The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ

14 For forty days the higher wrestled with the lower self, and then the fight was won.

15 Faith rose triumphant; unbelief was not. Ambition covered up his face and fled away, and Jesus said,

16 The wealth, the honor, and the fame of earth are but the baubles of an hour.

17 When this short span of earthly life has all been measured out, man’s bursting baubles will be buried with his bones.

18 Yea, what a man does for his selfish self will make no markings on the credit side of life.

19 The good that men for other men shall do becomes a ladder strong on which the soul may climb to wealth, and power and fame of God’s own kind, that cannot pass away,

20 Give me the poverty of men, the consciousness of duty done in love, the approbation of my God, and I will be content.

21 And then he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said,

22 My Father-God, I thank thee for this hour. I ask not for the glory of thyself; I fain would be a keeper of thy temple gates, and serve my brother man.

23 Again was Jesus called to stand before the hierophant; again no word was said, but in his hands the master placed a scroll on which was written FAITH.

24 And Jesus bowed his head in humble thanks; then went his way.

CHAPTER 51

Jesus passes the fourth brotherhood test, and receives the fourth degree, PHILANTHROPY.

When other certain days had passed, the guide led Jesus to the Hall of Mirth, a hall most richly furnished, and replete with every thing a carnal heart could wish.

2 The choicest viands and the most delicious wines were on the boards; and maids, in gay attire, served all with grace and cheerfulness.

3 And men and women, richly clad, were there; and they were wild with joy; they sipped from every cup of mirth.

4 And Jesus watched the happy throng in silence for a time, and then a man in garb of sage came up and said, Most happy is the man who, like the bee, can gather sweets from every flower.

5 The wise man is the one who seeks for pleasure, and can find it everywhere,

6 At best man’s span of life on earth is short, and then he dies and goes, he knows not where.

7 Then let us eat, and drink, and dance, and sing, and get the joys of life, for death comes on apace.

8 It is but foolishness to spend a life for other men. Behold, all die and lie together in the grave, where none can know and none can show forth gratitude.

9 But Jesus answered not; upon the tinseled guests in all their rounds of mirth he gazed in silent thought.

10 And then among the guests he saw a man whose clothes were coarse; who showed in face and hands the lines of toil and want.

11 The giddy throng found pleasure in abusing him; they jostled him against the wall, and laughed at his discomfiture.

12 And then a poor, frail woman came, who carried in her face and form the marks of sin and shame; and without mercy she was spit upon, and jeered, and driven from the hall.

13 And then a little child, with timid ways and hungry mien, came in and asked for just a morsel of their food.

14 But she was driven out uncared for and unloved; and still the merry dance went on.

15 And when the pleasure seekers urged that Jesus join them in their mirth, he said,

16 How could I seek for pleasure for myself while others are in want? How can you think that while the children cry for bread, while those in haunts of sin call out for sympathy and love that I can fill myself to full with the good things of life?

17 I tell you, nay; we all are kin, each one a part of the great human heart.

18 I cannot see myself apart from that poor man that you so scorned, and crowded to the wall;

19 Nor from the one in female garb who came up from the haunts of vice to ask for sympathy and love, who was by you so ruthlessly pushed back into her den of sin;

20 Nor from that little child that you drove from your midst to suffer in the cold, bleak winds of night.

21 I tell you, men, what you have done to these, my kindred, you have done to me.

22 You have insulted me in your own home; I cannot stay. I will go forth and find that child, that woman and that man, and give them help until my life’s blood all has ebbed away.

23 I call it pleasure when I help the helpless, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and speak good words of cheer to those unloved, discouraged and depressed.

24 And this that you call mirth is but a phantom of the night; but flashes of the fire of passion, painting pictures on the walls of time.

25 And while the Logos spoke the white-robed priest came in and said to him, The council waits for you.

26 Then Jesus stood again before the bar; again no word was said; the hierophant placed in his hands a scroll, on which was writ, PHILANTHROPY.

27 And Jesus was a victor over selfish self.

CHAPTER 52

Jesus spends forty days in the temple groves. Passes the fifth brotherhood test and receives the fifth degree, HEROISM.

The sacred temple groves were rich in statues, monuments and shrines; here Jesus loved to walk and meditate.

2 And after he had conquered self he talked with nature in these groves for forty days.

3 And then the guide took chains and bound him hand and foot; and then cast him into a den of hungry beasts, of unclean birds, and creeping things.

4 The den was dark as night; the wild beasts howled; the birds in fury screamed; the reptiles hissed.

5 And Jesus said, Who was it that did bind me thus? Why did I meekly sit to be bound down with chains?

6 I tell you, none has power to bind a human soul. Of what are fetters made?

7 And in his might he rose, and what he thought were chains were only worthless cords that parted at his touch.

8 And then he laughed and said, The chains that bind men to the carcasses of earth are forged in fancy’s shop; are made of air, and welded in illusion’s fires.

9 If man will stand erect, and use the power of will, his chains will fall, like worthless rags; for will and faith are stronger than the stoutest chains that men have ever made.

10 And Jesus stood erect among the hungry beasts, and birds, and said, What is this darkness that envelops me?

11 ’Tis but the absence of the light. And what is light? ’Tis but the breath of God vibrating in the rythm of rapid thought.

12 And then he said, Let there be light; and with a mighty will he stirred the ethers up, and their vibrations reached the plane of light; and there was light.

13 The darkness of that den of night became the brightness of a newborn day.

14 And then he looked to see the beasts, and birds, and creeping things; lo, they were not.

15 And Jesus said, Of what are souls afraid? Fear is the chariot in which man rides to death;

16 And when he finds himself within the chamber of the dead, he learns that he has been deceived; his chariot was a myth, and death a fancy child.

17 But some day all man’s lessons will be learned, and from the den of unclean, beasts and birds, and creeping things he will arise to walk in light.

18 And Jesus saw a ladder made of gold, on which he climbed, and at the top the white-robed priest awaited him.

19 Again he stood before the council bar; again no word was said; again the hierophant reached forth his hand to bless.

20 He placed in Jesus’ hand another scroll, and on this one was written, HEROISM.

21 The Logos had encountered fear and all his phantom host, and in the conflict he achieved the victory.

CHAPTER 53

Jesus passes the sixth brotherhood test and receives the sixth degree, LOVE DIVINE.

In all the land there was no place more grandly furnished than the Beauty Parlors of the temple of the sun.

2 Few students ever entered these rich rooms; the priests regarded them with awe, and called them Halls of Mysteries.

3 When Jesus had attained the victory over fear, he gained the right to enter here.

4 The guide led on the way, and after passing many richly furnished rooms they reached the Hall of Harmony; and here was Jesus left alone.

5 Among the instruments of music was a harpsichord, and Jesus sat in thoughtful mood inspecting it, when, quietly, a maiden of entrancing beauty came into the hall.

6 She did not seem to notice Jesus as he sat and mused, so busy with his thoughts.

7 She found her place beside the harpsichord; she touched the chords most gently, and she sung the songs of Israel. 8 And Jesus was entranced; such beauty he had never seen; such music he had never heard.

9 The maiden sung her songs; she did not seem to know that any one was near; she went her way

10 And Jesus, talking with himself, said out, What is the meaning of this incident? I did not know that such entrancing beauty and such queen-like loveliness were ever found among the sons of men.

11 I did not know that voice of angel ever graced a human form, or that seraphic music ever came from human lips.

12 For days he sat entranced; the current of his thoughts was changed; he thought of nothing but the singer and her songs.

13 He longed to see her once again; and after certain days she came; she spoke and laid her hand upon his head.

14 Her touch thrilled all his soul, and for the time, forgotten was the work that he was sent to do.

15 Few were the words the maiden said; she went her way; but then the heart of Jesus had been touched.

16 A love-flame had been kindled in his soul, and he was brought to face the sorest trial of his life.

17 He could not sleep nor eat. Thoughts of the maiden came; they would not go. His carnal nature called aloud for her companionship.

18 And then he said, Lo, I have conquered every foe that I have met, and shall I now be conquered by this carnal love?

19 My Father sent me here to show the power of love divine, that love that reaches every living thing.

20 Shall this pure, universal love be all absorbed by carnal love? Shall I forget all creatures else, and lose my life in this fair maiden, though she is the highest type of beauty, purity and love?

21 Into its very depths his soul was stirred, and long he wrestled with this angel-idol of his heart.

22 But when the day was almost lost, his higher ego rose in might; he found himself again, and then he said,

23 Although my heart shall break I will not fail in this my hardest task; I will be victor over carnal love.

24 And when again the maiden came, and offered him her hand and heart, he said,

25 Fair one, your very presence thrills me with delight; your voice is benediction to my soul; my human self would fly with you, and be contented in your love;

26 But all the world is craving for a love that I have come to manifest.

27 I must, then, bid you go; but we will meet again; our ways on earth will not be cast apart.

28 I see you in the hurrying throngs of earth as minister of love; I hear your voice in song, that wins the hearts of men to better things.

29 And then in sorrow and in tears the maiden went away, and Jesus was again alone.

30 And instantly the great bells of the temple rang; the singers sung a new, new song; the grotto blazed with light.

31 The hierophant himself appeared, and said, All hail! triumphant Logos, hail! The conqueror of carnal love stands on the heights.

32 And then he placed in Jesus’ hands a scroll on which was written LOVE DIVINE.

33 Together they passed from the grotto of the beautiful, and in the banquet hall a feast was served, and Jesus was the honored guest.

CHAPTER 54

Jesus becomes a private pupil of the hierophant and is taught the mysteries of Egypt. In passing the seventh test, he works in the Chamber of the Dead.

The senior course of study now was opened up and Jesus entered and became a pupil of the hierophant.

2 He learned the secrets of the mystic lore of Egypt land; the mysteries of life and death and of the worlds beyond the circle of the sun.

3 When he had finished all the studies of the senior course, he went into the Chamber of the Dead, that he might learn the ancient methods of preserving from decay the bodies of the dead; and here he wrought.

4 And carriers brought the body of a widow’s only son to be embalmed; the weeping mother followed close; her grief was great.

5 And Jesus said, Good woman, dry your tears; you follow but an empty house; your son is in it not.

6 You weep because your son is dead. Death is a cruel word; your son can never die.

7 He had a task assigned to do in garb of flesh; he came; he did his work, and then he laid the flesh aside; he did not need it more.

8 Beyond your human sight he has another work to do, and he will do it well, and then pass on to other tasks, and, by and by, he will attain the crown of perfect life.

9 And what your son has done, and what he yet must do, we all must do.

10 Now, if you harbor grief, and give your sorrows vent they will grow greater every day. They will absorb your very life until at last you will be naught but grief, wet down with bitter tears.

11 Instead of helping him you grieve your son by your deep grief. He seeks your solace now as he has ever done; is glad when you are glad; is saddened when you grieve.

12 Go bury deep your woes, and smile at grief, and lose yourself in helping others dry their tears.

13 With duty done comes happiness and joy; and gladness cheers the hearts of those who have passed on.

14 The weeping woman turned, and went her way to find a happiness in helpfulness; to bury deep her sorrows in a ministry of joy.

15 Then other carriers came and brought the body of a mother to the Chamber of the Dead; and just one mourner followed; she a girl of tender years.

16 And as the cortege neared the door, the child observed a wounded bird in sore distress; a cruel hunter’s dart had pierced its breast.

17 And she left following the dead, and went to help the living bird.

18 With tenderness and love she folded to her breast the wounded bird; then hurried to her place.

19 And Jesus said to her, Why did you leave your dead to save a wounded bird?

20 The maiden said, This lifeless body needs no help from me; but I can help while yet life is; my mother taught me this.

21 My mother taught that grief and selfish love, and hopes and fears are but reflexes from the lower self;

22 That what we sense are but small waves upon the rolling billows of a life.

23 These all will pass away; they are unreal.

24 Tears flow from hearts of flesh; the spirit never weeps; and I am longing for the day when I will walk in light, where tears are wiped away.

25 My mother taught that all emotions are the sprays that rise from human loves, and hopes, and fears; that perfect bliss cannot be ours till we have conquered these.

26 And in the presence of that child did Jesus bow his head in reverence. He said,

27 For days and months and years I’ve sought to learn this highest truth that man can learn on earth, and here a child, fresh brought to earth, has told it all in one short breath.

28 No wonder David said, O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

29 Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength.

30 And then he laid his hand upon the maiden’s head, and said, I’m sure the blessings of my Father-God will rest upon you, child, forevermore.

CHAPTER 55

Jesus passes the seventh brotherhood test, and in the purple room of the temple receives the seventh, the highest degree, THE CHRIST. He leaves the temple a conqueror.

The work of Jesus in the Chamber of the Dead was done, and in the temple purple room he stood before the hierophant.

2 And he was clothed in purple robes; and all the brothers stood. The hierophant arose and said,

3 This is a royal day for all the hosts of Israel. In honor of their chosen son we celebrate the great Passover Feast.

4 And then he said to Jesus, Brother, man, most excellent of men, in all the temple tests you have won out.

5 Six times before the bar of right you have been judged; six times you have received the highest honors man can give; and now you stand prepared to take the last degree.

6 Upon your brow I place this diadem, and in the Great Lodge of the heavens and earth you are THE CHRIST.

7 This is your great Passover rite. You are a neophyte no more; but now a master mind.

8 Now, man can do no more; but God himself will speak, and will confirm your title and degree.

9 Go on your way, for you must preach the gospel of good will to men and peace on earth; must open up the prison doors and set the captives free.

10 And while the hierophant yet spoke the temple bells rang out; a pure white dove descended from above and sat on Jesus’ head.

11 And then a voice that shook the very temple said, THIS IS THE CHRIST; and every living creature said, AMEN.

12 The great doors of the temple swung ajar; the Logos journeyed on his way a conqueror.

SECTION XII

LAMEDThe Council of the Seven Sages of the World

CHAPTER 56

The seven sages of the world meet in Alexandria. The purposes of the meeting. The opening addresses.

In every age since time began have seven sages lived.

2 At first of every age these sages meet to note the course of nations, peoples, tribes and tongues;

3 To note how far toward justice, love and righteousness the race has gone;

4 To formulate the code of laws, religious postulates and plans of rule best suited to the coming age.

5 An age had passed, and, lo, another age had come; the sages must convene.

6 Now, Alexandria was the center of the world’s best thought, and here in Philo’s home the sages met.

7 From China came Meng-ste; from India Vidyapati came; from Persia Kaspar came; and from Assyria Ashbina came; from Greece Apollo came; Matheno was the Egyptian sage, and Philo was the chief of Hebrew thought.

8 The time was due; the council met and sat in silence seven days.

9 And then Meng-ste arose and said, The wheel of time has turned once more; the race is on a higher plane of thought.

10 The garments that our fathers wove have given out; the cherubim have woven a celestial cloth; have placed it in our hands and we must make for men new garbs.

11 The sons of men are looking up for greater light. No longer do they care for gods hewn out of wood, or made of clay. They seek a God not made with hands.

12 They see the beams of coming day, and yet they comprehend them not.

13 The time is ripe, and we must fashion well these garments for the race.

14 And let us make for men new garbs of justice, mercy, righteousness and love, that they may hide their nakedness when shines the light of coming day.

15 And Vidyapati said, Our priests have all gone mad; they saw a demon in the wilds and at him cast their lamps and they are broken up, and not a gleam of light has any priest for men.

16 The night is dark; the heart of India calls for light.

17 The priesthood cannot be reformed; it is already dead; its greatest needs are graves and funeral chants.

18 The new age calls for liberty; the kind that makes each man a priest, enables him to go alone, and lay his offerings on the shrine of God.

19 And Kaspar said, In Persia people walk in fear; they do the good for fear to do the wrong.

20 The devil is the greatest power in our land, and though a myth, he dandles on his knee both youth and age.

21 Our land is dark, and evil prospers in the dark.

22 Fear rides on every passing breeze, and lurks in every form of life.

23 The fear of evil is a myth, is an illusion and a snare; but it will live until some mighty power shall come to raise the ethers to the plane of light.

24 When this shall come to pass the magian land will glory in the light. The soul of Persia calls for light.

CHAPTER 57

Meeting of the sages, continued. Opening addresses. Jesus with the sages. Seven days’ silence.

Ashbina said, Assyria is the land of doubt; the chariot of my people, that in which they mostly ride, is labeled Doubt.

2 Once Faith walked forth in Babylon; and she was bright and fair; but she was clothed in such white robes that men became afraid of her.

3 And every wheel began to turn, and Doubt made war on her, and drove her from the land; and she came back no more.

4 In form men worship God, the One; in heart they are not sure that God exists.

5 Faith worships at the shrine of one not seen; but Doubt must see her God.

6 The greatest need of all Assyria is faith – a faith that seasons every thing that is, with certainty.

7 And then Apollo said, The greatest needs of Greece are true concepts of God.

8 Theogony in Greece is rudderless, for every thought may be a god, and worshipped as a god.

9 The plane of thought is broad, and full of sharp antagonists; and so the circle of the gods is filled with enmity, with wars and base intrigues.

10 Greece needs a master mind to stand above the gods; to raise the thoughts of men away from many gods to God the One.

11 We know that light is coming o’er the hills. God speed the light.

12 Matheno said, Behold this land of mystery! this Egypt of the dead!

13 Our temples long have been the tombs of all the hidden things of time; our temples, crypts and caves are dark.

14 In light there are no secret things. The sun reveals all hidden truth. There are no mysteries in God.

15 Behold the rising sun! His beams are entering every door; yea, every crevice of the mystic crypts of Mizraim.

16 We hail the light! All Egypt craves the light.

17 And Philo said, The need of Hebrew thought and life is liberty.

18 The Hebrew prophets, seers, and givers of the law, were men of power, men of holy thought, and they bequeathed to us a system of philosophy that was ideal; one strong enough and good enough to lead our people to the goal of perfectness.

19 But carnal minds repudiated holiness; a priesthood filled with selfishness arose, and purity in heart became a myth; the people were enslaved.

20 The priesthood is the curse of Israel; but when he comes, who is to come, he will proclaim emancipation for the slaves; my people will be free.

21 Behold, for God has made incarnate wisdom, love and light, which he has called Immanuel.

22 To him is given the keys to open up the dawn; and here, as man, he walks with us.

23 And then the council chamber door was opened and the Logos stood among the sages of the world.

24 Again the sages sat in silence seven days.

CHAPTER 58

Meeting of the sages, continued. Presentation of the seven universal postulates.

Now, when the sages were refreshed they opened up the Book of Life and read.

2 They read the story of the life of man; of all his struggles, losses, gains; and in the light of past events and needs, they saw what would be best for him in coming years.

3 They knew the kind of laws and precepts suited best to his estate; they saw the highest God-ideal that the race could comprehend.

4 Upon the seven postulates these sages were to formulate, the great philosophy of life and worship of the coming age must rest.

5 Now Meng-ste was the oldest sage; he took the chair of chief, and said,

6 Man is not far enough advanced to live by faith; he cannot comprehend the things his eyes see not,

7 He yet is child, and during all the coming age he must be taught by pictures, symbols, rites, and forms.

8 His God must be a human God; he cannot see a God by faith.

9 And then he cannot rule himself; the king must rule; the man must serve.

10 The age that follows this will be the age of man, the age of faith.

11 In that blest age the human race will see without the aid of carnal eyes; will hear the soundless sound; will know the Spirit-God.

12 The age we enter is the Preparation age, and all the schools, and governments and worship rites must be designed in simple way that men may comprehend.

13 And man cannot originate; he builds by patterns that he sees; so in this council we must carve out pattern for the coming age.

14 And we must formulate the gnosis of the Empire of the soul, which rests on seven postulates.