Chapter 3
Open your understanding, O man, so that you may discern the beauty and glory of heavenly places prepared by your God, Lords and guardian angels.
For as we came up out of the first resurrection, which may be likened to a great medley, a noise and confusion of a mighty multitude, so did we covenant with Jehovih to make ourselves orderly, and a unit in growth, manifestation, expression and future development, so that the place of the second resurrection would do nothing in common with the first.
For Jehovih created mortals and angels to attract each other, like to like; and since the aspiration and desire of most mortals pertain to themselves as individuals, so the two bound themselves in the same pursuits and earthly hopes.
For whoever on earth loved riches, or fame, or great learning, or even evil, such as dissipation, drunkenness, gluttony, sexual indulgence, theft, gambling or arson, doing any or all of these things for self’s sake, or for evil, attracted angel companions of a like order, who, by inspiration or otherwise, led him on to achieve his heart’s desire.
And it came to pass that when such mortals died and entered the first resurrection, their former inspirers became their companions and rulers, having shaped their thoughts while in mortality through their labors for self and earthly objects. And these in turn became angel inspirers to other mortals of like characteristics, so that a long period of time passed away, before the spirits who were thus bound to earth, could be persuaded that there were other heavens open for them to come and inherit. And as it was so then, even so is it this day with the spirits of the dead.
As there are good lands on earth still unoccupied, while in other regions there are great cities with mortals crowded together, starving and dwelling in misery, and they will not leave, even so is it with the great multitude of angels of darkness gathered together upon the face of the earth; and many of them will not depart into the higher heavens of Jehovih.
As cold metal in contact with hot metal changes temperature, so by angel contact with the spirit of man, knowledge passes from one to the other. So also is it of the passions, sentiments, desires and aspirations between the two.
Also, as where the sea breaks upon the land, and the two are always in contact, so is the spirit world ever in contact with the mortal world (the ancients named this place of contact, the intermediate world or place of purgation (cleansing), from which none could rise till made organically pure).
Now, therefore, your God shows you certain signs characteristic of the difference between the angels of the first and the second resurrection:
Of the first, coming as individuals, whether professing names, signs or histories, and especially the ancients. Whose words are uttered from the standpoint of the earth looking upward.
But of the second, as light only. Whose words emanate from my holy places in heaven coming down to you.
Of the first, flatterers, to win your favor. Whose counsel pertains to yourself and to earthly things.
Of the second, to teach you self- abnegation, and lead you to do good to others regardless of your own profit, caring little whether you are prosperous on the earth, provided you shall be raised up in time to come.
For the revelations of the second resurrection come from the light of my Holy Council, who have abandoned their earthly habits and desires, knowing that the way of rising up everlastingly is by constantly putting away the conditions below.
Your God comes not as an individual; neither do my Lords (nor holy angels though they come in my name). I come in legions of thousands and millions.
Nor does the inspiration from my kingdom vary one fraction from what it has ever been, except in greater fullness, according to the increase of capacity in mortals to receive knowledge.
The spirit of my heavens pervades my words; through my holy angels I have spoken to you from your youth up; and in my revelations you perceive the touch of my hand.
I cry out Order, Purity, Discipline, Justice and Good Works—or, Retribution!
O man, beware of angels who say: In heaven there is no organization, no God, no Holy Council, no discipline, no order, no teaching, no self- denial, or,
Who say: There is no Jehovih, nor God of His, nor any government in heaven, or,
Who say: There is no bondage after death; no place or condition of suffering, or,
Who say: When you die your spirit shall enter paradise and dwell in perpetual ease and glory, or,
Who say: Heaven is an endless summer land, with silvery rivers and golden boats for all, or,
Who say: Eat, drink and enjoy yourself for the gratification of your earthly passions, for when you are dead your path shall be straight to glory, or,
Who say: Heap up riches, for there is no punishment after death, or,
Who say: Do not turn your thoughts into your own soul to discover your ungodliness, for when you are dead your spirit shall revel in bliss, or,
Who say: The angel world is a place of progression without self-abnegation and good works, or,
Who says: Behold me, I am from the highest, most exalted sphere, or from a far-off star, or,
Who says: I have visited the planets, or,
Who says: Resurrection comes by reincarnation: first a stone, then lead, then silver, then gold, then a tree, then a worm, then an animal and then man; or that a spirit re-enters the womb, and is born again in mortality, or,
Who says: You are blessed; for a host of ancient spirits attend you—you have a great mission.
For all of these are the utterances of the angels of the first resurrection. And though they may inspire great oratory and learned discourses, yet they are flatterers, and will surely lead you into grief.