Once during the wanderings before my marriage, and while I was in Hindustan, I met an old man of unprepossessing figure, whose faded eyes no sooner rested on me than he said:
During my travels as a bachelor in India, I encountered an elderly man with an unattractive appearance. As soon as his weary eyes fell upon me, he spoke:
"You are he of whom Mendocus told me, and charged me concerning, saying 'tell him certain things for me.' This I will do. Young man, your life shall be sad and bitter on Earth, but sweet after that. Things will transpire because of which your animal soul shall embrace itself and say, 'This is joy.' But immediately the still voice of the human soul in you shall say, 'This joy is but a Sodom apple,' and in that moment you will know that it is so. Hence you will have ever a war between your animal soul, which is innate depravity, and. your spirit, which is of God, Brahma, the One. See in it the allegory of Adam and original sin; it pulls your human soul down to death; the other, the Spirit, draws the human upward. Attend then its sayings; I will render them for you:
"You are the one Mendocus told me of, and gave me a charge about, saying, 'Tell him certain things for me.' This I will do. Young man, your life on Earth will be sad and bitter, but sweet after that. Things will happen that make your animal soul embrace itself and say, 'This is joy.' But at once the still voice of the human soul in you will say, 'This joy is only a Sodom apple,' and in that moment you will know that it is so. So you will always have a war between your animal soul, which is innate depravity, and your spirit, which is of God, Brahma, the One. See in it the allegory of Adam and original sin. The one pulls your human soul down to death. The other, the Spirit, draws the human soul upward. So listen to its sayings. I will render them for you:
"Before your eyes can see God they must be incapable of shedding tears for any suffering of your own. Before your ears can hear, they must have lost sensitiveness. Your voice may not speak eternal wisdom until it has no power to wound. Before your self can stand in the presence of the Eternal, its feet must have been bathed in the blood of suffering, penance, restitution. Then kill the ambition to excel in the poor paths of Fame. Cease to regard this life as your best possession.
To see God, you must overcome self-pity. To hear Him, you must let go of personal sensitivities. Your words can only convey eternal wisdom when they no longer have the power to harm. Before you can stand in the presence of the Eternal, you must endure and atone for your misdeeds. Abandon the pursuit of worldly fame. Stop viewing this life as your most prized possession.
"Then work for God as earnestly as others work for Mammon; and respect thy life as those respect life who treasure it most, and be happy as those who live for happiness. In the hearts of all is the source of all error, in disciple as well as in the man of desire. Study a plant of mustard, witness it grow and bud. But if thou shalt hew it down so that it never beareth seed, behold a strange thing, it will sprout again and grow through the years, if it never beareth. And this although it is only a material form. Now, therefore, if a human soul shall not be cut down, yet shall not enter into life as a creator by reason that it wills not, then the Spirit of life everlasting shall go into it, and it shall contain itself, and therefore live forever. Study the truth of mustard life. Only the strong in God can act upon this teaching and hold the lower nature. The weak must wait its maturity and then will come their struggle. It will strive to keep the feet from the Path; and may succeed. But if once all its power be wiped out; if once thou doest the will of the Father earnestly, is His obedient child, that is the atonement, for it shall give strength to do every work of the Creator of Being. It will seem to take the very life. That is because it takes the animal soul and throttles it. But the human soul will recover, and the Spirit come into it. This is the time of the Silence of the Soul. Then it shall be clear to you how dark are the lives of those who are around you and have no goal of union with the Spirit towards which to race. And you will see and know karma. Also you will. see that because of your past incarnations your karma is inextricably interwoven with the karma of the world. This is that saying which the Nazarene answered when it was asked of Him, 'Who is my neighbor?' If, Walter Pierson, you shall once be able to know the Peace of Silence, you shall then learn of all things about you, for the Earth is Brahm's, and all in it teaches His works."
"Then work for God as earnestly as others work for Mammon. Respect your life as those who treasure life most respect it, and be happy as those who live for happiness are happy. The source of all error is in the hearts of all, in the disciple as well as in the man of desire. Study a mustard plant. Watch it grow and bud. But if you cut it down so that it never bears seed, see a strange thing: it will sprout again and grow on through the years, as long as it never bears. And this is so even though it is only a material form. Now, then, suppose a human soul is not cut down, and yet does not enter into life as a creator, because it wills not to. Then the Spirit of life everlasting will go into it, and it will contain itself, and so live forever. Study the truth of the mustard's life. Only the strong in God can act on this teaching and hold back the lower nature. The weak must wait until the lower nature has matured, and then their struggle will come. The lower nature will try to keep their feet from the Path, and it may succeed. But suppose all its power is once wiped out. Suppose you once do the will of the Father earnestly, and are his obedient child. That is the atonement, for it will give strength to do every work of the Creator of Being. It will seem to take your very life. That is because it takes the animal soul and throttles it. But the human soul will recover, and the Spirit will come into it. This is the time of the Silence of the Soul. Then it will be clear to you how dark are the lives of those around you who have no goal of union with the Spirit to race toward. And you will see and know karma. You will also see that, because of your past incarnations, your karma is inextricably woven into the karma of the world. This is the saying the Nazarene gave in answer when he was asked, 'Who is my neighbor?' If, Walter Pierson, you are once able to know the Peace of Silence, you will then learn of all things around you. For the Earth is Brahm's, and all in it teaches his works."
I was surprised at being called by name, and also of being told of Mendocus. The old man said further:
I was startled to hear my name called out, and even more surprised that Mendocus was mentioned. The elderly gentleman continued:
"If your soul once knows this Peace, no storm of sin or of sorrow can ever more ward you far aside from the Path, for its knowledge is an abiding wisdom. Heed also the words of Mendocus, read your Bible, read the Vedas, read Manu; and study. It shall all be a staff to your hand and a lamp to your feet. Peace be with you."
Once you truly experience this inner peace, no challenge of wrongdoing or hardship can ever push you far from your path, for this understanding becomes a lasting wisdom within you. Pay attention also to the teachings of Mendocus, study your Bible, the Vedas, and the Laws of Manu. This knowledge will support and guide you. May you find peace.
"And to you, peace," I replied as he turned and walked away into the crowd, for we had stood by a public drinking fountain.
"Peace to you too," I replied as he turned and walked away into the crowd. We had been standing near a public water fountain.
Now that Elizabeth was found and was my wife, I pondered deeply these things I had heard of the occult lore. Not that she had connection with it. But because, as the years went by, I found she knew and cared little about these abstruse studies, which I did. So our lives drew apart. But she was oblivious of this fact, and I was glad because she was. She had her churchwork and I aided her in all her sweet charities. To us came two lovely little daughters, the greatest treasures of our lives, and oh, so carefully taught regarding life and shielded from its dangers. So long as these little ones were with us, I was content. And yet I felt, in an ill-defined sorrow, that Earth's experiences were but Sodom apples.
With Elizabeth now my wife, I deeply contemplated the occult knowledge I had encountered. Not because she was involved, but because as time passed, I realized she had little interest in these esoteric subjects that fascinated me. Our lives gradually diverged, though she remained unaware, which I found comforting. She devoted herself to church activities, and I supported her charitable endeavors. We were blessed with two beautiful daughters, our most precious gifts, whom we carefully guided through life's complexities. While they were with us, I felt content. Yet, I couldn't shake a vague sense of melancholy, as if earthly experiences were ultimately hollow.
Sometimes I found my lonelier hours disturbed by a strange voice which whispered to my inner consciousness. As time passed it grew stronger, and one day it appeared before my sight as a wraith. The Shape talked. What it said made me eager to hear more, so I cultivated it. It became thenceforth a regular visitor, and from that to being always present when I was otherwise alone was but a step. It spoke of having been on a distant planet which it called "Pertoz," sometimes "Hesperus," again "Venus." It spoke of persons whose names were strange, calling one "Mol Lang", another "Sohma" and a third "Phyris." Then it described these people, and I listened eagerly. Who were they, and what human soul was this which had gone to Venus? The ghost looked marvelously like myself. But my slumbers at night were as sound as if it visited me not.
At times, my solitude was interrupted by an odd voice whispering to my subconscious. As time went on, it grew louder, and one day it materialized as a ghostly figure. The apparition spoke, and its words intrigued me, prompting me to engage with it further. Soon, it became a regular presence, always there when I was alone. The entity claimed to have visited a distant planet, referring to it as "Pertoz," "Hesperus," or "Venus." It mentioned people with peculiar names like "Mol Lang," "Sohma," and "Phyris," describing them in detail. I listened with fascination, wondering about these individuals and the human soul that had supposedly traveled to Venus. Strangely, the ghost bore a striking resemblance to me. Despite its frequent visits, my nightly sleep remained undisturbed, as if it never existed.
I called it my ghost. How unconsciously true It told of everything related to my being with Mol Lang, and in Venus; it drew my mind's eye to the psychic scene in the bed of the Atlantic. It told of a visit to the sun with Sohma, of which I neglected mention in sequence. Briefly, Sohma went with me to the sun, and showed me that it was a vibrant body of less size than astronomers believe, but of enormous density. I saw its oceans--they were heavier than Mercury. But it had no life forms which I took as such. Yet life of some sort there is everywhere. Perhaps, indeed, not animal, nor vegetable, but from the high standpoint of those who know much of the works of the All-Father, forms that no earthly man would call life are such, nevertheless. But the sun is a force of such fearful vibrative pulsing that even my subtle astral body was not unaffected. Sohma said of it:
I called it my ghost. That was truer than I knew! It told of everything connected with my time with Mol Lang, and on Venus. It drew my mind's eye to the psychic scene in the bed of the Atlantic. It told of a visit to the sun with Sohma, which I failed to mention in its place. Briefly, Sohma went with me to the sun. He showed me that it was a vibrant body, smaller than astronomers believe, but enormously dense. I saw its oceans. They were heavier than Mercury. But it had no life forms that I took to be such. Yet there is life of some sort everywhere. Perhaps, indeed, it is not animal, nor vegetable. But from the high standpoint of those who know much of the works of the All-Father, forms that no earthly man would call life are life all the same. But the sun is a force of such fearful vibrating pulse that even my subtle astral body was affected by it. Sohma said of it:
"See the immediate center of our solar system. Thou wouldst call it a dynamo, the great dynamo of the system. Right wouldst thou be, and wrong also. The attempt to define the sun as an analogue to a dynamo-electric machine has much to support it. But to define it as identical is erroneous. The trouble with that theory is the trouble which lies at the root of and weakens all other theories to account for sun-heat and sun-light. It is that science does not assign a sufficiently high value to the sun. The combustion theory is invalid; the solar mass contraction theory is but partially tenable and meteoric showers do not account better than the first two. Neither does the electric-dynamo theory. Truly, the latter explains how sun-heat and sun-light may coexist and not be inharmonious with the awful degree of cold between earth, the planets and the sun. It explains that which denies the simple combustion theory so completely, viz. that the farther one goes from the earth center, either in a balloon or on a high mountain, the colder and darker the air gets, so that inter-stellar space is several hundred degrees below zero, and black as midnight, with the sun a luminous disc, without rays. But the dynamo theory does not explain the solar spectrum, nor the bands of spectra, nor coronal 'flames,' nor 'sun spots,' nor solar nor lunar eclipses."
Look at the very center of our solar system. You might call it a dynamo, the great dynamo of the system. You'd be partly right, but also wrong. Comparing the sun to a dynamo-electric machine has some merit, but defining it as identical is incorrect. The problem with this theory, like all theories about sun-heat and sun-light, is that science undervalues the sun. The combustion theory is invalid; the solar mass contraction theory is only partially acceptable, and meteoric showers don't explain it any better. The electric-dynamo theory falls short too. Admittedly, the dynamo theory explains how sun-heat and sun-light can coexist without conflicting with the extreme cold between Earth, the planets, and the sun. It explains why, as you move away from Earth's center in a balloon or up a mountain, the air gets colder and darker. This fact disproves the simple combustion theory, as interstellar space is hundreds of degrees below zero and pitch black, with the sun appearing as a bright disc without rays. However, the dynamo theory fails to explain the solar spectrum, spectral bands, coronal "flames," sunspots, or solar and lunar eclipses.
The above statements were made by Sohma, as will be remembered by the reader, while I was still-in the Hesperian astral state and for the time was unconscious of a previous terrene existence. I had therefore no memory of the mundane knowledge and was unbiased in my judgment of the remarks of my friend. He had ceased to speak after uttering the word "eclipses." I waited for him to continue, but as he did not, I finally interrogated, "Well, what does explain all? What is the truth?" Thus questioned, he resumed:
As readers may recall, Sohma made these remarks while I was still in the Hesperian astral state, temporarily unaware of my previous earthly life. Without my usual worldly knowledge, I could evaluate my friend's comments objectively. He stopped speaking after saying "eclipses." I waited for him to continue, but when he didn't, I finally asked, "Well, what does explain everything? What's the truth?" Prompted by my question, he began again:
"I have said that the value accorded by astronomers is too small. Seeing a fire, they would seek to explain by its means the sun. Finding this untenable, and aware that a contracting mass gives off heat, they next essay explanation on that hypothesis. But this will not do, nor will meteoric showers, nor any hypothesis based on facts now known, all are too low in aim; the Infinite cannot be explained by the finite, nor will less explain greater; fire is energy, and electricity is energy, and God is energy. But fire will not solve the query, 'What is electricity?' nor will electricity answer 'What is God?' but God will explain both the others, for the sum of the parts is equal to the whole. But a man does not know the full number of the parts, the partial sum he does know will not explain God."
Astronomers have underestimated the true value. They first tried to explain the sun using fire, but found this inadequate. Aware that a contracting mass releases heat, they then attempted to explain it through that lens. However, this theory, along with others like meteoric showers or any hypothesis based on current knowledge, falls short. They aim too low; the Infinite cannot be explained by the finite, nor can the lesser explain the greater. Fire is energy, electricity is energy, and God is energy. But fire cannot answer the question, "What is electricity?" Nor can electricity answer, "What is God?" Only God can explain both, as the sum of the parts equals the whole. However, humanity doesn't know all the parts. The partial sum we do know is insufficient to explain God.
Sohma ceased again. But I, filled with some vagrant earth memory, allowed no time of pause; I was too eager to wait, and I said:
Sohma fell silent again. But I, filled with some stray memory of earth, allowed no pause. I was too eager to wait, and I said:
"But this does not tell me what the solar puzzle is."
"But this doesn't explain the solar puzzle."
"Thou art impatient, my brother; know then, what was at one time known upon the earth, but is now for ages forgotten; that Nature has a dual aspect, is double, is positive and negative; that the great positive side is the side known to mundane science, while the other or negative, or 'Night Side,' or, as it was once known in the earth by the men of Atla, 'Navaz,' is a side all unknown, and scarcely guessed in the most exceeding flights of speculation, left unbroached, secretly kept by a few, who know not that they entertain an angel, an angelic wisdom that in a century more, yea, less time! shall overturn much of the face of terrene things, shall bestow aerial vessels, and all else once known to those men of Atl of whom I spoke. Thou. dost not yet understand?"
"You're impatient, my brother. Let me tell you something that was once known on Earth but has been forgotten for ages. Nature has two sides: it's dual, positive and negative. The great positive side is what's known to modern science, while the other—the negative, or 'Night Side,' once called 'Navaz' by the people of Atla—remains unknown. It's barely touched by even the wildest speculation, kept secret by a few who don't realize they possess angelic wisdom. In less than a century, this knowledge will revolutionize the world, bringing flying machines and other marvels once known to those ancient Atlanteans I mentioned. Do you understand now?"
I said that I did not; that I thought he referred to some domain of the physical forces not yet known; but what had this to do with the sun?
I told him I didn't know what he meant. I assumed he was talking about some undiscovered area of physics, but I couldn't see how this related to the sun.
"This: the suns of systems are centers of forces of the Night Side of Nature whereof I spoke, and are force, and matter of a higher value than are planets and satellites, just as water above a cataract is water, truly, but being above and mobile, flows over and down, developing energy. In other words, out of the cold, dark, negative side, or 'night side,' force emerges, drawn to the positive polarity which constitutes in its outgoing flow that termed Nature, and develops in its fall, magnetism, electricity, light, color, heat and sound, in order of descent, and lastly solid matter, for this latter is a child of energy, not its parent. When the Navaz forces drop to light, if the light waves enter a spectroscope, they will emerge as colors; these correspond to the various spectrum bands, and will, as the descent progresses, give the noted fines of the solar spectrum, as the great 'B' line of oxygen, the conspicuous '1474' line, and the brilliant 'H' and 'K' violet bands."
This: the centers of solar systems are focal points of energy from the "Night Side of Nature" I mentioned earlier. These centers possess greater force and more refined matter than planets and moons, much like water above a waterfall. Though still water, its elevated position and mobility allow it to flow downward, generating energy. In essence, force emerges from the cold, dark, negative "night side," drawn towards the positive polarity that forms Nature's outward flow. As it descends, it develops magnetism, electricity, light, color, heat, and sound, in that order, and finally solid matter. Matter is thus a product of energy, not its source. When these Navaz forces reach the light stage, passing through a spectroscope will reveal colors corresponding to various spectrum bands. As the descent continues, it will produce the well-known lines of the solar spectrum, such as oxygen's prominent "B" line, the notable "1474" line, and the vivid "H" and "K" violet bands.
I thought I now saw the truth; but I saw only a part; a grand vista was yet to open. I saw it when my companion resumed:
I believed I had uncovered the truth, but I had only glimpsed a fraction of it. A much broader perspective was about to unfold before me. This realization struck when my companion continued speaking.
"Thus the evidence of flames, and metals on fire, and all that leads astronomers to think sun and stars flaming hells. But their 'fires' will not decrease, for the Father is immanent, and the forces of 'Navaz' are perpetually fed by Him. The graphic picture of a 'burned-out sun' is a dream, never to be fulfilled. A day will come again in the earth when instruments will be made which Atlantis once well knew, when the prismatic rays from a spectroscope will be found to be a source of heat, and of sound, so that the so-called 'flames' of the sun, and of the stars will produce music, harmonies divine. Yea, further, for going on down, the dark green solar spectrum of iron will be made to yield iron for use in the arts, and so with the other bands and lines, the intense greens, blues, and blue-greens give copper, lead, antimony and so on. It is by these Navaz currents that the circulation in the universe is kept up, as blood in a man's arteries. The suns are the systemic hearts. But thou art tired, my brother, or I would explain yet more, that the planets which receive all these currents must return their equivalent. And thus would another vast field open before thy sight. This last would explain that which so worries science on earth, the molten terrene interior. That also is something of an error. All the phenomena which seem to declare the earth to be in a melted condition inside do not prove it so in truth; all point to the return currents, the positive; all exhibit the venous currents of our universe, back to its hearts."
"This, then, accounts for the evidence of flames, and of metals on fire, and all that leads astronomers to think the sun and stars are flaming hells. But their 'fires' will not decrease, for the Father is immanent, and he feeds the forces of 'Navaz' without end. The vivid picture of a 'burned-out sun' is a dream that will never come true. A day will come again on earth when instruments are made that Atlantis once knew well. Then the prismatic rays from a spectroscope will be found to be a source of heat, and of sound. So the so-called 'flames' of the sun and of the stars will produce music, divine harmonies. Yes, and further still, going on down the spectrum, the dark green solar spectrum of iron will be made to yield iron for use in the arts. So too with the other bands and lines. The intense greens, blues, and blue-greens will give copper, lead, antimony, and so on. It is by these Navaz currents that circulation in the universe is kept up, like blood in a man's arteries. The suns are the hearts of the systems. But you are tired, my brother, or I would explain still more: that the planets which receive all these currents must return their equivalent. And so another vast field would open before your sight. This last would explain what so worries science on earth, the molten interior of the earth. That too is something of an error. All the phenomena that seem to show the earth is melted inside do not truly prove it so. All point to the return currents, the positive. All show the venous currents of our universe, flowing back to its hearts."
Job 38:7
Sohma concluded with an apostrophe to the leading minds of the Earth which was beautiful indeed:
Sohma ended with a passionate appeal to the world's great thinkers, delivering a truly inspiring message:
"O Science of Earth, in thee is the hope of the world, when thou shalt become handmaiden of God. Look up, value His works highly, and thou shalt read clearly many things which now puzzle thee sadly. Thou art the Joseph, and Religion the Mary, and ye twain shall show forth the Light of Life. Blessed art thou."
Earth science holds the world's hope when it aligns with divine purpose. Look upward and appreciate God's creations, and you'll gain clarity on many issues that currently confuse you. You are Joseph, and Religion is Mary; together, you will reveal the Light of Life. You are blessed.
When my "ghost" retold me this conversation I seized my hat and went out to look sunwards and marvel if all were true, and astounded, reflect again, "Who is this Sohma?"
When my "ghost" retold this conversation to me, I seized my hat and went out to look toward the sun and wonder whether it was all true. Astounded, I asked myself again, "Who is this Sohma?"
The puzzle grew, and my discontent with life grew; the lump was becoming leavened. The more I studied the truth of the mustard plant, the clearer grew my perceptions, and I knew that never in my present body could I attain much progress, for in our union Elizabeth and I had passed by the mustard unheeding, writing another karmic chapter.
As my confusion deepened, so did my dissatisfaction with life; a transformation was taking root. The more I delved into the truth of the mustard plant, the clearer my understanding became. I realized that in my current lifetime, significant progress was out of reach. Elizabeth and I, in our relationship, had overlooked the mustard plant's significance, unknowingly adding another chapter to our karmic journey.
For a time my "ghost" was amenable to my will as regarded its comings and goings; but it now seemed to have entered in and coalesced with me. I no longer heard or saw it, but instead was often one with it, and saw and heard its visions and perceptions as if they were my own; and indeed, as you know, this was a fact. It was in verity the record of my visit to Pertoz, and was a true cast in all ways of my life there.
For a while, I could control when my "ghost" appeared and disappeared. But now it seemed to have merged with me completely. I no longer heard or saw it separately. Instead, I often became one with it, experiencing its visions and perceptions as if they were my own. And indeed, as you know, they were. It was, in truth, the record of my visit to Pertoz, an accurate reflection of my life there in every way.
Ofttimes my soul was torn by steadfastness to the duty of life as pointed out by Mendocus. And then my only escape from trouble was to allow myself to rest in the Hesperian astral to the exclusion of that of Earth. At such times I was living again the life with Phyris and the loved ones of Pertoz. Elizabeth sorrowed over this aberration, as she thought it; and my blessed little daughters grew to regard "papa" as "funny" and I was held in awe. Not a pleasant experience, my friends. My wife would look at me sadly and I know she wept when alone because I often absently called her "Phyris." Indeed, Elizabeth was my closest realization of the Phyris of whom I knew but could not find on Earth. Under all this I grew thin and pale, and aimlessly wandered about possessed of a huge disgust for worldly interests or amusements, filled with sorrow for the sorrow I saw the world held, and yearning for the high plane which I at last knew was not a fantasy, and where Phyris was, and Sohma, and Mol Lang. But I could not get there; and they came not to me, therefore I studied the rules of the Path, because torn with crazed regret when the lower nature triumphed and I fell in sinful error, but although I fell, I rose again. Then the effect this had on my sweet, loving wife came home to me. Was this doing as I would be done by? No. So I set my will in firm resolve and subdued my own sorrows, and made my nature a tool for my soul, not a master over me.
Often, my soul was torn between loyalty to life's duties as outlined by Mendocus and the temptation to escape into the Hesperian astral realm, leaving Earth behind. During these times, I relived my life with Phyris and my loved ones from Pertoz. Elizabeth worried about this behavior, which she saw as strange, and my dear daughters began to view their "papa" as odd and somewhat intimidating. This wasn't a pleasant experience. My wife would look at me with sadness, and I knew she cried when alone because I frequently called her "Phyris" by mistake. Indeed, Elizabeth was the closest embodiment of Phyris that I could find on Earth. Under this strain, I grew thin and pale, wandering aimlessly with a deep disgust for worldly pursuits. I was filled with sorrow for the world's pain and yearned for the higher plane I now knew was real—where Phyris, Sohma, and Mol Lang resided. Unable to reach them or have them come to me, I studied the rules of the Path. I felt crazy with regret when my lower nature triumphed, leading me to sin, but I always picked myself up again. Realizing the impact this had on my loving wife, I questioned if I was treating her as I would want to be treated. The answer was no. So, I firmly resolved to subdue my own sorrows, making my nature a tool for my soul rather than allowing it to control me.
Then once again I smiled, and the color and flesh came back to me. So Elizabeth was happy once more; and I? I had found the true Path at last. Service. I no longer wept for myself; my ears were no more sensitive, my tongue no longer wounded any one with its morose utterances; chiefest triumph of all, my feet were bathed in the life blood of the animal nature, so that I lived unselfishly, my whole being bent on doing my best, living as happily as if solely for happiness, as earnestly as if for ambitious motives. Then it was that the Peace of the Silence came, and I waited for the Savior to take me and fight in me and do His work with my hands. The Paraclete was come into my life.
Then I smiled again, and my vitality returned. Elizabeth was happy once more, and I had finally found the true path: Service. I no longer cried for myself; my sensitivity diminished, and my words ceased to wound others. Most importantly, I had overcome my selfish nature, dedicating myself entirely to doing my best. I lived as joyfully as if happiness were my sole aim, and as earnestly as if driven by ambition. It was then that the Peace of Silence arrived, and I waited for the Savior to enter me, to fight through me, and to work through my hands. The Holy Spirit had come into my life.
It was a sad blow when my little daughters died of epidemic scarlatina in the year 1878. Thereafter I used my life to comfort the sweet woman whose vital breath nearly died in that cruel loss. I think Elizabeth never cared for anything in life after that, except my loving devotion. And I gave it, for I knew Phyris would have me do so, and I waited on Earth now only to make it tolerable for the woman I had sworn to cherish. She waited in anticipation of rejoining her children in heaven, and meanwhile devoted all her time and energy, with feverish application, to doing all the good she could, using our unlimited money for the purpose. How exultant I was that the money was drawn from the gravel of the mines, and not come to me from harassed debtors.
It was devastating when my young daughters died of scarlet fever in 1878. After that, I dedicated my life to comforting my dear wife, whose spirit was nearly broken by this terrible loss. I believe Elizabeth never truly cared for anything else after that, except for my loving devotion. I gave it willingly, knowing Phyris would have wanted me to, and I stayed on Earth now only to make life bearable for the woman I had sworn to cherish. Elizabeth longed to reunite with her children in heaven. In the meantime, she threw herself feverishly into charitable work, using our vast wealth for the purpose. I was grateful that our money came from mining gravel, rather than from the misfortune of indebted individuals.
It was less than two years after Dora and Maydie, our two little girls, had gone to the Summerland, ere Elizabeth followed after them.
Less than two years after our two little girls, Dora and Maydie, had passed away, Elizabeth joined them in the afterlife.
I felt the need of a radical change in living methods for the sake of my health, and so, under an assumed name, secured a situation as mate on an American sailer, a splendid vessel. My purpose was to expose myself to the toil of a sea life for a season in the idea of recuperation coming from active duty.
I needed a drastic lifestyle change for my health, so I used an alias to get a job as a mate on an excellent American sailing ship. My goal was to immerse myself in the demanding work of a sailor for a while, hoping that the active duties would help me recover.
Nothing would satisfy Elizabeth, except going as a passenger on the same vessel; she refused to leave me out of her care. The captain knew her relation to me, so did the crew, so that her being a passenger was natural.
Elizabeth insisted on accompanying me as a passenger on the same ship. She wouldn't hear of leaving me in someone else's care. Since the captain and crew were aware of our relationship, her presence as a passenger didn't raise any eyebrows.
Near the Bermudas a terrible storm came up, and I ordered the sails close reefed; then the squall struck, the mainmast went over, the vessel sprang a leak, the pumps were inadequate, and the boats were swamped, all but one, as fast as they were lowered. Into that went the crew, and I would have put Elizabeth in, but the men, seeing the boat full, pushed off and left her, Captain Washburne and me to our fate. Hardly five minutes elapsed when our noble vessel pitched bows on under the engulfing waves, carrying us with it.
Near the Bermudas a terrible storm came up, and I ordered the sails close-reefed, shortened as far as they would go. Then the squall struck. The mainmast went over, the ship sprang a leak, and the pumps could not keep up. The boats were swamped as fast as they were lowered, all but one. The crew got into that one. I would have put Elizabeth in it, but the men, seeing the boat full, pushed off. They left her, Captain Washburne, and me to our fate. Barely five minutes passed before our noble ship pitched bow first under the engulfing waves, carrying us down with it.
I had lashed myself to the deck cleats to avoid being washed overboard. So now I was doomed to die--and was glad. As the waters swept overhead, I called out in my soul: "Phyris! at last! at last I come!" I saw Mendocus as I lost consciousness, and when I next came to knowledge, I found myself in the Sagum in California. Yet my body drowned off Bermuda's .coast! Here was Phyris, and--yes! Mol Lang. It was not long ere I again bade Mendocus farewell, and with Phyris and Mol Lang went home to Pertoz, home now, my own attained plane, and "Earth with its dark and dreadful ills" left behind forever, but not Earth with its mighty secrets of life. Yes, Terre, is. if insignificant, a point whence the Human soul reaches out into the boundless sidereal universe and formulates its laws, knows them, and is greater than all. I was come to leave the Earth where so many incarnations had known me.
I had tied myself to the deck cleats to avoid being swept overboard. Now I was destined to die—and I welcomed it. As the waves crashed over me, I cried out in my soul: "Phyris! At last! At last, I come!" I saw Mendocus as I lost consciousness, and when I next came to, I found myself in the Sagum in California. Yet my body had drowned off Bermuda's coast! Here were Phyris and—yes!—Mol Lang. Soon after, I again bid Mendocus farewell and, with Phyris and Mol Lang, returned home to Pertoz. It was now my own attained plane, with "Earth and its dark and dreadful ills" left behind forever—but not Earth with its mighty secrets of life. Yes, Earth, though insignificant, is a point from which the Human soul reaches out into the boundless universe, formulates its laws, knows them, and is greater than all. I had come to leave the Earth where so many incarnations had known me.
'Twas a time For memory and for tears. Within the deep Still chambers of the heart a specter dim, Whose voice was like the wizard tones of Time Heard from the Tomb of Ages, points its cold And solemn finger to the beautiful And holy visions that have passed away, And left no shadow of their loveliness On the dead waste of life. That specter lifts The coffin lid of Hope and Joy and Love."
It was a time for remembrance and sorrow. Deep within the heart's quiet chambers, a faint ghost speaks. Its voice, like Time itself whispering from ancient graves, points a cold, solemn finger to beautiful, sacred visions now gone. These visions have vanished, leaving no trace of their beauty on life's barren landscape. This ghost raises the lid on the coffins of Hope, Joy, and Love.
O Earth! point in the heavens, yet type of all the stellar universe.
O Earth! A mere speck in the cosmos, yet a perfect model of the entire stellar universe.
Shall I descend a moment to figures? Shall I speak numbers almost inconceivable? I will. Just for a moment think of what we have come to know in the schools of Earth, think of our human civilization that permits us new comprehensions, see the parallel of how we measure time and distance compared to the Indian, who measures one by "moons" and the other by "looks," one being the interval between one full, or new moon and the next; the other being how far he can look and distinguish a man. Civilized man measures by years and by miles, and science by "light-years." "How much is a light-year? In the time of one second light travels one hundred and ninety-two thousand miles, approximately. In one year there are thirty-one million, five hundred and fifty-six thousand, nine hundred and twenty-nine seconds; hence the distance of a light-year is the multiplied product of one figure by the other, briefly, the inconceivable distance of sixty trillion, five hundred and fifty-three billion, ten hundred and fifty thousand miles. All that, and yet we see a star in the northern heavens said to be one hundred and eighty-one light-years distant from the earth around which our own sun revolves, one of its satellites, as the moon is satellite to the earth. Such is the material universe, an infinitude, one of God's Works, but only one, and yet it is comprehensible mechanism, not, from the material point of view, comparable to the value of one soul of Man. Why do I thus digress? Friends, to let you know what proud place Man occupies. Think of all that nearly interminable distance to Arcturus, and then reflect that that bright member of the constellation Bootes is only a little way out in the boundless universe! That vast bulk of matter, capable of being seen nearly one hundred and twenty million times farther than the distance between the earth and the sun. How great is that bulk? Estimated by comparison it is more than half a thousand million times larger than the combined mass of the Earth, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Neptune and Mercury. And yet the human mind reaches into this almost infinite thing called the universe and grapples understandingly with its problems of matter, force, time, space, eternity, infinity! Laus Deo! Thus Arcturus is our yardstick in the sidereal universe, which in itself is in the House of our Father only one mansion! Besides it are "many mansions," and, friends, there is one mansion of the many to which I have called your attention, that of the Soul. The Soul is not material, and one loved one who shall go away out of your home into the "Unknown Country" is farther away from you than Arcturus, for it is in another condition of being. Wondrous privilege. You stand on the threshold, for you are embodied children of the Creator. You can learn His Ways, and go unto the loved ones gone before; or you can leave matter behind and go into the psychic mansion, and reenter matter wheresoever you will; be in the World one instant, in the astral the next and in Arcturus the next I speak no idle tales--who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Shall I come down for a moment to figures? Shall I speak numbers almost beyond conceiving? I will. Just for a moment, think of what we have come to know in the schools of Earth. Think of our human civilization, which allows us new understanding. See how we measure time and distance, compared with the Indian. He measures the one by "moons" and the other by "looks." A moon is the interval from one full or new moon to the next. A look is how far he can see and still make out a man. Civilized man measures by years and by miles, and science by "light-years." "How much is a light-year? In one second light travels about one hundred and ninety-two thousand miles. In one year there are thirty-one million, five hundred and fifty-six thousand, nine hundred and twenty-nine seconds. So the distance of a light-year is the one figure multiplied by the other. In short, it is the inconceivable distance of sixty trillion, five hundred and fifty-three billion, ten hundred and fifty thousand miles. All that, and yet we see a star in the northern heavens said to be one hundred and eighty-one light-years from the earth. Our own sun revolves around that star as one of its satellites, as the moon is a satellite of the earth. Such is the material universe, an infinity, one of God's Works, but only one. And yet it is a mechanism we can understand. From the material point of view, it is not to be compared with the value of one soul of Man. Why do I wander off like this? Friends, to let you know what a proud place Man holds. Think of all that nearly endless distance to Arcturus. Then reflect that this bright member of the constellation Bootes is only a little way out in the boundless universe! That vast bulk of matter can be seen from nearly one hundred and twenty million times farther than the distance between the earth and the sun. How great is that bulk? Estimated by comparison, it is more than half a thousand million times larger than the combined mass of the Earth, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Mercury. And yet the human mind reaches into this almost infinite thing called the universe, and grapples with understanding of its problems of matter, force, time, space, eternity, infinity! Laus Deo! So Arcturus is our yardstick in the starry universe, which is itself only one mansion in the House of our Father! Besides it are "many mansions." And, friends, there is one mansion of the many to which I have called your attention, that of the Soul. The Soul is not material. A loved one who goes away out of your home into the "Unknown Country" is farther from you than Arcturus, for that one is in another condition of being. What a wondrous privilege! You stand on the threshold, for you are embodied children of the Creator. You can learn his ways, and go to the loved ones gone before. Or you can leave matter behind and go into the psychic mansion, and reenter matter wherever you will. You can be in the World one instant, in the astral the next, and in Arcturus the next. I tell no idle tales. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Now I had left the world for a new life, a new vantage point. So far I had lived a life purely one of sacrifice to duty sad that duty one to Elizabeth, all the later while knowing myself, through my other astral, to be far from home and Phyris and knowledge. And now the release had come; my sacrifice to Elizabeth was completed, my charity had covered a multitude of sins, oh! many more than I knew at the time of the completed sacrifice. And yet, I had not quite atoned for all the weary errors of past incarnations. Almost free, however, almost free!
Now I had left the world for a new life, a new vantage point. Until then I had lived a life purely of sacrifice to duty, and that duty was to Elizabeth. All through the later part of that time I knew, through my other astral, that I was far from home and Phyris and knowledge. And now the release had come. My sacrifice to Elizabeth was complete. My charity had covered a multitude of sins, oh, many more than I knew when the sacrifice was completed. And yet I had not quite atoned for all the weary errors of past incarnations. Almost free, though, almost free!
While yet living with Elizabeth, my obedience to the rules of which I have spoken and others of which I have not spoken, all from Mol Lang and Mendocus, had given me insight into somewhat of the past. Thus I had learned a little of the dead personality known to the reader as Zailm of Poseid. I knew that Zailm's spirit, human soul, his individuality, were also mine; that I, Pierson, had been Zailm. I was able to form a fair remembering of Zailm's life, and of its events and his friends. I knew that the acts he did and the sins he committed were my and that I was responsible for them, because though his personality was not my personality, his individuality was, and is, mine. Although I knew not who Lolix was, or that she lived, yet for Zailm's (my) sin with her and for her tragic death, I must atone. To whom? Anybody in the Earth whom I could serve as CHRIST had said in declaring, "Even unto the least of these." I served with the sacrifice of my living happiness the duty I contracted to Elizabeth, by living for her, and dying on my ship that she might have the chance to escape. I had rescued her from a nameless sin of life in ---------- City, and brought her to saving faith in JESUS, THE CHRIST. If as Zailm, I, the Me, had tripped with Lolix, I, as Walter Pierson, had arisen with another (?) soul to salvation. So karma balanced there. Karma, self-made fate, binds the soul to make reparation in some life or lives for its sins in others. It bound me; I paid the debt. It binds you for debts contracted sometime, somewhere, and will you not follow the Path, and after paying the debt, be with the free forever more? Charity is great: its least worthy aspect alms giving, for although I give all my goods to feed the poor, and have not (that) charity (which is love) it profiteth me nothing."
While I was still living with Elizabeth, my obedience to the rules I have spoken of, and to others I have not, all from Mol Lang and Mendocus, had given me some insight into the past. So I had learned a little of the dead personality the reader knows as Zailm of Poseid. I knew that Zailm's spirit, his human soul, and his individuality were also mine. I, Pierson, had been Zailm. I was able to form a fair memory of Zailm's life, of its events, and of his friends. I knew that the acts he did and the sins he committed were mine, and that I was responsible for them. For though his personality was not my personality, his individuality was, and is, mine. I did not know who Lolix was, or that she was living. Yet I had to atone for Zailm's (my) sin with her and for her tragic death. To whom? To anybody on Earth I could serve, as CHRIST had said in declaring, "Even unto the least of these." With the sacrifice of my living happiness, I served the duty I had taken on to Elizabeth. I did it by living for her, and by dying on my ship so that she might have the chance to escape. I had rescued her from a nameless sin of life in ---------- City, and brought her to saving faith in JESUS, THE CHRIST. If as Zailm, I, the Me, had stumbled with Lolix, then as Walter Pierson I had risen with another (?) soul to salvation. So karma balanced there. Karma, self-made fate, binds the soul to make reparation in some life or lives for its sins in others. It bound me, and I paid the debt. It binds you for debts you took on sometime, somewhere. Will you not follow the Path, and after paying the debt, be with the free forevermore? Charity is great. Its least worthy aspect is almsgiving. For though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and do not have (that) charity (which is love), it profits me nothing."
I have said that my wife, Elizabeth, cared little for my esoteric studies. But to infer that she cared nothing would be wrong. She once found me in my library, using an occult needle. This was a steel bar seven inches long, square, and one-third of an inch thick, pointed quadramidally, with gold tips. It swung in a glass case suspended by a hair over the symbol.
I have said that my wife, Elizabeth, cared little for my esoteric studies. But it would be wrong to infer that she cared nothing for them. She once found me in my library using an occult needle. This was a steel bar seven inches long, square, and one-third of an inch thick. It came to a four-sided pyramid point, with gold tips. It swung in a glass case, hung by a hair over the symbol.
Could you have been gifted with clairvoyant sight, and have looked upon me as Elizabeth found me, you would have seen that needle hanging motionless, and all about it a golden light or aura. From either end went a beam of this odic luminosity -one to me, and one to a distance. Looking along the latter you could have seen at its end a man, standing beside a dining room sideboard; in his hand a glass of brandy. That man was a dear friend of mine, with but one grave fault, inebriety. As he poised the cup to drink I said firmly:
If you had possessed psychic vision and seen me as Elizabeth did, you would have noticed the needle hanging still, surrounded by a golden aura. Beams of this mysterious light extended from both ends—one to me, and one far away. Following the distant beam, you would have seen a man standing by a dining room sideboard, holding a glass of brandy. This man was a close friend of mine, whose only serious flaw was alcoholism. As he raised the glass to his lips, I said firmly:
"No! 'Touch not, taste not, handle not!' Neither now nor henceforth! Heed my voice, or you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
"Stop! Don't touch, taste, or handle it! Not now, not ever! Listen to me, or you won't make it to Heaven."
Willis Murchison, the would-be drinker, let the glass fall to the floor, where it broke to fragments. A day or so later I met him, and he related that he had had a vision, and heard a voice from God, saying that he should no more drink lest he lose his chance of heaven. He never did touch liquor again. He heard the mysterious voice and heeded; yet he had not heeded his friends. By the occult secret of that aurant tipped needle whose power enlisted the service of spirits not human, I held mesmeric power over him. Herein is the peril of letting the masses know these things, for had I been unscrupulous, lawless, a sorcerer, I could as easily have moved Murchison to any crime.
Willis Murchison, the would-be drinker, let the glass fall to the floor, where it broke into pieces. A day or so later I met him, and he told me he had had a vision. He had heard a voice from God saying he should drink no more, or he would lose his chance of heaven. He never did touch liquor again. He heard the mysterious voice and obeyed it, yet he had not obeyed his friends. Through the occult secret of that gold-tipped needle, whose power enlisted the service of spirits not human, I held mesmeric power over him. Here lies the danger of letting the masses know these things. Had I been unscrupulous, lawless, a sorcerer, I could just as easily have moved Murchison to any crime.
Elizabeth asked what I was doing there in the dark. Having achieved my purpose with my friend, I said to my wife, "Let me tell you certain things." I told her of the law of karma, and much besides. When nearly through, I willed the gold pointed needle to connect her mind psychically with mine. Between us the line of light was established. I whispered then:
Elizabeth asked what I was doing there in the dark. Having achieved my purpose with my friend, I said to my wife, "Let me tell you certain things." I told her of the law of karma, and much besides. When I was nearly done, I willed the gold-pointed needle to connect her mind psychically with mine. The line of light was established between us. Then I whispered:
"Look! See your past life on earth, and know it. Then tell me, nor forget what you learn."
"Look! Witness your past life on Earth, and understand it fully. Then tell me what you've seen, and remember everything you learn."
She was silent for a few moments, then her breath came as in sleep. Presently she said:
She remained quiet for a moment, then breathed softly as if asleep. After a short while, she spoke:
"A noble, wonderful man is guiding me. I see him seemingly uncover a remote age of the world; it is the day of a mighty nation, who sail the air in what they call 'Vailx.' A splendid city is about me. Now I am in a vast temple; the interior of it is ornamented with real stalactites. I stand by a large cube of crystal quartz, and on this is a strange flame which burns without fuel. I see a young couple whom a grave, priestly man is uniting in marriage. Ah, it seems as if I loved the one to be wed better than I love life! I implore the one in the assemblage who seems to be a ruler of the nation to prohibit the wedding. Then the priest turns to me, now he looks at me, and, oh! my God! his look chills me in death! I seem to rise above the scene and yet my body still stands in a stony, petrified .--------Now it seems some time elapses, and I see the young man who was to be wed. I see the Monarch, too, and they are both in the temple. Now the young man lifts the--my body of stone, and lets it drop into the Light on the great quartz cube, and it disappears instantly. But a foot was broken off, and this the young man hides in his mantle and carries away. It seems all this was due to some evil done by him, and by me through love of him. I--ah-h-h!"
"A noble, wonderful man is guiding me. I see him seem to uncover a remote age of the world. It is the time of a mighty nation whose people sail the air in what they call 'Vailx.' A splendid city is around me. Now I am in a vast temple. Its interior is decorated with real stalactites. I stand by a large cube of crystal quartz, and on it is a strange flame that burns without fuel. I see a young couple being married by a grave, priestly man. Ah, it seems as if I loved the one who is to be wed more than I love life! I beg the one in the gathering who seems to be a ruler of the nation to forbid the wedding. Then the priest turns to me. Now he looks at me, and oh, my God! His look chills me into death! I seem to rise above the scene, and yet my body still stands below, stony and petrified. Now it seems some time passes, and I see the young man who was to be wed. I see the Monarch too, and they are both in the temple. Now the young man lifts the... my body of stone, and lets it drop into the Light on the great quartz cube. It disappears at once. But a foot was broken off, and the young man hides this in his mantle and carries it away. It seems all this was because of some evil done by him, and by me through love of him. I... ah-h-h!"
Elizabeth sighed and then awoke to her surroundings. I lighted the study-lamp, and she watched me curiously. Suddenly she said:
Elizabeth let out a sigh and snapped back to reality. I turned on the desk lamp, and she observed me with interest. Without warning, she spoke:
"Why, husband, that young man I saw was--was you! Oh, I believe now in all these things you have told, but which I never believed till now I have seen this."
"Oh my goodness, husband! That young man I just saw was... was you! I never believed all these things you've been telling me, but now that I've seen this with my own eyes, I believe everything!"
This experience had a great effect on her, so that she looked more and more into the strange learning, and as a result redoubled her efforts to do good in the world. Thus did she observe the Scripture, "Be ye doers of the word, not hearers only," for strange though this learning seemeth, it is not so to Christian Esoterists, but only to mere bearers, and in a less measure to doers on the exterior plane of Christian service. Thus had I, who led Lolix astray, led Elizabeth back into His deeper Path. But I first had to travel in it somewhat myself, ere I could guide her. This occurred only a few months before her last voyage with me, the Bermuda trip. But she had learned enough to know we were both doomed on the occasion of the wreck, and when I would have placed her in the boat, she said:
This experience profoundly affected her, leading her to delve deeper into esoteric knowledge and intensify her efforts to do good in the world. She embodied the Scripture, "Be doers of the word, not hearers only," for while this learning may seem strange to some, it's familiar to Christian Esoterists and, to a lesser extent, those who serve Christianity outwardly. Thus, I, who had once led Lolix astray, guided Elizabeth back to His deeper Path. But first, I had to walk it myself before I could show her the way. This happened just months before our final voyage together to Bermuda. By then, she had learned enough to sense our impending doom during the shipwreck. When I tried to place her in the lifeboat, she said:
"Husband! Walter! I will not go into that boat, for out of the past I know that now we change. I have come to know that in esoterically doing His word, and not hearing it only, is there alone Life. Now I see again into a past age. And you and I are together, and a little babe is before us, wailing to us. You take it bleeding, into your arms, and me also you clasp. Then you ask God for mercy. Generously you took all the blame; yet I, too, having broken the law, had to share the penalty. Then said One who was verily the Christ, although then we knew it not, Therefore in a far day thou shalt gather a sorrowful harvest of woe, and repay all thou art, indebted. When thou art come again, also she with thee, and again are ready to go into Navazzamin, thou wilt find thyselves free of Earth forever: My dear, dear friend, it must be that we both die now; I fear not, for we will of necessity meet again. Farewell, my love, till then; kiss me. Is not my karma paid in full, so far as Lolix's error is? More even, possibly? And Christ, shall He not receive me now?"
"Husband! Walter! I will not get into that boat, for I know out of the past that now we change. I have come to know that only in doing his word esoterically, and not only hearing it, is there Life. Now I see again into a past age. You and I are together, and a little baby is before us, wailing to us. You take it, bleeding, into your arms, and you hold me too. Then you ask God for mercy. Generously you took all the blame. Yet I too had broken the law, and had to share the penalty. Then One who was truly the Christ, though we did not know it then, said: Therefore in a far-off day you will gather a sorrowful harvest of woe, and repay all that you owe. When you come again, and she with you, and are again ready to go into Navazzamin, you will find yourselves free of Earth forever. My dear, dear friend, we must both die now. I am not afraid, for we must surely meet again. Farewell, my love, until then. Kiss me. Is my karma not paid in full, as far as Lolix's error goes? Even more, possibly? And Christ, will he not receive me now?"
And I said: "Yes, dear wife, it must be! Good-by, and God bless you, for we will truly meet again, beyond the great deep River, with Him." And so in death I held her close.
I said, "Yes, my love, it's inevitable. Farewell, and may God bless you. We'll meet again, I promise, on the other side with Him." And so, I held her tightly as she passed away.
Do you longer marvel at her contented smile in the photographically true picture of the death scene executed by Phyris? And I, friend? Was not the special crime of Zailm atoned for, in that I brought her to know God's law, karma, and in making my life a living sacrifice for, and at the last dying in an effort to save her to happiness and enlightenment, was that score not requited, fulfilled, and Jesus the Christ obeyed? Sins, evil deeds, lies, thefts, adulteries, murders even, axe in themselves only the shadows of lives turned to face away from God into outer darkness; they are weak places in the chain of character; unsymmetrical places in what Christ our Lord would have perfect, even as He is perfect. For in Him, the Perfect One, are none of these things, nor shadow of turning. He beseeches us, saying, "Be ye likewise perfect." "Come unto Me, all ye weary, and I will give you rest." So, in His divine love He proposes Himself to take all these (to Him) shadows that to us are so horribly real. Of ourselves we can do nothing, for as we undo through the lapse of ages, we also do fresh evil. Not shadows to us. But He is the Light of the world. So the glooms we see while we look from His way, will cease to be if we turn to His following. If we have kept a the laws from youth upwards, yet, that is but doing no sin of commission. Behind is an unrequited eternity. And, brethren, friends, the time is short (Cor. vii: 29.) He will take these sins, and it shall be to us as if we took a boxful of shadow from a cellar and opened it out in the noontide rays of the sun. But while the sins are all by Him atoned; while when the days mount to years, the one robbed or tied about, or otherwise injured, finds the Father's laws have made it a up to him, if he only also knows that Father too, still we have a work. Jesus, the Great Master, took all when we, aweary, asked him. But we, while doing these crimes, walked in darkness. The tree of our lives could grow nothing but sickly growths, pale leaves, dwarfed buds, blighted fruits, in that darkness of the soul. We may have ever seemed righteous to others; may have even cried "Lord, Lord" with our lips. But if our deeds knew Him not we were growing our life-tree with fair bark, but decayed wood. So, after He has taken on Himself our sins, and they are ceased, yet with our faces to Himwards, we see our tree of character, pale, sickly, with few leaves, and no fruit, standing in God's karmic light. Will we work to make green leaves, and fruit in plenty? If we follow Him, yes. For He always said in language unmistakable to those having ears to hear, that only those who obeyed the Father's law, God's Will, could hope to win salvation. He will remove our burdens; will mediate and atone, but we must undo the errors with the strength He gives; we must take each our cross and follow Him, and He, the Good Shepherd, will lead us Home, to the immortal heights, where is no more death, nor sin, nor suffering, neither parting. In Him we have, all of us, time, strength, opportunity to undo, after He has atoned and shown us the way. He is that Way. And we, letting Him dwell in us, make our life the Path. Them can be no homegoing till, in Him, we become our own Path. If there was another way, I would tell you. For I am come before His second coming. It is near. Beware, lest night find you idle. Say not I knew Him not, either as Zailm, or as Pierson. To know Him by lip service is one; to know Him by life lived as He bade us, is another. Having lived, now I speak. Be ye doers of the Word, not hearers only.
Do you still marvel at her contented smile in the photographically true picture of the death scene that Phyris made? And what of me, friend? Was not the special crime of Zailm atoned for? I brought her to know God's law, karma. I made my life a living sacrifice for her, and at the last I died trying to save her for happiness and enlightenment. Was that score not settled, fulfilled, and Jesus the Christ obeyed? Sins, evil deeds, lies, thefts, adulteries, even murders, are in themselves only the shadows of lives turned away from God, to face into outer darkness. They are weak places in the chain of character. They are lopsided places in what Christ our Lord would have perfect, even as he is perfect. For in him, the Perfect One, are none of these things, nor any shadow of turning. He pleads with us, saying, "Be ye likewise perfect." "Come unto Me, all ye weary, and I will give you rest." So in his divine love he offers to take on himself all these things that are shadows (to him) but so horribly real to us. Of ourselves we can do nothing. For as we undo evil through the passing of ages, we also do fresh evil. They are not shadows to us. But he is the Light of the world. So the glooms we see while we look away from his way will cease to be if we turn to follow him. If we have kept all the laws from our youth up, still that is only committing no sin of commission. Behind us is an eternity not yet paid for. And, brethren, friends, the time is short (Cor. vii: 29.) He will take these sins, and it will be for us as if we took a box full of shadow from a cellar and opened it out in the noonday rays of the sun. All the sins are atoned for by him. And as the days mount to years, the one who was robbed, or lied about, or harmed in some other way finds that the Father's laws have made it all up to him, if only he also knows that Father. Still, we have a work to do. Jesus, the Great Master, took all when we, weary, asked him. But while we did these crimes, we walked in darkness. In that darkness of the soul, the tree of our lives could grow nothing but sickly shoots, pale leaves, dwarfed buds, and blighted fruits. We may always have seemed righteous to others. We may even have cried "Lord, Lord" with our lips. But if our deeds did not know him, we were growing a life-tree with fair bark but decayed wood. So, after he has taken our sins on himself, and they have ceased, we turn our faces toward him. Then we see our tree of character standing in God's karmic light, pale, sickly, with few leaves and no fruit. Will we work to grow green leaves and plenty of fruit? If we follow him, yes. For he always said, in language unmistakable to those with ears to hear, that only those who obeyed the Father's law, God's Will, could hope to win salvation. He will remove our burdens. He will mediate and atone. But we must undo the errors with the strength he gives. We must each take up our cross and follow him. And he, the Good Shepherd, will lead us Home, to the immortal heights, where there is no more death, nor sin, nor suffering, nor parting. In him all of us have time, strength, and opportunity to undo our errors, after he has atoned and shown us the way. He is that Way. And we, letting him dwell in us, make our life the Path. There can be no homecoming until, in him, we become our own Path. If there were another way, I would tell you. For I have come before his second coming. It is near. Beware, lest night find you idle. Do not say that I did not know him, either as Zailm or as Pierson. To know him by lip service is one thing. To know him by a life lived as he told us is another. Having lived, now I speak. Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.