What of the Soul?

Do all Souls ultimately reach perfection? How can we account for the various degrees of Soul development as manifested in the lives of men?

These questions are of absorbing interest to an ever increasing number of people. Many truly hunger for this wisdom and enlightment. They will never be able to find complete peace of mind until they obtain satisfactory answers to these questions. They cannot obtain the answers from another. They ultimately must find the answers within themselves by means of awakening the Consciousness of the Soul through conscious effort and living in harmony with Divine Law.

Search as we will through all of the Biblical Texts, we find that the Soul, like God, its creator, is always described as a Light, or a Fire, and as from heaven, or on high. God is, insofar as man can comprehend, a light or Fire.

Man's Soul is a Spark from that Light or Fire; hidden from the view of all, even from himself, until by effort he has brought it (a) into manifestation and then (b) Consciousness.

The Soul of the average human being is deeply imbedded as in a tomb - a tomb covered with the rubbish of his unwise (sinful) living. It cannot be brought into manifestation or Consciousness unless and until man awakens to the truth and then proceeds by wise (righteous) living to gradually remove all the debris, so that the Christos may come forth as did the Nazarene from his tomb. When this happens then the Soul will be found to be a pure Light. In the Arcane this process is known as Initiation.

In general sense, the Soul can be defined only in terms of its relationship with God, its creator, and its connection with, and influence on, every department of man's threefold nature.

To understand the Soul and its destiny necessitates a knowledge of man's physical being - body, spirit and mind - in its relation with that which is generally unknown and unseen, the Soul, and its effect on man's life activities; THE LIVES OF MAN, ALL MEN, BEING PROOF OF THE SOUL WITHIN.

The body of man is composed of the material elements of earth. It is naturally earthly, i.e., mortal, hence changeable and not certain or positive. The conception of the body is through earthly progenitors, the father and mother in conjunction, when for the moment at least the twain have "become as one." The process of fashioning this body is in silence and darkness. This body will act as a vehicle to serve the Soul, which takes possession at the proper time.

No light shines on the "face of the deep" of the mare (ocean), mother of waters, while and where this is taking place. The sun as yet is still hidden.

This is, in substance, the formation of a new world. It is a little world or microcosm; nevertheless, to all intent and purpose it is a miniature expression of the great world, the Universe, or Macrocosm, prototypic of the greater world of which it will shortly be a citizen.

This new creature, while in the darkness of its own world, is literally swimming in a small sea of its own, in the waters of the "earth." It is without independent life of its own and will remain until the "sixth" day of its creation is finished.

Then the "earth opens," the "waters give way," and the little earth, the embryo of a new man, appears from "out of the waters," and the "light, " the sun, falls upon it. As it gasps for the air which is to be its life and takes in the "first breath," it likewise is given in trust a Spark from God which may, if "cherished and protected," and wisely guided, become a SON OF GOD, ONE OF THE GODS.

Biblically speaking and in different phraseology we are told that at the dawn of creation "God parted the earth from the waters and there was light over the face of the earth." Every birth is the creation of a new world. Once we fully understand this the rest of the mystery is not so difficult to unravel. The new creature is born by being severed from the mother - while the "earth" does part and the "waters" by which it had been enveloped for many months are released. As the new creature comes forth and inhales its first breath, the spirit of its own body, that is, the individual life, is being isolated and lifted out of its darkness within the "sea" into a world, the greater world, of light.

At that very moment, the Soul, or Divine Spark, an emanation from Jehovah (the Creator), is drawn into this newly born creature and at this moment there is a co-mingling of body (earth), spirit (individual life) and Soul (the Divine).

The entity which we know as the brain becomes active. That which we know as the mind is brought into being. An earth-child is born with all the potentialities and possibilities, all the opportunities and privileges, of becoming God or Cosmic Conscious, ONE OF THE GODS.

The body of man is mortal. Its creation is begun and is fashioned by the earthly parents. The spirit which animated it from the very beginning is the principle of life. This spirit of life is common to all living things, animate and inanimate. It is an universal principle. Being impersonal and non - individual, all may use of it as much as they please and to the degree they are prepared to direct.

A certain degree of what is usually termed "mind" is native to all living creatures and is not therefore limited to the human family. There is, however, little evidence that the brain of the lesser creatures is endowed with the faculty of reasoning.

It is reason that separates or differentiates man from these lesser creatures and endows him with the capacity and privilege to become WHATEVER HE PLEASES, PROVIDED HE IS WILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY EFFORT. In all kingdoms of creation below the human there is no manifestation of the power to reason, which power alone indicates the presence of the Spark of Divinity which may be brought into Consciousness and be developed into the "likeness of God," a Cosmic creature.

Technically, the term "mind" must be restricted to the human family. It has reference to that part of man's being which thinks, desires and has a right of choice between remaining a mere human being of the earth, earthly and mortal, or making the effort necessary for "mortality to put on Immortality." In man, the mind's highest functioning is concerned more especially with the development of the inner, inert Spark, into an Immortal being, ONE OF THE GODS.

What of the Soul? Is it a new creation, or may it have existed for ages? Does the Soul possess the potentialities of eternal life?

The Soul in the beginning is an emanation from Jehovah, the God of creation; hence it is a Spark from the Divinity. It is an atom, seed or germ of the Divine. To gain knowledge it seeks experience through habitation in the body of mortal man. As such, it is much like an ungerminated seed remaining in the earth.

The acorn, as an example, contains within itself in potentiality all the characteristics of the stately oak. This acorn planted in the earth will, under proper conditions, germinate, put forth its sprout, and grow into the tree.

As a germ, the Spark of Divinity implanted in man contains in potentiality all the attributes and possibilities of the Divine Nature.

As the Spark is inhaled (drawn in) by the newly born child for its first incarnation, it is like an ungerminated seed. It is as yet undeveloped, unindividualized, unconscious of its Divinity and unawakened to its possibilities. Like the ungerminated seed, it is sleeping the sleep of latency. It must continue so until man, its possessor, awakens to his responsibility and recognizes the possibility of developing the Soul germ within himself.

If, during its first pilgrimage, the process of awakening is begun, but not concluded, then, at the transition of the body, which we know as death, the Soul will pass into the Soul sphere or beyond. Here it will remain until there is an opportunity for it to again enter upon another earthly pilgrimage to make further progress toward achieving the final goal of the Soul, which is Self-Consciousness.

Whether or not the Soul within any man is on its first pilgrimage is impossible to tell, but the basic standard of judgment is given us by the Nazarene: "By their fruits shall ye know then."

By all indications there are at the present time no new emanations from the Creator, Jehovah. This implies that Souls now inhabiting the millions of temples of clay have been on earth before and are in various stages of development toward the ultimate.

Those not having repeated the journey many times are young in experiences. Others are here for the last time, finishing their work; rounding out their imperfections, and gaining freedom from all things that would necessitate their return to the earth realm. These are becoming the SONS OF GOD; ONE WITH THE GODS.

In whatever stage of awakening or degree of unfoldment a Soul may be, the change we know as "death" is a means of relieving it from the tabernacle of flesh and permitting it to enter the realm of Souls for a rest. This also permits the Soul to change or exchange its vehicle, so that it may continue its journey and progress toward its own perfection. The length of a Soul's stay in the realm of Souls depends entirely upon its degree of development and upon its own desire for a speedy return to make further effort.

A highly-evolved Soul with deep aspirations will soon seek to find a suitable opportunity for a return to the earth realm so that it may continue its development and be of service to others less fortunate or advanced. The special desire and aspiration with which the Soul is imbued is the magnetic or attracting power which will draw it to parents capable of furnishing the proper opportunity for its advancement. The vibratory attracting force of its past efforts determines its future environments, its opportunity for rapid advancement and to become a medium of help to others less fortunate.

The Soul of advanced development has long since become fully acquainted with Divine Law. Such a Soul has made every effort to live in harmony with Divine Law and to perform all works necessary for its best interest; choosing as its goal Soul Consciousness and Sonship with the Father.

Having made every effort toward attainment of Cosmic Consciousness, this Soul, during the process, has become so fully charged with the vibrations of the one supreme desire to reach an all-around perfection and purity of heart leading to Conscious Individuality, that on passing through the Great Divide, its every action is governed by this one great desire or aspiration. It is automatically drawn to the persons and the environment making possible its further advancement toward the ultimate goal.

All who make a conscious and continual effort during the present life to attain Soul Consciousness and Illumination, whether or not they wholly succeed, have, by such efforts, earned the right to choose what they wish to attain to in the next incarnation, so that their progress toward the desired goal will not be impeded following reincarnation.

To express this Law more definitely: If they will center their desire during the present incarnation, SPECIFICALLY ON ONE FIXED PURPOSE, one governing passion, this will govern their every activity in the Soul realm, and will be the attracting force in finding the proper parents for further progress. That which becomes established in our CONSCIOUSNESS during the present earth life will continue to be a controlling vibratory force until another and stronger force takes its place.

This change must be made by us if we desire advancement. The magnetic or vibratory (this is one and the same) force resulting from one intense desire long adhered to, will guide the Soul to a parentage and environments that will best enable the Soul to attain its desire and fulfill its wishes. Such a Soul, having become highly sensitized by its one dominant desire and WILLING efforts, becomes, in fact, a law unto itself; a law operating for its own greatest benefits.

On earth, many mothers-to-be, during the period of building a "temple of clay" for the habitation of incoming Souls, vibrate to a certain desire. In the Soul sphere there are incoming Souls vibrating to this same desire. The mother and Soul will be drawn together. It is therefore a Law that we have all been born to parents and into environments best suited to the working out of our destiny.

A Lincoln was born to the poorest of parents and environments. This tested him, because the environment would give him an excuse to become weaker than his parents; a shiftless floater; or his surroundings could act as an incentive to make extraordinary efforts to become strong; to rise above his birth and circumstances, and be not only a beacon light and an example for others to follow, but in addition, a server of humanity. History has given us the answer.

Parents have the privilege and ability to choose the kind of Souls they desire for the bodies they are preparing. They can instill into the mind the desire to draw advanced Souls to themselves for incarnation in the body yet unborn. To bring this about they must think, desire and live in a manner that will raise their own vibrations to the level of highly developed and advanced Souls. This will draw the two together. Just thinking and desiring will not be sufficient to raise the vibrations to such a level. THEY MUST ACT AND LIVE IN HARMONY WITH THE THOUGHT AND DESIRE.

There is also another class of well advanced Souls who gained Wisdom by mastery of the Divine Law. They made the necessary conscious efforts and attained to Soul Consciousness and Illumination. These have become, by right of choice and correct living, SONS OF GOD, one with the gods. They have attained to or found "the Kingdom of Heaven."

They have the right of choice between leaving the earth plane permanently and becoming one of the Hierarchies of the White Brotherhood, or returning to the earth plane, becoming teachers and guides to mankind and experiencing with them their sorrows and joys. Many of these reincarnate at a time best suited to render real service to mankind.

Through suffering, man awakens to the undesirability of living the purely carnal life. Many of these become conscious of the benefits of the higher life. As the years pass, more and more of them will adopt and follow the path of the WAY of life. Many will attain to Soul Consciousness; choose to become world teachers; be of service to mankind and advance the cause of good will to men; peace on earth; thereby bringing nearer the promise of the "Kingdom of Heaven on earth," as visioned by John, the Revelator.

An advanced Soul may be governed by some special desire, such as a passion for music or art, but be unable to fully realize this ambition during the present incarnation. Such a Soul, though having gained full Soul Consciousness and otherwise free, would not find complete happiness in "heaven."

The vibrations governing such a desire have a tendency to gradually draw the Soul earthward until it finds the proper medium for its reincarnation in a family offering the opportunity to become a Master artist and fulfill its desire. If the Soul permits itself to be governed by the desire it will be brought back into an environment enabling it to attain this mastership and benefit mankind.

The future welfare of all humanity depends upon awakening many men to the opportunity and possibility of such achievements. They must implant into the mind the desire to do just this, until at last there will be master statesmen, master men of law and medicine, master of all arts and science; all of them strong enough morally to be willing to work only for the benefit of their fellowmen.

The passions that control in the present life, whether these be good or evil, constructive or destructive, will constitute the vibratory structure built into the Soul and be an inseparable part of the Soul.

These vibrations will be attuned and attracted to a suitable medium (pregnant mother) for that Soul's reincarnation. This is a Law as absolute and invariable as any Law can be. It is a just Law because in ALL INSTANCES it will draw the reincarnating Soul into an environment which will bring about punishment for past sins (evils), or proper reward for past deeds of goodness, while also furnishing the environment best suited for future development.

The man living in a hovel and the man living in a palace are not in their respective places by accident, but as the action of a fixed and immutable law.

Unfortunately, countless human beings constantly live - exist would be a better word - on the earth plane who are without a governing desire of any nature, unless it be purely self-satisfaction. These innumerable ones are actuated by desires and passions ill becoming human beings. Their Souls are not governed by any impressed vibrations strong enough to attract them to any specific medium during incarnations, nor for any specific purpose. They live and are wholly governed by their own weaknesses and by those who take advantage of them. They must continue to so live, life after life, until there is an awakening - a "baptism by water" - and a new understanding comes to them.

Perhaps a far greater number of the human family are lower than these. They are those who do not even attempt to make anything of life. They are satisfied to live a life which is abnormal to both man and animal; a life characterized by immorality, thievery, cruelty and by taking every possible advantage of others.

These live solely for the selfish self without a thought for the welfare of others. They would consider it a weakness to give a kindly thought to their fellowman. They simply exist, and though endowed with the right of choice and free-will, they follow the path of darkness.

The Souls of these have never been aroused from their slumbers. On leaving the house of clay and desolation such a Soul is nothing more than a Spark or atom of Divinty; little more awakened than it was when it first emanated from Jehovah, its creator. In this unaroused, unawakened, unconscious, non-individualized state, it returns to the universal storehouse of Soul emanations whence it came.

At a later time such a Soul will once more be given an opportunity to enter upon a cyclic round of pilgrimages for the purpose of ultimately becoming cognizant of its real mission on earth.

There is another large class of Souls which are to be shunned by all who come in contact with them, and recognized for what they are. These are those who have become acquainted with some aspects of the governing laws and understand something of the possibilities of directing the invisible energies and forces for personal benefits.

While they are in possession of this knowledge and power, they, either ignorantly or malignant by nature, make use of the power they possess for self-benefit, without a thought of the welfare of others.

Not having the correct conception of God and the Cosmic Law, or not caring, they develop the Spark of divinity into a force which they employ for ignoble, selfish and immoral purposes.(1)
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(1) A power or force is neither good nor evil in itself; it is the use made of it that is one or the other.
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Instead of developing the Divine Spark into a glorious, Conscious Soul, capable of righteously and truthfully influencing all with whom it comes in contact, they have awakened it into activity on the plane of selfishness and ignobility. These Souls were fully recognized by the Biblical writers:

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul?" - St. Mark 8:36

"Behold, all Souls are mine; as the Soul of [part of] the father, so also the Soul of the son is mine: The SOUL THAT SINNETH, IT SHALL DIE." - Ezeloe; 18:4.

These are all Souls which continually do evil and, inevitably, they shall meet the fate of the Law. They are the Lucifers of the ages, the Angels cast down from heaven, because having gained some degree of Divine wisdom, they use it for evil purposes instead of for their own welfare and the advancement of others.

There are others even more evil than these. They are those who in a former life gained great knowledge of the Divine Law and its possibilities. They developed great power but began to misuse these forces. Before they could complete their evil purposes they passed into the Great Beyond, from whence after a time they reincarnated.

In due time they again resumed their evil actions, developing into the egomaniacs and destroyers we have known and which history records. These are the Souls which, having so grossly sinned, are "destroyed," though it is not the Soul Spark itself that is destroyed, but the individuality wherein it was incarnated for the time being.

Insanity was once considered as a great Soul evil, but it need not necessarily be such, as the condition may be almost wholly of mind and body. The causes are varied and many. It may be brought about by over-work; efforts beyond the endurance of the physical. It may be the result of some great sorrow; it may be some severe illness; it may follow long-continued indulgences; denials of necessary rest or sustenance of the body. It may have been induced by a multitude of other causes; all due to ignorance and disobedience to natural laws, but not necessarily to viciousness of any nature.

In all instances where deliberate evil was not the cause and where the Soul had gained Consciousness, the misfortune of insanity would in no way effect the Soul. When, as, and if the mind is dethroned, the Soul enters within a silence, to remain so until health is restored or until it is released by physical death.

However, if the mental condition is the result of deliberate and persistent evil acts or habits, or of immoral practices, sins against the Holy Ghost, then the Soul "dies" in that it loses its personality. This is true whether the mind retains its reason or is dethroned as in insanity.

In general, this all-important, most important subject is skillfully and deliberately evaded by almost all, if not all, religious teachers. It is a delicate subject. It is a HARD SAYING, that the Soul can be lost. The Lord himself has been, and continues to be, accused of cruelty in decreeing or instituting a Law which says that any Soul, whatever the reason, shall die.

"How," they ask, "is it possible for anything from God to die or be destroyed?" They are willing to admit that anything continually misused or abused, will gradually be destroyed, but not the Soul. The Soul, in their opinion, though drained out of the body "drop by drop," is not under the Law. The Soul, however evil the person may be, is not destructible. Why do they so think? Because, though they may be evil, and also have an understanding of the Law, they will not admit this possibility insofar as it concerns themselves.

If a Law of Nature or a Law of God can be separated from the other Laws, or if one Law can become inactive, THEN ALL OTHER LAWS LIKEWISE COULD BECOME INACTIVE. A Law is a law because it is unchangeable throughout time and space, otherwise there is no God, hence no such thing as religion.

And why is man so certain that he cannot lose his own Soul? Why do churchmen evade the subject?

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul?  
- St. Mark 8:36.

Once we accept the implication of this question as a fact, as a truth, as a Law, then we must at once recognize that the most important thing in life and throughout all life, is OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE - the SOUL.

From the beginning of the age of responsibility to the end of life we should not recognize anything as of greater value than the Soul. We may with benefit and profit work for the possession of things which will make life more pleasant and easier, BUT WE MUST NOT NEGLECT THE WELFARE OF THE SOUL.

When working toward success in any business or profession we may not put off until tomorrow that which we should do today, lest it result in failure, so may we not, must not, DARE not say, or even admit to ourselves, that the spiritual need of today can be put off till tomorrow, lest THERE BE NO TOMORROW. Under such circumstances we may succeed, or partly succeed in attaining success, and have gained "a little of the whole world," but the Soul, and all that belongs to us, will be lost.

It is our privilege, aye, our duty to improve our every condition in life. This is part of life's responsibility, but side by side with this we must also make the necessary effort toward spiritual realization.

This great, mighty, all-embracing Law is not sidestepped by the Church of Illumination, or the Priest of Melchizedek, but receives first consideration. It is the very foundation of man's future happiness; his future, and even his present, welfare. If neglected, it will lead to the loss of his most precious possession, his Soul. No man entering the Arcane will neglect this most important aspect if he really desires to achieve success.

Though it be only in the embryonic stage, a mere Spark from God, but yet a Spark, can a Soul actually be destroyed? Is this the basis for the edict: "The Soul that sinneth it shall die."

No, the Soul itself cannot be destroyed, but the individualization that might have been achieved, can be and is frequently destroyed. The Soul, or Spark of Divinity, is given into the possession of all normal human creatures at birth. It is placed at the disposal of man, so that by an orderly process he may individualize it and become a part of that Soul, an Immortal entity, a Son of God, one of the gods. If he entirely fails to do this, devoting his life entirely to materiality, or so lives as to destroy the substance of the Soul, then it is not the Soul or Divine Spark itself that is destroyed, but the personality in whose possession it was given.

The Divine Spark, dormant, unawakened, and unconscious, returns to the storehouse of the Godhead. The individual had been given an opportunity to Immortalize himself - mortality putting on Immortality - by means of awakening this Divine Spark into Spiritual Consciousness. Having failed to do so, or possibly never having attempted to do so, and by his evils having destroyed the substances required for Soul awakening, he has thereby destroyed his personality which, by his own efforts, might have become individualized.

Hence, to repeat, it is not in reality the Soul that has been destroyed, but the person in whose possession it was given, and who was so evilly inclined, or so selfish for personal gains, advantages and possessions, that he neglected it "unto death."

"The Soul that sinneth it shall die." That is, this something from God, this "talent" given to you, and because of your failure to "use" it, concentrating your interest elsewhere, is taken from you. You are bereft of what might have become a Divine birthright, in addition to your mortal at birth. "Unless ye be born again ye shall in nowise enter the Kingdom of heaven." This is the same saying employing different words. Bringing the Soul into Consciousness is this REBIRTH so much spoken of and yet so little understood.

The life of the mortal, our everyday affairs which concern the welfare of the body, must not take precedence over the Soul - or its spiritual welfare. Both must proceed hand-in-hand if the Soul is not to be lost to the individual and he thereby be lost in turn, his personality passing into the realm of nothingness.

"What will it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his Soul?" What will it profit him if he becomes possessed of many things; a mansion and all that goes with it; a great leader with much power -dominance over others - even ruler over the world - if, by neglect of his spiritual self, he LOSES EVERYTHING IN THE LOSS OF HIMSELF?

This Law underlying the salvation or Immortalization of man, or his Soul, brings us face to face with the original, basic, spiritual Law concerning tithing to the extent of five or ten percent.

Under the Law given the original Priesthood, stated right in thebeginning of the Scriptural text for the guidance of man and his Soul, you find this statement.

"and Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the Priest of the most high God." - Genisis 14:18.

This Law of tithing was first revealed to man by the original Priesthood. Its companion is likewise taught by the Priesthood, i.e., that just as it is absolutely necessary to tithe in material substance, so it is likewise absolutely and incontestably essential that one tithe part of one's time, that five to ten percent of one's waking hours be given to spiritual thought and effort.

This time should be devoted to contemplation and conscious effort toward Immortalization or the second birth if we desire to be partakers of the spiritual "fruits," i.e., "mortality putting on Immorality." Those unwilling to do this most certainly do not have the things of God in their hearts, hence to all of these the dictum: What will it profit you if you do gain all the world [all honors, all high places], and lose your own Soul?" These certainly will not become "one of God's chosen people.

Perhaps this very day, or tomorrow, you may be called, and you will be compelled to answer that call, then the question will confront you; a question unevadable: "Thus and so did you for yourself, for family and friends, WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR OWN SOUL AND GOD?" In the answer will be your reward or penalty. This is one thing NO human creature on earth can evade: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR YOUR SOUL?

NO one in heaven or on earth can come to your relief. "The Soul that sinneth it shall die," has no qualifications. Moreover, it is well to constantly bear in mind that it is not only essential that a part of each day be devoted to conscious, deliberate effort toward spiritualization, but this effort must be in the spirit of the work, for the love in the heart, and not merely because one seeks to ultimately gain entrance into "heaven."

The spiritual perceptions of mankind, almost as a whole, have become so blunted that we are continually confronted by the question or statement: "If I could be certain of heaven hereafter, I believe I would become a more active member of the church, more of a Christian; but it appears that we cannot be certain of anything."

This expresses one of the lowest instincts in human nature. Never before in the history of the world has it fallen so low. Governments and men in high places are largely guilty of arousing this ignoble tendency in humanity, so that it has become well nigh universal.

The Biblical concept is certain as well as positive. It clearly indicates our responsibility. It states in no uncertain terms what almost all of humanity either ignores or has forgotten:

"... For the laborer is worthy of his hire." - Luke 10.7

Only he who has labored is worthy of his hire and must be paid. This great law of exchange has been so degraded, that now, due to propaganda, all the world is expecting to be paid whether it labors or not. Mankind is commanded to labor and earn, behave and become worthy, then to receive, but instead, millions and millions are taken from those who labored honestly and given to those who "labor not, nor do they spin." Consider this modern attitude:

"We beg of you to accept this payment. Now try to behave and please work so that there may be production of the things needful to man."

So imbued in mankind with the thought and desire of receiving something for nothing; of being paid whether or not they honestly labor; whether or not they are worthy, that the millions are becoming dependents, receiving much and giving nothing in exchange. The few who obey the Law: "labor well that you may be compensated," must bear the burden.

This unworthy thought and feeling has now penetrated the innermost spirit of man. He would no longer come before God, praying to be shown the Way and express a willingness to follow. Many a man, though unworthy, demands to be "shown," wants it proven to him that his sinful Soul will find a resting place in "heaven" after he dies.

If man is desirous of some material thing, whether it be a mansion or an automobile, and does not possess the means, he will, somewhat unwillingly, work in order to become possessed of the necessary means, though he has no assurance that he will ever succeed in accumulating enough to obtain his desire. When, however, his Soul, his greatest treasure is concerned, man now wants proof, the assurance that there is such a place as heaven; such a being as God. He is unconscious of the one mighty truth. In the search for heavenly favors he must start forth humbly, with full faith, without doubt, obeying the Divine Laws as though he were certain of such a state and his ability to obtain the desired reward.

The first mentioned man would be good, would (perhaps) fulfill the Law and make an effort to become worthy of Immortality, if he were given proof that such a state or place existed.

He overlooks the fact that this in itself would never help his "mortality to put on Immortality." His would be a selfish goodness; a goodness looking forward to a reward. That will not do. That is not a spiritual goodness. A Spiritual goodness is in doing good, not because of any expectant reward, but because there is goodness in the heart; there is a love of goodness and pleasure in doing good. A man showing forth such goodness, following such a life, will gradually change "mortality into Immortality" and the heavens will open to him.

Here is an associate question of many who seek to enter the Arcane: "Does the August Fraternity and its Priesthood of Melchizedek posses the proofs or is it possible to set forth convincing facts that man DOES possess a Soul, and that God exists and heaven is actually a state or place?"

Such proof exists, but neither the Priesthood nor the Fraternity would produce evidence or proof, even if by doing so the multitudes would flock to it. Why not? Those who do not have the love of God in their hearts and are not willing to accept Him by faith; who are not inclined to do good, or to love for love's sake, but for a reward that might follow, are wholly unworthy. All the evidence in the universe, even God Himself, would be no proof to selfish seekers. If they did accept the evidence, they would be wholly unworthy.

Men who seek to do good because it pays, are not good in heart. Those who in good time will come to know God must have goodness, that is, love in the heart. They must live goodness because of their love for that which is good.

Men who request proof that goodness pays, before they are ready to do good, are on a par with those who seek to be paid first and then labor, or who labor as little as possible and demand all they can obtain, though it was never earned by them. Perhaps St. Matthew had many of the present-day leaders and self-appointed teachers in mind when he wrote:

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
- St. Matthew 24:24.

Mankind is currently led to believe that the less it labors the greater will be its gain for all. Many also believe that others can provide for them the miracle of their unworthy "mortality to put on Immortality," and assure them entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven without effort on their part.

The awakening and developing of the Soul into the Christic state is clearly illustrated by the Nazarene in the parable of the talents. The only conclusion the honest seeker can reach is: He must MAKE USE OF THE TALENTS INTRUSTED TO HIM IF HE WOULD REAP THE REWARD. THIS MUST BE DONE IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT, IN FAITH AND WILLINGNESS. LABOR DONE BEFORE THE REWARD IS FORTHCOMING.

Man is endowed with Free Will to do as he pleases. If he rejects the Law, then in turn he has no complaint If IN TURN HE IS REJECTED. The original emanation from the Deity Jehovah is eternal in its nature, and as such is indestructible. In its original state, properly speaking, it is by no means a Soul. It is a Divine Spark. It possesses the potentialities of a Soul.

To become a Soul it must be brought into manifestation. It is the seed or "germ" of Divinity, but it must be nursed with conscious effort through a stage of growth and development and brought into enlightenment. It must attain a free and separate, independent status, a Consciousness of its own existence.

Man, as we have stated, is given Free-Will. He can recognize, or refuse to recognize, destroy or bring into Consciousness, this Divine Spark within himself. If he fails in his duty, if he does not give time and attention to this Immortal part of himself, if he is so occupied with worldly affairs that he will not devote part of his time to this Spark which may become a Conscious Soul, an Immortal being, then truly he will lose it, and of him it may be said that "he who sinneth by refusing attention to his Soul, shall lose it, and of what benefit is it that he has gained the whole world?"

All he does toward this end must be of his own free Will; his own lofty desire for the good; for things spiritual and Divine, and not merely because a benefit is to be gained. The good that must be bought by promises of benefit or assurances of success, is not goodness.

It is no more than lulling the "beast" (selfish self) to sleep, only to awaken more of the beast when appeasement, promises and benefits cease. God neither appeases nor subsidizes any man. What right has man to do so?
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