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that budded when all others remained barren. There is in each one of us a spiritual power that has become
latent during the time we have been going through the pilgrimage of matter, and it is for us to awaken this
power. We have spoken a number of times about this spiritual power how the use of it brings blessings into
the world when used as Parsifal used it, and how when misused, as did Amfortas, it brings sorrow.
This spiritual power is latent at the present time because humanity, symbolized by the traveling ark, has not
fitted itself to receive it. We are too selfish, and we must cultivate unselfishness before we shall be trusted to
wield this wonderful power. Peter is very emphatic in regard to the teachers who may come among us, when
he speaks of false teachers and says they will make merchandise of us. Such are they who have lessons in
this, that, and the other kind of spiritual science to sell, more than likely in astrology, at perhaps five dollars
per lesson. They have these things to give us for the coin of the realm, but we must remember that it is not
money but merit that counts in spiritual attainment every time, and it is impossible to initiate a man into
higher spiritual powers for a few dollars or any material consideration. Just as it is necessary to load the pistol
before pulling the trigger will cause the explosion, so also is it necessary that we have stored up within
ourselves the force, the spiritual power symbolized by Aaron's rod, before we can have that power turned to
its proper and legitimate use. And this is one of the great lessons in the story of the ark.
If we continue to travel and travel, take rebirth after rebirth, and do not at some time learn to obey the voice
of God, hold His commandments holy, and live the good life, we cannot expect to reach the City of Peace,
but must be content to remain in the land of sorrow and suffering.
How then are we to unfold our spiritual power? What is the way, the truth, and the life? We have had the
threefold path shown us in the glorious teaching of the Christ. Ordinary humanity all over the world are being
CHAPTER XXVI. THE JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS 62
Teachings of an Initiate
worked upon by law, which works upon the desire body and holds it in check. The thinker is pitted against
the flesh. But under law no one can be saved. We also have the vital body spoken of in our teaching. This is
the vehicle, as Paul has said, of love and attraction. If we can overcome the passionate side of our nature, if
we can get away from the lower vibrations of love, if we can cultivate within ourselves purity, and if we can
withstand temptation as did Parsifal and live the pure life, then every day we cultivate within ourselves a
power. This power is the power of love, which will express itself in our lives in service, and gradually it will
accumulate to such an extent that it will be like the powder in the loaded pistol. Then the Teacher will come
to us and show us how to liberate the power we have stored up within our being.
It depends upon ourselves how long we shall travel in the wilderness. Everyone of us has the power latent
within that will bring him or her into the City of Peace, a place apart from sorrow and suffering. Everyone of
us can and must make the start sometime, and the first step is purification, for without the pure life there can
be no spiritual advancement. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," it is said. But mammon is usually
interpreted to mean the gold of the world. Yet a man may remain in his business and take care of it for the
good of all, not for his own selfish greed and interest, doing everything possible for others, and not be serving
mammon no matter how much he may be accumulating. A person may love only a few around him, but there
is a higher love that flows out to others not in his own circle which must be observed. Every duty must be
fulfilled that we may thereby take advantage of the higher opportunities that are ever opening up before us.
And so we must all learn our lessons in service: service to humanity, service to animals, service to our
younger brothers, service everywhere. This alone will bring us out of the "wilderness." It is said that those
who were highest in the temple were those who served; and the Christ said, "He who would be the greatest
among you, let him be the servant of all." Let us all strive to render this service. It is easy to do if we will.
Then some day in the not far distant future we shall hear that gentle voice, the voice of the Teacher, which
comes to everyone who serves and who listens to the voice of God.
CHAPTER XXVI. THE JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS 63
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