MYSTIC CHRISTIANITY/PART 12
THE TWELFTH LESSON.
THE MESSAGE OF THE
MASTER.
Running
throughout nearly all of the teachings and messages of Jesus, is to be found
the constant Mystic Message regarding the existence of the Spirit within the
soul of each individual—that Something Within to which all can turn in time of
pain and trouble—that Guide and Monitor which stands ever ready to counsel,
advise and direct if one opens himself to the Voice.
"Seek ye first the Kingdom, and all things shall be added unto
you."
And, again, as if to explain: "The Kingdom of Heaven is
within you."
This is the Mystic Message which gives one a key to the Mysteries of
the Inner Teachings.
Let
us take up a few of His sayings and endeavor to interpret them by the light of
these teachings. But before doing so we must call the attention of the student
to the fact that, in order to understand intelligently what we are saying, he
must carefully re-read the "Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy"
wherein the details of the teachings are set forth—that is the fundamental
truths are explained. In the "Advanced Course" and in "Gnani
Yoga" the higher phases of the teachings are presented. And, although in
the said works there is little or no reference made to Christianity, yet the
teachings are so fundamental that the Inner Teachings of all
religions—including Christianity—may be understood by one who has acquainted himself
with these fundamental truths.
There
is but one real Occult Philosophy, and we find it in evidence everywhere—once
the Truth is grasped, it is found to be the Master Key with which to unlock the
various doors leading to the esoteric phase of any and all religions or
philosophies. The Yogi Fathers, centuries and centuries ago, solved the Riddle
of the Universe, and the highest efforts of the human mind since that time have
but corroborated, proven and exemplified the original Truth as voiced by these Venerable
Sages.
Let
us read the words of Jesus in the light of this Ancient Wisdom.
Let
us consider the Sermon on the Mount as given in Matthew (Chapters 5; 6; 7).
"Blessed
are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of
Heaven." (Matt. 5:3.)
By
these words Jesus indicated the occult teachings that those who renounced the
vain glory and petty ambitions of this world would be on the road to the
realization of the Real Self—the Something Within—the Spirit. For is it not
written that "the Kingdom of Heaven is within you"?
"Blessed
are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4.)
By
these words Jesus pointed out the occult teachings that those who had so far
advanced that they could see the folly of human ambition, and who consequently
felt the pain that comes to all who stand above the crowd, and who mourned by
reason of their realization of the folly and uselessness of all for which men
strive so hard? would, in the end, be comforted by that "peace which
passeth all understanding" which comes only to those who enter into a
realization of the Kingdom of Heaven which is within them.
"Blessed
are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth." (Matt. 5:5.)
By
these words Jesus sought to teach that those who had acquired the attitude of
obedience to the Power of the Spirit Within them would become as Masters of the
things of earth. This message is frequently misunderstood by reason of the lack
of perception of the Mystic meaning contained in the words. The word
"meek" does not mean that "I'm so meek and humble" attitude
and expression of the hypocritical followers of form. Jesus never taught
this—and never acted it. He was always the Master, and never sought to make of
his followers cringing creatures and whining and sniveling supplicants. He asserted
His Mastery in many ways and accepted the respect due him—as for instance when
the vial of precious ointment was poured upon Him. His use of the word, which
has been poorly translated as "meek," was in the sense of a calm,
dignified bearing toward the Power of the Spirit, and a reverent submission to
its guidance—not a hypocritical and cowardly "meekness" toward other
men. The assurance that such should "inherit the earth" means that
they should become masters of things temporal—that is, that they should be able
to rise above them—should become lords of the earth by reason of their
"entering into the Kingdom of Heaven" within them.
"Blessed
are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be
filled." (Matt. 5:6.)
This
is the promise of the Master that they who sought the Kingdom of Heaven (within
them) should find it—that their spiritual hunger and thirst should be satisfied
in the only way possible.
"Blessed
are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy." (Matt. 5:7.)
Here
is taught the blessing for forbearance, kindness, tolerance and absence of
bigotry, and the reward that comes as a natural consequence of such a mental
attitude.
"Blessed
are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." (Matt. 5:8.)
Here
is the assurance that "to those who are pure all things are
pure"—that the purity of one's own heart, and the recognition of the God
Within, leads to a perception of the God within everything. "He who sees
God within himself, sees Him in everything," says an old Persian writer.
And verily such a one "sees God" where He abides—and that is Everywhere.
"Blessed
are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of God." (Matt. 5:9.)
Here
is the call to the disciple to use his wisdom and power in the direction of
remedying the strife that arises from the differing conceptions of Deity and
Truth prevailing among men. He who is able to point out the Truth underlying
all religions and beliefs indeed becomes as a beloved son of God. He who is
able to show that under all forms and ceremonies, under various names and
titles, behind various creeds and dogmas, there is but one God, to whom all
worship ascends—he is a Peacemaker and a Son of God.
"Blessed
are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute
you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be
exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the
prophets that were before you." (Matt. 5:10-12.)
In
these words Jesus sought to comfort and encourage those who would be called
upon to carry the Message in the centuries to follow. And one has but to look
over the list of names of the courageous souls who have sought to keep the
flame alight—to preserve the teachings in their original purity—to protect them
from the cant, hypocrisy, self-seeking and formalism of those who sought and
obtained places of power in the Church. The gibbet; the stake; the dungeon;—was
their reward. But the Faith that was called into manifestation during the
persecutions served to bring them to the realization of the Spirit, and thus
indeed "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"But
ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor wherewith
shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and
trodden under foot of men." (Matt. 5:13.)
Here
Jesus warned against the failure of the Illumined to serve as the yeast which
should leaven the mass of men by their thoughts and actions. The use of the
term "salt" in this connection is familiar to all students of ancient
mysticism. Food without salt was deemed unpalatable and undesirable. The Few
were the salt of the earth, designed to render it worthy and perfect as a
whole. But where a grain of salt had parted with its savor, there was naught
else that could impart saltiness to it, and it became worthless and fit only
for the refuse heap. The duty of the "salt" is to impart savor—the
duty of the Elect is to impart savor to the race of men.
"Ye
are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men
light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto
all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt.
5:14-16.)
These
words, like those preceding it, teach the Elect to shed abroad the light which
has come to them. They are warned against concealing it beneath the cover of
conventional conduct, but are urged to live and act so that men may perceive
the light that is within them—the Light of the Spirit—and may see the right
road by means of its rays. A man having the Light of the Spirit shining bright
within him is able to rouse the lamps of understanding in the minds of other
men, to become kindled and alight. That is the experience of the majority of
those who read these words—they have had their lamps of knowledge kindled by
the rays of the Spirit emanating from some soul, either by word of mouth,
writings, or by personal contact. Spirituality is contagious! Therefore spread
it! This is the meaning of this passage.
"Think
not that I came to destroy the law of the prophets: I came not to destroy, but
to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot
or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law till all things be
accomplished." (Matt. 5:17-18.)
In
this passage Jesus asserted positively the fact that He was not teaching a new
doctrine, but had come simply to carry on the work of those who had preceded
Him. He asserted the validity of the Ancient Wisdom, and told that the Law that
had been in force would so continue until heaven and earth should pass
away—that is, until the end of this great World Cycle. In these words Jesus
proclaimed His allegiance to the Occult Teachings. To those who would claim
that He referred to the current Jewish teachings we would point out the fact
that these he did come to destroy, for Christianity is opposed
to the Jewish formalism and outer teachings. Jesus referred to the Inner
Teachings, not to the outer religious creeds or forms. He came not to destroy
the old Teachings, but merely to "fulfill," that is, to give a new
impetus to the Ancient Wisdom.
"Whoever
therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so,
shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and
teach them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say unto
you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of
heaven." (Matt. 5:19-20.)
Here
Jesus cautions against violating the fundamental occult teachings, or of
teaching false doctrines. He also again bids men to do and preach the truth.
Note the reference to the "kingdom of heaven." Again He points out
that the "righteousness" required to gain the "kingdom of
heaven" is a far different thing from the formalism, ceremonialism and
"churchism" of the scribes and pharisees—people who, in that day,
stood for that which the "churchy" preachers and their bigoted,
narrow flock of sheep-like parishioners stand for today. It requires more than
"faithful performance of church duties" to enter into the real "kingdom
of heaven." Jesus was ever a foe of the narrow formalism which clings
close to the empty forms and words, and which ignores the Spirit. Were He to
return today, He would drive from the temples the horde of money-making
preachers and hypocritical followers who make a mock of sacred things.
"Ye
have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shall not kill; and
whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you
that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the
judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother 'Raca,' shall be in danger of
the council; and whosoever shall say 'Thou fool' shall be in danger of the hell
of fire. If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there
rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift
before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother and then
come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art
with him; lest haply thine adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge
deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto
thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the last
farthing." (Matt. 5:21-26.)
These
verses emphasize the teachings that sin consists not only of deeds and actions
performed, but equally of thoughts and desires entertained and
encouraged in the mind. The desire and thought, made welcome in the mind of
a person, is the seed and germ of the sin or crime, even though they may never
be manifested in action. To wish to kill is a sin, just as is the deed of
killing. This is an old occult teaching, imparted to all candidates for
Initiation.
"Ye
have heard that it was said Thou shalt not commit adultery, but I say unto you
that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye causeth thee to
stumble pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that
one of thy members should perish and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And
if thy right hand causeth thee to offend, cut it off and cast it from thee, for
it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not thy
whole body go into hell. It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
let him give her a writing of divorcement, but I say unto you that every one
that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an
adulteress, and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth
adultery." (Matt. 5:27-32.)
In
this passage, Jesus expressed the abhorrence of all advanced occultists for the
abuse of the functions of sex. Not only the act, but the thought behind the act
was condemned by him. The advanced occult teaching is that the function of the
sex organization is entirely that of procreation—aught else is a perversion of
nature. Jesus speaks in strong words to men and women, in this passage,
regarding this great question. The concluding portion of the passage is a
condemnation of the abuse of the marriage relation, and the privilege of
divorce, which was being strongly agitated in His time. He aimed a blow at the
careless contracting of marriages, and the consequent careless dissolution of
the tie. Jesus believed in the sacredness of the home life, and the welfare of
the family. His utterance on this subject is unmistakably clear and forcible.
"Again,
ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear
thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: but I say unto you, Swear
not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the
earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the
city of the great King; neither shall thou swear by thy head, for thou canst
not make one hair white or black. But let your speech be Yea, yea, Nay, nay:
for whatever is more than these is of the evil one." (Matt. 5:33-37.)
Here
Jesus attacks the custom of swearing, which was so prevalent in His time among
the Jews and other Oriental peoples. He urges simplicity and moderation of
speech. In this He is true to the Occult traditions, which teach the value of
simple thought and simple speech to all the Initiates and the Neophytes.
"Ye
have heard that it was said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I
say unto you, Resist not him that is evil, but whosoever smiteth thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also, and if any man would go to law with
thee and take away thy coat, let him have. And whosoever shall compel thee to
go one mile, go with him two. Give to him that asketh thee and from him that
would borrow of thee turn not away." (Matt. 5:38-42.)
In
this passage Jesus alludes to the Law of Non-Resistance, which in its esoteric
aspect is fully understood by all Initiates. This law is for application on the
Mental Plane, and those who understand it, know that the precepts refer to the
Mental Attitude of the Initiates toward others, which attitude is in itself a
defense against imposition. Love turneth away Hate and Anger. The high thought
neutralizes the evil designs of others.
"Ye
have heard that it was said Thou shall love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies and pray for them that persecute you,
that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven, for he maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For
if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans
the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do
not even the Gentiles the same? Ye therefore shall be perfect as your heavenly
Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:43-48.)
Here
is taught that broad tolerance, charity and love that form such an important
part of all of the mystic teachings. It is a doctrine entirely at variance with
the orthodox idea of tolerance only to those who agree with one, or who may
live in accordance with one's own views of life and conduct. It is the great
broad doctrine of Human Brotherhood. Jesus teaches that God's love is bestowed
upon all—the just and the unjust—and that this perfect love is the aim and goal
of all who desire to attain to "the kingdom" of Spirit.
"Take
heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them; else ye
have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When, therefore, thou doest
alms sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues
and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you They
have received their reward. But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know
what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret and thy Father, who
seeth in secret, shall recompense thee." (Matt. 6:1-4.)
This
is another denunciation of ostentatious "churchiness" and
"goodness," and religious posing. It is a lesson needed as much today
as in the time of Jesus.
"And
when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and
pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen
of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou, when
thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to
thy Father, who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall
recompense thee. And in praying use not vain repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not
therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of
before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in
heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven,
so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, as we
also have forgiven our debtors; And bring us not into temptation, but deliver
us from the evil one. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6:5-15.)
Here
are the words of Jesus regarding the subject of Prayer. He cautions against the
ostentatious exhibition of "piety," so prevalent in all churches, in
all lands, in all times. He bids one approach the Father in a reverent spirit,
devoid of all public notice. Then He gives to his disciples the famous
"Lord's Prayer," in which is condensed a wealth of true religious
instruction and precept. This glorious prayer needs no special interpretation. Let
all students read the words themselves, filled with the realisation of the
Spirit; and each will receive a message fitted to his requirements and
development. The Lord's Prayer is a very Arcanum of the Mystic Message.
"Moreover,
when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they
disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto
you, They have received their reward. But, thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy
head and wash thy face, that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy
Father, who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense
thee." (Matt. 6:16-18.)
This
is a caution against the "sanctimonious" attitude and pose assumed by
certain "good" people of the churches, who would make a display of
their adherence to and observance of forms. Jesus, as a true mystic, detested
all religious posing and neglected no opportunities to condemn the same.
"Lay
not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume,
and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not
break through and steal: for where thy treasure is there will thy heart be
also. The lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body
shall be full of darkness! No man can serve two masters; for either he will
hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to one and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious
for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your
body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body
than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do
they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are
not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add
one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning
raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not,
neither do they spin, yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was
not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass of the field,
which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more
clothe you, ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we
eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all
these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye
have need of all these things. But seek ye first then his kingdom, and his
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore
anxious for the morrow; for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient
unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matt. 6:19-34.)
This
is the most remarkable passage in the New Testament. It is the most remarkable
saying of Jesus of Nazareth. In it is condensed the whole of the occult teachings
regarding the Conduct of Life. It condenses, in a few lines the entire doctrine
of Karma Yoga—that branch of the Yogi Philosophy. It forms a veritable epitome
of that which has been styled "The New Thought" as taught and
expounded by its various cults and schools. There is no need of one reading and
studying the various Metaphysical "Sciences" which have sprung into
such favor of late years, if one will but read, ponder, study and practice the
precepts of this wonderful passage of the Sermon on the Mount. Every sentence
is a gem—a crystal of the highest mystic and occult philosophy. Book after book
could be written on this one passage, and even then the subject would be but
merely approached. The doctrine of single-mindedness toward the Spirit and the
things of the Spirit, is taught. The folly of being tied to material things is
pointed out. The lesson of non-attachment is forcibly put. But the great Truth
expounded in this passage is the Power of FAITH. Faith is the Great Secret of
all Occult Teachings and is the Key to its Inner Mysteries. Faith is the
Master-Key that unlocks the doors of the Castle of Attainment. We trust that
all students of these lessons will take this single passage from the Sermon on
the Mount and memorize it. Make it a part of yourself—make it a part of your
life—make it your rule of action and living. The life taught by this passage is
the true life of the Spirit. Here is the true Light on the Path, for the
guidance of the feet of all Mystics and Occultists!
"Judge
not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be
judged, and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you. And why
beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast
out the mote out of thine eye, and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou
hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matt. 7:1-5.)
Here
Jesus deals another powerful blow to the self-righteousness of the Pharisaical
"good" people of the sects, creeds and cults of all lands, time and
religions. He warns against that "Thank God! I am holier than thou"
attitude that so many vain formalists affect in their dealings with other men.
In these immortal words Jesus has sent ringing down the aeons of time a
scathing rebuke to the hypocritical judges of other men—those men who wish to
"reform" others to conform to their own standards. Out of the mouth
of their Master are many so-called followers rebuked.
"Give
not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the
swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet and turn and rend
you." (Matt. 7:6.)
Here
is the warning to Initiates not to spread out a feast of their highest
teachings to the mob, who with swinish instincts would defile the Divine Feast,
and tear to pieces those who had spread it for them. The truth of this warning
has been attested by the fate of those glorious souls who, disregarding it,
attempted to give the Truth to the animal minds of the mob and were done to
death for their folly. Even Jesus Himself met His fate from neglecting this
very rule,—for allowing His sympathy to overcome His judgment.
"Ask
and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened
unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and
to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you who if his
son ask him for a loaf will give him a stone, or if he shall ask for a fish
will give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men
should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them, for this is the law and the
prophecy." (Matt. 7:7-12.)
Here
is another burning message to men to live by the light of Faith in the Spirit.
And a warning that unless one would act toward other men rightly, he could not
expect to be dealt with rightly. It is the lesson of sowing and reaping—the
lesson of the Law of Karma. Jesus is most emphatic in these statements. He does
not alone say "Do this! Do that!" He states emphatically: "This
is the Law!" And so it is—men are punished by their wrong
deeds, not for them.
"Enter
ye in by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that
leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is
the gate and straitened the way that leadeth unto life, and few are they that
find it." (Matt. 7:13-14.)
This
is the highest occult teaching. How few are they who find their way to the
Realization of their own Divinity? Narrow indeed is the gate and straitened the
way that leadeth to the goal. The masses follow the broad path, like fools—but
few even see the narrow entrance to The Path.
"Beware
of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are
ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth
evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Therefore by
their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of the
Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we
not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do
many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart
from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt. 7:15-23.)
Here
is the notable warning against the perverted use of the occult powers—the
prostitution of the Gifts of the Spirit—Black Magic, in short. For, as all well
know, the occult forces may be applied to base as well as worthy uses. By their
fruits shall ye know the good from the evil. He whose teachings render men
weak, sheeplike and cringing, credulous leaners upon leaders, is a tree that
bringeth forth evil fruit. Such are wolves in sheep's clothing, who fatten upon
the bodies, substance and souls of their dupes. But those who lead men to be
Men—yea, Super-Men—bring forth the good fruit of the Spirit. Be ye not deceived
by names, words, creeds nor claims—nay, not even by miracles. Look always at
the effect produced—the fruits of the tree—and govern yourself accordingly.
"Every
one therefore that heareth these words of mine and doeth them shall be likened
unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock, and the rain descended and
the floods came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not,
for it was founded upon the rock. And every one that heareth these words of
mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man who built his house
upon the sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and
smote upon that house and it fell, and great was the fall thereof." (Matt.
7:24-27.)
In
these parting words of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave a Message to all who
would hear, or read His words, and profess to be His followers. He bade such
build upon the eternal rock of the Truth—the rock of ages, that had its
foundations in the very basic principles of Being. He warned them against
building upon the shifting sands of theology and dogmatism, which would be
surely swept away by the storms of Time. Upon the eternal Mystic Truths is
Mystic Christianity founded. And it is still standing untouched by the storms
of criticism, opposition and knowledge that have swept away many theological
edifices in the past, and which are now beating with renewed vigor upon the
remaining frail structures, which are even this day quivering under the strain.
Mystic Christianity invites the "New Theology," the "Higher
Criticism," the "Criticism of Science"; for these will only tend
to prove the truths of its fundamental principles. In Mystic Christianity,
Religion, Philosophy and Science are known to be one and the same thing. There
is no conflict between Science and Religion; Philosophy and Religion; or
Philosophy and Science. They are all but names for the One Truth. There be but
one Truth—there cannot be more than one. And so call it by the name of
Religion—the name of Science, the name of Philosophy—it matters not, for the
same thing is meant. There is naught but Truth—nothing else really exists. All
that is not Truth is Illusion, Maya, Nothing. And Mystic
Christianity is based upon the Rock of Truth, fearing not the winds nor the
storms that try out the stability of all structures of thought. Like its
founder, it has always existed—always will exist—from the Beginningless Beginning
to the Endless Ending. The same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
END OF THIS BOOK.
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