brethren, it is time for us to part. Soon shall I leave you to suffer that which is prepared for me."

But some of his companions said: "Master, will you go then will we go with you; shall you suffer death for your teaching, then will we share your suffering."

And Jesus answered them, saying: "I go, for it is demanded of me; I go, that by my death I may confirm the truth of the words I have spoken to you. But you shall stay and proclaim before all the peoples what I have taught you. Yes, you shall go even to the gentiles and seek to draw them to you. But I tell you: be not concerned over the words you are to speak, for when I am returned to our Father, then shall I, as I have promised, ask that He send more of His Holy Breath, send you yet more of His power and strength that you may, at all times, know the words you are to speak."

Jesus spoke yet further to them.

And he said: "Brethren, I ask of you: remember me in the times to come, when you are gathered at this supper, for then shall I surely be among you!"

And Jesus spoke to each, and he took leave of each one.

And he passed them his cup, and they drank of it. But when he came to Judas at the last, Jesus offered him the cup and he said: “Judas, drink of my cup, and betray me not!”

But Judas turned the cup aside.

And he arose hastily, and he left them with no parting word.

Some of the companions of Jesus would hasten after him, but Jesus held them back and said, “Be not condemning of your brother, for truly is he tempted by the Evil One, and he does but ill to himself.”

When Jesus had said these words, he left the house of Samuel the Waterbearer.¹¹

And he went to the Garden of Gethsemane, there to reflect in the stillness on that which was to come.

Some of his companions followed him, for they wished to be near him to the last.

But Judas let his evil thoughts turn to deed.

What words did Jesus speak when he stood accused before the Council?

Then it came to pass that when Jesus and his companions departed the Garden of Gethsemane, they saw a band of men—servants of some of the scribes and of the high priests.

The men came to meet them, and with them was Judas Iscariot.

And when Judas saw Jesus, he pointed to him and said: "He is the one you seek."

And when he had said this he left in haste, for he dared not look upon the face of him whom he had betrayed.

When the companions of Jesus heard the words, they stood forth to protect him whom they loved. And in anger, Simon Peter struck one of the servants.

But Jesus restrained them and bade them stand back, and he said: “Defend me not, nor follow me, that more lives not be taken than the one that is demanded."

Then the servants surrounded him, bound his hands and led him to the house of Caiaphas where the Council was assembled.

And among those who should judge Jesus was Joseph of Arimathea.

But Caiaphas was the highest of the Council.

The scribes, the elders, and the highest all spoke much with one another about how they should condemn Jesus, for they did not agree.

When Jesus was led before them, deep silence fell upon them all; for he stood before them as if a king.

Caiaphas had summoned many whom he knew to be enemies of Jesus.

This he had done that their words should bear witness against Jesus.

But the witnesses could not agree, and their testimony was divided. No two even spoke the same words; yet all offered many accusations.

Then Caiaphas grew impatient and said: "Jesus of Nazareth, clear yourself of that which the people say of you! Defend yourself that we may hear your own words and judge you rightly thereafter."

And Jesus answered him and said: "The people have accused me. Judge me therefore according to their witness!"

But Caiaphas answered and said: "We cannot judge you on the words of the people, for their testimony is divided."

Jesus looked upon him and said: "When the witnesses cannot agree, when their testimony is divided, when not even two are able to speak the same thing, then surely is it not difficult for you to judge me rightly."

Then was Caiaphas angered, for he understood the words of Jesus; and he considered how best to ensnare him.

And Caiaphas said: "Many of the elders and the high priests have heard you say that you are the Son of the Most High. Answer us: have you spoken thus?"

Jesus answered him and said: "What you say is true. Such were my words, and I tell you that the day will come when you shall all see me in my Father's Kingdom, and there all bow before me."

When he had spoken thus, Caiaphas turned to the Council and cried out: "Truly, we need not seek witness from among the people; for from his own mouth have we now heard the blasphemous words, heard him speak falsely of the Most High. Let us judge him accordingly!"

When Joseph of Arimathea heard these words from Caiaphas, he arose and silently departed the Council chamber for he dared not sit in judgment on Jesus.

But those who remained judged him guilty—guilty to die upon the cross.

When Jesus heard their judgment, he said: "What you have sinned against me, that I forgive you; for you know not what you do. But when we meet in our Father's Kingdom, then shall you know that my words are true; for there will the judgment that you have pronounced upon me, accuse you and judge you."

Having spoken thus, he was led away.

And Caiaphas posted guard over him in the night, that his friends should not help him to flee the city.

The next day, in the early morning, he was brought before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who affirmed the judgment.

What words did Jesus speak before he died on the cross?

When Jesus was led through the city, crowds followed him with mocking shouts; but Jesus answered them not.

And he was led by the guards to that place called Golgotha, where the condemned were crucified.

When Jesus passed through the gate of the city, he saw some women who wept. And he said: "Weep not over me, for my suffering is soon ended; weep for yourselves and for the unborn generations, for much grief and much suffering awaits them."

When they were come to the place, the soldiers took from him his robe, and they bound him to the cross, placing a piece of wood beneath his feet so as to prolong his suffering.

When the cross had been raised, the crowd broke forth and gathered about it; and the people continued to mock Jesus. Yes, many even hurled stones at him. The guards tried to drive the people off, but they returned again and again..

And then it happened that the sun darkened; for a heavy black cloud passed slowly across the sky, obscuring the shining sun itself; and a deep gloom fell, while the ground shook to its very foundation.

Then great fear came upon all; for many remembered the words of the prophets, foretelling the destruction of the world, and they believed the end was near. And, terrified, they fled into the city where they hid in their houses while the gloom prevailed.

But some of the companions of Jesus, and some of the women, remained at the foot of the cross.

And among them was the mother of Jesus.

When the daylight darkened, she stretched her hands fearfully towards her son and cried out: "My son, my son, why stayed you not with the faith of your forefathers? See! the Most High has forsaken you."

When Jesus heard the words, he said to those with her: "Support and comfort her, for her suffering is great."

When he had said this, he felt that his body became weakened, and he asked his heavenly Father to forgive all who had sinned against him, sinned by condemning him unjustly.

And he asked his Father for greater strength, that he might endure his suffering without complaint.

And God heard Jesus.

And He sent some of the Youngest to him, and Jesus felt his suffering no more.

After a time he lowered his head, and he said: “Father, receive my spirit.”

Then was his spirit released from the mortal body, and the Youngest who were with him led him to their Father’s Kingdom.

And God took him in His embrace, and He forgave him that in which he had failed in his life upon the Earth.

But both grieved for the son and brother who still walked the Earth; grieved for the son and brother who had failed in the promise that he had given.

Was the resurrection of Jesus physical or spiritual?

When Jesus had died, some of his companions went to Joseph of Arimathea; for they had often seen him among the people when Jesus was speaking. And they asked him to seek leave of the Council that they might take the body of Jesus down and bury it.

And Joseph promised to speak to Caiaphas about it.

When he came to them with the leave of the Council, he asked if they had a place where they could lay the body to rest. But they answered that they had none yet. Then said Joseph to them: "Take his body to my garden, which I shall show you; for there in the rock has been hewn a tomb where I myself should be laid to rest. I will give you this place, that the Master's body may rest in peace."

The companions and disciples thanked him much for his gift.

But the words Joseph spoke were not for the sake of Jesus, and neither for the sake of the disciples, but for his own sake; for he had often heard it said that Jesus would rise from the dead and appear before them; therefore would he keep watch that none should remove secretly the body and thus be able to say: "See! He is risen from the dead!"

Then the disciples took the body of Jesus to the tomb, and the women anointed it and wrapped it in white linen. And they laid it inside the hewn tomb, and they placed a boulder before the entrance.

When all this had been done, they left the garden so that together they might mourn him who had departed from them.

Only Joseph remained behind, and he watched at the tomb until day's dawning; then he went back to his house; for he knew that on the Sabbath day, while the sun shone, no one would remove the body.

But he pondered the whole day on how he should prevent that anyone remove the body of Jesus.

While he thus pondered, the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, stood at his side and gave him evil counsel.

And when the last hour of the Sabbath day had passed, Joseph called an older servant to him and bade him accompany him to the garden. And they brought implements with which to dig in the ground.

When they were come to the place, they pushed aside the boulder and laid upon the ground the white linen that had been placed about the body of Jesus. Then they bore the body to a distant corner of the garden, and they buried it in the earth. And they covered the place with broken branches that none should see what they had done.

When they had finished, it began to dawn and they hastened back to the tomb in order to place the boulder again before the entrance.

But when they reached there, Joseph heard a voice distantly saying: "Brother, why did you this? And when he turned he beheld faintly the radiant figure of Jesus. And in great fear he fell to the ground.

When the elderly servant hurried to aid his master, he beheld also the figure of him whose body he had but shortly before buried in the earth. And great fear overcame him, and he fled from the garden.

When Joseph had regained his composure, the vision was gone and he was alone. But he heard a distant voice that said: "Return the body of Jesus from whence you have taken it; for do you not, then will your wrongful deed bring much confusion to the people."

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, stood at his side. And the Darkness fell on Joseph, while fear filled his heart so that he dared not go back to where he had laid the body of Jesus.

And he fled out of the garden and to his house.

But when he was come there, he saw that the elderly servant sat wailing on the threshold while many confusing words passed his lips.

Then Joseph knew that this man was not able to keep silent about what he had seen.

And the Elder, the servant of the Darkness, whispered evil counsel to him; and Joseph said: “I shall bring you a cup of wine that you may be refreshed, for that which you have seen has taken away your strength."

Joseph brought him the wine, but in the cup was death.

And a while after the old man had drunk of it, he fell back upon the ground and his spirit left his body.

Then Joseph went into his house to be alone with his terror and with his remorse.

When day broke, the servants of the house found the old man; some of them carried him into the house, while others told their master what had happened; and all believed that the old man had died of the infirmities of age, and none came to know that his master had taken his life.

A while after Joseph had fled from the garden, some women came there to mourn at the tomb and in the stillness talk of him who had left them.

When they had come, they saw that the boulder had been removed from the entrance. And they wondered much, and they dared not enter for they feared someone lay hidden in the dark.

After some talk, the woman who was Mary of Magdala said: "I will go in, for I am not in fear."

And when she stood by the hewn grave she saw that it was empty, and she found the white linen in disarray on the ground.

And she hastened back to the waiting women, and she said: “He is gone! By chance to his Heavenly Father, as he so often said he would? Or has someone taken away his body? Let us go to the city and tell of what has come to pass!”

But when she turned to go from the garden, she saw faintly before her the radiant form of Jesus of Nazareth.

He smiled and stretched his hands toward her.

When Mary of Magdala saw him, she cried out in joy: "Master, have you returned to us?" And she ran forward to greet him.

But when she reached the place, he was there no longer.

And in sorrow she called to the other two women and said: "I saw him. He was here, but he has again gone. Remain here, that he shall not be alone should he return. I will hasten to the city and call upon Simon Peter and some of the others."

And she hurried away.

The women who stayed behind wondered at her words, for they had not seen Jesus of Nazareth. They saw but Mary of Magdala run forward, and they heard her cry out; but him they saw not.

And they said to one another: "Let us seek here in the garden, for he has surely not gone far away from here."

And they walked about and searched everywhere, but they found him not.

Then one said: “Let us look in the tomb. Mayhap he has hidden himself there."

But they saw only the empty tomb, saw only the white shroud upon the ground. And, disappointed, they went back.

And they agreed to go to meet the friends who were on the way.

When they had walked along the road a while in silence, the woman who was Salome said: "I had a vision in the darkness of the tomb. I saw an angel in radiant garb. He sat by the hewn grave; but a great fear bound my tongue, so I dared not speak of it till now."

The other woman who was Mary, the mother of Jacob, one of the companions of Jesus, answered and said: "I also had this vision; but there were two angels; for I saw one behind him who sat by the grave; he pointed upwards with his hand, and he said some words which I understood not."

But Salome, the woman who had spoken first, said that but one angel sat by the grave. And they quarreled heatedly and long over something neither had seen; for each had spoken falsely to the other of her vision; for not all people are equally truthful, and these women would not be second to Mary of Magdala.

And when Simon Peter, followed by some of the disciples, later came to where the women awaited them, they both spoke of what they had seen in the darkness of the tomb, and all wondered much.

Simon Peter and the others hastened to the garden and they searched all about, but they found him not.

They saw that the tomb was empty, but him they saw not.

How many times did Jesus appear before the apostles? Did he speak to them?

Simon Peter sent for the companions of Jesus, but not for Judas of Iscariot, and he asked them to meet him in the evening in the house of Samuel the Waterbearer that they might speak together of that which had happened.

When the hour was come and they were all gathered, Simon Peter said: "You have all heard that our beloved brother and master has appeared before Mary of Magdala. And I, and others with me, have searched the tomb, searched the garden; but we found him not. And we have looked for him in many places here in the city, but still we did not find him, and none have seen him here. I believe, then, that he has ascended to the Kingdom of Heaven, to his Father, as often he said he would. Let us therefore pray to the Lord God that He will grant us the joy once more to behold our beloved master among us, that we from our heartfelt conviction and our certain faith may proclaim to all that he was the Messiah, the Son of God."

When Simon Peter had said this, he prayed aloud on behalf of those present.

And when he had ended his prayer, behold, Jesus of Nazareth stood by the upper end of the table, visible to all, a radiance emitting from his body. And he raised his hands towards them, smiled at them and said: "Peace be with you."

The companions of Jesus knew their Master’s features and they knew his voice, though it sounded distant.

And they arose so as to embrace him and to greet him, but then he was gone before their eyes.

And they all grieved that he had left them so soon.

And it became known among the people in the city that the Nazarene had risen from the dead and had ascended to the heavenly realm; that he had appeared before his companions, and that a woman had seen him.

Then all wondered. Many believed the words and many were converted from their sinful ways.

But Pilate and Caiaphas caused a search to be made everywhere for the body of Jesus, for they believed that the disciples of Jesus had taken it away and hidden it.

But it was never found.

And throughout these days, Jesus was seen by many—now here, now there; some saw him on the road to Jerusalem, others saw him on the Mount of Olives where he had often lingered; some saw him at Bethesda, and yes, he was even seen at the Sea of Galilee, and many had heard him speak.

But it was the same with these "visions" as with the angel, and angels the women saw at the tomb; many false words were spoken of the resurrection of Jesus, for few people are entirely truthful.

All the talk of the Nazarene also reached Joseph of Arimathea.

And again the faint voice sounded to him. And it said: "Go to the Council and tell what you have done; for you know that the spirit of Jesus lives; for you know that his body is dead, and you know where it is to be found."

But Joseph dared not reveal his evil deed, for he feared losing esteem.

And he kept silent.

Thus, because of the doubter and the murderer, Joseph of Arimathea, the false belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth came to be known among human beings.

What does the “Wonder of Pentecost” actually mean?

And it happened on the day of Pentecost, when the companions of Jesus, some of the disciples, and others were gathered in a house in the city, that a storm came over the region; heavy clouds darkened the sky, while gusts shook the house.

But the twelve¹² took no heed of the elements, and they continued to speak to the gathering about Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified, the one who had risen from the dead, he who was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Then it came to pass while Simon Peter spoke, that a blinding bolt of lightning crossed the sky and for an instant the twelve were illuminated in its glare—for they stood before a high window—and a great rumbling was heard.

Deep fear fell upon those present, for they remembered all that they had recently heard and seen.

And they feared that the Lord God summoned them to Judgment.

But unseen, the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, stood among them.

He it was who roused the fear in their hearts, he it was who confused their thoughts so that they shouted and cried and prayed to the Lord God to forgive them their sins that they should not be cast out into darkness. And many unintelligible words were uttered, and there was chaos.

And one of the disciples cried to the twelve: "See, surely the Lord has brought his holy, flaming Breath upon you as promised by the Nazarene!"

Many believed the words and they cried: “His words are true, for we saw a flaming fire upon you!”

Then there arose yet greater confusion among them.

But the companions of Jesus attempted to calm the people, and they exhorted them to order; and after much effort they all became quieted.

Then the twelve raised their hands to the skies and gave thanks to the Almighty for His gift to them.

And the simple faith of their hearts gave them greater strength of spirit.

But none present understood that they had seen the lightning from a passing storm, for it was the dry season and not the time when the heavens send lightning and thunder.

Some days thereafter there came to Simon Peter emissaries from the scribes and the highest ones. These reproached him with harsh words for the improper conduct displayed by all at the gathering on the day of Pentecost, reproached him that they had tasted overmuch of the sweet wine.

Then was Simon Peter angered and he rejected their evil accusations, saying that the meeting was early in the day and that none had tasted of the wine.

And he continued, saying: "Know you that what came to pass was promised us of the Nazarene and foretold by the prophets, and on the day of Pentecost the Lord God fulfilled that which was promised and foretold!"

And he spoke to them further, and he said: "Know you that Jesus of Nazareth is he of whom the Most high spoke to David in his day; know you that Jesus was the promised Messiah—but you have in your blindness scorned and crucified him."

And all parted in anger.

But Simon Peter never doubted that his words were true; for some of the disciples had told him that foreigners were present at the gathering on the day of Pentecost, and these had said that the cries and the words had sounded to them as if in their own native tongue. But this the disciples said to Simon Peter in shame over their fearfulness, for by this they meant to prove that they themselves had received some of the heavenly power.

And Simon Peter believed that which they told him.

But after that time it often happened that one or more of the disciples would stand forth at the gatherings, beating their breasts, stretching their hands heavenward and crying out and saying many things that were not understood, whose meaning they all had afterward to interpret.

However, the companions of Jesus tried always to discourage such utterances; but they were not able to do so, and the practice spread to more and more people.

Thus, born of the fear and confusion of the day of Pentecost, came about the practice of “speaking in tongues".

Were the apostles able to proclaim faithfully the teaching of Jesus?

When the eldest of the Youngest—Jesus of Nazareth—was returned after his life upon the Earth, he again took up his guidance of humanity's many lives upon the Earth and he attempted also to lead his heirs along the way he had shown them while he walked among them upon the Earth.

Despite their promises and their good intentions, however, the heirs of Jesus were not able to proclaim his teaching purely and simply, in the words come to them from his own lips; for the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, opposed them and tried to introduce false words and alien thoughts in their utterances to the people.

Thus, as they preached the words of Jesus, they often took of their own words; for all that they had witnessed since their beloved brother and master had departed from them, overshadowed in their remembrance the time when he had walked with them.

And they spoke to the people of Jesus and his soon second coming when he should judge and rule humanity, for they believed the hour was near when he would return and appear before all the world in his glory and thus confirm his words, confirm that he was truly the Son of God.

With these utterances they gained many followers; for the people were much afraid for the future, and many believed that they could, as disciples of Jesus, evade judgment and punishment for their lives of sin.

In this way was the new teaching brought from place to place; many were converted and many let themselves be baptized, that, cleansed of the impurities in their hearts, they could be received into communion with the companions of Jesus.

How was Saul converted from persecutor to proclaimer of the teachings of Jesus?

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, stirred up the scribes against the disciples of Jesus.

And the highest ones persecuted the disciples, treated them with scorn, imprisoned and punished them. And some of the friends and disciples of Jesus were put to death even; for they would not deny their faith, would not fail their Brother and Master.

And among the scribes there was a learned man whose name was Saul.

Saul was pious, was highly learned in the law, and in his heart was sorely angered over the new teaching. He disdained all the apostates, persecuted them and put many obstacles in their way.

When the highest ones saw his great zeal they chose him as an envoy, for they had much faith in him.

And they bade him go to the distant city of Damascus, for the new teaching had reached there also.

And they sent him with greetings and a letter from the Council in Jerusalem to all the highest ones in Damascus, and they instructed him to make certain that the disciples of Jesus in this city were imprisoned and punished; for in this way they thought to prevent any further progress of the new teaching.

Saul promised to do their bidding, and he chose some companions and they set forth on their journey.

But the way was long and arduous, and Saul had much time to think upon that which he had heard of the Nazarene. And often in his thoughts he repeated many of the fine and tender words of Jesus.

Slowly, anger and hatred receded from his heart.

And gradually arose in him the thought that the words of the Nazarene were true, that he was indeed the Son of God, the Messiah they had all awaited.

But he dared not fully believe in these thoughts, and he tried to push them away; but they always returned to torment him. And he pondered often and deeply on all that he had heard, whilst his companions wondered at his silence.

When they were come near to the city, he was much fatigued and felt exceeding weak; for the sun glowed upon their heads and the white dust of the road burned their eyes.

Saul and his companions rested a while at the roadside, and sleep overcame his weary body; but his spirit was awake.

And behold, Jesus of Nazareth stood before him in all his radiant glory.

But his countenance was sorrowful. And he said: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

For while Saul's body was asleep, Jesus came thus to his spirit to stay, if possible, his evil conduct—for Saul was of the Youngest.

When Saul’s spirit saw his brother and knew him, he was struck with horror over the evil he had done.

And his fear woke his slumbering body.

And by the sudden awakening he kept a faint image in his remembrance of the glory that he had seen, while the words of Jesus echoed in his ears.

But when he arose he was in yet more horror, for his eyes were blinded, and all was darkness about him.

In his fear he called out to his companions, and he said to them that the radiance around Jesus of Nazareth had blinded his eyes; but they understood him not.

When they saw that he ailed and was weak, they led him into the city to a place where he might rest in quiet. And when they had tended him for some days his eyes grew stronger, and he was again able to see; for it was the sun and the dust of the road that for a time had blinded him.

But Saul understood that God had called upon him through Jesus of Nazareth so as to prevent him from following the wrong paths.

And in his heart he pledged to both that he would himself in times to come proclaim the teaching he had up until then opposed.

And Saul became a mighty warrior for Jesus of Nazareth.

How did the Doctrine of Atonement come into being?

Fearing the anger of the Council, Saul dared not return to Jerusalem; for he had destroyed the letter he was to present to the highest ones in Damascus. Neither did he venture to appear before the companions of Jesus, for he feared they would not believe the truth of his conversion. He resolved therefore to go away and stay some time with distant kin.

And he acted upon his decision.

And there, while abroad, far removed from all clamor and all strife, he searched his heart, and he pondered much on what he had heard and seen.

And he searched for the hidden meaning of the human embodiment of Jesus.

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, was by his side, and slowly arose in Saul's mind the thought that Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to the Earth for the purpose of reconciling God with his mortal children, the wicked and ungodly human beings; for the human being Saul was not only a scribe but also very learned in the law, and he was not fully able to reject all the Jewish teachings of old. And for him the Most High was and continued to be a God of anger whose righteous wrath must be appeased with unceasing sacrifice of blood and sweet incense.

Thus Jesus became in Saul's interpretation of that which had happened, the Sacrifice, the Lamb who by his voluntary death ransomed humanity from judgment, punishment and damnation; yes he became the Lamb whose blood washed away all human sin and impurity.

But Saul understood not that the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, had introduced this false interpretation into his mind; for Saul was a highly self-righteous man, and the self-righteous are never able fully to discern whether the thoughts they receive are of the Light or of the Darkness; for they often neglect to seek counsel of God in the greatest, though they remember Him in the least.

And thus Saul’s teachings of the embodiment of Jesus of Nazareth became a mixture of the Light and of the Darkness.

When Saul, after remaining some years abroad, returned to Damascus, he began to proclaim his teaching about Jesus there; and he proclaimed it to many—to Jews and to the so-called heathen. Many heard his words and believed his interpretation; yes, many who were formerly disciples of the companions of Jesus, turned away from them and followed Saul.

And when later he reasoned with Simon Peter and other companions and disciples of Jesus, these were still not able to change his perception of Jesus as the Savior and Reconciler of humanity; and Saul continued to preach his doctrine according to the words and thoughts that he believed he had received from God and from Jesus.

Later, when the so-called Communion, or Lord's Supper, was adopted by the congregations Saul had founded, he attempted in his usual manner to explore and to clarify the intent with which Jesus had summoned his companions to the meal on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

And he interpreted the act that when Jesus offered the bread to his companions, by this he manifested to them that as he now satisfied them with his bread that they should not hunger and die, thus would he also give his body for them and by his death fill them with eternal life. And when Jesus gave his companions wine from his cup, he thereby made known that he would shed his blood for them and thus take away their guilt of sin.

And in the mind and thought of Saul were conceived and born these words: My body and my blood I offer to you as a new covenant between the Lord and you.¹³

And he gave his disciples this interpretation of that which had happened, and they accepted the words, and they used them at their Communions; and they spread far and wide from congregation to congregation.

And people kept the words in their hearts, for they believed that they were spoken by Jesus himself. And when the times came that men put into writing the accounts of the earthly life of Jesus, they ascribed to him these words—the words that had been falsely introduced into Saul's mind and thoughts by the Elder.

Thus did Saul found Christianity with his teaching.

Many congregations were formed among the heathen, many people were won and Christianity was spread far and wide; for Saul never wearied, but traveled far on perilous and arduous journeys. And wherever he went, he proclaimed his teaching of Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God, the Savior and Reconciler for humanity.

But none of the spiritual heirs of Jesus, nor Saul, were able to gather all the people into one congregation that in humble and trusting love as of a child could kneel together before their Heavenly Father; a congregation of deep faith, commending itself to God's guidance; a congregation whose neighborly love would rise above sinfulness, the lust for power, and human selfishness.

And thus became overshadowed by Darkness the commandment which was called by Jesus the greatest: love for God, love for neighbor; for from the very time of the earliest Christian congregations, anger and hatred toward one another, lust for power, and self-righteousness were known.

So became the simple and beautiful teaching of Jesus about love neglected, and thus it failed to thrive.

Did not the Light gain over the Darkness under the growing influence of Christianity?

Slowly, Christianity was spread from place to place, from people to people. Thousands upon thousands chose to follow the new teaching. But only a few found their way to their Heavenly Father. Guided by the Light in their hearts, guided by their profound repentance, these few sought and found forgiveness for their sinful deeds.

But many continued to live in sin in the Darkness.

Unseen by human beings, many of the Youngest labored to bring the Light to the Earth; and they drew the purifying currents of the Light to those who truly tried to live in purity and tolerance for others; they drew the purifying currents of the Light to those brothers and sisters who, bound to Earthly bodies and thus visible to the human beings, sought to break the power of the Darkness.

But Darkness and the Eldest hindered the progress of the Light; for the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, sowed the evil seed of anger, the evil seed of hatred in the hearts of men.

And troubled times arose for the Christians in the mighty Roman Empire when the highest ruler, the emperor, decreed that all should bow to him, all should honor him as a god! And all were persecuted who paid not homage to the image of the emperor.

But not all Christians would renounce the teaching that had brought peace and purity to their minds and thoughts. And those who would not worship the emperor were tortured and put to death; but they bore their suffering with much patience, for their certain conviction of God's compassionate mercy and their steadfast faith that the truth would prevail strengthened their spirit and strengthened their mortal bodies. Numerous Christians went to their deaths with songs of praise upon their lips; and their courage and faith won for the new teaching ever more followers.

And as the years passed, as century was added to century, more and more embraced Christianity. But few found their way to their Heavenly Father, while many who bore the Christian name continued to walk in ungodliness; for the evil seed of Darkness still thwarted the advancement of the Light.

And the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, continued to corrupt the Christian teaching so as to call forth strife within the congregations and drive them still further from one another.

And he dripped his venom into the minds of the leaders, into the minds of the learned and those versed in the Scriptures, so that their thoughts conceived and bore new and even more incomprehensible interpretations of the birth of Jesus in human form, his words, his acts. More dogma was contrived and developed, and much discord arose; for the learned could not agree; for one would not yield to the other, and each would acknowledge only his own opinion, his own thoughts.

And they continued to quarrel about much.

Some of the learned held that, contrary to the many gods of the heathen, there was but one God, that all power in Heaven and on Earth was rightly His alone. But their adversaries held that although God indeed was one, yet strangely was He also three; for they made Christ, the Son of God, one with the Father; and they made God’s Thought, His creating and life-giving Breath, an independent, divine Being. Thus they were three: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; but together they formed a whole, which was God.¹⁴

Some of the learned asserted that God had given human beings a free will, held that by virtue of this will they could rise towards the Light and struggle free from sin and Darkness. But their adversaries believed that human beings were blind and unresisting in the hand of God, Who, before He created them, had ordained some to eternal life in Heavenly glory, and ordained others to everlasting suffering in Darkness.

Some of the learned asserted that the bread and the wine used at Holy Communion were changed into the flesh and blood of Jesus when blessed or eaten, asserted that those who partook of this shared in his suffering and death and thus received remission of sin. But their adversaries maintained that Holy Communion was instituted as but a remembrance of Jesus.

Some of the learned asserted that through baptism human beings received inheritance and part in the life and the joy of Heaven, asserted that all not baptized were doomed to everlasting damnation. But their adversaries maintained that baptism was but a symbol of cleansing human beings from the impurities of sin.

Thus the learned continued to dispute, for none would yield to the other. And they berated one another with spiteful and condemning words.

But they all forgot to seek counsel of God Almighty and to ask that He give them strength, remembered not to turn to Him Who alone could guide them.

And thus they became possessed of arrogance; thus hatred and lust for power bound their hearts, whilst the Darkness made ever greater gain over them.

But Christ, the eldest of the Youngest, grieved over human intolerance, and he faltered under the heavy burdens the human beings heaped upon his shoulders.

Yet, better times came despite the discord among the Christian congregations; for the successive emperors of Rome saw that they were not able to stop the advance of Christian doctrine. And when all persecution ceased, Christianity spread wider yet.

Splendid edifices were erected at many places in Christendom, richly adorned to the honor of God. And in these the congregations came together to follow the ways of Scripture and to sing praises as they worshipped God and Christ.

But some pious men and women withdrew from the large assemblies to pray in solitude and to carry on their worship in bodily self-torment. And in many congregations people began to honor the men and the women who had been put to death when they would not renounce their faith. Yes, some people even implored these "holy" men and women to intercede for them with God and Christ.

Inspired by the Darkness, conceived and born of ignorant human thought, many accounts appeared of the piety and miraculous deeds of these martyrs. In the same way arose confused and incomprehensible accounts of Mary, the mother of Jesus—the chosen, the Immaculate Virgin who bore the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Ghost. And many Christians came to revere her.

And they who heard these stories believed them.

And by word of mouth they were brought far and wide.

Slowly, Christianity spread to more and more distant lands, and when the time came that one of the Roman emperors held a protecting hand over the Christians, the faith grew into a power before which people had to yield.

More and more of those learned in the Scriptures came into the priesthood of the numerous and large congregations, but over them were the bishops who took to themselves ever greater power, more and more riches; for their lust for power was insatiable!

Some of the bishops tried, with much authority, to resolve the endless disputes; but even though some interpretations and doctrines concerning the embodiment of Jesus and his words and deeds were given preference over all others so as to establish a solid foundation for the Christian faith, they still could not bring about full accord.

But gradually, from all the discord, there emerged the "Holy Catholic Church", which by might attempted to gather the divided congregations into a single community; and the bishop in the city of Rome was made the supreme authority.

And when Christianity was thus grown strong, Christians ceased to be the persecuted and became the persecutors; and they persecuted the heathen, and those who would not renounce their gods, renounce their faith, were put to death.

And thus Christianity, even as it spread, departed more and more from Christ and his teaching of love, purity and compassion.

Did the Youngest not try to counter the false teachings implanted by the Elder in human thought?

When the Youngest beheld their elder brother's profound sorrow over human blindness, intolerance and lack of understanding, they agreed for a time to unite their efforts upon a single task, that of destroying the false doctrines of the Darkness and bringing forth the pure teaching of Christ.

A number of the Youngest let themselves be bound to human bodies again for this purpose, and to be born in various countries at various places.

And when they reached bodily and spiritual maturity, they stood forth and strove mightily to destroy the false doctrines and to make the truth be known.

But only few understood them, and only few followed them, while many scorned them—yes, some were even put to death!

And among them was a man known to the people by the earthly name of Mani.

This man brought to the people some of the truths of the Light, and he spoke wisely and with eloquence on that which lay beyond the earthly world.

But the Elder was able also to instill false doctrines into his preaching of the spiritual truths and neither, therefore, was full clarity shed upon the teachings of Mani.

Many listened to his words, some followed him; but still more mocked and persecuted him and they rewarded him with death for the truths he tried to give them.

Thus the Youngest continued in many ways to strive for a true teaching.

But Darkness and the Elder hindered the advancement of the Light; Darkness blinded human beings and bound their thoughts.

Thus the Youngest strove on from century to century, while Christianity, the false teaching of Saul, spread to distant lands.

Then came the century in which one of the Youngest, known under the earthly name of Mohammed, succeeded in proclaiming to people the doctrine that God is One, that none is over Him, none under Him, and none is at His side. And he taught that God alone was the source of creation, was the Creator of the universe.

When Mohammed appeared before his countrymen with his teaching, he was met with anger and contempt.

Few only listened to his words, few only followed him.

But as the years passed, he gained more and more followers until finally his enemies feared his rising power and plotted to take his life. When Mohammed heard of their evil intentions, he left his house in the city of Mecca and fled to that city later called Medina.

Mohammed's dominance over the people became ever greater; more and more gathered about him, and his words were carried far and wide.

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, tried to confuse his thoughts, tried to pervert his mind.

And the Elder implanted pride and the lust for power in his heart, roused the passions of his body; and Mohammed’s desire for beautiful women became insatiable.

Darkness fell over him and he stumbled often, for his foot was caught in the snares that were laid for him.

Then Mohammed summoned some of the highest in the land, spoke to them and bade them make war on their enemies in order by force to spread his teaching; for he proclaimed, falsely, that this would please God. And He promised that God would reward the valiant warriors who fell in battle with the pleasures of paradise.

And he went with a large army to the city of Mecca, made himself master over it and over the people, and all who refused to follow him were put to death or banished.

From that time, Darkness gained still greater power over him. His thoughts became still more confused, his teaching even less clear, and, often, he would contradict his own words.

But Mohammed never lost his dominance over the people, and he was much honored. But he found no rest for himself, for the Darkness was over him; for the Elder opposed him.

And when his body succumbed to earthly death, his spirit grieved that in human form he had not been able to proclaim the whole truth; grieved that he had not been able to overcome the power of the Darkness.

Some time after Mohammed’s passing, people began to gather and put into writing his teaching. Many sayings and doctrines appeared and were ascribed to Mohammed, that he had never uttered or formulated; and this gave rise to much dispute.

Thus became also the Sacred Writ of the followers of Mohammed a mixture of good and evil, a mixture of the teachings of Mohammed, of the works of man, and of the false doctrines of Darkness.

After the passing of Mohammed, the Elder incited his followers and they waged war on the neighboring peoples, and they seized much land, much power and untold riches; and they compelled many of those they conquered to submit to the teaching of Mohammed.

The Christians watched in anger as they saw the teachings of the Prophet spread further and ever further; and they were astonished to hear that many even followed his teaching freely.

And when it became known among Christians that the Arabian people had made themselves masters over Jerusalem, the Holy City, they felt yet more anger and they despaired when they came to the city to worship and to tarry at the holy places; and from this arose, over the years that followed, much strife between the Christians and the followers of Mohammed, the Prophet.

And still later, when the tidings reached Christians afar that a warlike Mohammedan people¹⁵ had by force taken Jerusalem, then did desire for revenge burn in Christian hearts; many swore upon the Cross of Christ that they would turn out the foreigners and retake the city; yes, they pledged even to crush and destroy all who were enemies of the teachings of Christ.

Then began the terrible strife between the Christians and the Mohammedans.

Now the followers of the Prophet won, now the Christians. Thousands upon thousands were slain, for one power would not yield to the other; and as century followed century, acts of violence, murder and gruesome deeds were done in the name of God and Christ.

But as time passed and the Christians saw that the Holy Sign of the Cross by which they fought brought them not the expected victory, their zeal began to wane. And when two centuries had passed the Christians had to yield, for the followers of the Prophet were the stronger.

But during these many and lengthy wars, the Darkness gained ever greater power over human beings.

Bound to mortal bodies, the Youngest strove on in their attempts to bring forth the truth and the Light; but they had always to give way to the Darkness, for it had many and powerful helpers among the embodied Eldest.

Nor were the Youngest able to bring an end to the interminable quarreling among the Christians.

New doctrines came about and gave rise to fresh quarreling. The bishops and the priests gathered to themselves greater and greater power, more and more riches. And above them all—over the peoples, the princes, the kings, and the emperors—was the highest of the bishops, the Pope, so called, in the city of Rome; and against all who would not acknowledge his power, he directed his mighty curses; for the Vicar of God and Christ remembered no longer Christ's words: Forgive your enemies!

And with unappeased hatred, the Christians persecuted all who would not profess the Christian faith. At many places in many countries, the pyres blazed as Mohammedans and Jews and those accused of heresy were tortured and burned to the honor of God and Christ. Many Christians even, who tried to protect the persecuted, were to follow the condemned to the stake and suffer the same tortures, the same terrible death; for none any longer remembered the tender words of Christ: Love one another as brothers and sisters!

Truly the power of the Darkness was awesome!

Darkness fell still more densely over the Earth, and it blinded people and dulled and bound their thoughts.

Many Christians kneeled in worship before painted and sculptured images of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, kneeled before numerous images of holy men¹⁶ and women.

But in all this idolatry¹⁶ they often failed to remember to pray to God the Almighty, failed to pray to their God and Father, failed to pray to Him Who alone was able to hear them.

More and more pious men and women—monks and nuns—withdrew from the world to live in their own retreats under their own laws. But though these pledged to live chastely, they were not all able to keep their pledge. Few only were pure of mind, few only found their way to their Heavenly Father, few only supported the poor from true compassion, few only ministered to the sick from pity for their suffering.

Darkness fell still deeper over the Earth, and but few of the Youngest dared in human form to combat the evil.

Then came the time when many of the Youngest were gathered once more with their brother, the eldest of the Youngest, in the outermost habitat about the Earth.

And they spoke much with one another of events at that time in the earthly world, spoke to one another of the ways they should follow to lead the human beings out of Darkness.

But all were faint of heart.

And one said: "Let us cease our work among the human beings, for we are not able to lead them to our Father's Kingdom. Again and again have we let ourselves be bound to mortal bodies, but as yet have none of us, whilst in human form, been able to break the curses of our eldest brother; as yet have none of us whilst in human form, been able to pray for our brother and thus release him from the binding power of the Darkness. Our mission amongst humanity has brought but sorrow and suffering upon ourselves; let us therefore return to our Father's Kingdom, that the children of the Earth may walk their own ways."

But when he fell silent, Christ, the eldest of the Youngest, stood forth.

And he said: "Though you may all turn from the human beings, yet will I not forsake them; though there be none amongst you to help me carry the burdens laid upon me by humankind, yet will I never thrust these burdens from me, but ask our Father's help that I may bear them all.

"Truly, I tell you: break not your pledge, for is the power of the Darkness great, then is the power of the Light greater; and our Father's words to me were these: that if we but have the will then can we also lead humanity to His glorious Kingdom and overcome the Darkness. And our Father's words stand, unshakeable! But would you follow me, then let us ask our Father to show us the way that is once more lost in the mists."

When he had spoken, they all kept silent while they searched their hearts.

Then came God’s voice through the stillness.

And God said: "My children, be you patient! For only those who persevere will become victorious. Fail not one another, nor fail your elder brother; and never forsake the pledge you have given me, your Father, for you must remember that My blessing is with you, My thought follows you, and My hand steadies you while you strive for the Light, for the true, and for that which is good.

"My children! Listen all to my words, and I shall guide you.

"I tell you then, that once more must you bring spiritual enlightenment and clarity of thought to the human beings, for they are no longer able to reason clearly; for they cannot tell the true from the false, the pure from the impure. This, teach them! And gradually must you teach them to discover some of the eternal laws, teach them to release and to use some of the many powers that still lie hidden. You must teach them to look out into the vastness of space, to follow and to measure the paths and the orbits of the heavenly bodies; and you must open their eyes to the simple beauty of earthly forms, to the splendor and diversity of color, and to listen to the resonant harmony of sound.

"And when you have taught the human beings some of all this, then will they themselves, with eyes opened and thoughts clear, begin to see through the web of falsehoods that Darkness has spun around them; then will they themselves begin to search the old sacred Writings to sift out the grains of gold and cast away the dross of the Darkness.

"My children! I, your Father, have shown you the way. Follow it! For do you this, then shall my blessing be with you."

When God's voice fell silent, they answered all: "Father, we shall follow your way as shown us! Sustain us that we may not fail!"

Once more many of the Youngest let themselves be bound to human bodies that again they might bring the spiritual Light and clarity of thought to those human beings who had been led astray by the Darkness and by the Eldest.

And when these had brought mankind new and greater learning and dispersed some of the surrounding Darkness, others would follow and attempt to overturn some of the Elder’s false doctrines, and thus prepare the way for human beings to study for themselves the sacred Writings come down from their forefathers.

The first among the Youngest who ventured forth to speak to the children of the Earth of that which was as yet beyond their understanding, were met with the usual scorn and anger.

But more and more of them came forward with that which they had vowed to bring.

Some of the Youngest taught people to carve characters in wood and metal and thus to duplicate the handwritten word and bring this to more people. Others brought more knowledge of the world in which they lived; and, through perilous voyages, new lands were discovered, and hidden treasures were brought to light from the bosom of the Earth.¹⁷

Some of the Youngest brought the human beings new and useful discoveries by means of which daily life was made easier. Others tried to bring to light some of the forgotten, profound writings of the past.

Some of the Youngest brought pleasure to the human beings through semblances of forms faithfully molded in clay and chiseled in wood and in marble.

Others depicted in beautiful paintings the men and women of sacred scripture, and the life of Christ; depicted human lives and activity—all in profuse and splendid color.

Again the human beings began to awaken; their eyes were opened, their thoughts became freer, became more lucid. But only slowly did the Light advance; for the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, never ceased his attempts to hinder its progress.

Closer and closer he drew Darkness over the Earth, and he sowed yet more of his evil seed. And hatred, anger, violence, murder and other misdeeds continued without cease among the human beings.

And the Elder induced the Christians to greater worship of the Virgin Mary, strengthened them in their belief in the help and intercession of holy men and women, to thus prevent them from approaching God alone. And he inspired them further in their belief in the torments of Hell, that the fearfulness born in their faint hearts might give him greater power over them. And in their dread of Hell, many Christians sought to evade future punishment with gold, silver and precious gifts, sought to buy absolution from the powerful popes.

But the Youngest continued to strive for the advance of the Light, for God strengthened them and God sustained them.

And again they taught the human beings to build magnificent temples to the glory of God, taught them to build fine palaces for their princes, kings and emperors; taught them to embellish temples and palaces with vaulted domes, with lofty towers and slender spires.

And human beings rejoiced when they saw all this splendor.

But Darkness lay heavily upon the Earth.

War and strife was everywhere.

The princes of the countries made war upon each other; the popes fought with the clergy under them, fought with each other,¹⁸ fought emperors, kings and princes, while mighty curses were pronounced upon all who would not yield.

And the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, continued to inspire human belief in the power that the Prince of Hell possessed over all sinners. And he implanted in the fearful the thought that many men and women were able to bring harm to their enemies by calling upon the Evil One for aid, and those who were seen as sorcerers and witches were persecuted with zeal. Many were tortured and burned for deeds they had never committed; for people believed they saw demonic spirits wherever they turned.

But the Youngest continued with patience their work for the progress of the Light, for God strengthened them and He sustained them.

And once more they taught human beings to peer into the vast depths of space, taught them to follow the movements of the shining stars. But for a long time this knowledge was not yet complete, for humanity possessed but few and unsatisfactory means by which they could follow the movements of the heavenly bodies so as to measure and reckon their positions and paths.

Some of the Youngest gave expression to their deeper thoughts and feelings in beautiful, rhythmical lyrical writing; and many people rejoiced over all these beautiful new things given them.

And the times came when those Youngest who had pledged to prepare the way for human investigation of the sacred Writings, came forth and attempted to separate some of the grains of gold from the heavy dross of Darkness.

Among them were two known by the names of Luther and Zwingli, who each grieved much over the blindness and debased state of humanity, and both sought to break the yoke laid by Darkness upon mankind.

And in their zeal they turned against the highest authorities of the church to show how small, how petty were the popes despite their might; showed how wretched were they in their anger, their hatreds and their lust for power; and they maintained that the popes—the Vicars of God and Christ—were not without failings, were not by any means infallible.

And they attempted to show those calling themselves Christians how idolatrous they had become by their worship of the many images of holy men and women; for many knelt only before these, remembering no longer to bow to God the Almighty.

Luther and Zwingli won many followers by their clear writings and authoritative speech, for they roused people to reflection.

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, attempted to divide them. And these two, who before their journeying upon the Earth began, had pledged their Heavenly Father to walk together, became bitter adversaries; for the Elder stood between them, and he drew Darkness closer about them so that they were not able to agree upon a common teaching; for they disagreed over many matters; for they opposed each other on a number of the dogmas of old.

And over the years they acquired many adversaries.

Luther was a mighty warrior, though; and he met all onslaughts with harsh words, in fiery and uncompromising sermons; for his proud spirit would yield to none.

But even if Luther himself at times erred, he yet strove to lead people towards the Light; thus he caused some of the old Writings to be given through the printed word, that people might seek consolation and support by their own study into the words and doctrines come down from their forefathers.

Though Luther’s authority was great, though he was strict and unyielding with his enemies, he remained faint of heart when alone; for he sensed that God’s full strength was not upon him. At times he was seized by great fear brought on by the Darkness that streamed toward him, and he felt that he was bound by the hatred that emanated from the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, so that he heeded not always the inner voice that tried to guide him.

And the Darkness closed even more about him. Harsh, condemning words passed his lips. And when some laboring and suffering people united in an effort to gain better rights, he grew angry with them and in his anger declared that these unworthy individuals ought to be put to death that their evil intentions be ended.

But even with his many grave faults as the man Luther, he did succeed in rejecting some of the Elder's false doctrines, and he and Zwingli were together able to bring people some steps further towards the goal.

But neither was able to carry out that great work which was planned before they were born to the Earth—that great work which they should have together performed among human beings.

When Luther and Zwingli met again in the heavenly abodes after physical death, they grieved over the enmity the Elder had called forth between them while they lived upon the Earth.

But still more of the Youngest tried to support their brothers in the struggle against the Papacy, and one of these was known as Calvin.

His thoughts were clear and alert, and with wise words he elaborated upon the new teaching.

But he was not fully agreed with Luther, or with Zwingli. And, influenced by the Elder, he brought forth some of the rejected old doctrines, wording them anew and defending them with much authority.

Many joined with him, and he was much honored.

But Calvin was an austere man, and he demanded much of his followers, demanded purity, piety and obedience. And he was unbending in his sternness; for the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, was by his side and hardened his heart, so that he pronounced harsh judgment upon any who were against him; indeed, in the hardness of his heart he even allowed one of his adversaries to suffer death at the stake; for he had forgotten the words of Christ: Forgive your Enemies!

Thus neither was Calvin able to break the power of Darkness and to overcome the maledictions of the Elder.

But although Luther, Zwingli and Calvin were not able to bring forth the full truth, they did succeed in bringing to light some of the grains of gold of the old Writings, they did succeed in teaching the Christians themselves to study and to reject more of the false doctrines. And thus was dispelled some of the Darkness which enveloped the human beings.

But in the wake of the attacks that these intrepid men aimed at the Papacy and at the many fallacies of Christian teaching, lengthy and terrible conflicts broke forth anew at many places throughout the lands; for while the years passed and more and more joined the new forms of the Christian faith, some of the followers of the old faith sought to uphold the faltering Papacy.

New and more austere monastic orders were founded, some of the old fallacies rejected, and stringent new laws enacted, demanding greater purity, greater piety, greater obedience.

And, by cruel persecution, torture, and murder, the followers of the Papacy sought to punish the apostates, attempting thus to stem progress of the new Christianity.

Again, Darkness sank deeper upon the Earth.

Again the pyres blazed to the honor of Almighty God. Thousands upon thousands perished. And in their blind hatred and vengefulness, certain of the followers of the Papacy let several thousand opponents be slain in a single night.

The power of the Darkness was truly fearsome.

And again the times came when peoples turned upon peoples, brother against brother, ruler against ruler.

And while songs of praise rang out in the churches to the honor of God, there took place murder, plunder and other dreadful deeds in His name.

Darkness sank yet deeper upon the Earth, and there was misery in the lands.

Fear in human hearts became even greater, and they feared yet more the Prince of Hell, feared yet more all of his helpers; and sorcerers and witches were tortured and burned.

Everywhere there was Darkness, everywhere there was suffering; for the evil seed of the Elder sprouted and bore fruit.

But no longer were the Youngest faint of heart, for they had trust in their God and Father; for he strengthened them, and He guided them.

Amidst suffering, violence, death and misery, they strove on to advance the Light, strove to bring the human beings ever greater learning.

And when, upon completion of their lives on Earth, they returned to the heavenly abodes, many declined the time of rest that was their due; for all longed to break the power of the Darkness, all longed to overcome the Elder’s maledictions; and they hastened to let themselves be bound to new bodies on the Earth, that they might lead the human beings forwards to the goal.

As century was added to century, the Youngest sought in many ways to further the knowledge they had already brought mankind.

And they gave to humanity yet more paintings in magnificent colors, wherewith to adorn churches, palaces and the mansions of princes.

Slowly the Youngest taught human beings to study the structure of the human body, its tissues and vessels; taught them to discover healing for some of the body’s many ills; taught them to follow the fleeting ways of their thought; taught them to form, express and preserve such thoughts in wise words.

And they taught them to listen to the beauty and fullness of sound; to fashion instruments, large and small, wherewith to bring forth an abundance of pure, full tones in a diversity of beautiful and harmonious sound.

They taught them to fashion instruments with which better to unravel the paths and positions of the shining stars in distant space.

And they taught men to release some of the hidden powers and to profit from this knowledge; taught them to study the many forms of life in nature; taught them to discover some of the laws that govern the creation of all things—the least as well as the greatest.

As the centuries passed, people learned to build and to further develop routes and intercourse between the many kingdoms and lands of the Earth; learned to uncover some of the great cities, mighty temples and proud mansions of bygone times. And they brought many hidden treasures to light from the Earth’s bosom, to tell of the life and customs of their forebears.

Thus did the Youngest forge onward to bring ever greater knowledge to the human beings.

And as the years passed, the Light began slowly to spread once more over the Earth.

But still there was discord and killing, and other acts of immoral nature were rampant; for princes, kings and emperors were still able to rouse peoples against peoples in destructive warfare.

Many Christians still kneeled in worship and prayer before the lifeless images of holy men and women. Many still debated old and new doctrines with insistent authority and fiery speech, and numerous forms of Christianity arose. Nevertheless, the Light continued to spread throughout the Earth — and slowly Darkness began to recede.

But the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness, continued to drip his venom into human hearts.

And, in the minds of some, he evoked the idea that God had no existence. And those who believed him stood forth, and in their folly they defended with much authority such profane thoughts.

But Darkness continued to recede, and the Elder understood that no longer could he stem the advancing Light; and he knew that the hour drew near when the power of the Darkness should be broken.

Then was born dread in his heart. For he knew that should the Light overcome him, then must he himself reap the evil seed he had sown amongst human beings, knew that all his maledictions must turn on him. And he feared he would be crushed and destroyed forever, for he believed there could be no forgiveness for his sins; for he no longer remembered the boundless love of his Father, no longer remembered His omnipotence, His mercy.

Did the spirits of the dead continue to walk among the human beings, or did God gradually succeed in calling them all back?

Somewhat more than eight decades before the eldest of the Youngest was born to the Earth as Jesus of Nazareth, God called for the first time to the Earth-bound spirits, and from thenceforth, at the last moment of each passing century, He let His voice sound to them in hope that this might awaken repentance in their hearts. But fewer and fewer returned to their homes in the spheres, for but few were able to repent of their misdeeds; for the Darkness lay heavily over the Earth.

And, as the centuries passed, the Darkness compelled ever more human spirits after death to wander the Earth among the living.

And the times came when the spirits of the dead were a mighty host—legions upon legions. They wandered about everywhere, bringing much discord wherever they went; for they incited the living to many sinful desires, many impure thoughts.

Some people could see the spirits as shadow-like forms, some heard their speech as faint whisperings, and this strengthened them in the belief that evil spirits and specters surrounded them.

And human beings feared the dead.

Some of the Youngest, when not bound to mortal bodies, ventured often to the Earth where with gently loving words they summoned these miserable beings back to life in the Light. But the Youngest were able only for a short time to stay among the spirits of the dead, for the dense Darkness and the evil vapors weakened and dispirited them.

When they had rested a time in their dwellings, they again, unseen by human eyes, ventured to the Earth to render help to the children of Darkness. And God, their Father, strengthened them, and He sustained them in their trying task.

But the eldest of the Youngest, Christ, wearied never. Despite Darkness, despite evil vapors, he pressed onward. Gently, lovingly, he attempted to awaken repentance in the hearts of the Earth-bound spirits, and he carried many of the fallen back to their empty dwellings.

And upon his journeys he would find now a brother,¹⁹ now a sister,¹⁹ who had stumbled over the stones cast in their path by the Elder as they strove to lead mankind forward. And Christ led them back to the outermost habitat around the Earth, and helped them to cleanse themselves of the defiling Darkness.

Wherever Christ ventured, God's paternal eye followed. And God saw his grieving over human misery, saw with what patience he tried to aid the fallen—the living, and the dead.

And God gave him yet greater strength.

Then Christ ventured into the ruined kingdom, there to seek out his elder brothers and sisters.

And he spoke to them gently, bidding them return to their Father, to their Home. Many scorned and mocked him; but some were drawn by the pure light that radiated about him, drawn by his loving words; and remorse awoke in their hearts. And he led them to a distant place, where they could find rest and peace until remembrance of all that once was awoke again in their memory.

And Christ walked among the living human beings; unseen and unknown he came to the sinner and the lawbreaker; by his tender love, by his unending patience he drew them back often from the abyss that threatened to swallow them; by his warning calls he forestalled many an impure thought so that it never turned to deed. Many evil actions were thus averted by his purity, averted by his calls and his admonitions.

And Christ wearied no more, nor faltered, but bore with patience instead the heavy burdens the human beings continued to lay upon his shoulders; for God gave him even greater strength and even greater patience.

And when the times came that the Light again slowly made its way across the Earth, a faint joy, a faint hope awoke in Christ's heart. And as he saw that the Light spread still more, he understood that the hour drew near when the power of the Darkness should be broken; and gladness filled him.

——————————

And it came to pass, about eighteen and a half centuries²⁰ after the time that the eldest of the Youngest was born to live among human beings as Jesus of Nazareth, that God summoned him to His glorious Kingdom.

When Christ heard God's calling voice, he hastened to his Father, greeted him and said: "Father, Thou didst call! And see, I am come."

When he had spoken thus, God bade him fond welcome.

And He said: "My son, I, your Father, have followed you in all your actions. I have witnessed your grief over human misery; I have witnessed your deep desire to break the power of the Darkness, your deep desire to bring your eldest brother back to his rightful home. I followed you as, unseen by the children of the Earth you walked among them to draw them away from sin and impurity. I followed you as you ventured into the ruined kingdom to call back your eldest brothers and sisters. Truly, for all this have you My gratitude!

"And I have followed also your brothers and sisters in their work for the progress of mankind, followed your guidance of the many human journeys upon the earth; and I have rejoiced over the good fruit that your love and patience has brought forth. For by your labor has the Light made Darkness to recede. Truly, for all this do I thank you each; and I say to you that would you continue to follow the way I have shown you, then shall you of a certainty attain your goal, though a few, or many centuries may yet lie before you.”

And God continued to speak.

And He said: "My son, I bade you come, for I desired to show you a shorter way by which you might sooner attain to the goal. But this I then tell you, that would you follow this shorter way then must you travel a thorny path over ravines and rushing waters, then must you stoop often to remove the stones that slow you, then must you never weary—and with yet greater patience must you bear your burdens.”

When God had spoken thus, He was silent a while.

Then answered Christ, saying: "Father, show me the way of which Thou speak; for can it lead us sooner to the goal, then shall we assuredly follow it."

Then God spoke again.

And He said: "From, and through you, have the human beings learned much; but they yet know nothing of our world, know nothing of that world which lies veiled from mortal eye. My son, I tell you: impart to the children of the Earth knowledge of some of the laws by which life is lived! My son, speak to the human beings!"

And God spoke further.

And He said: "Some of the many human spirits who are bound by the Darkness, bound to the Earth by their sinful acts, have, from the earliest times when they began to walk among the living, attempted often and in many ways to make themselves known to human beings; many have seen them, many have heard them, and many could receive messages from them. Turn this to good account! For you know that likewise can you in many ways make yourselves known to the human beings. My son, I tell you that by means of the Light shall you bridge the chasm that separates our world from the Earth, and lift a corner of the veil that covers the entrance to life everlasting! And seek for this purpose those human beings who can with spiritual eye see beyond the mortal veil! Seek those who can, with spiritual ear, capture the rapid vibrations that arise from the sound of your voices. Seek those who are able to withhold their earthly selves that they might receive and reproduce the thoughts that you think and inspire in them! And when you see that they have the fullest trust in you and in your words, then shall you speak to them of your brothers and sisters, who are their brothers and sisters also, and who wander the Earth in concealing Darkness, without home, without rest. And do they understand you, then make them your helpers, your intermediaries; for the spirits of the dead can easier perceive human thought and speech. Yes, then shall you teach the human beings to pray for those who are bound by the Darkness, teach that their loving thoughts can draw the Light to all for whom they pray; and when repentance awakens in the hearts of the bound spirits, then can you carry these remorseful ones back to the abodes that stand empty. My son, I say to you: will you follow this way, then, before a century has passed, can you, with the help of human intermediaries, draw all spirits of the dead away from the Earth and back to their abodes and to the Light and life there, and then will purer and brighter times come soon to you all. But, I tell you, that would you do this, then know also that you must for long periods absent yourselves from your beautiful abodes, and for long periods remain in the Darkness, in the mists and evil vapors of the Earth; for you must without interruption give protection to your chosen human helpers, that they fall not prey to the Darkness and go astray."

Thus spoke God, and He fell silent a while.

Then answered Christ, saying: "Father, art Thou with us, then shall we of a certainty gain the victory; but Father, I ask, how may we in this manner win back our eldest brother?”

Then God looked upon him with affection.

And He said: "My son, your brother is among those who are bound by the Darkness, bound by sin; teach also the human beings to have pity for him and his suffering. Teach them to forgive that which he has sinned against them. Teach them also to pray for him, to pray for his deliverance. For then will the loving thoughts of their prayer bring to an end for all time the power of the Darkness over him, then will his bonds break asunder, and then can we draw him back to us."

When God had spoken thus, Christ lowered his head and in sorrowful voice said: "Father, the human beings love not Thine eldest son as do we; they hate, fear and curse him. Truly, no human being will pray for him."

But God answered him and said: "My son, search among those who love you; for upon your word and with your intercession will they assuredly pray for your eldest brother. My son, I tell you that if you find but one human being who trusts in what you say and who with heartfelt compassion prays for him who has created a world of sin, grief and misery, then will the power of the Darkness be broken, then will your brother be set free, and then shall we who know and love him be able to bring him forgiveness and welcome him back to our midst."

Then Christ, with resolve, looked upon his Father and said: “Father, say that Thou art with us, for then do I know we shall gain the victory."

And God took him in his embrace and said: "My blessing shall follow you in all that you do."

Then Christ returned to his habitation in the outermost of the spiritual worlds round the Earth, and he summoned all his brothers and sisters who were not at that time bound to mortal bodies.

And when they were gathered, he stood forth and spoke to them of the way that they might follow as shown him by their God and Father.

When he had spoken, deep silence fell on all; for they understood that this would truly be a burdensome journey.

And when none answered, Christ spoke further and said: “Do you fear to follow me, then shall I walk alone; but I say to you: forget not that our Father has promised to be with us”

Then answered they: "Brother, brother, we shall accompany you and help you to bear these new burdens. Truly, you shall not walk alone. And be our Father with us, then shall we surely be victorious."

Christ gave to them his thanks and said: "Not all can follow me; for some must remain in our habitat here to arrange matters and to give guidance that all shall not become disorder."

And he chose some of his brothers and sisters, and these pledged to guide and to arrange matters in accordance with his desire.

When all was in readiness, God's voice sounded to them.

And God said: "My children, I, your Father, thank you all; but ere you journey to the earth, I would speak to you these words: sustain one another, fail never one another. For should you fail, should you falter, and should you tire, then will the shorter way become for you only the longer."

Then they called out: "Father, be with us, that we may not fail!"

And God answered them.

And He said: "I, your Father, shall give you the needed strength; for my thought shall guide you, my hand support you, and my blessing be with you."

When God’s voice ceased, a host of the children of the Light went forth to the Earth that without human embodiment they might begin their difficult journey.

And they went to those places where people gathered to receive messages from the spirits of the dead.

And the Youngest sought by loving thoughts to influence the men and women who were intermediaries between the living and the dead. But the process was difficult, for their thoughts could barely penetrate the Darkness that surrounded the Earth-bound spirits; for these thronged around the so-called mediums, those individuals who in various ways attempted to interpret the thoughts and the speech of these miserable beings.

But as time passed, the Youngest, with the aid of the Light, became ever better able to influence the mediums. And the messages that then were received grew clearer, easier to comprehend, and less subject to error.

But when the Youngest whilst communicating with human beings undertook to question peoples' faith as inherited from their forefathers, they were met with harsh words and stern judgment; many were angered and indignant, for in their foolishness these believed themselves to be in contact with demonic spirits. And Christ and those with him had to move onward to seek other and better helpers. And they grieved over human blindness.

But as the years passed, they found greater understanding and greater trust. Then to those who would listen they spoke of that life which exists after mortal death.

Many listened to the thoughts and the words, and some believed that which was said.

And at numerous places in lands over the Earth, more and more men and women attempted to establish communication with the dead, while knowledge of the messages from the spirits spread more and more.

Then the learned began to listen, and some even pondered upon and searched into the laws by which all this happened. But from this arose much discord, for as usual the learned could not agree. Some spoke for, others against the truth of that which took place.

Undaunted by mockery, anger and intolerance amongst human beings, the Youngest continued along the path their Father had shown them; but wherever they went, there were they also followed by the Elder, the Servant of the Darkness. And he drew Darkness closer about those men and women who were mediums, attempted to confuse their thoughts, attempted to distort the words they received. And in the hearts of many he awakened false pride, self-righteousness, and lust for power.

But the Youngest tried to protect their mediums, tried to warn them of Darkness and of falsehood so that they should not listen to the thoughts and the words of the Elder.

Still, against all warnings, against all exhortations, many mediums followed the Elder's seducing thoughts—and many fell. Indeed, some came forward at large gatherings to exhibit for their own gain what they were able to do; and if they obtained not the desired communication, then would they often create their own. But this led to much confusion and much falsehood. And whenever the Youngest saw that their helpers and intermediaries succumbed to the temptations of Darkness in face of all warning, they turned away from them and went on to seek out other, more understanding helpers.

And they grieved over human blindness, grieved over human lack of trust.

But in spite of the power of the Darkness, the Youngest continued to meet with ever greater understanding. And then they began to speak to people of the many spirits who, bound by sin and without mortal embodiment, walked among humans without rest, without home.

People listened and many believed the words, and these began to help these miserable beings, and they prayed to Almighty God for peace and for salvation for the spirits of the dead.

And see, then it came to pass even as God had said: the loving thoughts of human beings evoked repentance in numerous Earth-bound spirits, and the streaming currents of the Light drew the repentant ones back to the dwellings that once they had left.

And the Youngest who were in the sphere worlds received them tenderly, and they gave them all care.

Slowly the Youngest advanced towards the goal; and they found ever more helpers. But when Christ spoke to these of the many delusions of Christianity and told them who he was, few only dared listen to his words, dared trust in him; for they believed him to be the Evil One himself, who by means of gentle and loving words sought to lead them astray; and many turned away from him and from those who were with him.

And Christ grieved.

The years passed, and a new earthly century²¹ began. Still a host of the spirits of the dead remained bound to the Earth, still the power of the Darkness had not been broken; still, invisible to human beings, Christ and those who were with him went from place to place in search of the help they desired.

And as the years passed, they found more and better helpers. More and more people prayed to God the Almighty to bring peace and salvation to those who were bound by the Darkness.

And in his journeys over the Earth from place to place, from country to country, Christ found a few people who displayed full faith in him and who trusted his words. And Christ was filled with gladness, for he knew then that they neared the goal.

But wherever they went, God’s watchful eye followed, and He sustained and strengthened them.

And God beheld their untiring love, beheld their perseverance, their many sorrows, their few joys. And He resolved to support them still more.

And when a little more than a decade²² of the new earthly century had passed, God caused His mighty voice to sound over all the Earth to call back the spirits of the dead.

And this came to pass a few earthly years before a century had gone by since God had last sounded His voice to all the dead.

See, then they all ceased in what they were about and they all listened; for God called to each by their name, and He spoke to each, spoke to them all.

And He said: "My children, I, your Father, ask you: will you forever be enslaved by your impure desires? Will you continue to walk in Darkness and in sin? Truly, you shall know that no suffering, no maledictions, nothing impure and no Darkness can endure forever! My children listen all! Seek to repent of that which you have sinned, then will you no longer be bound, then will the Light bear you back to peace and to rest. My children, answer Me your Father, will you not return to the Light and to life?"

When God had spoken thus, He kept silent for a time.

But the stillness oppressed the spirits, bound in sin. And they called to their Father, they cried out their answer to Him.

All who walked in the Darkness upon the Earth, and all the Eldest in the ruined Kingdom, all cried out their answer—only the Elder made no answer.

And the answers rose as a mighty chorus: "Father, forgive us that which we have sinned! Deliver us from the power of the Darkness!"

And God spoke to them.

And He said: "My children, that which you have sinned against me, and that which you have sinned against the eternal laws, that are you forgiven, and it is made void! But what you have sinned against one another, that must you also forgive one another!

“My children, be you all welcome back to the Light and to life.”

When God's voice fell silent, then see, the Light welled forth. Borne by its eternal streaming currents, thousands upon thousands of fallen spirits were drawn away from Darkness, away from the Earth, back to the dwellings that stood empty.

And the Youngest who were there received them with love and they gave them all care.

And God sent to the Earth a host of the Youngest to support and guide those who had fallen the deepest, those unable to rise, those blinded by the Darkness. And the Youngest bore them back to their abodes.

And soon all were returned to peace and to rest.

In dread did the Elder see the Light well forth, watched as its clear, pure waves washed away the ruined kingdom, absorbed the evil vapors and dispelled the dense Darkness.

And in his fear he fled from there, fled from place to place over the Earth.

But the ever-streaming waves of the Light followed him, appearing over all the Earth as a beautiful, luminous dawn.

For the Elder there was no peace, no rest; for he was yet bound by the Darkness and through it to his creatures, and he was still the Servant of the Darkness.

And without home, without rest, he continued his flight across the Earth.

But when some time had passed, a voice sounded to him, a voice gentle and loving, saying: "Brother, why do you flee?"

Then he ceased his frenzied flight; and see, then stood Christ before him in all his radiant glory, and the Elder bowed his head, for the brilliance blinded his eyes.

And Christ reached out and said: 'Brother, I have come to bring you rest, to bring you peace."

But the Elder answered him and said: "Our Father's wrath will crush and destroy me."

Then Christ said: “Our Father’s love, His tenderness, His compassion will draw you away from Darkness, away from your suffering.”

And Christ spoke yet further.

And he said: "Brother, follow me; for I will take you to human beings who have put their trust in me and who trust my words, and they will of a certainty take pity upon you, they will of a certainty at my intercession pray for your peace and deliverance; for this is our Father's wish; brother, seek to repent of that which you have sinned, for then will your bonds be broken and then will the Light carry you to our Father's embrace."

But the Elder answered him and said: "Humanity hates me, fears and curses me—no human being will pray for the one who has created a world of sin, sorrow and suffering."

Then Christ said: "Brother, I tell you that the power of prayer is great when borne by thoughts of love! Follow me and trust me, for on my word will human beings pray for you."

When Christ fell silent, the Elder stood a time, answering no word.

Then hope awoke in his heart, and he answered: "Brother, I will follow you!"

And Christ led him to an earthly dwelling where people were gathered, for they spoke with some of the Youngest who were there unseen to sustain, to guide them in their work.

And Christ spoke out to those there, and they listened; for neither could they see him. And he said: "I, Christ, your elder brother, speak to you—hear me! Help me pray that our Father may grant peace and deliverance to the brother whom I have brought here. Have compassion for him, for so deep is his fall that none can fall deeper; for so greatly has he sinned that none can sin more, and he suffers much!"

When he had spoken thus, he turned to the Elder and said: "Tell them who you are, tell them of that which you have sinned, and they will help you; for they fear you not—our Father is with them."

And the Elder spoke to them, told them who he was, told them of that which he had sinned.

The people listened, and they understood that his words were true; for they felt the evil currents of the Darkness that streamed from him.

When he fell silent, they prayed with heartfelt compassion that God the Almighty bring peace and deliverance to him who was the cause of all the sin, sorrow and suffering in the world.

And God heard their prayer.

Then awoke the full memory of the Elder, then did he recall vividly the blissful times that were before mankind. And he staggered under the mighty burden of remembrance.

But some of the Youngest supported him that he should not fall.

And see! Then grief and remorse awoke in his heart, and he cried out: "Father, Father, help me to break the power of the Darkness, to break the bond of the Darkness! Help me remove sin and suffering from the human beings, my creatures! Father, forgive what I have sinned against Thee, what I have sinned against all!"

And God heard his cry.

And He caused his voice to be heard by the Elder.

And God said: My son, that which you have sinned against Me, your Father, and that which you have sinned against the eternal laws, that are you forgiven, and it shall be made void! And that which you have sinned against your brothers and sisters, that I know they will of a certainty all forgive. But that which you have sinned against the human beings, your creatures, that must they themselves forgive you!”

"My son, I your Father, bid you welcome back to the Light, bid you welcome to your home."

When God was silent, the Youngest bore their brother, who was loved by them all, back to their Home, back to their Father’s embrace.

And with joy, God tenderly welcomed the repentant son.

And God spoke to Christ and to the Youngest who had accompanied their brother, giving thanks to them all for the work they had done, giving thanks to each for the great patience, the great love they had shown.

And there was much joy, and they all exulted; for they knew that thenceforth would brighter times come to them all, though they understood that much time must yet pass before mankind would become purer and less sinful; though they understood that eons had to pass before the Light had fully absorbed the Darkness and fully removed it from the Earth.

And the Youngest led their eldest brother to a place where in stillness he might rest and reflect upon all that had come to pass.

After that they went to the last of the spiritual worlds round the Earth to rest for a little time in their beautiful dwellings, from which they had so long been absent.

When one earthly year had passed, God's voice sounded to the Elder.

And God said: "My son, your time of rest is at its end. Go forth to the Earth, to the human beings. Say to them that they shall no longer fear you, nor hate nor curse you. Kneel and seek their forgiveness for all that you have sinned against them; for do they forgive you, then will that which binds them to the maledictions that you have hurled against them break asunder, then will they be better able to conquer the Darkness that surrounds them; and then will the Light shine more purely and brightly over the Earth."

The Elder listened to the words. And he said: "Father, then must Thou truly be with me; for I fear that the human beings will have no trust in me; for I fear that they will all turn away from me, that they will not hear my words."

But God answered: “Follow your younger brother; for he has promised to sustain you and to guide you! And My blessing shall be upon you!”

Then the Elder bowed his head.

And he said: "Father, I thank Thee; Thy Will be done."

When he had answered thus, Christ and some of the Youngest were with him.

And Christ said: "Brother, in the year that has passed, we have sought to prepare the way for you. Follow us, for we shall lead you to human beings through whom you may find the help to form your thoughts in earthly speech and in earthly signs."

The Elder thanked them, and he followed them.

And they went to the Earth, and with the help of human beings they built a bridge over the chasm that separates the world of Light from the world of Darkness, and they lifted a corner of the curtain that veils the entrance to eternal life.

For God, their Father, was with them.

——————————

And see! Now have I, Ardor, the Elder, once the Servant of the Darkness, carried out our Father's bidding and spoken to you, spoken of the Darkness and of the great misery that my fall and my sin has brought upon the human beings, my creation. And through you I speak to all mankind, speak to the generations that are, and to all the generations that will be.

And I say to you all: fear me not, hate me not, curse me not! For no longer am I the Prince of Hell, and Hell is no more!”

And, with all my heart, I ask now if you can but overcome your hatred, can but overcome your anger, and give me forgiveness for that which I have sinned against all of you!

Forgive me, that our Father's peace and blessing may be with you now and forever!

Amen.

FOOTNOTES

Chapter 1

1) Ardor refers here to the globe by the name mankind later gave it.

Chapter 5

2) The eldest of the Youngest is known to man by his earthly name, Jesus of Nazareth—the name he bore in his fifth and final incarnation.

Chapter 11

3) Jesus regarded not only the temple in Jerusalem but all synagogues as his "Father's house".

Chapter 14

4) Everlasting—an inconceivably long period. But must not be understood as suffering that would last through eternity, as this was not what Jesus meant.

5) As Jesus often used parables, the aforementioned expression is to be regarded as but a metaphorical paraphrase of the nagging and painful feeling of the remembrance of sin. The evil place, as Jesus describes it here, is the ruined kingdom, the domicile of the Eldest. During his life on Earth, Jesus retained some memory from his transcendental existence, but it was not all equally comprehensible to him.

Chapter 17

6) God's breath (spirit) is identical with God's thought, here meaning greater spiritual life.

Chapter 18

7) The old woman's hut lay in the mountains about four kilometers from the town of Magdala.

Chapter 19

8) Many of the apostles and followers of Jesus believed that baptism not only cleansed one of past but also of future sins. Jesus tried to remove this misconception, always explaining that baptism was symbolic only. See chapter 20.

9) As Ardor, by narrating the aforementioned episode from the life of Jesus, has only indirectly answered the question put, refer to the Commentary to Ardor’s Account, chapter 19.

Chapter 22

10) The divine element that each human being has received from God. See the Commentary to Ardor’s Account, chapter 7.

Chapter 25

11) The Feast of the Passover was observed in strict accordance with Jewish custom. Only those words and actions of Jesus that have general interest are included here to show that Jesus took leave of his apostles at the Feast of the Passover without uttering the words later ascribed to him. See Chapter 33 and Commentary, page 232.

Chapter 30

12) A twelfth apostle had succeeded Judas Iscariot.

Chapter 33

13) Originally, without later distortion, Paul’s explanation to his disciples after reflection was: “As Jesus gave the apostles of his bread and wine, so he gave his body and his blood to his followers as spiritual food and drink; yes, he gave himself as a sacrifice for sin, a sign of a new covenant between the Lord and us.”

Chapter 34

14) A number of other versions of the unity of the Son and the Father are not included by Ardor, as any who so desire can study for themselves the disputes of those times.

Chapter 35

16) The Selukians. —Editor's note.

16) Many Christians prayed directly to the Virgin Mary and to the holy men and women, rather than asking them to intercede with God on their behalf. Saint-worship thus became idolatry. And since the mother of Jesus, and all “saints”—despite their good deeds—are subject to the law of reincarnation (rebirth), any calls to them for intercession is in vain, and indeed often senseless; for the worshipped saints live on Earth from time to time as humans, and consequently must be deaf to calls for intercession or help from fellow humans.

Among those who have been bound to the earthly bodies of the so-called saints can be found the Youngest, the Eldest, and human spirits alike. For the humans, the law of rebirth has been given by God so that they can go forward and upward. The Eldest have by their arbitrary first incarnations drawn themselves under this law. The Youngest have submitted voluntarily to it while they work for the advancement of mankind. Thus, when human beings call upon holy men and women, they pray to beings whose existence as saints is imaginary.

17) The explorers of those days included not only the Youngest but also a number of the Eldest.

18) At times disagreements among the clergy were so fierce that they resulted in the election of a number of popes who then mutually fought over the Holy See in Rome. —Editor's note.

19 twice) Those Youngest whom the Elder had tempted to commit misdeeds in their lives on the Earth, were often bound by their consciousness of sin, after death, to lead a restless existence among the Earth-bound human spirits.

20) 1857.

21) 1900.

22) 1911.

END FOOTNOTES