The Order of the Kingdom. (Part II.)
1. AND another asked him saying,
Master, wilt thou that there be marriages among us as it is among the nations of earth?
And Iesus answered, saying,
Among some it is the custom that one woman may marry several men, who shall say unto her, Be thou our wife and take away our reproach. Among others it is the custom, that one man may marry several women, and who shall say unto him, Be thou our husband and take away our reproach, for they who love feel it is a reproach to be unloved.
2. But unto you my disciples, I shew a better and more perfect way, even this, that marriage should be between one man and one woman (who by perfect love and sympathy are united) and that while love and life do last, howbeit in perfect freedom. But let them see to it that they have perfect health, and that they truly love each other in all purity, and not for worldly advantage only, and then let them plight their troth one to another before witnesses.
3. Then, when the time is come, let the Angel or Presbyter offer prayer and thanksgiving and bind them with the scarlet cord, if ye will, and crown them, and lead them thrice around the altar and let them eat (of one bread and drink of one cup). Then holding their hands together, let him say to them in this wise, Be ye two in one, blessed be the Holy Union, you whom God doth join together let no man put asunder, so long as life and love do last.
4. And if they bear children, let them do so with discretion and prudence according to their ability to maintain them. Nevertheless to those who would be perfect and to whom it is given, I say, let them be [as] the Angels (of God) in Heaven, who neither marry nor are given in marriage, nor have children, nor care for the morrow, but are free from bonds, even as I am, and keep and store up the Power (of God) within, for their ministry, and for works of healing, even as I have done. But the many cannot receive this saying, only they to whom it is given.
5. AND another asked him saying,
Master, in what manner shall we offer the Holy Oblation?
And Iesus answered, saying,
The oblation (which God loveth) in secret is a pure heart. But for a Memorial of worship offer ye unleavened bread, mingled wine, oil and incense. When ye come together in one place to offer the Holy Oblation, the lamps being lighted, let him who presideth, even the Angel (of the church) or the Presbyter, having clean hands and a pure heart, take from the things offered, unleavened bread and mingled wine with incense.
6. And let him give thanks over them and bless them, calling upon the Father-Mother in Heaven to send their Holy Spirit that it may come upon and make them to be the Body and Blood, even the Substance and Life (of the Eternal) which is ever being broken and shed for all.
7. And let him lift it up toward Heaven and pray for all, even for those who are gone before, for those who are yet alive, and for those who are yet to come As I have taught you, so pray ye, and after this let him break the bread and put a fragment in the cup, and then bless the Holy Union, and then let him give unto the faithful, saying after this manner, This is the body (of the Christ) even the substance of God (ever being broken and shed, for you and for all), unto Eternal Life. As ye have seen me do, so do ye also, in the Spirit (of love) for the words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.
LECTION 92. 4. -Here we have further proof, if any were needed, that Jesus was brought up in the tenets and customs of the Essenes. See "Christianity and Buddhism" (a remarkable book by Arthur Lillie) for the full discussion of the subject.
v. 6. -Similar were the rites of Mithra. From the days of Noah and Melchizedek these pure mysteries were celebrated -though not in the fulness of the light of Christ.