Lection 41

Iesus setteth free the Caged Birds.
The Blind Man who denied that others saw.

1. AND as Iesus was going to Iericho there met him a man with a cage full of birds which he had caught and some young doves. And he saw how they were in misery having lost their liberty, and moreover being tormented with hunger and thirst.

2. And he said unto the man, What doest thou with these? And the man answered, I go to make my living by selling these birds which I have taken.

3. And Iesus said, What thinkest thou, if another, stronger than thou or with greater craft, were to catch thee and bind thee, or thy wife, or thy children, and cast thee into a prison, in order to sell thee into captivity for his own profit, and to make a living?

4. Are not these thy fellow creatures, only weaker than thou? And doth not the same God our Father-Mother care for them as for thee? Let these thy little brethren and sisters go forth into freedom and see that thou do this thing no more, but provide honestly for thy living.

5. And the man marvelled at these words and at his authority, and he let the birds go free. So when the birds came forth they flew unto Jesus and stood on his shoulder and sang unto him.

6. And the man inquired further of his doctrine, and he went his way, and learnt the craft of making baskets, and by this craft he earned his bread, and afterwards he brake his cages and his traps, and became a disciple of Jesus.

7. AND Iesus beheld a man working on the Sabbath, and he said unto him, Man, if thou knowest not the law in the spirit; but if thou knowest not, thou art accursed and a transgresor of the law.

8. And again Iesus said unto his disciples, what shall be done unto these servants who, knowing their Lord's will, prepare not themselves for his coming, neither do according to his will?

9. Verily I say unto you, They that know their Master's will, and do it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. But they who not knowing their Master's will, do it not, shall be beaten with but few stripes. To whomsoever much is given, of them is much required. And to whom little is given from them is required but little.

10. AND there was a certain man who was blind from his birth. And he denied that there were such things as Sun, Moon, and Stars, or that colour existed. And they tried in vain to persuade him that other people saw them; and they led him to Iesus, and he anointed his eyes and made him to see.

11. And he greatly rejoiced with wonder and fear, and confessed that before he was blind. And now after this, he said, I see all, I know everything, I am god.

12. And Iesus again said unto him, How canst thou know all? Thou canst not see through the walls of thine house, nor read the thoughts of thy fellow men, nor understand the language of birds, or of beasts. Thou canst not even recall the events of thy former life, conception, or birth.

13. Remember with humility how much remains unknown to thee, yea, unseen, and doing so, thou mayest see more clearly.

Comment - LECTION 41.11-13. -Very applicable to the present age also.

Lection 42

Iesus Teacheth Concerning Marriage
The Blessing of Children

1. AND it came to pass that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed him and he healed them there.

2. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away a wife for every cause?

3. And he answered and said unto them, In some nations, one man hath many wives, and putteth away whom he will for a just cause; and in some, a woman hath many husbands, and putteth away whom she will for a just cause; and in others, one man is joined to one woman, in mutual love, and this is the first and the better way.

4. For have ye not read that God who made them at the beginning, made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man or a woman leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife or her husband, and they twain shall be one flesh.

5. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God have joined together, let not man put asunder.

6. They said unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives. even as he permitted you to eat flesh, for many causes, but from the beginning it was not so.

7. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away a wife, except it be for a just cause, and shall marry another in her place, committeth adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife it is not good to marry.

8. But he said unto them All cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some, celibates who were so born from their mother's womb, and there are some, which were made celibates of men, and there be some, who have made themselves celibates for the kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

9. THEN there came unto him little children that he should put his hands on them and bless them, and the disciples rebuked them.

10. But Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. And he laid his hands on them and blessed them.

11. AND as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus Master, have mercy on us.

12. And when he saw them, he said unto them Go, shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

13. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Lection 43

Iesus Teacheth Concerning the Riches of this World and the Washing of Hands and Eating Of Unclean Meats

1. AND, behold, one came and said unto him. Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which be they?

2. Iesus said, What teacheth Moses? Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, honor thy father and thy mother and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?

3. Iesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast in abundance, and give to those who have not, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and  follow me.

4. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions, yea, more than satisfied his needs.

5. Then said Iesus unto his disciple, Verily I say unto you, that the rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the ‘gate of the needle’s eye” than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.

6. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Iesus beheld them, and said unto them, For the carnal mind this is impossible, but with the spiritual mind all things are possible.

7. And I say. unto you, Make not to yourselves friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail they may receive you into their earthly habitations; but rather of the true riches, even the Wisdom of God, that so ye may be received into everlasting mansions which fade not away.

8. Then Peter, said unto him, Behold we have forsaken all and followed thee. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, but the things of this world it is not mine to give.

9. And everyone that hath forsaken riches, houses, friends, for the kingdom of Heaven’s sake and its righteousness, shall receive a hundred fold in the age to come and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and many that are last shall be first.

10. AND there came unto him certain of the Scribes and Pharisees who had seen one of his disciples eat with unwashed hands.

11. And they found fault, for the Jews eat not except they have first washen their hands and many other things observe they, in the washing of Cups and of vessels and of tables.

12. And they said, Why, walk not all thy disciples after the tradition of the elders, for we saw one who did eat with unwashed hands?

13. And Iesus said, Well hath Moses commanded you to be clean, and to keep your bodies clean, and your vessels clean, but ye have added things which ofttimes cannot be observed by every one at all times and in all places.

14. Hearken unto me therefore, not only unclean things entering into the body of man defile the man, but much more do evil thoughts and unclean, which pour from the heart of man, defile the inner man and defile others also. Therefore take heed to your thoughts and cleanse your hearts and let your food be pure.

15. These things ought ye to do, and not to leave the others undone. Whoso breaketh the law of purification of necessity, are blameless, for they do it not of their own will, neither despising the law which is just and good. For cleanliness in all things is great gain.

16. Be ye not followers of evil fashions of the world even in appearance; for many are led into evil by the outward seeming, and the likeness of evil.

Lection 44

The Confession of the Twelve.

1. AGAIN Iesus sat near the sea, in a circle of twelve palm trees, where he oft resorted, and the Twelve and their fellows came unto him, and they sat under the shade of the trees, and the holy One taught them sitting in their midst.

2. And Iesus said unto them, Ye have heard what men in the world say concerning me, but whom do ye say that I am? Peter rose up with Andrew his brother and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the  living God, who descendeth from heaven and dwelleth in the hearts of them who believe and obey unto righteousness. And the rest rose up and said, each after his own manner, These words are true, so we believe.

3. And Iesus answered them saying, Blessed are ye my twelve who believe, for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto you, but the spirit of God which dwelleth in you. I indeed am the way, the Truth and the Life; and the Truth understandeth all things.

4. All truth is in God, and I bear witness unto the truth. I am the true Rock, and on this Rock do I build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it, and out of this Rock shall flow rivers of living water to give life to the peoples of the earth.

Comment - LECTION 44.4. -In the Syrian Paschito, accepted by all Christians, in the Aramaic, the very language spoken by the Lord while on earth, the passage reads thus -"Thou art Kepha (rock), and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Sheol shall not prevail against her." In the Aramaic original there is but one word for rock or stone, not two petros and petra, as in the Greek -on which anti-Catholic controversialists found their views. Rather do these words, "petros" and "petra," being simply the masculine and feminine forms, denote a duality, viz. Intuition and Intellects conjoined in the one human Individual; or in philosophy, the inductive and the deductive methods, the one of Plato, the other of Aristotle.

5. Ye are my chosen twelve. In me, the Head and Corner stone, are the twelve foundations of my house builded on the rock, and on you in me shall my Church be built, and in truth and righteousness shall my Church be established.

6. And ye shall sit on twelve thrones and send forth light and truth to all the twelve tribes of Israel after the Spirit, and I will be with you, even unto the end of the world.

7. But there shall arise after you, men of perverse minds who shall through ignorance or through craft, suppress many things which I have spoken unto you, and lay to me things which I never taught, sowing tares among the good wheat which I have given you to sow in the world.

8. Then shall the truth of God endure the contradiction of sinners, for thus it hath been, and thus it will be. But the time cometh when the things which they have hidden shall be revealed and made known, and the truth shall make free those which were bound.

9. One is your Master, all ye are brethren, and one is not greater than another in the place which I have given unto you, for ye have one Master, even Christ, who is over you and with you and in you, and there is no inequality among my twelve, or their fellows.

10. All are equally near unto me. Strive ye not therefore for the first place, for ye are all first, because ye are the foundation stones and pillars of the Church, built on the truth which is in me and in you, and the truth and the law shall ye establish for all, as shall be given unto you.

11. Verily when ye and your fellows agree together touching anything in my Name, I am in the midst of you and with you.

12. Woe is the time when the spirit of the world entereth into the Church, and my doctrines and precepts are made void through the corruption of men and of women. Woe is the world when the Light is hidden. Woe is the world when these things shall be.

13. AT that time Iesus lifted his voice and said, I thank thee, O most righteous Parent, Creator of Heaven and Earth, that though these things are hidden from the wise and the prudent, they are nevertheless revealed unto babes.

14. No one knoweth thee, save the Son, who is the Daughter of man. None do know the Daughter or the Son save they to whom the Christ is revealed, who is the Two in One.

15. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is equal and it is easy, my burden is light and presseth not unequally.

Lection 45

Seeking For Signs - The Unclean Spirit.

1. THEN certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees answered saying, Master we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.

2. Yea, as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, and after he shall rise again.

3. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas, and behold a greater than Jonas is here.

4. The Queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

5. AGAIN he said: When the unclean spirit is gone out of any, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and finding none it saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out. And when he is come he findeth it empty, swept and garnished, for they asked not the Good Spirit to dwell within them, and be their eternal Guest.

6. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there, and the last state of all such is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation, which refuseth  entrance to the Spirit of God.

7. For I say unto you, whosoever blasphemeth the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven them; but whoso blasphemeth the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven them either in this age, or in the next, for they resist the Light of God, by the false traditions of men.

Comment - LECTION 45.7. -The word "Blasphemy" is derived from the Greek, "blapto" to hinder, retard, obstruct (progress) and "pheme" to speak, thus signifying what is usually known as that conservatism which injures progress and obstructs it. Such a mind is held in bonds by too great deference to authority, or customs, or fashions, or traditions, and closes itself against fresh truths, or the restatement or development of old truths, and thus resists the light which may come through a divine messenger, and commits the "sin against the Holy Spirit" by closing eyes and ears against the higher teaching of God's truth. Such cannot be forgiven i.e. obtain release in this age (incarnation} or the succeeding. For the effects of persistent resistance are age enduring, like a prison house of the mind, and it cannot break the strong walls of prejudice and come forth, being fast bound, and needing, it may be ages, for its emancipation from error long cherished.

8. WHILE, he yet talked to the people, behold his parents and his brethren and his sisters stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold thy father and thy mother, and thy brethren and thy sisters stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

9. But he answered and said unto him that told him; Who is my father and who is my mother? and who are my brethren and my sisters?

10. And he stretched forth his hand towards his disciples and said, Behold my father and my mother, my brethren and sisters, and my children! For whosoever shall do the will Of my Parent Who is in Heaven the same is my father and my mother, my brother and my sister, my son and my daughter.

Comment - LECTION 45.1O. -Without slighting any believer's love to the B.V.M., these words clearly shew how Iesus regarded Righteousness as relating all true believers to him more than any blood relationship could possibly do.

11. AND there were some Pharisees, who were covetous and proud of their riches, and he said unto them, Take heed unto yourselves, and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth.

12. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

13. And he said, This will I do; I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

14. And I will say to my soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, drink and be merry.

15. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy life shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

16. So are they that lay up treasures for themselves, and are not rich in good works to them that need, and are in want.

Lection 46

The Transfiguration on the Mount.
The Giving of the Law.

1. AFTER six days, when the Feast of Tabernacles was nigh at hand, Iesus taketh the twelve and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart, and as he was praying the fashion of his countenance was changed, and he was transfigured before them, and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

2. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him and spake of the Law, and of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

3. And Moses spake, saying, This is he of whom I foretold, saying, A prophet from the midst of thy brethren, like unto me shall the Eternal send unto you, and that which the Eternal speaketh unto him, shall he speak unto you, and unto him shall ye hearken, and whoso will not obey shall bring upon themselves their own destruction.

4. Then Peter said unto Iesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here; if thou wilt let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5. While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them, and twelve rays as of the sun issued from behind the cloud, and a voice came out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

6. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were sore amazed, and Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And the six glories were seen upon him.

7. AND Iesus said unto them, Behold a new law I give unto you, which is not new but old. Even as Moses gave the Ten Commandments to Israel after the flesh, so also I give unto you the Twelve for the Kingdom of Israel after the Spirit.

Comment - LECTION 46.2-7. -The appearance of Moses, to hand over, as it were, the Law and the Dispensation to Iesus, throws a light on the reason of the Transfiguration, which is lost in the accepted version. Elias also appears, so as to make, with Moses, the "two witnesses" required by the law. They recognize Iesus, and witness to him as the great Prophet whom God should raise to succeed and take the place of Moses as the Legislator of the New Dispensation.

The "six glories" may have reference to the six precepts In each table of the law as now given, or more probably to the six attributes of each of the two aspects of the Christ, six feminine and six masculine, as inherent in the Two in One -the "Father-Mother of the age to come." They are referred to in one of the most ancient gospels.

8. For who are the Israel of God ? Even they of every nation and tribe who work righteousness, love mercy and keep my commandments, these are the true Israel of God. And standing upon his feet, Jesus spake, saying:

9. Hear O Israel, JOVA, thy God is One; many are My seers, and My prophets. In Me all live and move, and have subsistence.

10. Ye shall not take away the life of any creature for your pleasure, nor for your profit. nor yet torment it.

11. Ye shall not steal the goods of any, nor gather lands and riches to yourselves, beyond your need or use.

12. Ye shall not eat the flesh, nor drink the blood of any slaughtered creature, nor yet any thing which bringeth disorder to your health or senses.

Comment - LECTION 46.10-12 -Compare this with the Law as given by Moses in the "Book of the Going Forth of Israel," p. 35, all chiefly negative precepts. In the law given by Christ there are six negative and six positive. The negative is the external Way, in which certain actions are forbidden. The positive the interior way, in which certain duties are enjoined. As the prohibitions are summed up in the negative form of the Golden Rule, so the commands are summed up in the positive form. There is a very curious recurrence of certain numbers. The words of the two tables being summed up, appear to indicate the feminine, or even number 124, for the lst Table; and the masculine, or odd number 123, for the 2nd Table; and the numbers 12 and 13 prevail throughout. The words of Moses (see "Book of the Going Forth of Israel ") were 70, denoting an approximate, but a lesser perfection. Had this law been faithfully observed by all Christians, there would have been no divisions or war as now, and this earth would have been a paradise for all. The allegations brought against Christianity and Christ as the cause of strife and bloodshed, are therefore baseless. It is the spirit of selfishness, of perversity, in direct opposition to the Law of Christ, which has been the root of all the evils laid to the charge of Christianity, as he said, "Behold I come to bring peace upon earth, but what if a sword cometh?" Besides the loss of life by wars and intemperance of all kinds, the amount of material wealth wasted yearly in Christian countries, is not only needless, but injurious things, forbidden by the Laws of Christ, is simply appalling. This amount would rebuild the cities of the world, and its ancient Architectural Monuments now In decay, turning them into cities of health and beauty.

Take England alone, the amount of money wasted in flesh meats, etc. (which cannot be had except by cruelty and suffering) alcohol and tobacco (which transform the users into worse than beasts) is on the most moderate calculation (of Mulhall and other eminent staticians) 260 millions. And this increases year by year. (Remember, this was written in 1892 -Ed.) This sum would give employment and food to all who are now without it, and in a little time turn our hideous towns into cities of health, beauty, and convenience, and our waste places into fruitful gardens, and our want and misery into increasing wealth and gladness, It would provide retiring pensions after 50 years of work, for all disabled by age, sickness or accident.

Canon Farrar has shewn that at a low computation, there are 30 millions of destitute now in England. This sum would give a pension of £80 a year to each of such. This sum would also clear the interest on the National Debt (Disgrace) and our Public Expenditure, leaving a surplus of 100 millions.

In this sum is not reckoned the needless, wanton expense of wars (220 millions in two years wasted in S. Africa in pillage and destruction and in plundering a nation of industrious farmers; and now again, in Thibet, the butchery styled by the English "a Peaceful Mission." Nor does It include the money lost in betting and gambling (during the last century 3,000 millions, i.e. an average of 30 millions per year). All these sums are estimated by Mulhall and other eminent staticians whose veracity cannot be doubted, and make a total of at least 300 millions recklessly wasted by this nation alone, all of which would be avoided by simple adherence to the twelve precepts given by Iesus Christ on the Mount.

v. 12. -"Slaughtered" is the truer rendering which has in former editions been wrongly translated "living."

13. Ye shall not make impure marriages, where love and health are not, nor yet corrupt yourselves, or any creature made pure by the Holy.

14. Ye shall not bear false witness against any, nor wilfully deceive any by a lie to hurt them.

15. Ye shall not do unto others, as ye would not that others should do unto you.

16. Ye shall worship One Eternal, the Father-Mother in Heaven, of Whom are all things, and reverence the holy Name.

17. Ye shall revere your fathers and your mothers on earth, whose care is for you, and all the Teachers of Righteousness.

18. Ye shall cherish and protect the weak, and those who are oppressed, and all creatures that suffer wrong.

19. Ye shall work with your hands the things that are good and seemly; so shalt ye eat the fruits Of the earth, and live long in the land.

20. Ye shall purify yourselves daily and rest the Seventh Day from labour, keeping holy the Sabbaths and the Festival of your God.

21. Ye shall do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you.

22. And when the disciples heard these words, they smote upon their breasts, saying: Wherein we have offended. O God forgive us: and may thy wisdom, love and truth within us incline our hearts to love and keen this Holy Law.

23. And Jesus said unto them, My yoke is equal and my burden light, if ye will to bear it, to you it will be easy. Lay no other burden on those that enter into the kingdom, but only these necessary things.

24. This is the new Law unto the Israel of God, and the Law is within, for it is the Law of Love, and it is not new but old. Take heed that ye add nothing to this law, neither take anything from it. Verily I say unto you, they who believe and obey this law shall be saved, and they who know and obey it not, shall be lost.

Comment - LECTION 46.24.. -The law as given through Moses "by the ministry of angels," and as the Church of Israel (the typical nation) received it through their Interpreters and Scribes, had no precept forbidding cruelty, oppression, flesh eating, drunkenness, the worship of mammon, impure marriages for money or position, and other vices and crimes which are the cause of nearly all the misery which now afflicts men and women "called to be happy sons and daughters of God Almighty, and which are visited by the holy Law on the children to the third and fourth generation of them that despise it, shewing mercy to all who love it." Nor yet did it include that mutual consideration for each other (positively and negatively) which is summed up in the one commandment of Christ "Love ye one another," not excluding therefrom the creatures which God hath given to be our earth mates and companions.

But now by the same Spirit is given through the ministry of angels, a more perfect Law -the Law of Christ- which they knew not, who sacrificed innocent animals (which thing "God commanded not," as said Jeremiah, the prophet, vii., 22), in place of the animal passions and lusts within their carnal minds. And to this end is this Law now given anew after a more perfect way that the multitudes in the Outer Court of the carnal mind may have it written in their hearts, and enter through the Middle Courts of the Soul into the inmost of the divine Spirit where no tables of the Law are seen, for there the Law is WITHIN.

The moral obligations of Mankind have been revealed in two ways; the first and earliest is the negative and external way in which certain actions are forbidden; the second and later is the positive and interior way in which certain duties are commanded. As the prohibitions are summed up in the negative form of the Golden Rule, so the commands are summed up in the positive form of the Golden Rule, and both in the one command of Christ; "Love ye one another." When these words were committed to writing the monition was given, " Number the words of this Law, for they are the numbers of the Holy City, and of the Solar and the Lunar Year." And so it was found by adding the numbers, and then the figures composing the sums, in four different ways after the manner of the Jewish Kabbalists, shewing that the same mode of reckoning in their English Version was retained by the translators for the purpose of (as far as possible) preserving the very words of the Law in their purity and integrity.

25. But as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive. And the disobedient shall be purged through many fires; and they who persist shall descend and shall perish eternally.

26. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

27. His disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come and restore all things.

28. But I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Lection 47

The Spirit Giveth Life.
The Rich Man and the Beggar.

1. AND when they were come down from the Mount one of his disciples asked him, Master, if a man keep not all these commandments shall he enter into Life? And he said, the Law is good in the letter without the spirit is dead, but the spirit maketh the letter alive.

2. Take ye heed that ye obey from the heart, and in the spirit of love, all the Commandments which I have given unto you.

3. It hath been written, Thou shalt not kill, but I say unto you, if any hate and desire to slay, they are guilty of the law, yea, if they cause hurt or torture to any Innocent Creature they are guilty, But if they kill to put an end to suffering which cannot be healed, they are not guilty, if they do it quickly and in love.

4. It hath been said, Thou shalt not steal, but I say unto you, if any, not content with that which they have, desire and seek after that which is another's or if they withhold that which is just from the worker, they have stolen in their heart already, and their guilt is greater than that of one who stealeth a loaf in necessity, to satisfy his hunger.

5. Again ye have been told, Thou shalt not commit adultery, but I say unto you, if man or woman join together in marriage with unhealthy bodies, and beget unhealthy offspring, they are guilty, even though they have not taken their neighbour's spouse: and if any have not taken a woman who belongeth to another, but desire in their heart and seek after her, they have committed adultery already in spirit.

6. And again I say unto you, if any desire and seek to possess the body of any creature for food, or for pleasure, or for profit, they defile themselves thereby.

7. Yea, and if a man telleth the truth to his neighbour in such wise as to lead him into evil, even  thought it be true in the letter, he is guilty.

Comment - LECTION 47.2-7. -There is hardly a law that has been given by man or by God, but has been abused and turned into an instrument of oppression by the perversity of man, evading the spirit and insisting on the letter alone.

8. Walk ye in the spirit, and thus shall ye fulfill the law and be meet for the kingdom. Let the Law be within your own hearts rather than on tables of memorial; which things nevertheless ye ought to do and not to leave the other undone for the Law which I have given unto you is holy, just and good, and blessed are all they who obey and walk therein.

9. God is Spirit, and they who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth, at all times, and in all places.

10. AND he spake this parable unto them who were rich, saying, There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple, and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day.

11. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

12. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom; the rich man also died, and was buried with great pomp. And in Hades he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

13. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this place.

14. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And thus are the changes of life for the perfecting of souls. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence, till their time be accomplished.

15. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my Father's house; for I have five brethren, that he may testify unto them, lest they also came into this place of torment.

16. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

Comment - LECTION 47.10-16. -This parable of Dives and Lazarus is pregnant with deepest teaching, utterly setting aside the narrow dogmas of the sects which have been founded on the traditional interpretation of it in the A. V.

17. And Abraham said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Lection 48

Iesus Feedeth One Thousand with Five Melons.
Heals the Withered Hand On The Sabbath Day.

1. AND it came to pass as Iesus had been teaching the multitudes, and they were hungry and faint by reason of the heat of the day, that there passed by that way a woman on a camel laden with melons and other fruits.

2. And Iesus lifted up his voice and cried, O ye that thirst, seek ye the living water which cometh from Heaven, for this is the water of life, which whoso drinketh thirsteth not again.

3. And he took of the fruit, five melons and divided them among the people, and they eat, and their thirst was quenched, and he said unto them, If God maketh the sun to shine, and the water to fill out these fruits of the earth, shall not the Same be the Sun of your souls, and fill you with the water of life?

Comment - LECTION 48.l-3. -The feeding of one thousand with five melons is another instance of the love of Iesus to the hungry and thirsty thousand who came to his ministry. He first feeds the body, then instructs the soul. Too often it is the reverse of this among his followers. Hence, "The lack of love causeth many to wax cold."

4. Seek ye the truth and let your souls be satisfied. The truth of God is that water which cometh from heaven, without money and without price, and they who drink shall be satisfied. And those whom he fed were one thousand men, women and children—and none of them went home a hungered or athirst; and many that had fever were healed.

5. At that time Iesus went on the Sabbath day through the cornfields, and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

6. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day.

7. And he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

8. Or have yet not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the Temple do work on the Sabbath and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is One greater than the Temple.

9. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

10. AND when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue. And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

11. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you that shall have but one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day will he not lay hold on it and lift it out? And if ye give help to a sheep, shall ye not also to a man that needeth?

12. Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath day. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth, and it was restored whole, like as the other.

13. Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Iesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence; and great multitudes followed him, and he healed their sick and infirm, and charged them that they should  not make it known.

14. So it was fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased; I will put my spirit upon him and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

15. He shall not strive nor cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his Name shall the Gentiles trust.

Lection 49

The True Temple of God

1. AND the Feast of the Passover was at hand. And it came to pass that some of the disciples being masons, were set to repair one of the chambers Of the Temple. And Iesus was passing by, and they said unto him, Master, Sees't thou these great buildings and what manner of stones are here, and how beautiful is the work of our ancestors?

2. And Iesus said, Yea, it is beautiful and well wrought are the stones, but the time cometh when not one stone shall be left on another, for the enemy shall overthrow both the city and the Temple.

3. But the true Temple is the body of man in which God dwelleth by the Spirit, and when this Temple is destroyed, in three days, God raiseth up a more glorious temple, which the eye of the natural man perceiveth not.

4. Know ye not that ye are the temples of the holy spirit? and whoso destroyeth one of these temples the same shall be himself destroyed.

5. AND some or the scribes, hearing him, sought to entangle him in his talk and said, If thou wouldst put away the sacrifices of sheep and oxen and birds, to what purpose was this Temple built for God by Solomon, which has been now forty and six years in restoring?

6. And Iesus answered and said, It is written in the prophets, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, for the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. But ye have made it a house of slaughter and filled it with abominations.

7. Again it is written, From the rising of the sun unto the setting of the same, my Name shall be great among the Gentiles, and incense with a pure Offering shall be offered unto me. But ye have made it a desolation with your offerings of blood and used the sweet incense only to cover the ill savor thereof. I am come not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.

Comment - LECTION 49.7. -Iesus here disclaims the sacrifices of bleeding victims as being by part of true religion, but rather contrary thereto, adding to the guilt of the offerers. How often religion, so called, is put before morality, and dogma before loving-kindness and mercy.

8. Know ye not what is written? Obedience is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams. I, the Lord, am weary of your burnt offerings, and vain oblations, your hands are full of blood.

9. And is it not written, what is the true sacrifice? Wash you and make you clean and put away the evil from before mine eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do well. Do justice for the fatherless and the widow and all that are oppressed. So doing ye shall fulfill the law.

10. The day cometh when all that which is in the outer court, which pertaineth to blood offerings, shall be taken away and pure worshippers shall worship the Eternal in purity and in truth.

11. And they said, Who art thou that seekest to do away with the sacrifices, and despiseth the seed of Abraham? From the Greeks and the Egyptians hast thou learnt this blasphemy?

12. And Iesus said, Before Abraham was, I Am. And they refused to listen and some said, he is inspired by a demon, and others said, he is mad; and they went their way and told these things to the priests and elders. And they were wrath, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy.

Lection 50

Christ the Light of the World.

1. THEN spake Iesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

2. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself thy record is not true.

3. Iesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go: but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

4. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I come from the Father-Mother who sent me.

5. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, Iohn bore witness of me, and he is a prophet, and the Spirit of truth that sent me bareth witness of me.

6. Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father and thy Mother? Iesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Parent: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father and my Mother also.

7. And one said, shew us the Father, shew us the Mother, and we will believe thee. And he answered saying, if thou hast seen thy brother and felt his love, thou hast seen the Father, if thou hast seen thy sister and felt her love thou hast seen the Mother.

8. Far and near, the All Holy knoweth Their own, yea, in each of you, the Fatherhood and the Motherhood may be seen, for the Father and the Mother are One in God.

9. These words spake Iesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple. And no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. Then said Iesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins; whither I go, ye cannot come.

10. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he said, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

11. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I Am of God, ye shall die in your sins.

12. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus said unto them, Even the Same that I said unto you from the beginning.

13. I have many things to say which shall judge you: but the Holy One that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard from above.

14. Then said Iesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am sent of God, and that I do nothing of myself; but as the All Holy hath taught me, I speak these things. Who sent me is with me: the All Holy hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please the Eternal.

15. As he spake these words, many believed on him, for they said, He is a Prophet sent from God. Him let us hear.

Section
1

Section
2

Section
3

Section
4

Section
5

Section
6

Section
7

Section
8

Section
9

Section
10