This individual is only in the broadest metaphysical sense (as already defined), an Avatar, which, as shown, is a composite idea, focused in and represented by an individual man or teacher.

The work of this Master is to instruct, to exemplify, and to demonstrate, the ancient Wisdom on Scientific lines, in keeping with the needs, the opportunities, and the scientific spirit of the present age.

He does not preach to the multitude in parables. He undertakes to instruct the few who are ready and qualified to receive such instruction, and who will properly use and not abuse it, and he does this "without money and without price"; "without the hope of fee or reward." (Herein is the Avataric Spirit of Freemasonry.)

What his reward will be with the rabble, or with the "money changers," he knows too well, but to such as he, fear is unknown.

I am speaking not for him, but of him, after the blessed privilege of seven years of the most intimate association, and such co-operation as I have been capable of giving.

His plan and motive seem to be to get as much as possible of this knowledge of the soul, and of spiritual things, to the attention of the "progressive intelligence of the present age," in order that it may become exemplified and diffused among all classes, and for the benefit of the whole human race.

We have passed the age of fable, and of blind faith, and have come to the age of fact and law. Kali Yuga means the Iron Age.

As two natures, the physical and spiritual, meet and mingle in the constitution of man, so do his faculties, capacities, and powers mingle and function on the two planes, the physical and the spiritual, though very largely on the former, with the great majority in any age or time.

There is implanted in the very foundation of man's being the idea or the consciousness of a separable soul. It would seem to be an intuition, for with nearly every people of which we have any knowledge, no matter how near the animal plane, the belief or the folklore of a separable soul exists, in many cases held to be separable during life, and in most cases believed to survive the death of the physical body. (See folio editions of Herbert Spencer's "Descriptive Sociology," and Chapter XIII, herein.)

It has generally been held by scientists and commentators, that this intuition, or belief, results largely from dreams.

To say that dreams, in general, are mere fantasies, or the results of imagination, and have no real basis in consciousness, is folly; for dreams are of many kinds, and present great varieties.

They are, moreover, both reminiscent and prophetic, sometimes moving like any other conscious experience, from fact to fruition, and in others, we are unable to relate them to any other conscious experience.[1]

Hypnosis and Telepathy are related to the same states, so much so, that the modern scientist has been constrained to coin two new terms to avoid endless repetitions, viz.: "subliminal" and "supraliminal" states of consciousness.

Bearing in mind all these subjective states and experiences, including the whole range of so-called mediumship, the theorem of the Masters and adepts of all ages may be made exceeding plain.

[Footnote 1: For a very valuable and suggestive treatise on "Sleep," see F. W. H. Myers "Human Personality," Chap. IV.]

It consists in the dominance of the Will over all conscious states.

This is the Alpha and the Omega—the principle, the potency, and the act—of Mastership.

The mind of the Master no longer drifts in a boundless sea of fantasy, but with rudder and compass, he guides his ship whithersoever he would go.

This does not mean that there are not still degrees and related states and conditions of consciousness in his experience.

It does mean, however, that all these states and conditions, with all his faculties, capacities, and powers, are co-ordinated, not only in his awareness of them as a whole, but in the exercise of each and its relation to the others, dominated by his own Will.

He has "Mastered" them, and can incite or repress them, while they can no longer dominate him. Can the reader imagine such a degree of Self-Control?

This, however, is but the beginning, as the "Secret of Power," and by no means the end.

Controlling the phases and forms of consciousness, there comes next the determination to extend their boundary and to refine and elevate the powers of the Soul.

In the first case, that of co-ordination, the ancient Wisdom admonishes the student or chela to "make the mind one pointed, like a light burning in a quiet place." Light a candle and put it in a corner where no draught can reach it, and the flame will seem as though cut out of solid fire, and "one pointed."

It is at the point of refining and elevating the individual consciousness that Ethics or Morals come in. It is just at this point also that the Path is determined.

What our ancient Brothers called "the power of Will and Yoga"—self-control—may ignore Ethics. Here the paths separate, and are called "the Right-hand Path" and "the Left-hand Path," determining the "White" and the "Black Magician," about whom so much is said in all ancient scriptures and traditions regarding "Sorcery" and "Black Magic," of which Egypt and Rome and Modern Mediumship and Hypnotism, are illustrations.

The supreme importance of this natural division or "parting of the way" reveals the real and final reason why the Masters of the "right-hand path" conceal their knowledge from the profane and reveal it only after an ethical formulary has been learned and once for all ingrained.

The "Thugs" of India are no more an idle dream nor a bugaboo to frighten children and old women than are the Mafia and the Roman Jesuit to-day.

In Egypt the time came when these "Black Magicians" dominated the people and drove out those of the right-hand path who built the great pyramid and gave to Egypt the wisdom and glory of its prime.

The consciousness and power of these evil men, however, was limited to the lower planes. Whenever they wished to transcend these lower planes they were powerless. Hence arose the Sibyl; young boys or virgins were hypnotized, and being pure, they could thus be inducted into a somewhat higher plane. (See Mabel Collins' "Idyll of the White Lotus.")

Margrave, in Bulwer's "Strange Story," is a fine picture of an "adept of the left-hand path." He would sacrifice the whole human race in order to gain his personal and selfish ends, just as would "Mother Church" to-day.

The Master of the White Lodge would readily lay down his life for the benefit of his fellowmen. Herein is the vital difference.

Here lies the meaning and the complete antithesis represented by Christos and Satan. Both names are generic and Avataric, and yet, may be personified.

This elevating and refining process to which I have referred is not a matter of sentiment or emotion, but a matter of fact, with a definite, scientific formula.

In a previous chapter belief in the existence AND SEPARABILITY OF THE HUMAN SOUL HAS BEEN SHOWN to be virtually universal, and in some cases, even with people of very low development, the belief is held that the soul may be separated from the body and reunited again during life.

This is, however, a belief, and proves nothing as to fact, science, and law, beyond the existence of the belief, with all the appurtenances, concomitants, and subjective experiences of individuals thereunto belonging.

We thus arrive at the real theorem as a cold psychological problem.

Can the existence and separability of the soul of man, during his physical embodiment on earth, and its survival of the death of the physical body, be scientifically demonstrated as a fact?

If so, then the principles involved, the methods employed and the whole modus operandi must be capable of exact, scientific formulation, the same as any other theorem of science.

Furthermore, granting that this is true, and that it can be done according to exact formulary, the value, the effect of such a demonstration upon the character and the normal faculties, capacities, and powers of the individual who undertakes and accomplishes such a demonstration, must be revealed and taken fully into account.

Does it elevate or degrade him? Is it in line with normal evolution, and therefore, potentially the birthright, and finally, through spiritual evolution, the higher destiny of all men?

Nor is this all. The effect of the existence of such Knowledge and of its teaching, upon communities, as a substitute for blind superstition, credulity, or belief, must also be taken into account.

It may thus be seen how much even beyond the mere fact of demonstration, is included in this transcendent problem; this question of all ages, "If a man die, shall he live again?" or, "Does the real man ever die at all?"

Now it is a demonstrated fact, proven in every case of a genuine Master, and held inviolable in the "Greater Mysteries" of every age and time, that the ethical question above raised, as to the effect upon individuals and society, comes first, and is made a test of the "first step" in the way of demonstration.

This is the meaning of the oft repeated quotation, the candidate for initiation must first be "worthy and well-qualified, duly and truly prepared."

This comprises and constitutes the "Lesser Mysteries," as in the School of Pythagoras, viz.: the instruction of the neophyte in ethics or morals.

Nor is this instruction sufficient in any case. The candidate must himself demonstrate that he has absorbed, apprehended, and utilized such instruction by "Living the Life."

In other words, it must have become so ingrained in his character as to govern absolutely all his acts and impulses to action, i.e., automatic, habitual, and natural.

In the School of Natural Science this comprises and constitutes the "Ethical Section of the General Formulary."

In the School of Pythagoras we are informed that students sometimes remained for years in the "outer court," and sometimes they failed entirely and hopelessly, and went back to the outer world. Whereupon a white stone was erected to their memory as though they were dead. They were indeed, for the time being, dead to the School.

This fully answers the ethical question as to the effect of this real knowledge on the individual and on mankind.

The real Master sees to it that all that precaution can provide, or human wisdom can suggest, is done to insure beneficent use of the knowledge gained.

It is here that "degrees" in initiation become a necessity. Every step, or passage of the candidate from a lower to a higher degree, is marked and determined finally and solely by his "proficiency in the preceding degree."

The question of Morals, or the ethical effect, therefore, is pre-determined, and as far as possible, solved first.

But even with all this wise precaution, the unprepared and the unqualified have sometimes entered the outer courts; and when compelled at last to reveal their character, have turned to rend their teachers, and have done their utmost to destroy the School and demoralize mankind.

If these moral renegades could only realize the meaning to themselves of thus entering the "Left-hand Path" of devolution and of starting voluntarily "down the deep descent," as portrayed in Dante's "Inferno," or in Ahrinzeman, they would, indeed, hesitate long before "turning to the left," for inevitable destruction lies that way.

Here lies the scientific explanation of the "Fall of Lucifer," portrayed in some form in the pantheons and mythologies of every philosophy and religion known to man.

The ordinary "sinner" may yet possess an "average" of all the virtues, and the ordinary "saint" an "average" of all the vices. Concerning these it was said, "I would have you either hot or cold, but because ye are neither hot nor cold, I have spewed you out of my mouth." No lukewarm soul ever entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

But a time at last comes when the soul of man, enmeshed in the "lusts of the flesh and the deceitfulness of riches," must make his choice. He realizes that he can no longer "serve two masters." He will make his choice knowingly, deliberately, and voluntarily. Happy and blessed will be he if with his whole soul, and with every impulse of his being, he declares, "I know not what others may do, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

If there are real Masters (and there are), they have to work under both Natural and Divine Law, and in strict harmony with the higher evolution of the whole human race.

It is only a low, feeble, and undeveloped intelligence that finds God and Nature at cross-purposes.

He who has found "the place of peace," harmonized his own nature, purified his own life, and elevated all his desires and aspirations, has discerned the "harmony of the morning stars," and caught the symphony of the heavenly hosts. In other words, he is already functioning on the Spiritual Plane.

This would seem to make clear the ethical problem raised, the stress placed upon it, and how it is met and answered by every genuine Initiate throughout the ages.

It has to be solved first in each individual case. Only "he who lives the life shall know the doctrine," or advance to power.



CHAPTER XV

THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY AS A KNOWLEDGE OF THE HUMAN SOUL

The writer of the present treatise is quite well aware that the great majority of intelligent and educated people at the present day will deny that any real knowledge of the human soul as a spiritual entity, separable from the physical body during life and demonstrably surviving its death, exists now, has heretofore existed, or, if possible for man, is likely to exist for some time to come. Some will unhesitatingly declare such a thing unknowable for man.

I hold the firm conviction that this knowledge has been for ages the possession of certain individuals, few in number in any age or country, and that this knowledge has resulted through conformity to certain definite and specific requirements, formulated under well-known laws of man's spiritual being, involving a definite individual experience and resulting in a scientific and exact demonstration.

I ask the reader to note two points in the foregoing statement: First, that for myself I use the word "conviction," and not "knowledge"; and, second, that the demonstration of real knowledge referred to, is made by, and confined to an individual, in each instance.

With these individuals the knowledge is a scientific demonstration through personal experience. With me, the "firm conviction" is a matter of "circumstantial evidence," supported by analogy, and fortified by empirical testimony, such as acquaint the world with the facts and findings of science, and which I think admit of no other consistent and rational interpretation.

In the foregoing pages I have endeavored to give outlines, analogies, and suggestions which seem to fortify the conviction referred to.

While these are fragmentary and desultory, owing to the fact that the circumstances are so varied, the subject so vast, and the materials so abundant, yet, taken as a whole, they seem overwhelming, and, except to the careful, persistent, and intelligent student, confusing.

It must be clearly apprehended that no one familiar with the subject can reasonably suppose, nor has it ever been claimed by a real Master of the "Art," that this knowledge ever has been, or can be, communicated to, or acquired by groups of individuals at any time, or under any circumstances.

Through all the past, and at the present time, it is designated as an individual experience.

True, the ethics, and the philosophy, and even the principles of exact psychic science that in the past constituted the "Lesser Mysteries," can be, and often have been, taught to groups, or classes.

In the present "School of Natural Science," this preparatory training constitutes the "Ethical Section."

But above and beyond all the foregoing general considerations the "empirical facts" and the "circumstantial evidence," if we know personally one who claims to have had the specific instruction, the personal experience, and to have made the scientific demonstration referred to and outlined in the problem, our opportunity for instruction, and for the application of tests for validity and reasonableness as to the whole problem, is exceedingly valuable.

This personal acquaintance may become the nearest possible criterion, short of our own personal experience, as to demonstration.

In previous chapters this phase of the subject has, perhaps, been sufficiently dwelt upon.

The Master may say, "I know; I have had the personal experience; I have demonstrated."

The student may at last say, "I believe; I am convinced; I am satisfied."

All through the foregoing pages the effort has continually been made to preserve clearly this distinction.

In tracing analogies through the history of the past, the conditions, premonitory, present, and subsequent to great world-movements have often been referred to.

Nothing is more common or more patent than the oft-repeated saying, "This is the age of science." Any great movement that undertakes at the present day to deal with the deeper problems of individual and social life, must fit in and conform to the "spirit of the present age."

To that platform it must appeal; in that language it must be addressed, and by such judgment and criterion must it stand or fall.

All these tests and criteria have been fully met by the School of Natural Science, and they are clearly outlined and set forth in the "Great Work," addressed to "the Progressive Intelligence of the Age."

There need be no misconception or misinterpretation at this point.

It is true that superficial thinkers and readers, enthusiasts and emotionalists, are likely to infer that the science of the soul can now be had "for a consideration" and in "a dozen easy lessons."

All such are doomed to disappointment.

It is furthermore likely, if the average "physical scientist" pays any heed at all, that he will devise a series of "tests" and "experiments" of his own, to fit his preconceived notion of things psychical, with the latent conviction, at least, that he will be able to prove the whole thing a humbug.

These, also, are doomed to disappointment. Physical tests of psychical and spiritual laws and processes are unscientific. No spiritual problem can be solved in terms of physical matter alone.

So-called psychological science to-day is in the condition of one possessing a fine piece of ground, and gathering materials for a house, a superstructure.

The ground is already covered with bricks and stones, and sand and lumber, piled in every direction, with the purpose of one day beginning the work of construction, and the slogan, "Wait! Not yet!" "Some day we are hoping to build."

No architect, "no designs on the trestle-board," and so they go on accumulating "facts" and "evidence" day after day, year after year, century after century.

They have a "working hypothesis," but no definite theorem, and they may work till doomsday on this line without a glimmer of real scientific knowledge of the human soul, yet with mountains of "facts" or of "rubbish."

They can never prove the existence of a spiritual entity in terms of matter on the physical plane.

Their work has been, and still is, of great interest and value, but it is in no scientific sense, Constructive, backed by the laws of proportion and harmony, nor the "Canon of Architecture."

The apotheosis of Natural Science is like the "canon of proportion" in architecture, introduced by Vitruvius (an Initiate) centuries ago. It is the verification of Plato's saying, "God geometrizes," and his concept of "the World of Divine Ideas."

Plato further declares, "He who knows not the common things of life is a brute among men. He who knows the common things of life is a man among brutes. But he who knows all that can be learned by diligent inquiry is a god among men."

Natural Science, as shown in the Great Work, includes scientific knowledge on all planes of being on which the soul of man functions: The physical, moral, psychical, and spiritual; for man is a composite being.

The apotheosis of Natural Science, therefore, is Fact, Law, Demonstration, and Knowledge; before theory, conjecture, creed, dogma, superstition, or fear, intuition, inspiration, revelation, and "holy men" or "holy books" that must be accepted without evidence, or "believed" against evidence.

The Avatars of all the past have originated great reformations which have at last degenerated into dogma and superstition.

The people, incapable of understanding the Law, have been taught in parables, while the few in all religions and in every age have apprehended the law and learned the "Secret Doctrine."

To-day, for the first time in centuries, for the reasons already assigned, and in keeping with the scientific spirit of the age, and because superstition in power, dogma, and persecution are politically dethroned, these great truths, this Great Work, is openly declared and outlined so that he who wills may apprehend.

Let no one say, "This is an effort to deify an individual." It is an effort to enthrone Truth; to remove the barriers to the rights of conscience, the shackles of reason, private judgment and Individual Responsibility, and to free the soul of man from all the fetters of ignorance, superstition, and fear, in order that he may be "first a man," "then a Master," and at length on a higher plane of being, something more than man has yet realized, or ever dreamed.

Something "that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it yet entered into the heart of man to conceive the glory that shall be revealed."

The beginning is here and now, when man shall achieve the Mastery of Self and really possess his own soul, and not hold it tremblingly as a pawn of some pretentious potentate of the soul.

The right of Light, Knowledge, and further progress by "Being a Man," and not a chattel, an asset, a pawn, or a slave.

This is the coming Avatar, and the dawn is already here.

Will the day darken, the Light be quenched? Who can tell?

The redemption of Woman from the slavery of all the past is well under way, and it is indeed a glorious sign.

No lesson in history is plainer nor more readily demonstrated than the fact that the degeneracy of a religion and the degradation of woman go hand in hand.

Demonstrate to-day in any country on earth the status of woman as a whole, and no mistake need be made as to the prevailing religion.

Woman's political disability is another matter entirely; for she is dominated by man only because, and only so far as, she is handicapped or degraded by the dominant religion.

Take woman from the churches, Protestant or Romish, to-day, and no church could do business for a twelvemonth.

For these reasons the immense and rapidly growing movements, Women's Clubs and the like, to-day, are of great significance, backed and illuminated as they are by all past history.

In the new movement, the School of Natural Science, the door is as wide open to woman as to man. I might paraphrase the slogan of the Robber Barons of the middle ages. "She may seize who hath the power, She may hold who can."

In the coming Illuminati woman will stand by the side of man in all opportunity, endeavor, or achievement.

In the new age woman will be something few men have even yet dreamed of.

We might call this new age "the Woman's Avatar," without doing violence to either religion, tradition, history, or science; while the sacred Hymns of the Vedas, with the angel of the household and the inspirer of the soul of man, the worship of Divinity, by both men and women, opened a new heaven on this old earth.

And then—such children as will be born, without pain, not through chance, caprice, nor under protest, but even as they were in Greece, as an offering of Love on the altar of divine man-womanhood, with a song of joy to heaven.

Prof. Fiske somewhere said, "The evolution of man by Natural Selection draws near its close, to be followed by that of Divine Selection."

The Divinity in man is Christos, the "son of the Father," the Divine and Eternal Avatar.

Belief is rather a superficial process, the intellect ("mortal mind") mingled with the emotions, changing and evanescent. "Now you see it, and now you don't." It is mingled with hope that alternates with fear and doubt.

Faith, when once analyzed and apprehended, is another thing entirely, though nearly every one, and most writers, confuse "belief" and "faith."

"Faith is the soul's intuitive conviction of that which both Reason and Conscience approve."

Genuine faith rarely wavers or changes, because it is an evolution, a "growth of the soul," a spiritual experience, and it becomes the "dominant chord" in the symphony of life, determining Harmony.

It is in this deliberate and discriminative sense that I have used the term conviction in relation to the Master and his "Great Work." He never dogmatizes, nor undertakes to "indoctrinate."

In answer to a question on some deep and perplexing problem of the soul or of the spiritual plane, he replies, "So far as we know, it is so and so." "A new experience, or an added light, may alter our conclusion."

The average individual scarcely realizes what absolute sincerity, with no motive save Love of Truth, and beneficence to man guided by clear intelligence, and dominated by the rational Will, means, or can accomplish.

These are the natural powers of the human soul. There is nothing mysterious or miraculous about them, more than in the art of music of a Beethoven or a Paganini, or in gymnastics and the winner of the Marathon.

"To shape and use, arise and fly, The reeling Faun, the sensual feast, Move upward, working out the beast, And let the ape and tiger die."

My conviction is strong, and my Faith unwavering.

"The great and peaceful ones live, regenerating the world like the coming of spring: and having themselves crossed the ocean of embodied existence, help those who try to do the same thing without personal motive." ("Crest Jewel of Wisdom.")



CHAPTER XVI

THE NEW AVATAR

From all the foregoing general considerations it may be discerned that the "New Avatar" is strictly that of Scientific Demonstration.

As we use terms in vogue at the present day, it pertains to the field of Natural Science.

This does not imply that it is irreligious, nor unreligious, nor sacrilegious.

When it is clearly apprehended it will be found to be the only thing that harmonizes—not the Institutions of man—but Science, Philosophy, and Religion per se, as departments in human intelligence.

Man will thus discern "the rational order that pervades the universe."

The purpose and result of such knowledge to man are Harmony, Enlightenment, Courage, and Hope.

Man is the arbiter of his own destiny. He may become the Master of his own Fate. Such are the Illuminati, the "Masters of the Great White Lodge," the Benefactors of the whole human race, the members of the "School of Natural Science."

What would I have my readers do? I answer, Investigate! Study! Think! Wait! Hope! Anticipate!

Careful, intelligent, and conscientious investigation will determine the fact that we possess in America to-day one who can fill all the requirements that I have endeavored to designate and portray—not as a "reincarnation" of Buddha or Jesus, but as a "Master"—one who has been duly instructed and prepared, who has had the personal experience, and has made a practical demonstration, that determines Mastership.

He has demonstrated that "there is no death," but transition only (except through conscious and determined devolution, or suicide of the soul). Man is, after all, and in the last analysis, a "free moral agent."

As a Member of the "Great School" he was educated and initiated many years ago, and has consecrated his life to this service. He has demonstrated the separability of the soul by leaving and returning to his body at will.

The School of Natural Science; the Great Work; the Individual Representative; the conditions of the present age; the opportunities offered; the demand for real knowledge everywhere; the falling in pieces of creeds and dogmas; the expectancy so often voiced—all of these correspond intimately with what the ancient Aryans designated as "Avataric."

It is not now the deification of any Individual, but the "apotheosis of Natural Science," as the foundation and method in the achievement of actual knowledge.

From this actual knowledge will arise a new Faith, not a new religion, but the old Religion of Humanity, precisely as taught and lived by Jesus, Christna, Buddha, and all the other "Redeemers," and real Avatars of the past.

The "Enemy of all Righteousness," as already said, have made many attempts to assassinate this Representative of the Great School, but he goes steadily about his own work. These enemies realize the danger to their unholy work, but not the Power back of this great movement. This they can never destroy.

The day of enlightenment has come, and the cry has gone forth, Ho! all ye who are heavy-laden, involved in fear and doubt and uncertainty; bewildered, discouraged, despairing, and committing suicide! There is no death! Man is the Arbiter of his own Fate! Look up and Live, and Hope and Realize!

And there shall dawn for you a new heaven and a new earth in which dwelleth Love and Peace and Righteousness; with Jesus—the Christos—your "elder Brother," leading the way, and the downtrodden, the poor and despised children of men, shouting Hosanna! for the Loving Kindness that will have taken the place of selfishness, strife, cruelty, superstition, and Dogma.

Religion will no longer be a matter of mere sentiment, nor of emotion, of blind belief, nor of fear, superstition, dogma, nor creed—but a Great Work. So Mote it be.

The author of this volume can lay no claim for it as a systematic treatise on Psychology, either according to the rules of composition or the orderly sequence of science.

It is rather a number of essays, some of which were written without reference to publication, or the design, at the time, of putting them together in a single volume.

There is, therefore, more or less repetition, the same subject under a different title, viewed from a different aspect, yet involving the same principles, motives, and aims.

But the subject of Psychology is so vast, so intricate, so interesting and important, and yet, in the average mind, so confused, and so little known, that considerations from many sides, and even repetitions in the application of a given principle in various ways, are believed more likely to make the whole subject apprehensible to the general reader to whom it is addressed.

Moreover, the author believes that the time has come when Psychology, as a Constructive Science of the nature, laws, and destiny of the Human Soul, need no longer be regarded as unknown or unattainable, but open to all who seek it in the right way, giving to it the consideration, time, and loyalty it so amply deserves.

To such as these, it is hoped, the foregoing pages may give many clews and sidelights, suggestions, encouragement, and hope.

Psychology, to the Author of this volume, means literally A Knowledge of the Human Soul, rather than of treatises upon the subject, or of the opinions, beliefs, or dogmas of men.



NOTES

The oligarchy of creeds, and the autocrats of Rome no more represent the "Coming of the Son of Man," the Divine Logos that was and is "in the bosom of the Father in heaven," than do the Rockefellers, the Morgans and the Harrimans, constituting the oligarchy of wealth, or than the political grafters and bosses of our municipalities represent the "New Commandment," "that ye love one another." The barons of wealth have not yet resorted directly to murder, as has Rome for ages.

St. Augustine says, "What is now called the Christian religion existed among the ancients and was not absent from the human race until Christ came, from which time, the true Religion, which existed already, began to be called 'Christian.'" (See Heckethorne's "Secret Societies," page 12, Introduction.)

As to the basis of scientific chronology regarding the Wisdom of the Masters, and their indestructible records, I quote the following from a modern student of Astrology. His method of reckoning is correct, even though his dates may not be absolutely exact, as he is not a "Master."

CHRONOLOGY AND THE "RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX."

Ancient religious symbols bear a striking resemblance to the constellations of the heavens, especially those of the Zodiac, and if this be their true meaning, we have an infallible key to their chronology. At the beginning of the Christian Era, the constellation Aries, or Ram, occupied the equinoctial place, being in the first degree of that constellation. About 2150 B.C. the first degree of Taurus, or Bull, contained the Equinox. When the constellation Taurus, or the Bull, was in the first division, or the equinoctial place, the people used a symbol representing a bull, described as giving fecundity, a deity of vegetation as at Dodona, in their religious ceremonies. One of the statuettes found recently in the excavations of Crete, was a woman figured between bulls and lions, with a dove or eagle on her head, and holding serpents in her hand. This figure would seem to represent mother earth between the constellations Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. She is figured between Taurus (the Bull) on one side, Leo (the Lion) at her feet, Aquila (or Eagle) in the constellation, Aquarius on her head, and Scorpio (or the Serpent) in her hand; all forming the sacred cross or 'Swastika,' with the constellations Taurus in the vernal Equinox; Leo beneath the earth, the Eagle or Aquarius overhead, and Scorpio held in her hand toward the west.

Archaeologists place the date in which this symbol was in use in Crete at 1100 to 1500 B.C. These dates are included between 2150 B.C. and the year 1 A.D. By the same method we are enabled to calculate the age of the Sphinx.

This Sphinx apparently represents the constellations Leo (the Lion) and Virgo (the Virgin). It has a lion's body, and a woman's head and breast. When the Sphinx was built, it seems the spring equinox occupied a point between these two constellations, and as the spring, or Easter, festivals of the ancients were held on or about March 21st of our calendar, this Sphinx was the representation of Leo and Virgo, the point in which the Sun crossed the equator, or equinoctial line.

Now as the equinox retrogrades from east to west in the reverse order of the constellations, as well as the reverse order of the movement of the planets, the Sun will not cross the equator at the same point each year, but at a point a little to the west, amounting to about fifty and a third seconds of arc. At this rate the equinox will pass backward through the constellations, making a complete revolution in a little less than twenty-six thousand years, or at the rate of about twenty-one hundred and fifty years to a constellation of thirty degrees. Now by taking the present position of the equinox in the constellation Pisces, we find that it has nearly reached the constellation Aquarius. About 1909 years ago it was in the first point of Aries. If we begin at its present point in Pisces, and count back to the Junction of Leo-Virgo, we will have to count 1909 years to first point of Aries; 2150 years to the first point of Taurus; 2150 years to Camini; 2150 years to Cancer; 2150 years to Leo and 2150 years to the constellation Virgo. This indicates that the Sphinx was built 12,659 years ago, or approximately 10,750 B.C. (John Kilduff.)



THE HARMONIC SERIES

These are the text books of that Ancient School of Wisdom whose members have ever been "Masters of the Law" of Life and of Death, able at will, independently at all times, to travel in the Spiritual World and communicate with those who live there—your friends and our friends,—who have passed through the gates of death and now live another life beyond the grave.

Vol. I. HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION

By Florence Huntley

This book is a clear statement of the philosophy of Individual Life, as taught by modern Masters of the Law. Its teachings mean the dawn of a "New Day" in the intellectual and ethical evolution of the whole world.

Mrs. Huntley has sensed the very soul of mankind and understands and explains its yearnings for what Drummond names "the greatest thing in the world, LOVE." 463 pages; illustrated.

Vol. II. THE GREAT PSYCHOLOGICAL CRIME

By TK

This remarkable book deals with the imminent dangers of the day, and covers the most mysterious and fascinating phenomena and experiences of human life. The author's analysis of Hypnotism and Mediumship is masterly and complete. For fifteen chapters, by the most relentless and unanswerable facts, he proves that Hypnotism and subjective Mediumship are vitally destructive to the physical body and the human soul.

This volume carries a hope, a message, a suggestion and a warning to all who are honestly, patiently and persistently seeking to prove that Death does not end all. 464 pages; illustrated.

Vol. III. THE GREAT WORK

By TK

This is the book which tells how one must live and what he must do to become able himself to demonstrate the fact of another life.

"The Great Work" and "The Great Psychological Crime" were written by the American Representative of that "Venerable School of Wisdom," whose records are the most ancient at this time known to man, and which for many thousands of years, has influenced the civilization and work of every great nation of earth. 464 pages; illustrated.

These books are founded upon an exact science. More impressive, more fascinating and "stranger than fiction." "When a man dies, he shall live again," is the inspiring message of the Great Work in America,—and this message is written in clear, concise, simple and easily readable English.

Bound in red silk, gold stamped. Price single copy, $2.00. Per set $6.00, express prepaid.

In Persian Morocco, de luxe edition $3.50 each. The set at one time, $10.00.

THREE-IN-ONE

"As beautiful a volume as the mind can imagine."

The HARMONIC SERIES—Three Volumes—Bound in FULL, PERSIAN MOROCCO (Oxford Bible style), round corners, silk head-bands and markers, red-under-gold edges, Genuine Gold Stamped. Printed on Japan French paper; several beautiful full-page half-tones. Durable, practical, artistic. Name stamped on cover in pure gold, if desired.

Price de luxe edition, all charges prepaid, $12.00.

All orders filled the same day they are received.

INDO-AMERICAN BOOK CO. 5705 South Boulevard, Chicago, Ill.



QUESTIONS ON NATURAL SCIENCE

This volume is an aid to the study of the "Harmonic Series." While it commands the attention of the casual reader of the Text Books, it is intended more especially for those who contemplate a closer relationship with the philosophy and for those who have been admitted to studentship.

To the aspiring student it opens up the entire Harmonic Philosophy in a manner that invites and facilitates the most intense interest, satisfaction and progress.

355 pages, 20 chapters, and 3,857 carefully formulated questions, all of which are authoratatively answered in the Text Books. Three-quarter leather, price $2.00.

KEY TO QUESTIONS ON NATURAL SCIENCE. Leather, $1.00.

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THE SPIRIT OF THE WORK

By TK.

These beautiful and inspiring essays by the Beloved Elder Brother are now printed in book form, for ready reference, and will prove to be quite as interesting and helpful to the beginner in Natural Science, as they are useful to instructors and regularly admitted students.

They unfold in simple language a wealth of spiritual light that leads at once to a most searching soul—analysis and readjustment of the entire intelligence to the Constructive Principle in Nature. Every page breathes the very inmost meaning and spirit of the educational work of the Great School. If you are in earnest this book will help you. 331 pages, cloth, price $1.00.

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THE QUESTION BOX SERIES

By TK.

These two volumes consist of Questions from Students and Friends of the Work of the Great School, touching all manner of interesting subjects, together with answers by the TK. Volume I contains about 40 general topics, 217 pages. Volume II has over 75 topics and 245 pages.

Charming and valuable aids to readers, students and instructors, and strictly authoritative in their teaching.

Large, clear, beautiful type; carefully indexed, and attractively arranged.

Price, $1.00 each.

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HARMONIC BIRTHDAY BOOK

A large book—310 pages. There are quotations from the "Harmonic Philosophy" for every day in the year (with space for writing) and the following valuable and unique features: A section devoted to Birthstones; Wedding Anniversaries; the Meaning of Flowers; section devoted to the deaths of Relatives and Friends, and a frontispiece and beautiful half-tone portrait of Florence Huntley.

It is really a family record, that will increase in value with the years and become priceless to the fortunate owner. Bound in leather, gold stamped and embossed, gold edges and printed on heavy parchment paper.

Without doubt the most beautiful gift book ever sold. Price, $2.00.



THE DREAM CHILD (GIFT EDITION)

By Florence Huntley

This is doubtless one of the most beautiful, masterful and mystical books ever written. The descriptive incidents in this book could only emanate from the brilliant and fertile brain of Florence Huntley.

Florence Huntley was the first instructed student of the TK, dating from the year 1887; and from 1894 the Work commanded her undivided time and effort.

"The Dream Child"—the first result of that interest—was written in 1889, and stands for that earlier and therefore more poetic and less exact treatment of the Great Law than her later writings.

A book that EVERYBODY reads and re-reads with the keenest appreciation and enthusiasm. Price $1.00

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THE GAY GNANI OF GINGALEE.

By Florence Huntley

Only those who knew Mrs. Huntley's earlier humorous writings will be prepared for such a book from the serious Author of "Harmonics of Evolution."

The publishers feel entirely safe in saying there is nothing like "The Gay Gnani" in the whole range of modern satirical fiction.

The most extraordinary feature of this indescribable satire lies in Chapter XII, "THE WAGES Of SIN IS DEATH," contributed by the TK. This chapter is a masterpiece of concept, treatment and beauty, setting forth the meaning and purpose of the whole extravaganza.

Don't miss reading this book. Red cloth, gold stamped. Price, $1.00.

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ZANONI AND ZICCI

By Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton

As a work of art this romance is one of great power and original conception.

No other works of this great author have provoked such diversity of criticism as "Zanoni." To some, this book represents a temporary aberration of genius without definite purpose. To others it represents surpassing, bold and original speculation, profound analysis of character and thrilling interest; but to the one who knows, every character in this book is recognized by a familiar sign and symbol which, though hidden, is nevertheless patent to the initiated.

The TWO books, "Zanoni" and "Zicci" in one, SPECIAL EDITION, cloth, gold stamped. Price, $1.00.

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A STRANGE STORY and THE HAUNTED AND THE HAUNTERS

This is another of those marvelous books by Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton. "A Strange Story" is the antithesis of "Zanoni." It is a most absorbingly interesting story depicting the destructive psychic practices and possibilities against which "The Great Psychological Crime" so timely warns the human race.

As a matter of fact, both "A Strange Story" and "Zanoni" are carefully veiled exposes of the two oldest and most powerful centers of Spiritual knowledge extant, and are revelations of the loftiest pursuits and the most malign practices known to human Intelligence.

Be sure to read both of these books.

Special edition. Price, $1.00.

THE END