As the seeker after Divine Wisdom begins to recognize the truths as they manifest themselves, and realizes that he can continuously develop within himself, in the immediate present, the true likeness and image of Christisis, his effort will become less difficult, because his desires and ideals will begin to take form, and this will give him greater faith in his ability to succeed.

With the new conditions will come the realization of the possession of here-to-fore unknown powers and forces and the student becomes conscious of an ability to use all his faculties. He becomes aware that he is also beginning to regenerate his Will and as a result of this, be able to work in the spirit as well as to the letter. The basis of his efforts will become spiritual rather than material and a new creature; a new being will begin to be born; a Soul-being to be known to him as the Christisis.

As he progresses, he will gain greater knowledge of the faculties and powers of the mind. He will begin to realize the real purpose of the mind and the vastness of its ramifications if properly directed.

In due time the student will begin to realize the real purpose of the mind and the vastness of its ramifications if properly directed.

In due time the student will realize that the mind is a generator of vast power and creative force; that he is the mechanic in charge of this generator and can direct the forces where, and as, he will; to the end of constructiveness or destructiveness; creativeness or the nullification of that already created.

If his desires are of the right nature he will wisely center his mental faculties upon the building of a wonderful structure; that temple "not made with hands," and "without sound of hammer." this structure when properly purified, will be the temple for an Illuminated Soul; a temple such as Solomon built for himself; a temple where in the Lord of Light can dwell. This is the work of Christification.

As the seeker progresses in his development of the triune being; Body, Mind and Soul, he will gain a clearer insight into all things that concern his well-being. Little things will no longer trouble him as once they did; he will lay aside all prejudice; he will come into the realization that all things are for a purpose, and that even evil, undesirable as it appears to be, has its use. He will recognize that evils are the "rough stones" which must be correctly hewn and polished in order to become part of the great temple. With this realization he recognizes the truth that all men are builders; but that some must first rear down before they can rebuild and this will modify, if not totally change, his judgement of his fellow men.

Man came to earth as a builder; to build wisdom, i.e., help the Soul gain a knowledge of both good and evil, so that it might be wise like unto its creator. This truth is incorporated into the beautiful allegory of the building of the Temple of Sol-om-on. Each one must come into the realization that he, like Solomon, must build such a temple; that the material to be used is already in his possession; that it must be refashioned, that is, must be changed to fit the purpose, and that in the process of transmutation, the Soul must be awakened and brought into Consciousness, this being the "keystone" of the structure. Unless man comes into this realization his destiny cannot be fulfilled and he must return to earth time and again until he becomes conscious of the reason for being here.

Man must be a creator. In truth, man is a creator, but more often than not, his creation is not of the acceptable type. He creates, not to build up, to uplift and exalt; but to bring destruction. His temple is not that of Solomon, but a tower of Babel wherein all is confusion, and the peace which is heaven, is not there found.

The weaknesses which are of the flesh and of the "devil," because they bring about no "good thing," must be overcome. In the overcoming, strength is gained and this strength must then be directed to a noble purpose. By overcoming man enters the estate of manhood, and with manhood comes a new desire; one too exalted to do any evil thing to bring disgrace upon that noble status.

Weakness is in itself an evil because it permits evil to be done. In weakness there is inherent selfishness, and selfishness stultifies the Soul. Selfishness stands in the way of spiritual development and retards attainment. Selfishness must be transmuted into the noble emotions we know as compassion, graciousness, generosity, charity, nobleness of character and all the other desirable traits which belong more to the spiritual self than to the form we know as man. In this process of transmutation we prepare for the awakening and the "forthcoming or Resurrection of the Soul"' This being a part of the work necessary for Christification.

The Soul is given into our care as a "most precious thing." We are at liberty to make of it what we will, either a demon or an angel. The Soul we create, or more properly speaking, the Individuality "we build into it," through the thoughts we think and the desires in the heart; these thoughts and desires being the incentive, the directors of our daily acts; the acts themselves being of the nature of the thoughts and desires. Thought mastery is the "key" to all true building; if our thoughts are pure and ennobling, we cannot do otherwise than engage in the construction of a beautiful building, a perfect temple.

We are creators. We create as certainly and as continuously as he who created us. The thoughts we think, the desires we permit in the heart, these are the creators of our character and are built into the body and Soul. We are free entities; we have free Will; we are at liberty to entertain whatever thoughts and desires we wish; the choice is our own; we can be constructive or destructive; good or evil.

In the religious tenets of the Nazarene it is written: "He that saith I know him and keep not his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him." This is to say that if we profess to be conscious of God's presence but do not obey his Law, we are guilty of falsehood, we are not acquainted with the truth, and it is therefore impossible for us to know God. If, on the contrary, we are truly in search of the truth, if we desire to understand the Law. Then we will do all in our power to harmonize ourselves with the Law. If we do this consciously, then will we come to feel, realize and recognize the giver of that Law and we will know "Him"' this is the Christification; the coming of Manisis to dwell within the temple constructed for his presence.

To the seeker after truth, to the Acolyte in the temple, religion is now no longer considered as something special for just one day in the week; the day we keep as Sunday; something to put on and take off as we do a clean suit of clothes to go to church. True religion is a becoming; a living, vital part of life. It is something that must be made a part of life, something to be lived every moment of the day; something that must be the gauge of every act of life, however menial it may be. Religion, the incentive to our actions, must be a living desire; the measure of our conscious actions; each action a "stone" in the eternal structure. Unless this is true we are not possessed of a religion; we do no more than superficially subscribe to a creed.

As the Acolyte progresses in the building of his temple he will be equally successful in the process of bringing the Divine Spark into life or consciousness, and will learn to live in harmony not only with his own Soul, but also with all other Souls seeking the way, and ultimately this will be the means of establishing the "kingdom of heaven on earth" as visualized by John the Revelator. In perfect ratio to this duel development, his discriminating faculty becomes clearer, keener and more penetrating. He will begin to see things as they are, as "through a glass clearly." His judgement will be tempered by the warmth of a kind heart; his actions in relation to others will be based on strict judgement tempered by recognizing provocation, and he will be as a brother to all who will accept him as such.

The Nazarene made the statement that the "Word became flesh and dwelt among men." While this has its esoteric meaning, it is nevertheless an exact statement of practical truth. The word is the "Truth which becomes the spirit and is made manifest." The Word is "the truth applied in our thoughts, desires and acts," and thereby is built the Soul; through the application of the truth the Soul is awakened and brought into consciousness; this is Christification.

Every student has free opportunity and the Will power necessary to bring the Word into the flesh; that is, by the application of truth, or that which represents reality, he transmutes the undesirable into the spirit and this becomes the Christisis. To do this he permits the mind to think only those thoughts which personify truth; these in turn give birth to desires of like nature and he is activated to do only those things which the Word represents. This is the process of building that temple which is a power for good; not alone in a religious sense, but in a practical sense as well. He who builds in the spirit, according to the Word, is certain to be a success in life or in the accomplishment of anything he earnestly undertakes.

As a result of correct thinking and right living, the Acolyte becomes conscious of an increasing readiness to adjust his thoughts, words, desires and actions in harmony with the spiritual direction of an ennobled (fair, just, honest) life. In perfect accord with this practice or way of life will come about, as water from a hidden spring, an increase of knowledge in every direction, and especially so in definitely adjusting himself to all conditions in the natural and material life; gaining a greater influx of life, Light, power from the spiritual sphere and thus he is three-fold blessed. He gains greater spiritual life and power; learns how to direct his forces and energies in their application to material affairs; conscious that he is becoming an individualized being, a Son recognized by the Father, subject only to the Laws of God.

As he continues to progress in this spiritual evolution, for such it is, his judgment becomes constantly clearer and there will develop a balance between reason and intuition; the one an action of the mind, and the other of the Soul which is becoming awakened and active.

Reason will determine the use of intelligence on the natural and material plane of action, while intuition reveals the light of intelligence on both the natural and spiritual planes, and when this is accomplished man has become a two-fold being.

The Acolyte's attainment to that clear inner vision sometimes called spiritual perception, and by exercising this poser intelligently and conscientiously, the whole character becomes permeated with the quality of equity; the spiritual essence of justice. This faculty regenerated is the mediator between the natural and spiritual life and keeps it in balance.

Love, tenderness, kindness, graciousness, especially graciousness, and kindliness based on reason, are cardinal essentials for the development of the Divine, Christic or Manistic in man; and unless these emotions are active, the Divine cannot be contacted, nor can it find its rightful place within the Soul.

What is the Word? It is spirit; using the term in its true sense as meaning the "spiritual," or "Divine," the opposite to the material or human. It is the fire from heaven when representing the Holy Ghost. It is the fire of the world when it represents the sun which is the life-giver; it is the Soul of man when brought into consciousness and manifestation. It is the Spirit of God afloat and all-embracing in the world with which all men, "all these the least of my brethren," may make contact if they are willing to put aside the evil in their nature and be human instead of brutal. It is here as the "Light that lightest every man that cometh into the world," but man must be willing to create the necessary and proper conditions so that this Light, like the "dove sent out by Noah from the ark," may "find a resting place" within the spiritual self of man. If a man does not possess this Light, then it is his own fault, and it is a clear indication that he has made little or no effort to bring about, or create, the conditions necessary for its reception. God, the all-Father, offers this Light to every man who comes into the world, but only under certain conditions. The condition is that man must "make clean the lamp" which is to manifest the Light; that is, he must change or transmute the evils which create and give forth naught but darkness into the emotions of the Soul capable of reflecting the Light when received.

To make it possible for us to become that which it was intended we should be, we must accept the Divine Law with mind and heart and live within the Law, irrespective of what those about us may think. The rear of what others may think has always been the "terror" that has kept man out of "heaven." We must be fully conscious of the fact that as long as we obey the Law and live in harmony with it to the best of our ability, there will be no need of fear, the action of the Law being our protection.

To live on the basis of Divine Law eliminates cant and creed, and requires of us neither more mor less than that we live a natural life; that we harbor neither hate not thoughts of other evils; that love in the heart be the governing force in our character; that we recognize ourselves as "at-one" with the Universal Creative energy and, recognizing this, harmonize our threefold being, body, mind and Soul, with this creative power to the very best of our ability.

If the Acolyte endeavors to manifest love but continues to hold thoughts of hate, malice, envy, resentment or jealousy in the hert he is hypocritical. These evils will then feed, and permit to wax strong, the serpent in the heart, that it may destroy, and the destruction will not be wrought against others, but against the one who harbors the destructive thoughts. The first necessity is to bring about a radical change within the self. It is incumbent to replace the evil, unkind, malicious thoughts in the mind after the manner a good gardener roots out the weeds that would in time destroy his beautiful flowers, and as one does this, replace these others of like nature; these being the beautiful flowers in the garden of the Soul; this being the process of Christification, the Becoming, or Manisis.

Every evil and non-constructive thought and desire creates a poisonous toxin and he who permits the distillation of these poisons must drink it and be ultimately destroyed by it. It is therefore well to come into a full realization of this fact and, knowing this, to control the activity of the mind. Lest we forget, let us repeat: Mind is the Creator, the Builder; it is also the Destroyer. Each one of us is an engineer in charge of that mighty machine; we may direct it as we Will, and in whatever channel we it, so will be the ultimate result.

To yield the mind to grief, anger, fear or other indulgences of like nature is to attract influences of like nature. Does not the Law state: "That which I feared has come upon me." Everything that exists attracts that of like nature, unless it is controlled and eliminated before the reaction is possible.

He who seeks to build for himself, and as a pert of himself, a powerful, constructive mind, a potent individuality and a glorious Soul, must be careful to avoid all intense feelings closely allied to the ignoble passions, even to that of excessive grief; such grief in general being a manifestation of selfishness; not sorrow for others, but pity for what has been lost to itself.

To build up a powerful superstructure and an inner spiritual entity, it is well to repeat to yourself, whenever you think of it, the concept of the highest form of truth regarding which you have become conscious. Day by day, hour by hour, establish the habit of creative thinking, and, in doing so, build up a generator of mighty power as a part of your being. If you seek to accomplish a specific work of any kind, sit down and think quietly, earnestly and with full faith of just what you desire to bring into manifestation. If possible, use your creative faculty to paint or draw a design of this desire in your mind, picturing the thing you desire to accomplish. It it is something that cannot be visualized, express it in words or feeling; center your attention on both the means and the accomplishment. This is to be practiced as an exercise in concentration and centralization. Once you have entered on the project do not give up until the work is finished, otherwise you will weaken your constructive ability.

Unless your desire and ideal is a part of your usual occupation, it should in no way interfere with it; at least, not until such a time as you have progressed far enough in bringing your ideal sufficiently into manifestation so as to enable you to substitute it in place of your former occupation and make of it your life's work.

It is well to set aside a specific time each day for the purpose in mind. By doing this you will be able to center your entire attention on the one thing you most desire to accomplish. Begin this practice of concentration by focusing your thoughts completely on the subject, or the project, for ten minutes, gradually increasing the time until you are capable of holding the thoughts on the subject for any length of time. This will be difficult at first; just as difficult as concentration is for the boy who loves to play ball; who is forced to practice on the piano. At first such concentration is impossible and he thinks mostly of the game, but, as he continues the practice and gradually comes into the spirit of the music, the game is forgotten. This is the secret of success in concentrating. This, however, is only the beginning. You must also so all in your power, make every possible effort, to master all the details connected with the accomplishment of the thing you have set out to do.

Only the listening ear is able to catch the vibrations from the higher realms; only the faithful heart is worthy of the revelations that issue from the inmost self, the Christisis; only those who are faithful to their ideals will receive the help of the spirit of that ideal. Those who are careless, listless and not completely in the spirit (fully sold) to that which they seek to bring about or accomplish are wholly unworthy of the aid given those whose whole heart and Soul are in the project they have in view.

The Acolyte should remember that there is but one Law. The natural law is as harmonious with the spiritual law as is the spiritual law with the natural. The Occult or Hermetic Law that governs in every department of life in the natural world, as also in the spiritual (heavenly) world, is:

"As in the above, so in the below, As in the below, so in the above."

Occultism does not teach a one-sided, unbalanced philosophy, recognizing, as it does, that balance, equilibrium, is the whole of the Law, and this means the harmonizing of your dual nature; the development, concurrently, of both your material self and your spiritual nature. We teach you how to succeed in the material world by an application of spiritual laws; the awakening and bringing into consciousness of the Soul, by the acceptance and direction of your natural faculties, all under direction of the Divine Law.

The labor of the honest man, be this what it may, becomes his religion, because no success can be real or lasting unless it is based on absolute, i.e., spiritual Law. In all of man's work it is to his advantage to keep attuned and responsive to the vibrations from the infinite intelligence so as to attract everything necessary to build a successful life and increase the knowledge necessary in attaining to the highest degree of development. This is possible only by the elimination of all that we recognize as evil, therefore undesirable. In the process of elimination this evil we bring into manifestation the Christisis within. This makes it possible for man's inmost being to become responsive at all times to the emanations from the infinite center of intelligence.

To bear us out in this statement of Occult philosophy it is only necessary to repeat that potent and all-embracing Law annunciated by the Nazarene, acknowledged by all as positive and just, yet accepted and applied by only the very few:

"As a man soweth, so shall he reap."

This is in effect all of the Law, because in it is embraced and included every set of which man is capable. Whatever mans thought, so will be his desires, and harmonizing with his desires will be his acts. As Man acts, i.e., whatever he does, has a direct effect upon him; but, more than that, as it effects others, so will be the reaction of his acts upon himself. Man must reap as he has been sowing; he will continue to reap as he continues to sow, and no power on earth or from heaven is strong enough to nullify that edict.

As the Acolyte progresses in the Great Work his faculties of judgment will become more and more developed and harmonized with the spirit which we know as the Law. In proportion as the natural man is made obedient to the spirit, he also becomes obedient to the Divine presence we know as the Christos. If this process continues, Christification progresses and finally the Christisis comes into being.

If this development is not interfered with, the consequent greater reliance upon the Divine will make man an instrument of the Infinite and qualifies him to be ordained for the greater Ministry. The purpose of creation is to express perfection. It is the destiny of man and must ultimately be fulfilled, the creation of the divine within man must be brought into manifestation. This is the expression of the Creator, of the likeness of God, the becoming of Manisis as the Son of God.

The process of attainment is possible only by the building, i.e., the awakening of the Soul asleep within man. This effort, though spiritual, reflects powerfully upon the whole man' physically and materially as well as on the whole of the spiritual self. The ultimate is not merely an intellectual comprehension, but also a dual physical-spiritual realization. It is a knowledge inherent in the soul, once it is awakened and become Conscious. It is not a belief, a faith, but an attainment that brings a new wisdom, obtainable only from the Soul.

All life, all power, all that embraces love, belongs to the Soul. After the body is discarded and returned to its native elements, the Soul in its infinite love remains. "Build ye not for the present, but unto eternity." In doing this nothing will be taken from you, but much will be added unto you.
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