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TEXT OF READING 2067-12 F 56 (Teacher, Quaker, Spiritualist)

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of


the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this
25th day of August, 1943, in accordance with request made by
the self - Dr. [2067], Associate Member of the Ass''n for
Research and Enlightenment, Inc.

P R E S E N T

Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.


(Notes read to and translated by Jeanette Fitch.)

R E A D I N G

Time of Reading
3:35 to 4:00 P. M. Eastern War Time. ..., New Hampshire.

1. GC: You will have before you this life existence in the
earth plane of [2067] - born January 6, 1887, in Boston,
Mass., and the earthly existence of this entity as Dorothy
Manley in Salem during the witchcraft days. You will give a
biographical life of the entity in that day and plane of
earthly existence, from entrance - and how - into the
earth's plane, and the entity's departure; giving the
development or retarding points in such an existence. You
will then answer the questions she submits, as I ask them,
concerning her present work in writing and also details as
to that period.

2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now


known as [2067].

3. In the experience of the entity in Salem during the


witchcraft days, the entity was the daughter of Edward
Manley and Edna Shoemaker Manley. [GD's note: Steno
misspelled name Maury instead of Manley and it was not
corrected in proofreading at the time. I am making the
correction.]

4. At the age of twenty-seven the entity had begun teaching


school to those people in the province near Salem, some
natives, some that had been brought to the colonists. There
had been those experiences of individuals having direct
communication with the witches, or those various experiences
had by the children. Then there were the experiences of the
entity itself with noises, with unusual writings that had
come under the entity's notice; papers not being there when
they had been left in the entity's desk or even in its own
chamber.

5. Part of these experiences were pranks, part were real


manifestations. The entity accepted them all as
manifestations and rejected the attention of one dweller
Parks [?]. This caused the greater disturbance with the
entity's activities. For, with the combination of
disturbances, the entity suffered those persecutions that

2067-12 Page 2

were given by the leaders in those periods; and the entity


was placed on the stool and dipped. Then the entity was an
outcast by the father, a very stern man - who is the
entity's own son in the present and he's just as stern and
cussed in the present. These have been experiences for the
entity to meet; to conquer self first as it did in those
experiences and - in letting yourself go - for, you must
ever meet yourself.

6. There was much to be gained by the entity, but


stubbornness, self-centeredness, was something to be dealt
with; and is a part of the entity's experience in the
present.

7. Be honest with yourself if you're not with anyone else!


Don't keep fooling yourself, as you did then. These were a
part of the experience.

8. The activities in being an outcast brought same to the


entity. And only in the associations with the families of
some of the natives, as well as those questioned as to their
sincerity in their activities, would the entity carry on in
becoming a helpful influence; teaching the natives and the
children of the poor people, during the latter portion of
the entity's activities in the earth.

9. Who do I know in this life that then persecuted me? Who


that were my friends?

9. When the entity was thirty-six, the entity was married to


one of those peoples not of her own people but of those
combinations of those settlers then. This continued to keep
the entity as an outcast. In self the entity gained; in the
eyes of the people, not much. Hence admonition, "Let not
thy good be evil spoken of." This is as much an injunction
to individuals in the present as it was to those in olden
times.

10. What were my special psychic gifts and were my family in


sympathy with me?

10. The activities during that period brought many


troublesome times until there were greater problems
politically, as well as in racial and other affairs that
came upon those people.

11. Please describe my personal appearance and character as


Dorothy Manley.

11. But the entity suffered most through those periods as


the teacher being ducked twice for the lack of
consideration, or for not giving those tenets or truths for
proper relationships - between those that were pranks and
those that were real.

12. Please give name and tell about my lover and what he
thought of my "dippings".

2067-12 Page 3

12. This same lack of consideration can in the present oft


make for disturbing influences in the experience of peoples.

13. Will you describe some of the "dipping" scenes, telling


my behavior, those present, and how conducted?

13. Know in whom you believe. Know in what you believe.


Know the author of thy belief. How few stop to know that!
We say we believe - but what? Who is the author of thy
salvation? Who is the author of thy faith, of thy hope, of
thy aspirations? Man? What man? Only he, who has made the
test in giving himself in the service of his fellow man.

14. What great truths did I learn and share as Dorothy


Manley?

14. Ready for questions.

15. (Q) Please describe my seal, giving interpretation.


(A) We haven't the seal here.

15. Whom was I accused of bewitching, what were the


circumstances, and did I ever as Dorothy Manley harm
anybody?

16. (Q) Please give any special advice as to my present


work as teacher, lecturer, writer that I may better fulfill
God's purpose for my life.
(A) In the activities that have been indicated for the
body. The abilities are here. Get self out of the way and
let the principles of that ye would present be first and
foremost and not Dr. [2067]. These may appear hard words,
but until self is eliminated - as a teacher, as a lecturer,
as a writer - that you purpose to present can have little
effect on others.

You can teach, you can lecture, you can write. But SELF
must be eliminated.

16. Were the witches in Salem and other parts of America


burned or only hung?

17. (Q) Please comment on my book, SON OF MARY, (founded on


Cayce Readings), and can you suggest a publisher? (Holt not interested.)
(A) Much might be said about it. As we find, portions are
good, portions are mediocre, some is very bad.

This as we find may be presented through several different


channels. There will necessarily have to be found those
interested sufficiently to suggest the changes as would be
necessary for consideration. Any press in England would
accept it, with minor changes but this is out of the
question. As we find, The New Age, would accept, with minor
changes.

17. What is the explanation of the Salem witchcraft, how did


it start and what purpose did it accomplish?

2067-12 Page 4

18. (Q) Please make suggestions for my next book on the


Salem Witchcraft period, (Dorothy Manley incarnation), and
suggest a possible publisher? (Q) We haven't any publisher
for we haven't any book - as yet! This, is too far-fetched,
but begin where you are, and you may add to that in such a
way as to have something that will be constructive. Little
of what may be called history is acceptable in such books.
That which is creative or helpful in such books may be
presented so as to bring helpful experiences to many. These
would be worth interpreting, but it will first need
necessarily a plan, an outline, and then the following of
this or the filling in. A very good love story may be put
in this one, if you want it to be a bad one on yourself.
The idiosyncrasies of the father - you have it very well in
your son - describe him and you'll have your Dad alright.

The hardships of your mother - give yourself and your own


hardships in the present, then get yourself out of the way,
and you will have a good character of Dorothy in that
experience.

18. Did I have anything to do with Ann Putnam and her


"Circle Girls" - what?
19. Did so-called witches use black magic and were they in
league with the devil, causing people to be ill or die?

19. (Q) What were my dates and birthplace as Dorothy Manley?


(A) Put these where you choose. We have just given as to
what the dates were.

20. (Q) What was my education? Church membership?


(A) That as would be called the Church of England. The
education was sufficient for a teacher in that particular
period, which was only reading, writing and arithmetic; or
what would be called in the present a mediocre high school
education.

20. Were children then obsessed by evil spirits as witches?

21. Did witches have power to control, and kill animals?

21. (Q) Did I have brothers and sisters, and what were
their names?
(A) You had brothers and sisters, Jim, Tom, and Harry, Anna
and Joe.

22. (Q) Have I met any of the Manley family this time?
What are their names now?
(A) Meet them in various portions of the land. We haven't
them - here we didn't look them up! Would you want these,
or do you want yourself?

22. Were there "devil marks" on witches, or were they moles


or birthmarks?

23. Did discarnate entities impersonate living people and

2067-12 Page 5

leave marks - bites, pin pricks, wounds on bodies of their


victims as reported in courts?

23. We are through for the present.

[Questions not answered:

24. Were most the people who accused the witches, sincere,
or did they wish to get even with them or gain property by
their death?

25. What was the book the witches tried to get people to
sign in?

26. Is the astral world with its obsessing entities in


better control now than in the old witchcraft days? What
has been done?

27. Were most people clairvoyant and clairaudient then, and


did the killing of these people set the development of
spiritual insight back for centuries?

28. Do you wish to recommend any authentic books on


Witchcraft or that period?

Mrs. C, please eliminate any of these that have been


answered in the body of the Rdg.]

Report OF READING 2067-12 F ADULT

R1. 9/6/43 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

Dear Edgar Cayce:

I received the Reading on the Salem witchcraft period and


and am enclosing cashier's check in payment for same.

You must be very, very busy these days, and I appreciate


your allowing me even part of a period for the Reading,
25 minutes. You had scheduled it from 3:30 to 4:30, but
perhaps power gives out these days that are so crowded with
work. There were only a few of the much needed questions
answered, and very little told - perhaps that is all that
could be given at the present time. I am wondering if the
rest of the questions could be slipped in sometime at the
end of some other life Reading, to finish mine up, so I can
have material suitable for a book.

I wish a point or two could be cleared up that are


contraindications. In the long, first Life Reading, the
Reading said that I was Dorothy Manley who lost her
experience early because of frequent dippings which she
suffered for a just cause - and passed in a high fever.
This present Reading says I am the daughter of people by the
name of Maury, that I was dipped but twice, and was married
at 36 years of age, and apparently lived some time after
this. Would they call 36 young in those days? However
perhaps some day more will be given to be of help.

Are the Readings these past days as good on the average as


they used to be, do you think? Does an extra amount of work
affect them much? I hope you are keeping up your strength
and not overdoing. I will be down South in Georgia this
year. I think I gave you my address, ... College, ...,
Georgia.

As soon as possible I will try to get the Essene copies to


you. If you could have let me know in the summer earlier
that you had lost the copy, I would have had it ready for
you. It struck me at an impossible time with the material
in the mail to a new destination. If you will get the
editor's or publisher's name who is interested, do you
wish me to send it directly to him, and a copy to you
for your files? It is really enough for a small book -
this material.

Well, I am finishing up my work of closing the place and


getting off. I hear [1387] is spending a vacation at the
Beach, helping. That's nice and you are fortunate to have
such fine help. I pray for you daily and the work. When
you get a breathing spell, let's have a word from you if

2067-12 Page 2

possible.

Very sincerely, [2067]

[Handwritten note]: Your last letter was missent to N.J.


- New Jersey instead of N.H. which delayed it.

R2. 9/11/43 EC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Thank you for yours of the 6th with enclosure. Am very


sorry that you are so badly disappointed with the reading.
Am making another appointment for you, when can get it in
which at present will not be until 5 the afternoon of Aug.
5-1944; that is possibly out of the question, but is
the the very best we can possibly do at the present time.
Whether the reading takes 10 minutes or 50 cannot help it
- certainly haven't any thing to do with the length of time
is taken are having some of the longest periods we have ever
had in the history of readings and better results in 90
percent of the cases than ever before.

Hope you have a most pleasant place at the school in the


South and a very lovely place for you, have met some of the
people from that school - pretty strict sect for old South
customs.

We were most fortunate to have Miss [1387] here for a while


she and Miss [2487] sure were a great help to us can tell
you that.

Thanks a lot - sorry to have been such a disappointment for


you but what comes is all we can do about it.

With every good wish from all

[signed] Edgar Cayce

R3. 10/1/43 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

About the book SON OF MARY - as good as it must be, using


the results of your work, it will doubtless find a hard time
getting a publisher. The Harper people said that it was not
along the line of the material they were publishing or had
planned to publish this fall, so the book came back,
immediately to go to Dutton and Company, where it is now.
If you have any ideas about favorable publishers I wish you
would let me know. I am sure that as soon as it were

2067-12 Page 3

published it would go like wild fire, like the NAZARENE,


since it is that type of book - but until a publisher
becomes interested, it just will sit around.

I am glad you are keeping well, at least reasonably so. I


pray for you and your work several times a day, and I hope
you also will remember me in prayer and the book. Yes, you
must have many calls that you cannot answer, since the work
of the Association is growing so rapidly.

That was a marvelous write-up in the Bulletin, the last one


- the one by Evelyn Horton. I must write her to tell her how
much I appreciated it. It is just what a fellow-teacher here
is interested in - she has been asking me about the work,
having seen your biography advertised - THERE IS A RIVER.

Yes, it is very lovely here. My classes are very large


this year - the college has about doubled its number and is
growing rapidly. It is one of the best colleges there is,
and I am so much pleased with the opportunities that are
mine.

Let me hear from you when you have time to write. You did
put me down for the rest of my Reading, for the Association
work, next August 25, did you? You wrote last time you
could do that, but it would be nearly a year ahead. I will
appreciate it if you will do that, since I do want a good
Reading on that Salem witchcraft time, as Dorothy Manley.

Kindest regards to all. Can I do anything special to help


with the work?

R4. 10/13/43 EC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Today, we are in receipt of "SON OF MARY". I haven't seen


this yet. Very soon, we will have 2 or 3 people here who
are supposed to be writers. Would you consider either of
these people taking your data and using this for a background
for a book or what do you wish us to do with your manuscript?
If handled that way, I think you can sell it, for there
are publishers coming along with these people. They are
interested in this. I would like to make you some money
for what you have done, but I do not want to do anything
you do not want done. I would have to have your permission
for either one of them to do anything with it.

Yes, you have an appointment in August, but it is the fifth,

2067-12 Page 4

in the afternoon. Let me hear about the book as these people


may be here next week. I hope that you will find everything
satisfactory there and trust that it will be most pleasant.
Thanking you, I am,

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce

R5. 10/16/43 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

As to the SON OF MARY - I want you to use your best judgement


and the judgement of the Readings in regard to that book
also. It is a good story with wonderful material all the
way through - your material - the work and the arrangement
in putting the book together only are mine - two to three
years of hard work - but I have been thrilled with the
material - I know others also will be thrilled and I
want them to have the benefit of it. If you have some
professional writers who can put the material I have in
better form, so that it will reach the world, then I say,
go ahead. We want it to sell, to get out to do good. You
know that it is difficult to find a publisher for this kind
of material, even if God Himself should write it. The
publishers, most of them, even won't look at such a book.
But in faith I have written it, and two different people with
second sight have seen the book in print and seen the color
of the cover of the book - purple and gold. Whenever a book
of mine is seen in print, even before it is written, I know
it will be published. I leave the matter in God's hands, and
trust to your good judgement, my friend. Do as you see fit
with it - I have done my best. I have been told by writers
that there are sections of my Son of Mary as good as anything
that has ever been written - for example the chapter on the
birth of the Master. See what you think about it, and the
rest also. I want your frank opinion after you have read the
book. It can be changed, you know, in any way that is
necessary. I have tried to follow the Readings whenever I
could, and perhaps have included too much for an ordinary
story for most people. The information, however, is
invaluable. The world ought to eat it up, even more than
they did THE NAZARENE. Ash has out another book called PAUL
you may know - just published.

Please let me hear how you get along with the publishers
and the publication. Best regards to all. I pray for you
constantly.

Ever sincerely, [2067]

2067-12 Page 5

R6. 4/28/44 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

My life is full of speaking to many thousands of people this


year, of receiving membership in a National Journalistic
Order, Honorary, and of many other details. My water color
paintings have been exhibited publicly several times and are
much appreciated. And so life goes. I will be leaving
here next month for New Hampshire.

Kindly remember me to Hugh Lynn, Mrs. Cayce and all the


friends. I would like to hear from you when you get time
to write, that I might know how you and the work are going,
since I never receive any bulletins.

Very sincerely, [2067]

R7. 7/15/44 EC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Dr. [2067]
..., N.H.

Dear Dr. [2067]

Thank you for yours of the 9th. We are most [more?] than
just busy. Our Congress was quite a success. Everyone
pronounced it one of the best that we have ever had.

I am not quite equal to all the problems that such brings


about in such small quarters, at least. So before the next
one, we hope some arrangements can be made in this direction,
if it is at all possible.

I trust that you are really enjoying the summer. You are
getting a great deal of mental relaxation and spiritual help
from your work this summer.

Yes, quite a number have shown interest in the Essene booklet


and I am in hopes that it will do some good along the way.

The appointment we have for you is for the afternoon of the


5th of August. Now, whether I am going to be able to keep
this, or not, Doctor, I don't know. I am finding that I am
going to have to rest. If I don't get back in time, please
know it is not because we are skipping it but because
physically I can't help myself. I hope that we will be able
to do it, so please send the questions as I believe it is to

2067-12 Page 6

be a question reading. I am sure you have read enough of the


readings to know the type of questions. So be very careful
in preparing your questions. Have all of one type together.
Don't ask direct questions unless you want to be bawled out,
for the information as you well know is no respecter of
persons. That is one of the reasons why we are convinced
there must be other sources than what may be a personal
thing. It has rejected even some members of the board that
personally was most anxious to have and yet the information
has said, "no", and I haven't found out why.

Thank you for writing. I hope things are well with you and
with every good wish, I am

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce. [EC/wi]

R8. 7/20/44 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

..., New Hampshire

Dear Edgar Cayce:

Thank you so much for your good letter just arrived last
night. I am anxiously looking forward all the year to the
August 5 Reading you promised me. I do hope you will be able
to give it at the regular scheduled time. You would not
disappoint a needy soul after all this long wait, if you can
help it, will you? If you just can't help it, will you work
me in at the first possible moment free, as this Reading is
a very important one to many people as well as to myself -
because it concerns the work that reaches many.
Enclosed is a card - please say that you got my enclosed
questions O.K. which I am sending you herewith. I have
arranged them as you suggested, all on one topic together,
and I have asked as a mere suggestion, if Mrs. Cayce could
tell the Forces at the beginning what the Reading is about
- the clarification of the Dorothy Manley or Maury Reading,
general questions and writings, and then if they will permit,
my seal and its interpretation. She will know if this can be
done. Also if they get to not wanting to answer a certain
type of question, she will omit the rest of the type and go
on to something else.

I am glad you had a good Conference - perhaps after the war


you will be able to get more help and there will be a greater
interest in helping the Association.

2067-12 Page 7

I have had great interest shown in pamphlet on the Essenes


and your material - a man from the Library of Truth wrote me
among others for further information.

What do you think about a pamphlet some time later on


Christ's education abroad? Most people are very much
interested in this and SON OF MARY has some material that
could be put in a pamphlet and gotten out before perhaps
the books gives a larger view of the Life of Christ.

Have you ever thought of coming to New Hampshire for a free


vacation with perfect restful conditions, peace, quiet? I
would be delighted to have you folks spend your vacation with
me. I have a big house unused and a nice garden - all on a
beautiful lake with boats, and among the mountains, away from
everybody, but accessible if you desire. I would meet you by
car from bus or train.

I hope Gladys can take the notes for the Reading and
transcribe them - she did not before, I understand - and
maybe things got a bit mixed. I don't know but maybe my
condition was not good then and that influenced the Reading.

I will be here the afternoon of August 5 hoping and praying


that you can keep the appointment for Reading - I am in ...

Cottage, near ..., New Hampshire.

Yes, the summer is a busy one, working hard all the time,
long hours - but it is good. I have time to discuss your
book THERE IS A RIVER with interested neighbors, also the
work of the Association. I have a family coming from Melrose
to ask me further questions about spiritual things in August
- they want to know more about your work, etc. Some camp
counsellors also here are interested through the Essene
pamphlet, among others. The Quaker people here are
interested.

Kindly remember me to all the friends, especially Mrs. Cayce


and Gladys. Much love to yourself,

Sincerely, [2067]

[Handwritten note] Questions enclosed:

QUESTIONS

2067-12 Page 8

Mrs. Cayce, will it be possible at the beginning of Reading


to ask that the Reading be a clarification of the Dorothy
Manley or Maury incarnation, with general questions on
writings and other problems, and if permitted the seal
and its interpretation?

WRITINGS

1. Could a pamphlet be written and published successfully for


the Association on the early education of Jesus in Egypt,
Persia, India, using the type of material used in the SON OF
MARY book? Advice, remarks.

2. For the Rainbow Garden book I am now doing, please give


me anything on the significance or meaning of color,
interpreting the rainbow in reference to the qualities of a
complete personality - red, strength, passion, green healing,
meditation, etc.?

3. If not completely answered, please give spiritual meaning


of five primary colors - purple, royalty, blue divinity -
that right?

4. Can you make suggestions for Rainbow Garden and tell of a


possible publisher?

5. Can I write a successful book of chapel talks to young


folks?

6. Recently I sent to Rosicrucian Magazine an article on


REBIRTH IN JESUS' TIME basing material on James Pryse's Greek
translations of Scriptures. Do you know of his reliability,
and would you comment on my article?

7. To what extent did Jesus and the disciples teach rebirth


or reincarnation?

8. Could you definitely [tell?] me what parts or incidents in


SON OF MARY were good and what poor? It would help me with
my writing. Association has book.
9. When and under what conditions will this book, Son of
Mary, be published?
10. Do you think my book, Scientific Parenthood, could be
rewritten, leaving out the Kosmon Bible references, etc. so
as to be published successfully? Advice?

2067-12 Page 9

11. Could I rewrite my book, MYSTERIOUS EXPERIENCES OF


CHILDREN, so as to be a helpful book for mothers, treating
of fourth-dimensional experiences? Advice.

12. Could I make my book TWIXT LOVE AND A GHOST into a


publishable detective story?

13. How can I become a more successful writer and a better


teacher?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

14. Can you tell me what my seal is and its meaning?

15. Please explain definitely how I fool myself, as the


last Reading said, and how I get too much of self into my
teaching, writing, lecturing and how to remedy it?

16. Please advise me about the New Hampshire place as to its


service to humanity. My father's passing seems near - should
I keep the place inspite of high taxes or get a little place
later in California or Florida for old age where I could
raise food and not freeze?

17. Can you tell me anything about the influence of my


deceased mother and my daughter [...] upon me at present,
or about their work now?

DOROTHY MANLEY OR MAURY INCARNATION

18. Did I live in 1692 in Salem as Dorothy Maury, and was


my present oldest son, [...], my father then?

19. What were the "cussed" characteristics my father then


manifested and my resulting hardships?

20. Would you please describe a dipping scene, my appearance,


what they did to me, who was present, what ceremony, how
long?

21. Did I lose my life early as the "misunderstood maiden"


or did I marry at 36 and finally later die in high fever as
result of dipping?
22. Please describe my husband - appearance, work,
nationality, sympathy with me?

2067-12 Page 10

23. Please describe my psychic gifts, the messages on the


papers brought to me?
24. What great truths did I learn and share as Dorothy Maury?

25. Did I see children and others who were bewitched who
had pinpricks and marks left on their bodies by discarnate
forces? Is this true? Were animals killed?

26. On an average are there about 300 years between my


reincarnations, and was Dorothy Maury my last to the present
- if not what was I before this?

R9. 7/26/44 EC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Dr. [2067]
..., New Hampshire

Dear Dr. [2067]

I have yours of the 20th, and I know what I am going to say


will be awfully disappointing, but at the present time, I
can't help it.

I am leaving tomorrow, to be gone from the office for,


possibly, two weeks, and that will be through the period
set for your reading. As soon as I return, we will try to
work in your appointment, but it will probably not be before
next year. I am sorry for this, but I would rather
disappoint a few people, than all people for all time. I
am just about run down, and have to recuperate in some way.
But we will try to work yours in as soon as possible.

If you prefer, we will be mighty glad to return your


membership fee, but we can't do anything else.

I, of course, don't like to question anyone's approach to


information of this kind, but it seems to me, Dr. [2067]
there are many questions in your list here that could be
answered through other sources, rather than undertaking to
get it through a source of this kind. And the questions
are so scattered! Can't you have them all on one subject,
in a more uniform manner? This is not fortune-telling,
Dr. [2067]; it is a universal consciousness, if it is
anything at all. See if you can't change these a little
bit. I think you could get much more out of it.

Hoping, though, that we can be the means of real service,


2067-12 Page 11

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce [EC:gp]

R10. 7/29/44 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to EC:

..., New Hampshire

Dear Edgar Cayce,


Your letter of July 26 just arrived. I rejoice that you are
able to take a vacation and shall feel that I am helping you
have a good time and get rested, though my disappoint is
great, in the postponement of the Reading. Of course you
have to have a rest and all should know that - it is only
our deep appreciation of what comes through you that makes
us sorry at our great loss - but I see your point of view,
am not at all selfish in desiring the all-important
information contained in the questions.

Perhaps you don't understand how far-reaching the questions


are and how important not only to me but hundreds of others
who contact me and learn of your great work. If it were just
myself I would forget it. No, I don't want any membership
fee back, I want only the Reading when you can fit me in,
realizing its importance.

I am learning all the time and am glad of your suggestions,


but I can't see how I can revise the questions to make them
all on one subject when the needs are on several subjects
equally. These questions, and I have them out again - are
like what the UNIVERSAL FORCE OR CONSCIOUSNESS has answered
before - the same type were answered in all my Readings.
Would you try again and when any question is ignored, then
pass it up? I put a day in just wording the questions after
a year's thought on them. I want to know about my writings,
one or two of which are with you - and for the Association -
those to be written are on the material the Readings told me
I should write, so I need to have those questions clarified.
They are not fortune-telling, and I have purposely avoided
asking any such questions. As to my seal - that has been
given to many and why not to me? I made three divisions
to my last page of questions - writings, general questions,
and the incarnation of Dorothy Manley. Can you suggest any
better arrangement? If you would rather call it a Vocation
Reading and work the other few questions in at the end, that
would be done. That would be the questions as I have them
arranged on the writings first.
2067-12 Page 12

Dear Friend, I need help on these things and have done the
best I can. Can you help? This is to be a clarification
Reading with the questions.

Another point, I teach the Colonial Period of American


Literature and have carefully studied the witchcraft period
in America, the time when I lived. I need to have the
questions answered that I have suggested, since I can't
find the information in any books. I try to be very
considerate and thoughtful and saving of everybody, but
myself. If I were able to see you I could explain to your
satisfaction that every question is necessary and carefully
thought-out. However, I am helpless and await your good
graces. I hope I may always be helpful. I use all that
comes through you for the service of humanity. You wrote
as though you thought I was selfish and did not understand.
If I could get the answers anywhere else I certainly would
do so, for I realize how overworked you are. But I
appreciate you, and hope the vacation may be a gorious one.
I wish you could come up North where it is so cool and
beautiful in the mountains by the lake - you could have two
whole houses to yourself. The latch string is always out.

Very sincerely, [2067]

R11. 8/16/44 EC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Dr. [2067]
..., New Hampshire

Dear Dr. [2067]

I beg your pardon for such a long time in replying to yours


of the 29th. I have, as you possibly gathered from my
letter, been away from the office for some little time.
I was with Mr. Sugrue for some of the time, and I think
we got some matters straightened that have been needing
attention.

I was gone nearly two weeks, and came home feeling mighty
bad. Have been home nearly a week, but haven't been able
to get back to work.

I am very sorry that you had to be put off, because it will


be a long time before we will be able to get to you again.

I appreciate very much your sincerity and interest, and I

2067-12 Page 13
do hope very much that we can carry through and get your
questions in just about as orderly a form as possible in
answering all those that you have indicated.

It will be some little time before we can get to give you


another appointment, but will do it just as soon as possible.
First, I have to get myself in shape, before I can help
anybody.

Thanking you very much for your help and your interest, and
with every good wish from all here.

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce [EC:gp]

R12. 1/21/47 Dr. [2067]'s ltr. to HLC:

Dear Hugh Lynn,

I was glad to get your letter of December 30th. I did not


answer at once to thank you for letting me know that my book,
SON OF MARY was not lost, because I was reviewing a very
interesting book for Wing Anderson, author of PROPHETIC
YEARS, 1947-1953. I enclose a copy of the review I sent
him, in case you might be interested in part of it at least.

As you know, Wing has had two or three other books that have
been the most popular books on prophecies, having sold
upwards of 300,000 copies. I think this one will also go
like the wind. He could have sold many others if he had
them printed - but paper has been short during the war.

I am as busy as ever with many irons in the fire, painting,


poetry, school-teaching, trying to find a warm climate in
which to settle for my next permanent position, etc. - it
snows and is zero weather here much of the time - which thing
I do not want.

So you have a son four years old - how nice! I had not
realized that time had gone so fast. All my three children
are marriaged and have children - all returned from the war.
Kindest regards to Sally.

All best wishes for the New Year.

Do you yet know of any psychic who will take your father's
place? do you have anybody in mind?

2067-12 Page 14

Very sincerely, [2067]

[Handwritten note]: Have you ever contacted your father


since his passing? At present I am reading one of Dr. Carl
Wickland's book GATEWAY OF UNDERSTANDING published in 1934
in which he tells of Houdini's return and explanation and
that the code that was given to his wife has been worked
out perfectly. A very sorrow man is Houdini for the way he
treated mediums!

R13. 2/3/47 HLC's ltr. to Dr. [2067]:

Dr. [2067]
..., Oregon

Dear [2067]

We were glad to have your letter of January 21st containing


the review of Wing Anderson's "Prophetic Years". Due to our
disagreements over whether or not reincarnation is a fact,
Anderson has been a severe critic of ours for sometime. I
do think however he is doing a tremendous amount of good in
many directions.

I am familiar with Wickland's book which you mentioned. Did


you know that Anderson bought the plates for one of
Wickland's books after his death, and that he is also
indirectly connected with the distribution of "Oahspe"?

No, we do not have anyone as yet who can fill my father's


place in giving readings. Our work is based on the
tabulating, indexing, and extracting of material from the
readings which he left. Naturally, we are concerned and
interested in the development of psychic powers in any
individual and our [are] constantly on the lookout.

A great many mediums have reported communications from Edgar


Cayce. Unfortunately, many of them are extremely conflicting
which is to be expected under the circumstances. You will
hear more about this in our publications later.

I always look forward to hearing from you so do keep in touch


with us.

Regards from all.

Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce [HLC/tm]

2067-12 Page 15

R14. 12/16/47 GD's note: She wrote of her work in helping to


start a new college in Calif.

R15. 12/48 Routine mailing was returned marked ADDRESS UNKNOWN.


R16. 8/15/63 GD's note: The original of her manuscript, SON OF
MARY, is still in A.R.E. vault.

R17. Dr. [2067]'s manuscript:

THE MYSTIC SOCIETY OF ESSENES by [2067], Ph.D.

The Essenes were a unique and fascinating group of men and


women whose chief purpose in life was to become temples of

the Holy Spirit that they might receive a special revelation


from the Almighty, and thus be the means of bringing the
promised Messiah into the world. History declares that
their desire was fulfilled, that Jesus was born in the fold
of their organization, and that He and John the Baptist, with
many other Biblical characters, were members of the Essene
communities both in Palestine and in other lands.

Since this group of mystics, prophets, healers, and miracle


workers contributed so much to the origin and spread of
Christianity in their making of history and the fostering
of its course, it seems somewhat surprising that intelligent
people know so little about this branch of the Great White
Brotherhood. The Freemasons, however, find pure Christianity
in Essenism and consider it to be the most important
fraternity the world has ever seen. Dating back at least
to the time of Moses and designated at various times and
places as Nazarites, School of the Prophets, Hasidees,
Nazarenes, Essenes, Therapeutae, Brethren in White Clothing,
Contemplative Ones, Ministers of Peace, Friends, and the Pure
and Silent Brethren, this mystic group not only prepared for
the birth of the Messiah, but distinguished itself in many
other ways. The Essenes were the first to proclaim the
equality of all mankind and to denounce slavery; they were
the first socialists to organize a community high above the
standards of their times; they were also the first communists
to encourage the ownership of all things in common, as well
as the first mystic sect in all Jewish history.

Although the purpose of this paper is to give briefly from


ancient and modern sources the principal historical facts
concerning this society of mystics, it is of interest to note
in passing that much additional and confirmatory material on
the Essenes may be found in the Life Readings given during
the past forty years by Edgar Cayce of the Association for

2067-12 Page 16

Research and Enlightenment, Inc. Through the Life Readings


several formerly declared to have been Essenes have been
located, and among them are some who were vitally concerned
with the preparations for the birth of Jesus, with His
protection during His flight into Egypt, with His training
in the Essene community to which He and His parents belonged,
and later with his education in Essene schools abroad. These
records bear out in detail the historical references brought
down through the centuries by such authorities as Josephus,
Philo, Pliny, Solinus, Prophry, Epiphanius, Eusebius, the
Talmud, Midrashism, the Bible, and many other witnesses both
ancient and modern.

Although historians differs as to details they are generally


agreed upon the more important facts concerning the Essenes.
For example, they agree that this pioneer mystic order was of
"dateless antiquity" as Pliny declares. The Talmud speaks of
the brotherhood as "the holy community in Jerusalem", while
Strabo mentions the "Essenes in Heliopolis with whom Plato

and Eudoxus consulted". Josephus considers them "the


oldest of ascetics," and and tells us that they believed
in reincarnation, in the resurrection, the the communication
with angels, and says that it was from "Egypt that their
doctrines spread abroad." For a time Josephus was a member
of the Order of Essenes. Philo calls the mystic brotherhood
"champions of virtue, a race by themselves more remarkable
than any other in the wide world." Epiphanius, famous church
historian of the fourth century, declares that "Jesus joined
the Essenes", and that "for their healings they sometimes
used a Book of Remedies attributed to King Solomon." Every
Jew, it seems, according to Josephus, had to belong to one
of the three sects, the Sadducees, Pharisees, or the Essenes.
He notes that while Jesus spoke scathingly of the scribes,
Sadducees, and Pharisees, he never uttered a word against
the Essenes, although as a member of the Brotherhood with
His cousin John His teaching differed in some details from
that of the Essenes. And again, Solinus affirms that "the
Essenes who differ from all other nations in their marvelous
constitutions, have according to my opinion been appointed
by divine Providence for this mode of life. Money they know
not, and connubial pleasures they have renounced, yet they
are the richest of all men."

To turn for a moment to representative modern historians,


we find Dean Prideaux in writing on the descendents of
the Essenes in a work entitled THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
CONNECTED, notes that the Essenes absolutely antedated the

2067-12 Page 17

Holy Scriptures, and absolutely condemned slavery which both


the Old and New Testaments allowed. He believes that this
proclaiming of freedom and equality will be recognized
unanimously by the civilized world as one of the glorious
features of Essenism anticipating the spirit of Christianity
and the philosophy of the twentieth century. Dr. Graetz in
his book on the HISTORY OF THE JEWS, says "The Essenes first
proclaimed the kingdom of heaven", that "John the Baptist
lived the life of a Nazarite, belonged to the Essenes,
took up his abode with the other Essenes near the waters
of the Jordan, awaiting penitents. Those penitents who were
baptized joined at the same time the Essenic Order. When
the Jewish nation would confess its sins and bathe in the
Jordan the Messiah would not tarry long in His coming." The
historian Ginsburg, in his book THE ESSENES, THEIR HISTORY
AND DOCTRINE says "The purpose of Jesus, the Essene, was to
effect a great moral revolution. From the age of twelve to
thirty He was in the Essene colonies and conceived the plan
which He intended to carry out. There He was educated until
He was sent out by His Order to effect a great moral
revolution. His object in life was to bring about a
reformation in Judaism by the means of Essenism, and He
Himself was a pliant tool in their hands, although He taught
a somewhat modified Essenism." It is C. D. Ginsburg who
declares, "It cannot be doubted that our Savior Himself
belonged to this holy brotherhood." And again, one of the

most painstaking, scholarly, and historical researches, that


by A. A. Schutz on THE ESSENES, compiled from the numerous
records of the Literary and Philosophic Society of Liverpool
in 1896, finds the above statements, together with many
others that will be mentioned, confirmed in the ancient
documents written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.

Several of the references declare that the Essenes were a


branch of the illuminated brotherhood or Great White Lodge
which had its birth in the country of Egypt during the years
preceding Amenhotep the Fourth, Pharaoh of Egypt and the
great founder of the first monotheistic religion, who
encouraged and supported the existence of a secret
brotherhood to teach the mystic truths of life. The several
mystic schools of Egypt which were united under one head
constituted the Great White Brotherhood, but branches of
these schools assumed different names in different parts of
the world, in accordance with the language of each country
and the peculiarities of the general religious and spiritual
thought of the people. In Old Testament times, for example,
the Essenes were known as the Nazarites or seers of the

2067-12 Page 18

School of the Prophets; in Engeddi and Alexandria the


members of the Brotherhood assumed the name of Essenes or
Brethren of the White Clothing, while in Greece they were
known as Therapeutae or healers or physicians.

For many centuries before the dawn of the Christian Era,


the Essenes, as active bands of workers, maintained two
principal centers, one in Egypt on the banks of Lake Maoris,
and the other in Palestine at Engeddi near the Dead Sea. The
branch in Palestine had to contend with the depotism of the
rulers of the country and the jealousy of the priesthood.
These conditions forced the Palestine group to hold
themselves in greater silence and solitude than they had
been accustomed to in Egypt. Before they moved from their
small buildings and sacred enclosure at Engeddi, to the
ancient buildings on Mount Carmel, their principal activity
seemed to be the tanslation of ancient manuscripts and the
preservation of such traditions and records as constituted
the foundation of their teachings. When they came to change
their location their greatest problem was the secret
movement of their manuscripts. Fortunately they succeeded
in preserving the rarest of the manuscripts that came out
of Egypt, together with their ancient traditions, stories,
and teachings. It is from these that we derive most of our
knowledge regarding the Essenes and the Great White
Brotherhood. It is from these documents that we learn that
from one of the holy women set aside, as a possible mother
of the Messiah, the Savior would be born and within an
Essene community. They expected Him to be a reincarnation
of the greatest of their past leaders. The doctrine of
reincarnation was not only an established belief among these
mystics, but also among the most orthodox of the Jewish
people and of all peoples during the Old and New Testament

times. The Bible declares time and again the truth of


reincarnation. The Essenes believed that the greatest among
them were the greatest because of previous preparation,
previous existence, and previous attainments. They
naturally looked for the great Master to come out of the
past, and as He did with the words upon His lips, "Before
Abraham I am." Through their highly evolved knowledge and
intimate psychic contact with Cosmic Consciousness the
Essenes were well informed of coming events. They kept
continually before them the Scriptural prophecy, "For among
thy brethren I shall raise one who shall guide my people."

The meaning of the mysterious word "Essene," the


characteristics of this secret brotherhood, a picture of

2067-12 Page 19

how they lived, what they believed and thought, together


with their absorption into Christianity is a story of intense
interest to all modern students of mysticism and sacred
literature. Before we can properly understand and appreciate
the history and real story of the birth and life work of the
Master Jesus, we must have an understanding of the ancient
organizations and schools which contributed to the
preparation for His coming.

Since the term "Essene" was not popularly known, only the
learned knowing it, it is easy to account for the lack of
references to the Essenes in most of the popular histories
or writings of the time. The Essene attire was so
distinctive and unique that among the populace they were
often known as "the brethren in white clothing", for after
initiation each member adopted a robe of white composed of
one piece of material, such as the "seamless garment" worn
by the Master Jesus. Silence seemed to be the motto of the
Brotherhood. When they did speak they were well trained in
the value of vowel sounds and the use of their voices in
incantations. They were soft-spoken in conversation and
were often known as "the soft-speaking men." Those who
were called "the healers" or "physicians" spoke softly
to their patients using certain vowel sounds without any
evidence of a formula. They often performed the greatest of
cures by the simple laying on of hands or by instructing the
patient to retire to the silence of his home while the cure
was concluded in a psychic manner. Some historians claim
that the word "Essene" comes from the Egyptian word "kashai"
which means "secret". There is a Jewish word of similar
sound, "chsahi" meaning "secret" or "silent" and this word
would naturally be translated into assaios or "Essene",
denoting "secret" or "mystic." Even Josephus found that
the Egyptian symbols of light and truth are represented by
the word "choshen" which transliterates into the Greek as
"Essene". A branch of the organization established by the
Greeks translated the word "Essene" as being derived from
the Syrian word "assaya", meaning physician, into the Greek
word therapeutes, having the same meaning. While most of
the members of the Essenes were healers or physicians, the

organization was devoted to many other humanitarian practices


besides the art of healing, and not all of its members were
physicians in any sense.

There are twenty or more explanations of the mysterious


term, deriving the word Essene from holiness, piety, the
mysterious, silent, reticent ones to those endowed with

2067-12 Page 20

the gift of prophecy, or performers of the law, the stout


or strong and pure race. Epiphanius declares that the
Essenes borrowed their name from Jesse, the father of David,
and were called Jesseans. By others they were known as
"seers", "puritans", "the retired", and some thought the
name was derived from "essa, a town situated beyond Jordan."
Still others thought the word was derived from the Chaldee
root "to be strong", "bound together or associated",
so-called because of their strength of mind to endure
suffering and to subdue their passions. Again, they were
known as "observers of the law of purity and holiness", "the
reticent ones to whom the scrolls were entrusted." Philo's
dictionary of Hebrew names gives the meaning of "Essene" as
"those in silence"; still other possible meanings include
"blameless ones", "mystics whose secret lore was given in a
whisper", "sin-fearing", "men entrusted with the
administration of alms". The Essenes had a chamber in the
Temple where they deposited their gifts of charity in
secret, whence the respectable poor drew their "support in
secrecy". From these Essenes the "Gate of the Essenes" in
Jerusalem derived its name. They also had in every city for
their charity a special chamber for their charity box, so
that money could be deposited and taken in secret - a thing
that could only be done upon the presumption that the money
belonged to all alike. Each city had its administrative
body consisting of its best men who took charge of the
collection and distribution of charity and who established
hospices in various communities for the care of the sick,
especially during epidemics of famine or disease. These
places were called "Bethsaida". We find in this feature
of their work the origin of the hospices and hospitals which
became well-known some centuries later. A special staff of
workers was connected with these places and were called
hospitalers. The Essenes likewise had their rescue homes in
various communities, and at the entrance of most cities they
had a place called "a Gate" where strangers or those in need
of something to eat or of guidance would be cared for
temporarily.

They call themselves "ministers of peace", "friends", and


stood for peace in every way. The Biblical words of Jesus,
"Agree with thine adversary on the way", were literally
carried out by them. In any disagreement with strangers they
would gladly pay any price rather than enter into an argument
or have any strained relationships. For this reason they
were well thought of by other sects even though their
religious practices were severely criticized. Some called

2067-12 Page 21

them "the pure-minded" who fitted themselves in every way


to speak God's name. The Essenes claimed to possess, from
the founders of the Synagogue, the correct pronunciation and
the magic spell of the Holy Name by which they could achieve
miracles as did the men of old. Like other Hebrew proper
names, the name of God is more than a mere distinguishing
title. It represents the Hebrew conception of the divine
nature or character and of the relation of God to His people.
the Name represents the attributes which He bears and which
are revealed through His acts to His people. Any new
manifestation of His interest or care gives rise to a new
name. Even to make mention of Yahweh's Name is to assert
confidence in His strength. The Lord said, "My Name is in
him". God's Name excites certain emotions. The forty-two
letter Name of God is Azilut or "Animation". The Cabbalists
added the forty-five letter Name which is equivalent in
value to the sentence referring to Yahweh, "What is His
Name", found in Proverbs 30:4. The numerical value of the
letters is counted. A combination of God's
seventy-two-letter Name appears in the Urim and Thummim,
consisting of the names of the twelve Patriarchs and the
twelve Tribes of Israel. When the Urim and Thummim were
consulted in regard to any matter, the divine Name lit up
the letters which were brought into relief or into such a
combination as to make the answer to the question asked
intelligible. Creation is said to have occurred by the
manipulation of the sacred letters forming the divine Names.
The Essenes used the word "god" in their mystic prayers and
rites and had a voluminous esoteric literature on these
matters. They felt the need of being absolutely pure,
truthful, honest, upright, virtuous, chaste, and charitable
in their continual purification of the soul. Magic power
was known only to the initiated. Their mysteries made them
cognizant of the names of the angels, the angelic world, and
of employing its ministry. The constant purification and
the study of their prophetic writings gave these
"pure-minded ones" the powers of prediction. The same mystic
writings revealed the remedies in plants and stones for the
healing of the body. It should be emphasized that
communication with the angels and the secret traditional
literature with its teachings concerning mysterious remedies
are frequently referred to in apocalyptic literature. For
example, in the Book of Enoch and in the Book of Jubilees
there is much about communication with angels and of the
"seers" who received angelic instruction and revelations. In
the Book of Jubilees the angels are distinctly represented as
teaching Noah all "herbal remedies for diseases." This

2067-12 Page 22

knowledge is also claimed to have been given to Moses.


Undoubtedly the BOOK OF REMEDIES ascribed to Solomon which
the Essenes used contained much of this earlier revelation.
The seamless white robe worn by these "pure-minded ones"
was also a symbol of inward purity, a freedom from the
distracting, degrading influence of matter, and a result
of higher fellowship with the Divine.

But whence came these Essenes? It has been suggested that


these teachers and preachers of the secrets of the new and
deeper phases of religion were found at different times under
various names, that in the Old Testament times, the Essenes
mentioned in the Book of Judges are called the Nazarites;
in Kings they are called the School of the Prophets; in the
Maccabean times they were called the Hasidees. During this
period Jewish theosophy, until then the spiritual diversion
of a chosen and select few, became the popular passion of
whole groups of people. The Jewish group rose to full tide
in the midst of this strange and curious brotherhood later
known as the Essenes. Scholars have declared that these
Mystics of the White Clothing were the first systematizers
and practitioners of an occult science which later went by
the name of Cabbalah. They have interpreted their name to
mean "those who are engaged in secret things." It was in
the time of Christ that this unbroken line of interpreters
of the veiled truths of spiritual realities became known as
the Essenes. They claim Mosaic origin for their brotherhood.
Even Abraham, "the humble one", and all doers of works of
benevolence learned it from God, their Father in heaven, so
tradition has it; thus the brotherhood may antedate Moses.
The Israelites under Moses were driven out by Amasis I,
founder of the eighteenth dynasty, and with this event
materialism superseded the things of the spirit. After
this expulsion from Egypt, the mystic Shepherd Kings gathered
in a place named Avaris and remained there for a time, the
Egyptians not being able to dislodge them. Later they passed
through the wilderness into Syria and into a country now
known as Judea where they entered a city afterwards called
Salem and where much later Melchizedek bestowed upon Abraham
the mystic rites of the Order later known as the Essenes.
Many centuries afterwards this same city was known as
Jerusalem. Thus we note that the Essenes are "ageless,
of dateless antiquity" as Pliny tells us - "thousands of
years they existed before" his time. Some historians claim
that the ancient Order went by its new name "Essenes" during
the second century before Christ. History mentions them in
the days of Johathan, the Maccabean, B.C. 166. Later in

2067-12 Page 23

the reign of Aristobulus I, B.C. 106, they are mentioned


in connection with the prophecy concerning the death of
Antigonus uttered by Judas the Essene, together with the
statement that up until that time no prophecy of the Essenes
had ever failed - nor has any prophecy of their failed since,
so far as is known. Again, Ewald's Jewish History, among
other histories, states that "the Essenes, or the people

who left the great community to live a holy life with the
permission and under the direction of the law, were to
be found in Israel from the remotest times and were formerly
known as Nazarites."

Although historians differ among themselves in details, they


are generally agreed that the essential characteristics of
the Essenes included their conviction that fate governs all
things, their absolute confidence in Jehovah's will being
manifested in whatever comes to pass, although free will
is not denied; their unqualified belief in prophecy and
the ability to see coming events; their belief in
preexistence or reincarnation; their uniformly holy and
unselfish life; their abstinence from visiting the Temple
or in taking part in bloody sacrifices; their unbounded
love of virtue and their contempt for earthly fame, riches,
pleasure; their industry and temperance, the latter including
a vegetarian diet and abstinence from intoxicants; their
modesty and simplicity of life; their contentment of mind
and cheerfulness of temper; their love of order and
abhorrence of even the semblance of falsehood; their
benevolence and philanthropy; their love for the brethren
from whom they never concealed anything, and their following
peace with all men; their hatred of slavery and war; their
aversion to taking oaths or to swearing or to anointing with
oil; their tender regard for children, and reverence and
anxious care for the aged; their attendance on the sick, and
readiness to relieve the distressed; their investigation
of plants and minerals for healing, their miraculous cures,
and the perishing of many of their secret doctrines when
they were absorbed into Christianity; their humility and
magnanimity; their firmness of character and ability to
subdue their passions; their heroic endurance under the
most agonizing suffering for righteousness sake, and their
cheerful looking forward to death as releasing their mortal
souls from the bonds of the body to a state of bliss with
their Creator. All these qualities have no parallel in the
history of mankind. No wonder that the Jews of different
sects, the Greeks, the Romans, Christian historians and pagan
writers all alike lavish the most unqualified praise on this

2067-12 Page 24

holy brotherhood. Very remarkably do these "Mystic Ones",


these "Contemplative Men" exemplify the lessons which Christ,
whom they are said to have sent out from their Order into the
world, propounds in the Sermon on the Mount beginning with
the Beatitudes.

Even Herod the Great could find no fault with the "Brethren
of the White Clothing" and showered many favors upon them,
and even excused them from the taking of oaths, even the
oath of allegiance. They gained favor with the King of Judea
because of their exactness in prophecy. History states that
there was a certain Essene named Menahem who was celebrated
not only for his uprightness but also for the foreknowledge
of the future. When he once met Herod as a boy going to

school, he addressed him by the name of "King of the Jews".


Herod thought that Menahem did not know him, or that he
jested, and so reminded him that he was of common origin
with no chance of becoming king. But Menahem smiled on
him most friendly and clapped him on the back with his
hand, saying, "Thou wilt, nevertheless, be king and will
begin thy reign happily, for God has found thee worthy of
it. Remember the blows Menahem hath given thee as being the
symbol of the change of thy fortune. For this assurance will
be salutary for thee when thou wilt love justice and piety
toward God and equity toward thy citizens. However, I know
that thou wilt not be such a one, for I can perceive it all.
Thou wilt obtain an everlasting reputation, but thou wilt
forget piety and justice. Thou wilt not be concealed from
God, for He will visit thee in His wrath for it, towards the
end of thy life." Herod, it seems, paid very little
attention to the Essene's prophecy at the time, as he had
no hope of its fulfillment. But soon afterwards when
advanced to the dignity of king, he ordered Menahem to come
before him. He regarded the Essene as being endowed with
higher powers than ordinary mortals, gave him his hand, and
from that time on continued to honor the Essenes.

History abounds in the fulfilled prophecy of the Mystic


Order. Judas, the Essene, was another example. One day
in the Temple surrounded by his pupils whom he initiated
into the apocalyptic art of foretelling the future, he saw
Antigonus pass. Judas prophesied a sudden death for him at
a definite hour on a certain day, in a very special place -
all of which occurred as predicted. Likewise, Simon, the
Essene, probably the one mentioned in the second chapter
of Luke, was a very holy man whose prophecies also came
true, among many others. So holy were the members of the

2067-12 Page 25

Essene communities that they developed not only exactness


in prophecy, but also magnetic personalities, accompanied,
of course, by clean bodies, clean habits, clean raiment.
Moreover, they developed such beautiful auras that on some
occasions these auras became visible to the profane.

History informs us that of all the sects of the ancient days,


the Essenes were the most exclusive. They usually located
their secret societies in small towns or on the border of the
desert apart from the crowded hives of humanity. There in
communities of small villages outside the walls or limits
of practically every city where they existed, they waited
patiently, yearning for "the kingdom of God eternal in the
heavens", as they fed the fires of their devotion in the
fellowship or worship of their mystic Deity. In the Essene
community each member had his own little house and garden.
Marriage was not forbidden among them, as was commonly
supposed by many historians. Their ideals concerning
marriage, however, were very high and only those who
were well-mated and whose mating was approved by the higher
officials were permitted to marry. The most advanced groups,

however, those who took the highest degrees, refrained from


marriage. "Some", as Jesus explained, "made themselves
eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake." Women were
permitted to become associate members of the Brotherhood,
and in a few cases were allowed to enter the early grades
of study of the work. The Essenes did not consider women
to be inferior mentally or spiritually, but the Essene branch
of the Great White Brotherhood was an organization of men to
carry on man's work throughout each community. But sisters,
mothers, and daughters of the men in each Essene community
were permitted to be a part of the community. Those of the
women who were not married, and who did not care to marry,
often adopted orphan children as their own, and in this way
carried on a form of humanitarian work for the organization.
There were no servants, of course, for servitude was unlawful
- each household was cared for by its own members. The
Essenes apparently agreed that civilization decayed in
proportion to the number of servants or slaves, and that
the fall of a civilization is due not only to inequalities
in the civilization, but to the fact that the people in the
upper classes do not experiment or work with their hands,
but delegate all physical work to servants, and thus fail
to advance.

The Alexandrian community of Essenes lived in scattered


houses near enough to afford mutual protection when

2067-12 Page 26

necessary, but not too close to disturb the solitude which


was so greatly prized by these "contemplative ones." Each
house contained a chamber devoted to prayer and meditation.
These "silent ones", "seers", "healers" during the week lived
and worked apart and meditated in silence, but on Saturday
they prayed and ate in common. Their so-called feasts where
no flesh was served and only cold water was drunk (especially
those held on the eve of Pentecost), were famous and
formed a contrast to Greek revels. At these feasts the
philosophical discourse was the chief feature. This was
followed by hymns and by antiphonal and joint singing with
choral dancing in imitation of Moses and Miriam at the Red
Sea. The Essene physicians treated their charges by keeping
them quiet, free from anxiety and fear, and by giving them
rest and good cheer and the benefits of medicinal help found
in plants and stones. Though interested in the welfare
of the state, the Essenes despaired of the reality of the
Kingdom of God under the existing political situation. For
them, the Kingdom was not to be established through political
or ecclesiastical institutions. It must be revealed from God
out of heaven. He would send to them His Chosen One, whom He
had selected from the foundation of the world, and He would
be the center of a great quiet peaceful kingdom of spirits.

There was at the time an inward distress in men's hearts


at the wide-spread materialism, and a despairing struggle
in Jewish life for something better. Decaying Judaism
attracted attention and awakened the apprehension of the

thoughtful men of the day - such men as Cicero, Tactitus, and


Josephus who often spoke of the facts of their decadent
times. Both Judaism and paganism were in the last stages
of decay. Rabbis were talking of the coming of a deliverer.
The popular idea, not the Essene, was that this deliverer
would sweep the legions of Augustus from their land, marvels
would be accomplished, and armies would descend from heaven,
fight and overcome Rome. At the touch of God's winds white
flour would drop from the ripened heads of wheat like manna
of old. From a single grape, wine would be drawn as from a
cask. Jerusalem would become greatly enlarged and miraculous
buildings would be erected. There would be no more sickness
or pain or anything to mar the happiness of the new kingdom.
Expectation was rife among the Semetic races, while the cry
of the pagan was voiced by Seneca, "Ah, if one might only
have a guide to truth." The Essenes knew that the fullness
of time was near. Hebrew religion, Greek wisdom, Roman
politics had failed, and in failing had prepared the way
for the coming of Jesus, the Nazarite or Essene.

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The beliefs and customs of the Essenes were so closely linked


together that in their communities their conduct was a
reflection of their convictions. They considered that they
could reach perfection only through a gradual growth in
holiness brought about by strict observance of the Levitical
laws contained in the Pentateuch, mortifying the flesh
and lusts thereof. Thus they believed they would be
brought into closer communion with the Holy One of
Israel. Strictness in enforcing the rigid Mosaic laws
and Levitical purity ultimately compelled the Essenes
to withdraw altogether from the society of their Jewish
brethren, to live apart from the world and apart from any
one who did not follow their strict manner of life and thus
would contaminate them. The great fear of coming in contact
with anything impure that would hinder their spiritual
communion with their Creator caused certain branches of
the Essene Order to abstain from marriage. These looked
with pity upon their weaker brethren who could not be
"like the angels of heaven, neither marrying nor given
in marriage." These weaker ones were allowed to take wives
under certain restrictions, but, as has been noted, they
could never advance to the highest orders of the
brotherhood, for they were not among those who were willing
to become "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven",
as Christ expressed it. Since historians declare that
celibacy was the rule of the Essenes, the ranks of the
brotherhood were necessarily filled with recruits from
the Jewish community at large, and by children who were
educated most carefully and were taught the practices of
the order - it was believed that of such the kingdom of
heaven was being built.

Every adult candidate had to pass through a novitiate of


two stages extending over a period of three years before

he could finally be admitted to the order. Upon entering


the first stage, or twelve-month period, the novitiate
was required to cast all his possessions into the general
treasury. He then received a copy of the regulations of
the brotherhood, as well as a spade with which to bury his
excrement, an apron used at the lustrations, and a white
robe to don at meals - these were the symbols of purity
set forth in Deuteronomy 23:12-14. During the whole of
this period the novitiate was considered an outsider, as
was the historian Josephus himself who did not go beyond
this first stage, was not admitted to the common meals as
a probationer, yet who had to observe during this period
2067-12 Page 28

the ascetic rules of the society. When the probation period


was satisfactory, then the candidate was admitted to the
second stage of two years, during which time he shared in
the common meals, but not in the lustral rites. When this
period was satisfactory, then the novitiate became an
associate or a full member of the brotherhood, being allowed
to partake of the common or sacrificial meal. Before he
was admitted into close fellowship, however, he had to bind
himself by a solemn oath to observe love to Jehovah, love
to all mankind, love of virtue, purity of character which
implied humility, love of truth and hatred of falsehood,
strict secrecy towards outsiders (so as not to divulge the
secret doctrines to any one), and perfect frankness with
the members of the order. Finally, he had to be careful
to preserve the books belonging to the order, the names
of the angels, and the mysteries connected with the
Tetragrammaton, as well as the other names of Jehovah and
of the angels found in the theosophy and cosmognony which
play so important a part among the Jewish mystics and
Cabbalists. There were eight different stages of
development possible of attainment. In the first stage
bodily purity was attained; in the second, celibacy or
imposed abstinence from connubial intercourse; in the third,
inward of spiritual purity; in the fourth, all anger and
malice had or be banished and a meek, lowly spirit
cultivated; in the fifth was the culminating point of
holiness; in the sixth, the Essene became the temple of the
Great Spirit and could prophesy; in the seventh, he was able
to perform miraculous cures and raise the dead; and finally
in the eighth stage he attained to the position of Elijah,
the forerunner of the Messiah. Probably no religious system
has ever produced such a community of saints so eager for
purity and spiritual attainments. The Essenes founded not
only a new sect, but almost a new religion.

The people of these secret societies wore a common type of


dress, engaged in common labor, united in common prayers,
partook of common meals, deposited their earnings in a
common treasury, devoted themselves to works of charity,
for which each had the liberty to draw from the common funds
at his own discretion, except in the case of relatives. And
as has been noted they showed rare benevolence to all people,

especially to the poor, the sick, the aged, and to strangers.


In every city there was a special official from the
brotherhood to extend hospitality to strangers, to supply
funds for food, travel, and for other needs - thus they
served their fellow men as minister, prophet, and physician.

2067-12 Page 29
They interpreted dreams, exorcised devils, and performed
miracles, bringing peace to the soul, healing to the body,
and guidance through the predictions which never failed.
Their holy and beautiful lives were exemplified in the words
of the Master when He said, "He that loseth his life for My
sake shall find it, but he that saveth his life shall lose
it." In renouncing the temporal side they won the glory of
that which is eternal. They regarded the body as the soul's
prison house. They bore their hardships and trials
rejoicing, having learned that wisdom and self control are
crystalized pain. The teaching held paramount was the
complete control of all passion and emotion, the importance
of which was stressed in the very beginning of the training
of neophytes. They not only forgave their enemies But sought
to benefit them. Their heroism during the reigns of various
kings and rulers is described by Josephus who declared that
they were not afraid to die, and often preferred death to
mortality.

Although tortured and distorted, burned, torn to pieces at


times, they went through all kinds of instruments of torture,
but could not be compelled to blaspheme their legislator,
to eat what was forbidden, to break any of their principles,
to flatter even once any of their tormenters, or to shed
a tear. They smiled on their persecutors in their pains,
laughed to scorn those who tortured them, and resigned up
their souls with great alacrity as expecting to receive them
again. They believed that their bodies were corruptible and
that the matter that composed them was not lasting - that
their souls were immortal, proceeded from a more subtle
ether, and had been drawn into their bodies as into prisons
by some natural longing. When they were set free from the
bonds of long servitude in the flesh they rejoiced and
mounted upward; evil souls went to dark and gloomy abodes
below.

These disciples of Moses of which Philo and others tell us,


steeped themselves in mystic lore and practiced a theosophic
system which they believed would hasten the coming of the
Messianic kingdom. Their ranks were constantly swelled by
the thousands of new comers who resorted to them because of
their own disappointment with the world. In these peaceful
communities these souls weary with lusts of the flesh found
that rich and poor were treated alike, that there were no
masters or servants, and they the Essenes called no man
master on earth, but all ministered to the needs of all
alike. They did not lay up treasure of silver or gold

2067-12 Page 30

or use money. Among all men they were without money or


possession, yet they were the richest of all because they
had few wants and lived frugally and righteously, all free
serving one another equally. To them all things were
determined by destiny and nothing could befall them that
was not foreordained. "All is in God's hands and everything
is foreseen" was one of their mottos.

The Essenes were vegetarians, ate nothing that breathed the


breath of life, and did not even wear woolens; neither did
they use oil or expectorate. They would not eat anything
offered to idols or pass through gates where images were
placed. On account of their purity of life they were very
healthy and many of them lived to be over a hundred years
old.

Every adult member of the brotherhood was assigned at the


time of his initiation a definite mission in life, and this
mission had to be adhered to regardless of all obstacles and
temptations even to the sacrifice of his life. Some chose
to be healers, physicians, artisans, farmers, teachers,
missionaries, carpenters, translators, scribes; other chose
the tending of flocks and rearing of bees, preparing of
food, making articles of dress, or weaving. Whatever the
occupation chosen it had to be something constructive and
not destructive. There were never in the organization any
gunsmiths, slaughterers of cattle or sheep, or any engaged
in any practice or business that destroyed the least of any
living thing. History emphasizes that no maker of arrows,
darts, spears, swords, helmets, breastplates or shields, no
manufacturer of arms, of engines of war, nor any man whatever
who made things belonging to war, or even such things that
might lead to wickedness in times of peace could ever be
found among the Essenes. Again, no trading was allowed or
anything by which money was made, only barter. Pliny, among
other historians, declares that the Essenes would "not even
dream of carrying on traffic, innkeeping, or navigation, for
they repudiate every inducement of covetousness." But all
peaceful, non-commercial occupations were in keeping with
their purpose in life. While the members of the order were
very industrious and worked from sunrise until sunset, they
devoted the evening hours to the study of the mysteries of
nature and of revelation and of the celestial hierarchy.
Abundant time was possible for this, since each member of
the community took his share of the work in the department
in which he excelled, and since they toiled only for their
necessities and not for laying up sums of money.

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This peaceful, industrious group of people living in

well-kept buildings, usually within a sacred or


well-protected enclosure, elected their own president,
judges, and officials, and considered themselves free to act
only in regard to helping those in trouble and showing
charity to the poor. They believed in passive obedience to
the powers ordained by God. Their ordinary, everyday
affairs were regulated by a committee or council of judges,
one hundred in number who met once a week to regulate the
activities of the organization and to hear the reports
of the workers in the field. All disagreements, all
complaints, all tests and trials went to this council.
Before any decision could be reached it had to be unanimous.
One of the regulations indicates that the Essenes were
necessarily cautious in expressing their opinions of one
another or of those outside of the group. They were not
critical of the lives of those who were trying to reform, and
they adhered strictly to one of their rules, "Judge not, lest
ye be judged." Trials were conducted by juries, composed,
not as our juries are of twelve persons, but by a majority of
the community, or of at least a hundred members who had to be
unanimous in their verdict. The brother who was found guilty
of walking disorderly was excommunicated, yet he was not
regarded as an enemy, but was admonished as a brother and
received back after due repentance. Since it was contrary to
the practices of the Essenes to procure or eat anything from
those outside the order, lest the person become defiled, it
was necessary for a person to repent soon or starve to death.
Excommunications, however, were almost unknown.

The Essenes rose before daylight and did not speak a word to
anyone until after sunrise. To them the sun was an emblem
of Divine Light to which they offered traditional forms of
prayer as if beseeching it to rise. With the following
words they began their hymn of national praise for the
renewal of the light of day:

"He in mercy causes His light to shine upon the earth


and upon the inhabitants thereof; and in His goodness
unfailingly renews every day. How innumerable are Thy
works, O Lord! Thou hast made them all in Thy wisdom.
The earth is full of Thy possessions, O King, Thou art
the only exalted One from everlasting, the praised, the
glorified, the extolled since the days of yore. Lord
of the universe in Thy great mercy have mercy upon us."

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After prayer and meditation, each Essene betook himself to


work, according to the directions of the overseers, and
remained at work until the fifth hour or about eleven o'clock
when the labor of the forenoon regularly terminated. All
again assembled, had a baptism in cold water, donned their
white garments, the symbol of purity, and then made their
way for their ceremonial meal to the dining room which they
entered with as much solemnity as they would a temple. The
meal was a common one; each took his seat according to the

order of age. Those of the brethren who were bakers and


cooks placed before each person a little loaf of bread and
a dish of the most simple food, consisting of vegetables.
Sometimes there were also palm berries, hysop - only water
was drunk. The repast commenced with the minister or Sacedos
who invoked Jehovah's blessing upon it. A mysterious silence
was observed during the meal which had every characteristic
of a sacrament, and may have been designed to take the place
of the sacrifice which they refused to offer in the Temple
- sending only their tithes. The minister concluded the
meal by offering thanks to the Bountiful Supplier of all
their wants. This was their signal for dismissal. After
their withdrawal, they put off their sacred white garments,
dressed themselves in their working clothes, resumed their
several employments under their self-chosen overseers, until
evening, when they assembled again to partake of the common
meal. They received earnings, presents, or rewards for labor
through stewards. These remunerations were placed in the
common treasury, from which they could all draw as much as
they thought proper for the relief of the distressed and for
compassion upon those who were not even of the brotherhood,
if they so desired. Such was their manner of life during
week days. Every phase of their existence meant a continual
purification of the soul.

The Sabbath day was observed with the utmost rigor, since the
Essenes took special care not to be guilty of "neglecting the
assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is" -
words that are attributed later to Saint Paul. Ten persons
constituted a complete and legal number for divine worship
in the synagogue, and in the presence of such an assembly
utmost reverence and respect were maintained and no Essene
would even expectorate in such presence. In the synagogue,
as in the dining hall, each took his seat according to age
and properly attired. There were no ordained ministers
with exclusive rights to conduct the services, but any one
who desired to do so took up the Scriptures and read them,
while another who had much experience in spiritual matters

2067-12 Page 33

expounded what was read. The distinctive ordinances of the


brotherhood as well as the mysteries connected with the
Tetragrammaton and the angelic worlds were the prominent
topics of Sabbath discussion.

The similarities between Essenism and Primitive Christianity


are very striking. Both organizations had the same belief
in communism, in baptism or bathing, in the power of
prophecy, in pre-existence or reincarnation, in the
resurrection and immortality, in the casting out of devils,
healing of the sick, the working of miracles, the power of
prayer and of God's name, in destiny, fatalism, or that all
things can occur only in the fullness of time and can be
foreseen, and in the equality of all mankind. Both the
Essenes and the early Christians had the same aversion to
ordinary marriage for conjugal pleasures - this aversion was
also enhanced by a firm belief in the Messianic event. They
had the same denunciation for the rich and the exaltation
of the poor, the hard-working, and virtuous; also the same
system of organization, the same rules for travelling
brethren delegated to charity work, and above all the same
love feasts or brotherly meals. Among other similarities
were the aversion to taking oaths, swearing, or eating
anything that had been contaminated, such as food offered
to idols. There are, however, some dissimilarities between
the two organizations, for Jesus taught a somewhat revised
form of Essenism in that he did not hold to extreme
asceticism or rigid Sabbath observance.

Among the numerous examples of the similarities between


Essenism and early Christianity it may be of interest briefly
to recall a few of the words of the Master Himself, the words
of Him whom many of the historians declare, "It cannot be
doubted that our Savior Himself belonged to this holy
brotherhood". The salutation of the Essenes was "Peace
be with you." The New Testament records that these were
the words of Christ used on several occasions, and
particularly at the time of His materialization to His
disciples in the upper room after His resurrection from
the so-called dead. Incidentally, the Essenes when uttering
this salutation often folded their arms, with their right
hand over the heart and the left hand over the right breast.
Again, Jesus said, "Swear not at all; let your conversation
be Yea, yea, and nay, nay." The Essenes also objected
seriously to taking oath, and were even excused from the
oath of allegiance by Herod the Great whom without oaths
could trust the integrity of this brotherhood. Christ

2067-12 Page 34

commended that elevated spiritual life, by word of mouth


and by example, which enabled men to abstain from marriage
for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, and which cannot be
obtained "by all men, except those to whom it is given." He
speaks of those "who for the kingdom of heaven's sake have
made themselves eunuchs." The Essenes also frowned on the
ordinary types of marriage and declared that the highest
degrees could not be attained by married brethren. As
likewise with the Essenes who exalted the poor, and
denounced the rich, so with Christ when He said to the rich
young man, among other instances, "Go and sell that thou
hast and give to the poor and come and follow me."
Afterward He said to the disciples, "It is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of God." The Essenes demanded that
those who joined them should sell all their possessions, and
seek God, purity, virtue, soul development, and an
opportunity to be of service to mankind; while Jesus urged
His disciples to "seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness", and forbade the laying up of treasures on
earth. Among the Essenes who recognized the perfect
equality of all classes of people, and who permitted no
slavery or servitude, no one was allowed to call another

"master" on earth. Jesus held to these same principles and


said, "He that is greatest among you shall be servant of
all." Again, as humility was an outstanding characteristic
among the Essenes so with Christ who said, "Why call ye me
good? There is none good but God"; and furthermore,
"Greater things than these ye shall do." He commended the
"poor in spirit." The same type of miracles performed by
the Essenes were performed by Christ - healing the sick,
casting out demons, foretelling coming events, raising the
dead. The Master used the same methods as the Essenes when
sending his disciples on a journey with no extra coat, and
without script or purse. Both repudiated war, yet they took
weapons with them on perilous journeys, and Christ enjoined
his disciples to do likewise when He said, "He that hath a
garment, let him sell it and buy a sword." With the Essenes
the Master declared that events take place at predicted
times only, and are prearranged as matters of destiny - this
knowledge is reflected in His words, "In the fullness of
time", and "My time is not yet come", "As a man sows, so
shall he reap." The Brothers of the White Clothing also
believed in pre-existence or reincarnation; so with the
glory He had with the Father before the foundation of the
world; He declared, as recorded of Him in Matthew 11:14 and
in other passages, that His cousin, John the Baptist, was the

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reincarnation of Elijah, and that he had attained to that


spirit and power which the Essenes strove to attain. The
Essenes were separatists, feeling themselves defiled if they
had to live with the Sadducees and Pharisees; likewise Jesus
said, "Beware of the leaven of the scribes, Pharisees,
Sadducees", denouncing them continually. Community of goods
obtained among the Essenes, as was also the case among the
Master and His disciples. Judas had the bag, and from it was
taken what was needed for the support of the group or for
charity. Of the early Christian community in Jerusalem it is
written, "And all that believed were together and had all
things common." The Essene continence in eating, drinking,
and fasting which Christ before His baptism continued in the
desert, was not, however, continued throughout the rest of
His life, neither did He demand this asceticism of His
disciples. But like the Essenes who did not sacrifice in the
Temple He declared that the Lord would have mercy and not
sacrifice, and that God was not to be worshipped in any
special place, not in Mount Gerazim or yet in Jerusalem, for
"the true worshippers of the Father shall worship Him in
spirit and in truth." The "silent ones" enjoined reticence
even to the point of death; similarly, Christ said on various
occasions, "See that thou tellest no man." Both the
Essenes and early Christianity urged love to God and
neighbor, a following of virtue and righteousness. The
Lord's Supper of the early church was a regular meal similar
to the sacred daily meals of the Essenes. The same may be
said of the form of baptism John, the Essene, in appealing to
sinners, to be regenerated by baptism inaugurated a new
movement which led to the rise of Christianity and to the

words of the early church, "He that believes and is baptized


shall be saved." Baptism was necessary to enter the Essene
Order. The words of the Master, "He that loseth his life
shall save it" point to the Essenes as their natural source,
along with all the other points mentioned, in that the
Essenes counted righteousness of far greater importance than
physical existence, were not afraid of death, and often did
die in agony under the hand of their tormentors and
persecutors rather than relinquish their principles. That
courage in suffering with which the Christ himself went into
death and which He requested of His followers was the same as
that of the Essenes.

Finally, the Essene idea of the Messiah and the Messianic


kingdom, as indicated in the later part of the Book of
Enoch written about 64 B.C. is practically the same as that
expressed by Jesus Himself. The Essenes did not think of

2067-12 Page 36

the coming Messiah as a mighty worldly king at the head of


Israel's hosts to subdue or destroy the enemies of the
theocractic people in order to re-establish the throne of
David in great splendor and power, but rather they thought
of the Messiah as a great spiritual leader, the center of
a large, quiet, blessed kingdom of spirits, whose highest
commander is God, the Lord of the spirits, who is surrounded
by a thousand times a thousand and ten thousand times ten
thousand angels. The citizens of this kingdom are the
righteous, the saints, the elect ones, separated by the
Lord's foreordination from sinners, as light and darkness
have been separated by Him everlastingly. But of them all,
God, before the foundation of the world, has chosen one, who
like the others is a son of man and a son of woman, whose
portion has been to overcome all things before the Lord of
the spirits in rectitude to eternity; He is the Just One in
whom righteousness dwells, the truly righteous One in the
highest sense - the Chosen One, the Son of Man, the Anointed
One. In the spirit world, according to the Book of Enoch,
there dwells a female spirit known as the Spirit of Wisdom,
who after she has looked in vain for a dwelling place among
men has returned and taken her place among the angels. In
the Chosen One dwells the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of
Him who imparts understanding and the Spirit of Power and
Justice. From thence the Divine Wisdom reveals to the Son
of Man those righteous and holy ones who dwell on earth,
whose portion the Lord of the Spirits preserves because they
have hated and despised this world of injustice. These are
the humble who have chastened their bodies, who loved God
and did not love gold and silver or any of the riches of the
world, but rather gave their bodies over to torture; and who
since they have existed did not long for terrestrial food,
but considered themselves a breath that passes away. Thus
they lived, were often tried of God, but their spirits were
found in cleanliness to praise His name. The time of their
reward will come, the Book concludes - the chosen are saved
even though wars of destruction come upon the land. They

will come forth from all quarters of the earth and be an


imperishable blessing and light to dwell with the Son of
Man throughout all eternity.

Christ and the Christian congregation or organization,


according to historians, proceeded from the Essenes. Life
in the Essene communities and in the Essene schools in
various sections of the world, fill the gap, or the hidden
years of Christ's life which the evangelists of the Bible
try to bridge by the words, "And he increased in wisdom and

2067-12 Page 37

statue and in favor with God and man." The literature of


the Essenes together with other ancient records now partially
known to some historians bridges that period of Christ's life
from twelve until thirty years of age. Mary and Joseph were
high initiates in the Essene community in Palestine. They
were guided and guarded and watched over during their flight
into Egypt as well as when they returned to Galilee. Jesus'
initiation is said to have taken place at Jutha near the
great castle of Masseda - He was recognized as an Essene by
his white seamless robe and by His baptism, and known as the
Chosen of God, and begotten of the Eternal Spirit, according
to the ancient traditions and writings. He was versed in the
things of nature and of wisdom, and was brought up in the
Essene Brotherhood. During His life in the Essene colonies
or communities He conceived the plan which He intended to
carry out, until finally He was sent out by His Order to
effect a great moral revolution. His object in life was
to bring about a reformation of Judaism by means of Essenism,
although as time advanced He taught a modified Essenism.
The Essenes found in Judea and Egypt were absorbed into the
Christian sect after the ascension. Says the historian
Graetz in his HISTORY OF THE JEWS, voicing the findings of
many other historians, "Jesus thus appropriated to Himself
the essential features of Essenism, so that Christianity
is nothing but an offshoot of Essenism. The Essenes were
not heard of after A.D. 40." Historians proceed to show
that the relationship between Essenism and Christianity
are similar to those of parent and child. How could it
be otherwise with its Founder an Essene and its forerunner,
John the Baptist, also a member of the Order? John was the
first to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. The term "Baptist"
means nothing else than that he was an Essene, one who
cleanses his body daily in spring water - the water also
being declared to have the power of spiritual cleansing
as well. He lived the life of a "Nazarite", which means
he belonged to the Essenes who were formerly called
"Nazarites". He lived near the Jordan in the desert
country of the Essenes, baptizing penitents who joined
the Essene Order at the same time.

The Essenes drew from all classes and assimilated their


environment. They did not succumb to it, but rather imposed
their mark on their contemporaries so impressively that they
conquered. The ascetic practices of the communistic group

were a means to an end - the practice of virtue and the


cult of saintliness being part of the teaching of Judaism
was absorbed later into the new group under the name

2067-12 Page 38

"Christians". The Essene converts, after the preaching


of the Messiah, became the good Christians or the good Jews,
and started on the long trail of gradual loss of identity
into the harmonious background of universal Christianity.

R18. See Source File Key #2067 for November, 1981 A.R.E. NEWS
ARTICLE about Mary LaCroix and her book about the Essenes,
entitled THE REMNANT re 2067-12.

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