The present text is addressed particularly to the millions who are truly seeking for the spirit which is hidden within religion. Generally, this SPIRIT is not found in what is termed the "orthodox" teaching of the churches, and because this appeal is to a special class, we feel at liberty to express ourselves without reservation; interpreting the Divine Law as it has been taught to us.

When we entered the Path leading to the portals of the August Fraternity late in the nineteenth century, there were active in America a number of branches of the Ancient Mysteries. Among the most Arcane were the ROSICRUCIANS; THE Æth PRIESTHOOD; The HERMETICS (Phelon); The Magi with its PRIESTS of MELCHIZEDEK, and the ILLUMINATAE AMERICANA.

The general public was little informed concerning the intent and teachings of the Ancient Mysteries. Occasionally members of one or the other of these Fraternities published a book or wrote an article which appeared in some journal or magazine. Among the most prominent of the American writers were: Paschal Beverly Randolph, Freeman B. Dowd, Peter Davidson, J.C. Street, Alexander Wilder, M.D., Paul Tyner and a few others.

In 1903, at the time of our Ordination to the Priesthood within the Campbellite Church and assuming a humble part in this special field of labor, little or no change had taken place during the previous century.

Late in 1903 we saw the publication of our first book, THE PHILOSOPHY OF FIRE. This was shortly followed by THE ROSICRUCIANS; THEIR TEACHINGS, and other volumes, all of them dealing with the Philosophical teachings of the Ancient or Philosophical Initiates.(1)
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(1) For a detailed definition of the term Philosophic Initiate, see The BOOK OF ROSISCRUCIÆ, (3vols) Philosophical Publishing Company, Quakertown, Penna.
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Within a few years these publications became widely known and were accepted as authoritative throughout the world; when lo, organizations sprang up like mushrooms, overnight. Most of these, without authority or authentic direction, assumed titles and insignia belonging exclusively to Fraternities able to trace their lineage to centuries before the Christian era. This in nowise prevented pseudo-initiates from claiming these names for themselves and using them for their own selfish purposes. Among the names assumed was that of the Magi.

The Apostolic descension of the Priesthood of the Magi, that of Melchizedek, dates beyond the year 4255 B.C. The Magi were ages old when the Nazarene was born and it is recorded that they visited him and acknowledged him as the new interpreter of the Law.

In the Priesthood of the Magi, a neophyte was never allowed to be present, or take part in any Initiatory rites, until he had attained to what is now known as Philosophic Initiation.

Later, these Mysteries, in one form or another, were taught in the Secret Schools of Greece, India, Persia, Thrace, Scandinavia, the Celtic and other nations.

In Egypt, during the years of her glory, no one could be a Priest, or occupy a State position, unless he was a Philosophic Initiate. In the Egyptian Mysteries were taught and made manifest, AS A RESULT OF THE SELF-EFFORT BY THE NEOPHYTES, the Unity of God, the Immortality of the Soul, and the bringing into Conscious manifestation of the Flame of the individual Soul. From the first dawn of spiritual consciousness in man, all who sought knowledge of the powers and potentialities of the Soul, and the Light that dwells in the Soul, entered these schools of the Sacred Priesthood.

On entering, they were bound by a most sacred and solemn obligation not to divulge any of the teachings to the profane, and to do all in their power to protect the secret writings, thus preventing them from falling into the hands of the unprepared. This system has in nowise changed even to the present day.

The present Priesthood of Melchizedek (Church of Illumination) is directly descended from the Ancient Schools of the Mysteries via the Order of the Magi which became one with the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis at the time when various authentic groups merged under the new name. Its teachings are based upon demonstrable truths. Its interpretation of the Divine Law has not deviated one jot or tittle. The teachings harmonize with those of the first Church of the Christian era, the Gnostic. Ages have proven to the Initiates that the teachings could not be changed and still harmonize with the Law. The training of Neophytes today is identical with that of the past ages. If instructions are faithfully followed and in the right spirit, Illumination or Soul Consciousness is a certain result.

The solemn obligation is as essential today as during the dark ages.

Why?

Because all power is dangerous in unprepared or unscrupulous hands. No two Aspirants who enter the portals of the school are alike in their nature or needs. What is to the welfare of one is dangerous and destructive to the other.

The training and development in the Mysteries or Arcane is individual. The method which will free one body from disease and bring the Soul into Illumination may result in the destruction of the body and Soul of another.

It is well said that: "One man's meat is another man's poison." This is equally true of the meat, which, in Biblical sense, is a spiritual food for man. The method which will transmute one seeker from a state of degradation to the highest spirituality may arouse unworthy inclinations in another.

These are but a very few of the reasons why a most solemn obligation is compulsory upon all seeking entrance into the portals of the August Fraternity. He who, in any manner of form, proves recreant to his sacred vows will bring damnation upon his Soul itself.

The Priesthood which existed even in the wilderness, in which Moses was taught and trained, most active in Egypt during her glory, functioned both before and after the birth of the Nazarene. It was the Priesthood of the Magi, and of the Gnostics - the Wise Men, or KNOWERS. These men of Melchizedek are older than any written record possessed by men. This is clearly indicated by the writer of Hebrews. Before there were records, these men of Melchizedek were active. No one ever possessed authority, or can now possess authority, except those who entered, or now enter, its portals in a natural and legitimate manner; who took, or take, the prescribed obligation, and who were, or are, trained and Ordained by this Fraternity of Initiates.

That the Priesthood of Melchizedek existed long before the Christian era is clearly indicated in the Biblical narrative. Chapter Five of Hebrews, tells us:

1. "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins."

This saying: "ordained for men in things pertaining to God," tells in no uncertain terms that such priest must be fully instructed in an understanding of the Law - not mere dogmas - so they in turn may not only instruct, but guide men in the path they should follow; avoiding the commission of sin, thereby escaping the suffering which is the penalty for transgressing the Divine Law.

These priests must be proficient in several things: (1) HAVE A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW, (2) BE ABLE TO INSTRUCT MEN IN THE LAWS OF GOD, and a third requisite is: (3)POSSESS THE STRENGTH AND MANHOOD TO FULFILL THEIR PRIESTLY DUTY, AND NOT BE PERSUADED ASIDE BY FORCE, INFLUENCE, POWER, OR THOSE POSSESSED OF INFLUENCE, POWER OR IN HIGH POSITION.

2. "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."

The priest must be of such a nature that he will feel compassion for the ignorant who continually commit "sin" because of their lack if understanding, and for all who live "out of the Way," because they are not fully informed of the penalty they must pay for their waywardness.

All this he must do for two reasons: (a) his feeling of compassion for his fellow men who are both ignorant and weak; and (b) he recognizes that he, though being a priest, is also man, with at least some of the weaknesses of the carnal man.

3. "And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins."

Priest though he is, he must be strong enough and honest enough to recognize when he is guilty of an infraction of the Law, and he MUST MAKE RETRIBUTION FOR HIMSELF as he teaches others to do so. Being a priest does not exempt him from the Law; on the contrary, his greater knowledge of the Law imposes upon him the greater responsibility.

4. "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron."

Because one selects himself to become a High Priest, or is called of God to such office, is no excuse for pride. The higher the office and the farther one has advanced in the Mysteries of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, the greater need there is for humbleness and thankfulness, for permission to be a servant in the services of god. This is made plain in the following verse:

5. "So also Christ glorifies not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee."

Is the Bible accepted as truth? As the word of God? If so, then we are here informed in no uncertain terms that after his probation the Nazarene did become a High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek.

Concurrently with his reception into this high office, he also was recognized by God as His Son. Becoming a high priest, i.e., one who serves God in the capacity of a leader and a preacher to those less informed or less advanced than himself.

6. "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

It was not man who ordained the Nazarene into the Priesthood of Melchizedek, but God. Taught in the Divine Law, and having attained Soul Consciousness as a result of his own blameless life and efforts, the Nazarene became a priest after the Order of Melchizedek. His confirmation or ordination was but the recognition of the success of his efforts.

7. "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

8. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"

Even though man has attained to Sonship with the Father and become one of the gods, nevertheless, he still is of the flesh, despite Ordination into the Priesthood of Melchizedek. Prayers are necessary to continue in the spirit, and remain obedient to the Law.

The Nazarene, after he had been accepted by his Father as his Son, nevertheless recognized that there were still weaknesses of the flesh. He not only prayed for himself, but requested his disciples to do likewise, so that he might possess the strength to resist "sin" in the form of temptation; illustrating the truth of his own saying: "When ye stand, take heed lest ye fall."

9. "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

10. "Called of God an high priest after the order Melchizedek."

The correct interpretation is: After becoming, i.e., making himself perfect as a result of his own obedience to the Law, he possessed the knowledge which enabled him to instruct others in the Path of Life which is eternal salvation.

As a result of obedience to Divine Law, the gaining of knowledge, and attaining Consciousness of his Sonship with the Father, he was "called,"i.e., became, a high priest after the Order of Melchizedek. This is an Arcane Law and so recognized by the Secret Schools.

11. "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing."

"Ye are dull of hearing." The profane, those who have not lived the Life who have refused to obey the Law, and have not attained to Soul or Christic Consciousness, cannot possibly comprehend the real meaning of Christic Consciousness.

Naturally, they are "dull of hearing," unable to understand, and cannot know what it actually means to have become, or to have been Ordained, a High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek.

Nevertheless, if they will obey the law as formulated, they, also, will ultimately become Illuminated and attain to the same Consciousness as have these High Priests of Melchizedek.

It is all in the willingness to obey; seeking to come into the spirit of the Christos and the attainment of Christhood. The "door" is open for all to accept and enter.

12. "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

A great, all-embracing Law is here described. HE THAT WOULD BE SERVED MUST FIRST BE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WILLING TO SERVE, THAT HE MAY LEARN THE DUTIES OF A SERVANT.

This is a lesson for all to learn. They who would be teachers and guides, even Priests of Melchizedek, must first be willing to humbly kneel at the feet of one who has so served and been taught, that he in turn may teach.

These must live so that they will recognize the oracle, the voice of God, and be perfectly willing in spirit, to both listen and obey that voice WHICH IS THE LAW. They must first sup the "milk" because milk is the food of the young in wisdom, and the weak.

As time passes, and they gain wisdom and become strong, they may partake of "meat," become truly MEN and eat of MANHOOD'S food. It is truly said:

13. "For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."

14. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Those who have not lived according to the Law are weak because they are still living in darkness, i.e., ignorance; ignorance is always weakness. They are still under the letter of the Law. The spirit, or Mysteries, cannot be given to them until they accept and obey the Law, and as a result, become one with the Law.

Strong meat, i.e., knowledge and wisdom, followed by Consciousness of Sonship, is only for those who live in the spirit of desire and obedience. Their senses have become clarified and they can discern, that, see clearly. they have become able to separate the good from the evil; throwing aside the evil and living according to the Law of goodness.

This is admittedly a double doctrine. It cannot be otherwise. Giving the Mysteries to the ignorant or nonunderstanding would be like throwing pearls before swine. The Nazarene expressedly taught:

"It is given unto you (the understanding) to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven; but to them (the ignorant) it is not given." Matt. 13:11.

This further explains the need of obligations or sacred vows. The weak are not ready for strong meat; to attempt to explain the Mysteries to them would be as pearls thrown before swine, or the kingdom of heaven revealed to those unprepared according to the Laws here taught.

This Mystery of Melchizedek is mighty. Few other than Philosophic Initiates have had the courage to wrestle with it, lest they be falsely accused or face defeat. The writer never hesitated, in common parlance, to call a spade a spade. Everything he wrote agrees fully with the teachings of the Greater Mysteries.

This is especially true relative to those who have made great progress toward REgeneration and Soul enlightenment, or Illumination, and have then forsaken the path for the world and its illusions. His cleavage between these, and those who continue faithful, is wide and all embracing, as so clearly shown in Chapter Six of Hebrews:

4. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost."

Here the word "impossible" is used in the text. This would indicate an actual impossibility. The translators erred in their interpretation. The original indicates that it is "almost" impossible.

This also agrees with the writer who said that it is "as impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven as it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (because the thoughts of the rich man are on his possessions and not on spiritual things)," but it does not say that it is "impossible."

"For those who have once been enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gifts," has reference, in the language of the Initiated or "Enlightened," to those who have found within themselves the spiritual Light or "light from heaven," i.e., the Holy Ghost or Holy Light.

This is in perfect harmony with the teachings of all Philosophic Initiates, even though the terms used are slightly different. Those who resurrect the buried Christos within themselves, have attained to the enlightenment.

They have tasted of the heavenly (spiritual) gifts, and are partakers of the Holy Ghost, because Illumination is not possible without first finding this Light within. He who denies this denies his God.

5. "And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.

6. "If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance: seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."

They who have once entered the Path and progressed so far as to glimpse the Light which is from heaven, and within themselves, and have learned but a small part of the Wisdom for which Solomon so ardently prayed, and then prove recreant, will find it far more difficult to reenter the Path, than it was in the beginning of their quest, yet will find no peace unless they do so.

In this we find the original teachings of the Ancient Priesthood as well as of the Gnostic Church, and the more modern Church of Illumination. Consider this Biblical statement: "This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (who can willingly accept it?)" - John 6:60

8. "But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned."

Those who "bear thorns and briers" are those who refuse to accept the dictates of the Divine Law. They continue to "sin," that is, continue evilly and contrary to the actual welfare of themselves and others. They refuse to make the necessary effort to find the Divine within themselves; the Path toward REgeneration and the enlightenment; the tasting of the heavenly gifts which come to those who are partakers of the Holy Ghost.

There is no qualification to this statement. The end of these is to be "burned," that is , to be destroyed. The Law IS.

9. "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak."

The "beloved are those who, contrary to the former, have accepted the Law and are trying to live within the Law. These shall find "salvation," that is, REgeneration. They will receive the better things in life and be saved from much others must suffer.

10. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and so minister."

The key to this promise is in the use of the statement: "Your works and labour of love." All that is done in love is from the heart.

It is a spiritual work; a Godly work, and its impression is upon the Soul within. Such work of love is a message to heaven; the work itself is a prayer; and that prayer reaches the Godhead and is then reflected back upon the individual Soul, helping in its awakening and sanctification, or Illumination.

Only that which is done in Love is recorded in the "Lamb's book of Life" and is to our credit at the day of our accounting.

11. "And we (the Priesthood of Melchizedek) desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12. "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

(a) Sloth, that is , failure to do the things that should be done, when they should be done, and the way they should be done, and (b) impatience, often due to lack of faith or a sufficiently strong desire, are the cause of failure and prevent the sons of men from inheriting the good things promised by the Law, or God, to those who continue in the way and overcome.

Many who are irresponsible, dishonest, insincere, or who do not wish to assume the responsibilities necessary to obtain things desired, often excuse themselves by saying that one should not swear, take a vow or make an oath. This is offset by the following verse:

13. "For when God made a promise to Abraham, because he could swear by none greater, he swear by himself."

Men swear, vow or take oath upon their heart and Soul, by God, who is greater than they. There was none greater than God and God was willing to swear upon His own absoluteness. There is no qualification of this statement and we must accept it in its fullness or deny the truthfulness of the Bible.

14. "Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15. "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."

Here, in these few words, mankind is given a mighty truth. Humanity as a whole, in this year of 1949, should ponder and take this saying to heart, making of it the foundation of life.

In doing this, men free themselves from the yoke binding them to slavery, and obtain the promise, that is, the reward for their action.

"After he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise," i.e., his reward or payment. In this year of NON-grace, men universally are making every effort conceivable to obtain first, and if so inclined, make effort or give service. Still the world has been led astray, into illusion and delusion, by being given worldly substance without first having earned or become worthy, and ofttimes without even a promise of laboring for it or repaying.

In doing this they are, in common parlance, being subsidized, which, in ordinary language, means that they are becoming slaves to the givers. By following this plan they are weakening themselves to a degree that will finally not even permit them to fight for right living and a return to freedom.

This is wholly contrary to the Divine Law and God's promise to man, through Abraham. All the world will suffer when the reaction takes place as it surely will, and then men will curse God and men for things of which they alone are guilty. "After one has patiently endured," i.e., labored and made effort, the promise, the reward or payment, will accrue to him, in righteousness and with blessings.

16. "For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife."

An oath may be a neccessity to obtain, or be admitted into, that which is desired. When such an oath is confirmed by fulfillment, then the Law is fulfilled and the blessings, reward or benefit will be obtained.

17. "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath."

God, or the Lord, did not for a moment hesitate to take upon Himself the oath, for He knew that He would fulfill it, just as he knew that he would shower good things - blessings - upon those who did likewise, showing by their efforts and works, that the heart, not craftiness, dictated the oath.

18. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the Soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

20. "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high Priest for ever after The Order of Medchizedek."

The Nazarene, because he fulfilled the Law and misled none, sought only for that which was already his, because he had earned it, was thereby made a high priest of the Order of Melchizedek. All men may become priests who follow his example and do like wise, and in no other way than by a full acceptance of the Law.

1. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, Priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him."

The "slaughter of the kings" has reference to all men in high places possessed of authority and power, who misuse their position to self-glory, self-benefit, or to be acclaimed, instead of working for the welfare of all, even though the course they pursue may temporarily be unpopular. This is why egomaniacs, who became almost legendary in their power, fall from their high places and their life's history is one of dishonor.

2. "To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace."

The practice of tithing is today continued by numerous of the smaller religious denominations. Among these people there have been no paupers, even during the greatest depressions. It has likewise been made manifest that those who also possessed the spirit of tithing, and who do so and give in the spirit of love, never thinking of it as a sacrifice, are the most successful and fortunate in the affairs of life. In the Great Work there are those who do this of their own free Will and accord, and confess that they received manifold blessings.

3. "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."

Profane history tells us nothing of Melchizedek;

Arcane records do: "Melchizedek, the Divinity, personated as the Holy Spirit, or Divine Light dwelling within every human Soul, awaiting awakening, and which if awakened, is being prepared for its highest orders of estate, becoming a perpetual priest (teacher and guide) at the divine Altar, where, as in the Holy of Holies or innermost Sanctuary, the pure white Light of the Soul burns as an Ineffable Fire and with inextinguishable glory."

4. "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils (tenth of all his income).

5. "And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes, of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they came out of the loins of Abraham:

6. "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

7. "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

8. "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it was witnessed that he liveth.

9. "And as I may so say, Levi also, who received tithes, pay tithes in Abraham.

10. "For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

11. "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law),what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron,

12. "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also in the law."

This does not mean an actual change in the Law, the Law being eternal and unchanging, but a NEW INTERPRETATION SUITABLE TO THE NEEDS OF THE TIME AND THE PEOPLE.

13. "For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another trib (another people), of which no man gave attendance at the altar (did not serve God according to the Law).

14. "For it is evident that our Lord (the Nazarene) sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15. "And it is yet far more evident; for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest.

16. "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17. "For he testifieth. Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek."

The only Order or Priesthood spoken of in the Bible as being without time - forever, is the Order of Melchizedek. It is founded upon the Law itself. Its basis is God and the human Soul that has been awakened by REgeneration into Illumination or Consciousness, having been reborn in the spirit, as it was previously into the flesh.

18. "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weaknesses and unprofitableness thereof."

That which does not serve its intended purpose is automatically discarded. That which is not made use of becomes inert and dies. This is the story of the talents. It is an eternal verity. Use, application, creates strength and greater life; misuse creates weakness, and weakness ends in death.

19. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God."

The Soul came to earth without knowledge of good and evil. It came that it might learn to know - become Gnostic. In its knowledge and the application of knowledge toward good, it grows Godward.

In its attainment of Light it perfects itself and thereby becomes a Son of God, one of the gods. Verily, God said; nothing is made perfect, but it becometh perfect in the fulfillment of the Law.

20. "And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21. "(For those priests were made without and oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek."

4. "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek."

The Lord did not hesitate to swear, or take oath binding Himself to His word, but men, unwilling to bind themselves to their word and assume binding obligations, refuse to do so under the excuse that it is sinful to take oath, thereby setting themselves up above the Lord.

The Lord does not repent, i.e., find excuses for not fulfilling His promises. Once His Word is given, He does not retract; and men doing so, defy both God and His Law.

The Priesthood of Melchizedek was not temporary but forever; to last as long as there remained one priest who did his BEST to obey the Divine Law and fulfill the duties imposed upon him by his oath of office.

The Priesthood of Melchizedek, now under the auspices of the Church of Illumination, continues today to function as it has for past centuries under the Order of the Magi. All sincere seekers may enter its portals if they are prepared and willing to assume the obligation required.

The instructions and training are complete in detail and are advanced to meet the requirements of the individual Aspirant. Ordination to the Priesthood is conferred ONLY upon those fully and truly prepared and who are willing to assume full responsibility for their obedience, service and behavior in their high office.

We are fully aware that there is a race which claims to be "God's chosen people;" that there are religious denominations who claim to be "the only true church." We do not quarrel with either.

Accepting the Biblical statement as true, the Priesthood of Melchizedek might readily claim to be the only true, God-Ordained Church, whose Priests shall sit in judgment if we are to believe the Psalmist:

5. "The Lord at thy right hand (of the Priest of Melchizedek) shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath (when He comes to judgment).

6. "He shall judge among the heathen (those who refuse to accept and obey His Laws), he shall fill the places with the dead bodies (judgment come upon those who by continued disobedience have destroyed the Soul); he shall wound the heads over many countries (eliminate those in high position who betray their office and their people).

7. "He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head."

Is there actually a chosen people? Is there an one only church? Is the Priesthood of Melchizedek truly God's only Priesthood and the Members of the Church of Illumination God's only children?

Truth is indeed a hard saying, but those who are sincere in their endeavor to teach mankind the truth must meet truth "face to face" and proclaim it, though it be in condemnation of themselves.

There are "God's chosen people." These are those who actually make every effort to obey God's Law; who try with all their might, to live in the spirit of the Law; who do all in their power to attain the second birth; that of the spirit, in order to bring the hidden Christos and the Consciousness of the Christ into manifestation. They neither interfere with, nor condemn others, but are ever ready to help them. THESE ARE GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE.

Is there one "only true Church of God?" There is a church of God. It is that Church and its Priesthood which is ever ready and willing to teach mankind the Law. It does not consider its own safety in condemning evil wherever it manifests itself. It cannot be bribed by an offer of power or riches. It is ever willing to help all humanity irrespective of creed, color or nationality. It condemns all injustice whether in high or low places, and upholds exact justice tempered with mercy. That is the Church of God; its Priests are God's husbandmen. The Priesthood of Melchizedek was so ordained. Does it fulfill its Divine destiny? Its works must be its judgment.

The Church of Illumination does not proselyte for a formal membership. Anyone may become an adherent. All that is necessary is for one to believe and have whole-hearted faith in its interpretation and be possessed of a keen desire for truth and the restoration of righteousness.

To become an adherent of the Church of Illumination does not require of anyone to withdraw from his or her church affiliations, but it does demand of them that they be seekers after the "Second" birth, and the attainment of REgeneration

The Church of Illumination has several basic tenets which must be adhered to: It expects its adherents to stand firmly for the basic truths inculcated; the firm conviction that it is possible for "mortality to put on Immortality"; the equally strong conviction that for Americans, the American Constitution is basically the work of God; that the right belonging to every human creature come from God and not the State, i.e., that the State is created for the people, and not the people for the State; the inalienable rights of the possession of personal property, and finally, man's personal responsibility for all his acts.

The Church of Illumination does not possess a formal membership list, hence cannot be made an instrument for political or other purposes; nevertheless it is enabled to contact its adherents almost at a moment's notice.

God's "chosen" people are those who, in loving spirit, obey His Law. His Priests are those who uphold and fulfill the Law.
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