The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ

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.