The Order of the Kingdom. (Part III.)
1. AND another spake, saying,
Master, if one have committed a sin, can a man remit or retain his sin?
And Iesus said,
God forgiveth all sin to those who penitence, but as ye sow, so also must ye reap; Neither God nor man can remit the sins of those who penitence nor nor forsake their sins; nor yet retain the sins (of those) who forsake them. But if one being in the spirit seeth clearly that any penitence and forsake their sins, such may truly say unto the penitent, Thy sins are forgiven thee, for All sin is remitted by penitence and amendment and they are loosed from it, who forsake it and bound to it, who continue it.
2. Nevertheless the fruits (of the sin) must continue for a season, for as we sew so must we reap, for God is not mocked, and they who sow to the flesh shall reap corruption, they who sow to the spirit shall reap life, everlasting. Wherefore if any forsake their sins and confess them, let the Presbyter say unto such in this wise, May God forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to everlasting life. All sin against God is forgiven by God, and sin against man by man.
3. AND another asked him, saying,
If any be sick among us, shall we have power to heal even as thou dost?
And Iesus answered,
This power cometh of perfect chastity and of faith. They who are born (of God) keep their seed within them.
4. Nevertheless if any be sick among you, let them send for the Presbyters (of the church) that they may anoint them with oil (of olive) in the Name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith, and the going out of power, with the voice of thanksgiving, shall raise them up, if they are not detained by sin, of this, or a former life.
5. AND another asked him saying,
Master, how shall the holy assembly be ordered and who shall minister therein?
And Iesus answered.
When my disciples are gathered in my Name let them choose from among themselves true and faithful men and women, who shall be ministers and counsellors in temporal things and provide for the necessities of the poor, and those who cannot work, and let these look to the ordering of the goods of the church, and assist at the Oblation, and let these be your deacons, with their helps.
6. And when these have given proof (of their ministry) let them choose from them, those who have spiritual gifts, whether
of guidance, or
of prophecy, or
of preaching and
of teaching and healing,
that they may edify the flock, offer the Holy Oblation and minister the mysteries (of God) and let these be your Presbyter, and their helps.
7. And from these who have served well in their degree let one be chosen who is counted most worthy, and let him preside over all and he shall be your Angel. And let the Angel ordain the deacons and consecrate the presbyters—anoint them and laying their hands upon them and breathing upon them that they may receive the Holy Spirit for the office to which they are called. And as for the Angel let one of the higher ministry anoint and consecrate him, even one of the Supreme Council.
8. For as I send Apostles and Prophets so also I send Evangelists And Pastors—the eight and forty pillars (of the tabernacle)—that by the ministry of the four I may build up and perfect my Church. and they shall sit in Jerusalem (a holy congregation) each with his helper and deacon, and to them shall the scattered congregations refer in all matters pertaining to the Church. And as light cometh so shall they rule and guide and edify and teach my Holy Church. They shall receive light from all, and to all shall they give more light.
9. And forget not with your prayers and supplications intercessions and giving of thanks, to offer the incense, as it is written in the last of your prophets, saying, From the rising of the sun unto the setting of the same incense shall be offered unto My Name in all places with a pure oblation, for My Name shall be great among the Gentiles.
10. For verily I say unto you, incense is the memorial (of the intercession) of the saints within the veil, with words that cannot be uttered.