Edna Lister’s Lectures, 1937

Seven Dimensions of Soul
Edna Lister outline, January 31, 1937, Niagara Falls, NY

  In the first and most primitive dimension, life travels back and forth in a familiar rut, like following a trail to work and back to home. In the second dimension the soul lives its life in an up and down manner, falling into evil ways and arising from them in a hit-or-miss manner without making very much progress at all.
  In the third dimension the soul begins a serious rise upward into the world of real intellect, and nous, the life of the truly thinking mind. Intellect always begins with dependence on knowledge gained from books, never having an idea of its own, but resting in the self-assuredness of the I know that, the so-called “intelligentsia.”
  In the fourth dimension the soul awakens to the invisible realm of new ideas, the real mental realm, where it contacts all-new things whether of the commercial world, the arts, the sciences, or the world of religion. From here the soul becomes either an iconoclastic way-shower in the world or mystically-minded in its journey on the path of ascension.
  In the fifth dimension the soul enters that realm of mind that is carried within and as the spiritual substance Paul spoke of All flesh is not the same flesh…There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15. This flesh is spiritual substance, the Light divine that is everywhere evenly present and available in all, through all, and as all. In the sixth dimension, will and desire meet in mind and create the forms that soul envisions.
  The seventh dimension is the realm of the Logos, the spoken Word, the vibration of Light that goes forth and creates the form according to the Idea named by the soul. The soul, having become more nearly like unto the Light, now calls form forth from the Light itself.
  Science proves beyond a doubt that this Light-as-substance exists. The universe comes from Light. Students of the mysteries have always been aware of these truths and have always handed them down to the generation next in line. Unlike the scientist who must be able to see it before he will believe it, our soul’s visualizing mechanism remains ever-ready to use to see what we already know is there—we believe to see.
  What ails the world is a lack of belief, a lack of desire to grow beyond its self-imposed limits. Why? Because it cannot measure or use the finest grades of substance that have only the power of becoming and are not yet in a tangible state of being. “It’s too much trouble” say those who prefer to collect worn-out empty shells versus the magnificent pearls they once housed. Live your life in the ever-glorious present! Live your life now!

A Lenten Preparation
Edna Lister outline, February 6, 1937, Buffalo, NY

  Repentance involves looking over your life, reviewing the past, taking stock, and holding an executive session of soul with self to gain a just estimate of self. Sacrifice of the bits of self's dominance is the soul's way to direction and command of its life in the body—how to lift the self into the Light to make room for the soul and attain balance of body, mind, emotions and soul.
  During Lent you make vows to do all this. A vow is a solemn promise; an engagement solemnly entered into to follow some line of conduct; a pledge of fidelity or constancy: as a marriage vow (Century Dictionary).
  You commonly express yourself in one of two ways, in either a heavenly or earthy manner. Your attitudes are really expressions of emotion, and each has a brood of offspring. For example, hate begets anger, intemperance, intolerance, irritation, and impatience. Am I ever hateful? Revenge says, “I’ll get even, I’ll show ‘em!” Am I ever revengeful? Jealousy gives rise to criticism, pride, and condemnation. Am I ever jealous? Envy is mother to scorn, seeking to reap where you have not sown, self-pity, desire to possess others' good qualities. Am I ever envious? Greed begets possession of things, possession of clear seeing, prophecy, heaven. Am I ever greedy?
  Many virtues are born of love, and you must make them yours to express them. The virtures are goals and soul qualities to work for: Ask yourself Have I given understanding? Have I been all purity? All Light? Have I blown out the Light of another?
  Have I expressed only graciousness in all places and ways to all people at all times? Have I expressed only charity at home? In my business? In all my service? Have I been instantly obedient to all God’s laws? Willingly obedient? Eagerly obedient? Have I forgiven all my debtors? Have I forgiven myself? Have I shown mastery in my gratitude? How much praise? How many hours? How much devotion?
  How much Power is my lightning rod of faith conducting into my life and affairs? Am I always fully compassionate? What kind of empathy do I express? And to whom? (Self?) Is tolerance my detriment and my delusion? Am I proud of my tolerance? Anything you are conscious of being is your delusion. The only real states of being result from your being unconscious as a bird or as a child is happy.
  Am I a Master of all Wisdom? To be a Master is to be so sure of truth, God’s laws, God’s principles to instantly be able to stand against anything, anywhere, unmovable, inevitable, Supreme, above all doubt, fear, pettiness.
  Am I a living expression of justice? Am I always just? To myself? To others? What shall I sacrifice for my soul's ascension? Is anything that holds me back worth holding onto? I am engaged to God! What vows shall I make?

The Story of the First Lent
Edna Lister outline, February 8, 1937, Buffalo, NY; Mark 1:12-13

  “And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.”–Mark 1:12-13.
  To the world, Lent is forty days of fasting to commemorate and emulate the Master’s forty days in the wilderness. The idea is to sacrifice something you care about. You cannot sacrifice anything unless you desire to do so, and you must desire to sacrifice for some reason.
  The self-satisfied soul says, “I’m all right where I am, so why climb higher? Why struggle harder? I don’t see anything better than what I have.” Since they cannot see any further, they find no reason to let go of the good old ways.
  Each year-end, merchants inventory their stock, which they call “taking stock.” They separate the old merchandise, shopworn and outdated, which will never sell at list price. They put these goods on sale. Your mind operates the same way. While mind has seasons, you only notice that different decades in life produce different thinking, speech and attitudes. You must trade your old habits of thinking for new, your old ways of living life for new.
  You can have no real repentance without taking stock. You can make no worthy sacrifice without taking stock. You make no meaningful vows without taking stock. As you take inventory, ask, How much progress have I made? How much spare time did I have or waste? How much wear on my nerves did I experience? How much less self do I have to overcome this year?
  Pull all the old ideas and false impressions off your shelves and trade these non-dividend-paying stocks for gold. God will give you pure gold, refined in the fire of Spirit, for all the selfishness and self-ness you give Him. The Father is waiting, the Master is waiting for you to lift all your lines of Light and responsibility up to them. Lent is the time to eliminate all poor investments of personality, all shopworn stock.

The Triunity of God
Edna Lister outline, February 13, 1937, Buffalo, NY

  The three great attributes or developments of the essence of the Deity; Wisdom, or the reflective and designing Power, in which, when there was naught but God, the plan and idea of the universe was shaped and formed. The Logos was the executing and creating Power, which instantaneously acting, realized the type and idea framed by Wisdom; and the universe, and all stars and worlds, and Light and life, and men and angels and all living creatures were (came into being). Harmony, the preserving Power, includes Order, and Beauty, maintaining the universe in its state, and constituting the laws of harmony, motion, proportion, and progression. God is a Trinity of three Powers in one essence: Wisdom thought the plan; Strength created according to it: Harmony upholds and preserves: These are the three columns which support the universe, the Physical, Intelligent, and Spiritual. They represent the Three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, which three are One.
  The Names of the Supreme Deity among the Syrians, Phoenicians and Hebrews…IHUH (יהוה) Self-Existence…Al (אל) the Nature-God, or Soul of the Universe…El Shaddai (אל שדי) Supreme Power. Also, three of the six chief attributes of God, among the Kabbalists: Wisdom (IEH), the Intelligence (Nous) of the Egyptians, the Word (Logos) of the Platonists, and the Wisdom (Sophia) of the Gnostics: Magnificence (Al), the Symbol of which was the Lion’s Head: and Victory and Glory (Tsabaoth), which are the two columns Jachin and Boaz, that stand in the Portico of the Temple of Masonry. To the Christian Mason they are the first three letters of the name of the Son of God, who died upon the cross to redeem mankind.
  A delta Δ is a luminous triangle which encloses the “Ineffable Name” of God. Three sides of the letter delta represent three great attributes or developments of the essence of Deity. The Father of Wisdom represents the principles of Being. The Mother of Love represents the principles of Doing. Together they represent the IS-NESS and DO-NESS of the Godhead, the reflective and designing Power.
  The Begotten Son is the Word that articulates the Idea and Plan of how the universe is shaped and formed. The Begotten Son also represents the executing and creating power, which acting instantaneously realized the type and idea framed by Wisdom and the universe of Light and life that holds the stars and worlds, the angels, men, and all living creatures.
  They were in harmony, the preserving power of order and beauty maintaining the universe in its state of being. The preserving power constituting the great laws of harmony, motion, proportion and progression. Wisdom thought the plan. Strength created the plan. Harmony upholds and preserves. The Masonic trinity holds these three powers as one essence.
  The Kabbalistic Tree of Life has three columns that support the universe. These three columns are physical, intellectual and spiritual. These are the three that bear record in heaven—the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit which are the three as one.
  The Greek letter delta, which is a triangle; the left facing side symbolizing intellect, representing the Father of Wisdom as the letter I and the mother of earth, represented by the letter E. The right hand facing side symbolizes heart, representing the power of the word as the letter H the mother of love as the letter M. Together these form the name Jesus, or the Greek IESOS. The base of the triangle is the soul, as the letter S representing harmony, as the Holy Spirit and selflessness as the Son. Thus, the Greek letter delta symbolized the mystery of “in his service,” or the intelligence of the heart and soul.
  The Greek letters IHS are iota (I), H or eta, and S or sigma. This delta trinity represents the ineffable name. Three Greek letters upon the delta represent I (iota) represents Syrians. The H (ETA) Phoenicians and the E Sigma represents Hebrews.
  IHUH: self existence. AL: Nature god or soul of the universe Supreme Power. Shaddai Supreme power.
  Three of six chief attributes of God Hebrews:
  IEH represent Wisdom, Intellect, Word
  THS (Father)
  IEH (Mother)
  IES (Son-Daughter)
  The Gnostics taught this magnificent Wisdom as victory and glory, the two pillars of Jachin and Boaz. Man is the symbol of a trinity of attributes of Deity. The triple essence ofMan enfolds the Principles of Life, Light, and Intellectual Power. Man is soul, an immortal Emanation from Deity.

The Keys to Success
Edna Lister outline, February 14, 1937, Buffalo, NY

  The first key is action. Key to open, to reveal, to use something. Also, the key to close, to hide or to protect. When we see a key, we think of unlocking something.
  Most keys have at least three notches, grooves, or points, and we cannot use the key in a lock if the notches and grooves do not mesh. This key to success has three notches: faith, understanding and action.
  All is a vibration rate. All locks, codes, combinations are vibrations. When the key fits, we are opening a common vibration. Friends meet and meld as ice into water. A copper basin vibrates to certain orchestral music. Typing vibrates articles off the desk.
  We must hold our key in the lock until it vibrates to OUR faith, understanding and action. As new ideas, substance and power is released, our body vibrates with Light.
  As Sons and Daughters of God, success is our path of glory. Action: How do we use the keys we have? Universal vibration of invisible Light is the Word, the Logos. The key to success is faith, pervasive, expansive, subtle, quiet Power. Understanding as vision and strength, action as our outer expression.

Top ↑

And I, If I Be Lifted Up
Edna Lister outline; February 19, 1937, Kenmore, NY; John 1:1-12, 12:32

  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”–John 1:1-12.
  “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”–John 12:32. With this immortal declaration, Jesus voiced his and your responsibility to lift all, everyone and everything on earth.
  You must be like a ship’s captain in consciousness. He oversees all operations from the helm at the bridge. Yet the engine room is a ship’s true heart of being. Unless the engine is running properly, the ship makes no progress.
  When you have lifted your own life and the lives of those around you high enough, life is high, and you all share in the abundance of God’s plenitude.
  You can become a sun center of power to heal. The power of life itself radiates through you and from you, healing in accordance with your surrender of self.
  If you choose the complete surrender that draws everything unto you, your body is then ready to receive from God’s plenty to feed the world. Your choice is whether you release Power in a dribble or as all Power now!

Top ↑

God’s Covenants With Man
Edna Lister outline, February 20, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  The first of the three Covenants between God and man is that which God made with Noah; when He said, “I will not again curse the earth any more for man’s sake, neither will I smite any more everything living as I have done. While the Earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and Winter and Summer, and day and night shall not cease. I will establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you, and with every living creature. All mankind shall no more be cut off by the waters of a flood, nor shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. This is the token of My covenant: I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth: an everlasting covenant between Me and every living creature on the earth.”–Genesis 9:12.
  The second of the three Covenants between God and man is that which God made with Abraham; when He said, “I am the Absolute Uncreated God. I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and thou shalt be the Father of Many Nations, and Kings shall come from thy loins. I will establish My covenant between Me and thee, and thy descendants after thee, to the remotest generations, for an everlasting covenant; and I will be thy God and their God, and will give thee the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession.”–Genesis 17:4.
  The third Covenant between God and man are those which God made with all men by His prophets, especially Isaiah; when He said: “I will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see My Glory.”–Isaiah 66:18.
  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.–Isaiah 65:17.
  The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.–Isaiah 60:19-20.
  The heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.–Isaiah 51:6.
  I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.–IIsaiah 49:6.
  The redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.–Isaiah 51:11.

Top ↑

Miraculous Loaves and Fishes
Edna Lister outline, February 22, 1937, Buffalo, NY; John 6:5-13, Mark 6:34-45

  “When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.”–John 6:5-13.
  “Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.”–Mark 6:34-45.
  A miracle is a natural law accelerated, for instance, an increase in life expectancy or an increase in freedom. You must understand the law of increase to understand the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes.
  The world’s idea of a miracle’s timing is usually one of delay and waiting. This has been humanity’s background for centuries. Yet, when you need equal balance between demand and supply, God’s idea of timing is always now.
  When Jesus dealt with his own hunger in the wilderness, he said to the tempter, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”–Matthew 4:4.
  The miracle of feeding the 5,000 implies two phases. Jesus could not have intended merely to show off. The peoples’ physical needs were great. Yet, no one is open to receiving truth if he is hungry.
  Secondly, Jesus intended this miracle as a lesson for his disciples, also. He asked Philip where they could find bread to feed the multitude. Philip replied that all the money they had among them could not pay the bill for bread alone.
  Andrew was listening and said that he had seen a small boy who had five barley loaves and two small fishes, but it was not enough. What good is it to have too little, and not enough? Yet, at this point, Jesus acted in faith, believing.
  God’s idea of supply, equal to the need, is always capable of fulfillment now. In this miracle story, our Lord taught us to speak the Word for the release of Light as Mind, Substance and Power to fulfill the need.

Top ↑

The Yetzirah Paths of Formation
Edna Lister outline, February 27, 1937, Buffalo NY

  Zero (0) is the Yetzirah Path of Voidness (Light).
  The first Yetzirah Path is intellectual Intelligence. The first Tribe is Gad, whose keyword is origination, which we express through personal expression.
  The second Yetzirah Path is the Crown of Creation, signifying the Light of Visible Intelligence. The second Tribe is Asher, whose keyword, organization, applies in the world of expression.
  The third Yetzirah Path is the Path of Wisdom, or Spiritual Light. The third Tribe is Issachar, whose keyword is reconciliation.
  The fourth Yetzirah Path is the Heavenly Crown glittering with the glory of God. The fourth Tribe is Zebulun, whose keyword is regeneration.
  The fifth Yetzirah Path is Primary Vibration, signifying the intelligence conveying the understanding which enables the Neophyte to reach the Heavenly Realms. The fifth Tribe is Joseph, whose keyword is sovereignty.
  The sixth Yetzirah Path is the Influence of Meditation. It is all-embracing, and includes the four worldly quarters, combined with the height and depth. The sixth Tribe is Benjamin, whose keyword is discrimination.
  The seventh Yetzirah Path is Faith and Wisdom. The seventh Tribe is Reuben, whose keyword is equilibrium.
  The eighth Yetzirah Path is Supreme Justice. The eighth Tribe is Simeon, whose keyword is propagation.
  The ninth Yetzirah Path is Absolute Intellect or Divine Comprehension. The ninth Tribe is Levi, whose keyword is proclamation.
  The tenth Yetzirah Path is Resplendent Intelligence. The tenth Tribe is Judah, whose keyword is consolidation. "The Path of Resplendent Intelligence,” meaning Intelligence which sees through, over, around and under any given subject.
  The eleventh Yetzirah Path is Glittering Intelligence, which will show the faithful the Throne of God. The eleventh Tribe is Dan, whose keyword is unification.
  The twelfth Yetzirah Path is Prophetic Illumination. The twelfth Tribe is Naphthali, whose keyword is realization.
  The thirteenth Yetzirah Path is Union.
  The fourteenth Yetzirah Path is Holiness, Devotion, Preparation and Choice and Separation.
  The fifteenth Yetzirah Path Darkness, which heralds the dawn of birth, or Rebirth. It includes the burning sands of the desert, and the vibration of sex on the outer plane. The 15th Path of Yetzirah is the "Path of Darkness" on earth, the darkness, however, which heralds the 'dawn of birth'. Here is where we cross the 'burning sands of the desert' to achieve our goal of God. It is the Path of Rebirth, and its low, negative vibration is outer plane misuse of the creative fire.
  The sixteenth Yetzirah Path is Glory and Victory for the Virtuous. Sixteen is the number signifying temptation. vThe seventeenth Yetzirah Path is Realization and Reward of the Righteous, which leads us back to our own star.
  The eighteenth Yetzirah Path is the Path of the Senses, the five outer physical senses and five higher faculties. It is the blood-stained path leading to spiritual blindness, and of death in the material world. On the Path of the Senses, we must tie our earth to our heaven.
  The nineteenth Yetzirah Path of the Sun, is spiritual activity.
  The twentieth Yetzirah Path is Fundamental Wisdom, and the awakening of the dead in spirit.
  The twenty-first Path is Reflection and Perception.
  The twenty-second Yetzirah Path is the path whence flows the Lights of Spiritual Wisdom over the Children of God. Only the “children,” the Christ-conscious Sons and Daughters of God can reach the twenty-second Path.

Top ↑

The Sacraments: The Lord’s Supper
Edna Lister outline; March 1, 1937, Buffalo, NY; Matthew 3:13-17, 26:26-28, John 6:53-54

  “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”–Matthew 3:13-17.
  “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”–Matthew 26:26-28.
  “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”–John 6:53-54.
  A sacrament is an outward acknowledgment of inward power, an outer visible sign of a sacred symbol. Jesus Christ ordained two sacraments on behalf of God the Father—Baptism and Confirmation, the Lord’s Supper. Each sacrament has two parts, the outward visible expression, and an inward invisible spiritual state of grace.
  You experience the sacraments in two ways, the outward by water in baptism, for example. You experience the inward grace by ascending into the Light, by being positive. To live in a state of grace requires that all negative emotions, symbolized by water, be washed and cleansed.
  he Lord’s Supper was made a sacrament for continual remembrance of his sacrifice that you do not have to suffer, personally. All that you are required to do is to stand under his Light and live by the faith Christ Jesus left for you.
  Baptism makes one a member of Christ’s congregation, and an heir to the throne of heaven.

Articles of Faith
  I believe in God the Father and Mother of us all. I believe Jesus Christ was the son of God. I believe he was crucified, that he died, that he was buried. I believe he descended into darkness. I believe he arose again the third day and ascended into heaven. I believe he has made us our own judge, according to the understanding of what God is to us. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the temple of holiness, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection and Ascension of the life everlasting.

Top ↑

Obedience
Edna Lister outline; March 5, 1937, Kenmore, NY; Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 9:35

  “Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”–Matthew 20:25-28.
  First, God is everywhere evenly present and available, in all, through all, and as all. Second, the universal Heart of Being is a radiant sun center of Light and life.
  Third, obedience means to obey, which means “to perform, to execute, to carry out orders.” You are either willing or unwilling to obey. Obedience pays dividends, but disobedience does not. You must obey the laws of God in your service to Him.
  “[Jesus] sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”–Mark 9:35. Be the servant of all what? The world, family, and business are not all. All includes the Light as all Power. To do this, you must be the servant of God’s Power as Light through surrender to His Light. Then you are the true servant of God.
  More life requires more Light. More strength requires more faith to triumph over outer situations and challenges. Declare, I am now become the servant of all Thy Power, O Father.

Top ↑

Obedience and Service to God
Edna Lister outline, March 5, 1937, Kenmore, New York: Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 9:35

  “Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”–Matthew 20:25-28.
  “[Jesus] sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”–Mark 9:35.
  First, God is everywhere evenly present and available, in all, through all, as all. Second, the universal Heart of Being is a radiant sun center of Light and life. Third, obedience means to obey, which means “to perform, to execute, to carry out orders.” You are either willing or unwilling to obey. Obedience pays dividends, but disobedience does not. You must obey the laws of God in your service to Him.
  “[Jesus] sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”–Mark 9:35.
  Be the servant of all what? The world, family, and business are not all. All includes all Power. To do this, you must be the servant of Power through surrender to Power. Then you are the true servant of God.
  More life requires more Light. More strength requires more faith to triumph over outer situations and challenges. Declare, “I am now become the servant of all Thy Power, O Father.”

Top ↑

Soul Flight
Edna Lister outline, March 14, 1937, Niagara Falls, NY

  Death is simply the final soul flight or travel. We can travel in our souls nightly.
  The method is simple. Begin by asking to be taken up in consciousness. You must first be loose in the body, just as a baker loosens a cake in the pan before lifting it out. Look up with the mystic third eye and you may see the glories of God.
  Heaven begins with definite planes of existence. We can recall what we learn on each level. In some places there are hospitals filled with those who passed away from illness. Their weaknesses are healed there. Others are for mindless ones, who live in a sort of suspended animation until they can be healed.
  Explain why we should treat others in prayer. What acknowledging our failed responsibilities does for us here before we leave earth at the transition of physical death.
  How the silver cord is attached to the body, how it stretches to follow the soul from transition to rebirth.

Top ↑

The Three Windows of the Soul
Edna Lister outline; March 17, 1937, Buffalo, NY; Daniel 6

  “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; and over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live forever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his Lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”–Daniel 6.
  Darius the king represents intellect. Daniel symbolizes good judgment. The three princes portray desire, will and imagination. The king had appointed 120 princes over the outer provinces so he would collect all the revenue coming to him. Having been promoted, they were jealous of their positions.
  King Darius preferred Daniel, whom he appointed as a president over the princes. Those jealous retainers sought to remove him by killing him legally. The law of the Medes and Persians was immutable law. The princes convinced the king to make it the law that no one could call on any god, save the King, for thirty days, under penalty of being cast into a den of lions.
  When Daniel heard that the law had been signed, he entered his chamber, and opened his windows toward Jerusalem. Symbolically, this means that he opened his three symbolic windows of the soul toward heaven. The three windows receive blue, yellow and red rays of Light, representing Love, Wisdom and Selflessness. When you pray with your soul windows open, Light fills you with all the love, wisdom and selflessness you will ever need.
  The princes, who had been lying in wait, found Daniel praying. Immediately they went to the king, presented their accusation and invoked the decree against Daniel. The king was vexed, and though he wanted to save Daniel, he could think of no way to do it. He told Daniel, “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” The king was helpless.

  They cast Daniel into a den, facing a pride of lions, and sealed the den with their signets. Daniel turned from the lions and faced the Light. He turned his back on doubt and fear, and the shadows of the princes’ hate, malice, envy, deceit, avarice and jealousy, which the lions represented. Daniel, who represents the good judgment of God, again opened his windows of the soul in prayer.
  The king represents intellect, and the princes symbolize judgment, will, and desire. There were 120 princes, ten for each of the twelve virtues, to control the 144 influences of the Zodiac, positive and negative. The Zodiac is the Wheel of Fate, of living life without direction, like a tumble weed blown along by the prevailing wind. The greatest of the negative influences under fate are fear, deceit, jealousy, doubt, hate, avarice, and envy. To open the windows of the soul, you must climb higher. Daniel, in contrast, bowed three times a day, while judging the self.
  The next day, when the king found Daniel still alive, he commanded that everything connected with the false decree be consumed: the accuser princes and their families were cast into the lions’ den themselves. In this case, the princes and their families represent the 144 negative taints of soul.
  Lions symbolize the light of the Sun, the day star, the element of fire, and the white Light of Christ which burns up all dross. Whenever anything casts you into the shadows in life, choose to face the Light in glory. Stand in the sunshine and be victorious. You choose either to be conquered or to be the conqueror. Lift your good judgment, will and desire to the King, to the One God.

Top ↑

Joy!
Edna Lister outline, March 19, 1937, Kenmore, NY; January 26, 1947, Tacoma, WA; Acts 16:16-28

  “And it came to pass, as we [Paul and Silas] went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, and brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.”–Acts 16:16-28.
  Imprisoned, Paul and Silas used prayer, praise and singing to stand steadfastly loyal to God in the Light. They were grateful to God even in the face of insult, abuse, and persecution.
  Gratitude is a soul quality. Joy is a heart quality. Gratitude increases, and joy releases. Gratitude increases joy’s fervency, and fuels desire to burn brightly. Joy releases ardor. Faith is the power line over which spiritual substance travels.
  Joy’s depth is determined by its fervency. Gratitude’s depth is determined by the depth of joy. Faith’s power is determined by gratitude’s depth. Gratitude, joy and faith determine your success, which equals your steadfastness of purpose.

Top ↑

Holy Week: The Day of Controversy
Edna Lister outline, March 22, 1937, Buffalo, NY; Matthew 21, 22:1-23

  On a Tuesday afternoon, April 4, A.D. 30, Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time. He went with his followers to the slope of the Mount of Olives and prophesied that within two days he would be delivered up to his enemies and be crucified. This day was known as the “The Day of Controversy” about the Baptism of John.

  Jesus’ Authority Questioned. “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”–Matthew 21:23-27. Jesus then taught three parables of warning:

  The Parable of the Two Sons. “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”–Matthew 21:28-32.

  The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. “Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”–Matthew 21:33-46.

  The Parable of the Wedding Feast “And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”–Matthew 22:1-14.

  The Pharisees tried to discredit Jesus, but he rebuked and rebutted them. “Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”–Matthew 22:17-22.
  The Sadducees enjoyed the Pharisees’ discomfort, for they were their rivals, their theological enemies. So, they also attempted to disprove Jesus.

  Marriage at the Resurrection. “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.”–Matthew 22:23-33.

Top ↑

Holy Week: The Day of Fellowship
Edna Lister outline, March 24, 1937, Buffalo, NY; Luke 22:23-28, John 13:1-17, :21-27, Matthew 26:19-25, 26: 26-29, John 14, 17

  Thursday of Holy Week is known as the Day of Fellowship, and it was a day of preparation for the Passover, followed by the Last Supper. There had been strife among the disciples, contention concerning which among them was the greatest.
  And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.–Luke 22:23-28.
  Jesus washed his disciples’ feet: >Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.–John 13:1-17.
  Jesus pointed out his betrayer, Judas Iscariot: Jesus…was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.–John 13:21-27.
  And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.–Matthew 26:19-25.
  Then Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Lord’s Supper. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.–Matthew 26: 26-29.
  I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life Jesus’ farewell conversation with his disciples, particularly with Thomas and Philip, is recorded in John 14.
  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.–John 14:1-12.
  The Promise of the Comforter Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.–John 14:13-26.
  The Gift of Peace Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.–John 14:25-31.
  Jesus Speaks the Mandate of Brotherly Love: After teaching his disciples the allegory of the True Vine in John 15:1-8, Jesus speaks of the all-encompassing nature of God’s true universal love working in and as the embodied soul and through all mankind.
  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.–John 15:9-17.
  Walking the Via Christa, the Way of Christ: Jesus then speaks to his disciples of the tribulations and challenges they will face as they walk the Way, the Via Christa. His teaching begins at John 15:9 and continues through the rest of the chapter.
  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.–John 15:18-27.
  In John 16, Jesus explains the Comforter as the Spirit of Truth who will explain all things unto the Elect, while they dwell in the golden silence of the peace of God. The faithful shall know God, but the unbelievers shall scorn the Elect and do violence to them. He plainly tells them that God has judged the prince of this world, the devil, whom we know as the Father of Lies, Belial. Jesus sums his teaching with the declaration, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.–John 16:33.
  Jesus Prays for the Glorification of the Father and His Son. Jesus’ prayer of glorification for the Father through his sacrifice of the Crucifixion, and offers his final intercessory prayer for his disciples as recorded in John 17.
  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.–John 17:1-9.
  Jesus Prays for the Ordination of His Disciples. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.–John 17:10-26.
  The Hymn of Thanksgiving: Then they sang the Hymn of Thanksgiving, known as the Shehechehyanu, and went to the Mount of Olives. The hymn they sang:
  Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam,
shehechehyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu laz’man hazeh.
  Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of all:
for giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this season.

Top ↑

The Pillar of Fire
Edna Lister outline; June 3, 1937, Cleveland, OH; Exodus 13:17-22

  “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”–Exodus 13:17-22.
  Moses was born to conquer if he fulfilled his life’s mission. In his time, many had strayed from the Path of Destiny. They were living life on the line of fate, in a worldly way, not considering God. Moses had been raised not as a slave, but as a prince of Egypt. At age forty, he slew an Egyptian overseer for beating a Hebrew slave. When accused, he fled into the desert. He wandered into Midian, where he became a humble sheep herder for another man. It took him another forty years to conquer Moses. He showed us that we can move from any humble position into a princely kingdom.
  When he was eighty years young, Moses heard the Voice after forty years of listening in the silence. Yet when he finally started, Moses performed one miracle after another. The children of Israel finally left Egypt under Moses’ leadership, but Pharaoh pursued them. God guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day, and with a pillar of fire by night.
  He led them from camp to camp in the wilderness, until they had conquered all their enemies. They lived as nomads until they had sufficiently conquered self. Your personal kingdom is also portable, like a ship of Light. Load your ship with all the needed provisions and fire protection. As a ship’s master, you are responsible for many added things, everything it takes to care for your crew and passengers.
  Travel lightly, but send out your boys and girls protected by a pillar of fire. Tell them, “You are surrounded in Light. Nothing can ever hurt you or touch you if you remain walled in Light.” Fill your business with Light as life at night before you leave for home. Let this fire fill you and your dreams to vitalize, quicken and accelerate their fruition.
  God’s pillar of fire makes you invincible. You have such thick armor of Light that no darkness can penetrate it. Bearing and declaring the Light is your present responsibility. Who can be a successful enemy to Light? The Lord has told you to sit down by Him until Light makes your enemy into your footstool. Hate has no life or power except what you give it.
  In the face of the greatest darkness or obstacle, you can declare, This is Power, the love and Light that makes me powerful and strong. Like a ball thrown against a wall rebounds, the other fellow’s darkness striking your wall of love-Light returns to him as love and Light. If you return hate for hate, that hate returns to you redoubled. As a soul accepts the Light returning to him, the Light, as Power, lifts him.
  You are lifting all thesetypes of people through life, all the loads of darkness you give to God—everything becomes part of your precious cargo when you speak the Word and let God do the work.

Top ↑

The Twelve Disciples
Edna Lister outline, March 18, 1937, Buffalo, NY, September 13, 1937, Cleveland, OH; Mark 3:13-19, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 10:1-5

  “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him.”–Mark 3:13-19.
  “Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”–Matthew 4:18-22.
  “And when [Jesus] had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent forth.”–Matthew 10:1-5.
  These names, as given up to James (son of Alpheus), are in order found in Matthew 10:1-5. Then Thaddeus, Simon, Judas (probably given in the order Jesus called them. The Gospels were written many years after the happenings, therefore, Judas would be placed last, or else this is only as the Master sent them forth. The record is of their going forth to preach and heal. He sent:

* life conservation

Top ↑

The Symbolism of Uranus
Edna Lister outline, March 25, 1937, Buffalo, NY
Coming soon

Top ↑

Trinities of Being
Edna Lister outline, April 5, 1937, Buffalo, NY
Coming soon

Top ↑

Symbols of Soul Purification
Edna Lister outline, May 15, 1937, Buffalo, NY

  Among the most ancient of religious practices are those which are symbolic of soul purification. They include washing or cleansing with pure water, or baptism in flowing water. To cleanse the body imitates purifying the soul, and aids in maintaining bodily health. “Cleanliness is next to godliness” states a virtue, in this case the virtue of a healthy soul, just as vice and sin beget its illness and disease.
  Anointing with oil is also an ancient practice, and such oils as thhose of almond, frankincense and myrrh are listed in the oldest pharmacopoeia. By the act of anointing one is set apart, dedicated to the service and priesthood of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. From time immemorial the servants and the acolytes of The One have worn robes of white as their testimony to candor, purity, and truth.
  However, communion is the chief symbol of man’s ultimate soul redemption and regeneration, the fraternal supper of bread which nourishes, and of wine which refreshes and heartens. Communion bears witness to our hope in the future when all souls shall be one great harmonious fellowship. The Roman Catholic Church doctrine of transubstantiation 1 holds that at the moment of consecration the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ.
  To us the bread and wine are symbols of the infinite mutability of imperishable Light-as-matter changing from one form to another, yet no single life spark can be or is annihilated. Countless millions of souls have been born to the body, lived and died before us, and only The One God can know how many shall follow in our wake. Even a tree may petrify, be swallowed in cataclysm and drawn to the lower magma to be transformed and extruded molten to become some new form, a particle whose elements are consumed and made flesh again. What then can ever claim a single life spark as its own? Only The One God.
  Thus, through the bread and wine we drink tonight we may perhaps partake of life sparks of matter that once were used in the forms of Moses, Socrates, Plato, or Jesus of Nazareth. Not a single life spark of substance in the bodies we wear actually belongs to us except in a temporary form. We and everything we can perceive or imagine belongs solely to our Creator, but not to us. This mortal body is no more we than the house in which we live, the garment that we wear. The soul of you is your “I”—the offspring of The One, an imperishable immortal emanation from God that must return to God in His good time.

1 “The change of the whole substance of bread into the substance of the Body of Christ and of the whole substance of wine into the substance of the Blood of Christ.”–Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Top ↑

The Unconquerable Man
Edna Lister outline, June 2, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  Man has always been eager to conquer, and our civilization illustrates and proves this. We are forever emerging from the darkness, into greater Light. For example, a man seeking to build a lumber business regards the timber as a resource, an asset. He will measure his production by his future accomplishments.
  In the spring he starts by walking through the woodlands, following Indian trails. He maps out the best timber stands in the summer, but sees nothing complete yet except standing timber. As a salesman, he is out selling lumber in the autumn, basing his future production on his faith. To be a successful lumberman, he must be the first to do what is needed. He has nothing yet, not even mills.
  First, he must map his resources. Second, he must sell a product. Third, since no one can yet see his still invisible product, he must make a market. He must show orders to get the money to build the lumber mills. He must show prospective backers his options on timberland. After mapping his resources, he must hire other men to build a road. The timber stands are best situated along a strong waterway, otherwise it’s difficult to move the timber. Again, all on faith, he must build new saw mills during the winter months. He must hire the men to travel and cut the timber, limb it, and saw it into suitable lengths.
  God is still this man’s Source of all supply. He provides the snow for winter sledging, and the lesser waterways and rivers to float the timber down to the man’s mills, where other workers saw it into lumber for hundreds of uses. The sawmill produces tons of scrap lumber, so the owner thinks of ways to make it pay some dividend. He hits on the idea of clothespins; households across the country spend a fortune on small clothespins. So after he and everyone else has made money on the milled timber, he makes more on the residue.
  Man is built to conquer. Man is equipped to conquer. Yet to do so, man must be in contact with his Source; he must be faithful, and must look up in consciousness to map his own resources in God. Man must always begin and carry on without seeing results at first. Results are an effect of hard work and effort. Man’s production determines his accomplishment.
  We can view life as series of petty ventures, or life as one grand adventure. Life is free, and plenty of it is available for our use. Life moves on forever, endlessly replenishing itself. Life cannot fail us, for no death exists for life, only a change in form. God has already equipped man to become a superman and conqueror.

Lights and Colors

Coming soon

Top ↑

The Pillar of Fire
Edna Lister outline, June 11, 1937, Cleveland, OH; Exodus 13:20-22, Exodus 14:14-26

  “And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”–Exodus 13:20-22.
  “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.”–Exodus 14:14-26.
  God made sure that the tribes of Israel knew He was with them by appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and as a pillar of fire by night. He led them personally.
  Complaining when things go wrong is useless. Adversity comes to make you strong and to help you overcome your lack of understanding. The Lord answered their complaints to Moses and said, “Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”
  Everything required to bring Israel forth from Egypt had been thought out, was prepared, and waiting for them. A pillar of cloud led them through the day, and became a pillar of fire behind to protect them at night. “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”–Psalm 91:7.
  “The Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.”–Exodus 14:24-26.
  When things go wrong, most people sit down and pray. Yet our way is to stand, surrender in selflessness to the Light, to give our self up to God in service to our fellow man, and to cleanse the temples of the body and the mind.
  Only negative thoughts, yours or others’, can harm you. God created you to be His instrument, the mouthpiece of His Word. If your statements are born of self, then you are self consciousness. God is universal consciousness.
  “Ye are gods,” so surrender to all Power, to be possessed by Power. Place a pillar of protective fire around all those whom you love.

Top ↑

Shangri-la
Edna Lister outline, September 19, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  In 1933, novelist James Hilton penned The Lost Horizon, creating a semi-mystical monastic utopia called “Shangri-la.” As a work of fiction, Shangri-la became a best-selling book and was later made into a motion picture with a wide-ranging audience. Shangri-la was discovered by a group of Westerners whose airplane had crashed in a remote mountainous area, the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet. Monks and villagers rescued them and brought them to safety in the valley of Shangri-la.
  Shangri-la was painted as a paradise of the body, mind, and soul. The struggle to reach Shangri-la was a grueling experience that required unwavering persistence and great determination—they could never stop, never give up or they wouldn’t make it to safety. Life is sometimes just like that. You may need wings on your mind to see the soul’s compass, to “encompass” the distance to Shangri-la. To seek always leads you to find new experiences, fresh realizations on your way to achieve your goal. To have an encompassing vision requires that you “take in,” enfold and express that vision once you have reached thw goal.
  Imagine yourself to be in a plane skimming the tops of peaks, shadows flowing downward into all manner of valleys, and crevasses, then climbing again to skim the mountainous heights. This describes the little self’s nighmares of falling into pits, ditches, dark valleys and woodlands, through fog and storm—but always coming to rest at last as part of soul. Make your stand now to maintain your fortress of soul as your high sanctuary, to hold it free of earth. To keep your wings spread in sunlight you must fly higher than the clouds, above the storms. The onslaught of any darkness is a sign you’ve sunk in consciousness.

Illumination and Realization
Edna Lister outline, September 25, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  You pass through seven different degrees while on earth as you strive to return to God as an ascending creator. Under spiritual illumination, your soul experiences realization of previous states of awareness that you enjoyed before you descended to earth. Plato called this the soul’s recollection or reminiscence, the anamnesis.
  The Neophyte becomes aware of his need for “The Search” while symbolically standing in the outer court of the Temple, among the masses of earth.
  The Disciple becomes aware of his need for “The Illumination” while symbolically standing before the radiance shining through the curtains that veil the inner court.
  The Adept becomes aware of his need to become the servant of all “The Power” while symbolically standing in the inner court.
  The Mystic becomes aware of his need for “The Glory” while symbolically standing before the veils that hide the altar in the Holy of Holies.
  The Master becomes aware of his need for “The Attainment” of the Cities of God, which requires developing the oracular soul powers of the seer and prophet.
  The Priest becomes aware of his need for “The Awareness” of the Kingdom of God, while symbolically kneeling before the altar in the Holy of Holies.
  The Christos becomes aware of his need to attain “The Crown” of Ascension to the Throne Circle, as he communes with God before the Mercy Seat.

Top ↑

The Triunity of God in Man
Edna Lister outline, October 24, 1937, Cleveland, OH

Coming soon

Top ↑

Desire
Edna Lister outline, September 23, 1937, Cleveland, OH; James 1:17, John 9:1-7

  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”–James 1:17.
  “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.“–John 9:1-7.
  What is desire? The dictionary defines desire as “to long for, a craving, to be unsatisfied, to request, to ask for.” Why do you have it, or not have it? How much desire do you have, and for what? Where do you direct your desire?
  Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth by treating his eyes with clay, and sent him to the Pool of Siloam to complete the healing. çA kleptomaniac is apparently unable to control his urge to steal things. Some people are spiritual kleptomaniacs, always stealing trouble, time, space, and soul substance. When you misuse your soul substance, you hide it in darkness. Thus, you may dissipate the essence of your vitality, until you have none left to use as Light.
  Only truth is self-sustaining. Darkness must steal substance to sustain itself. Choose life! The rewards are beyond belief.

Top ↑

Peace Through Tolerance
Edna Lister speech outline; September 26, 1937, Cleveland, OH; 1 Corinthians 4:13, Colossians 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-17
  “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”–1 Corinthians 4:13.
  “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”–Colossians 3:15.
  “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.”–1 Thessalonians 5:11-17.
  At the Legion Convention in New York City, September 1937, Governor Lehman introduced the platform, “Peace through Preparedness.” His reason for presenting was, he said, “Because peace can come only through tolerance.”
  Many fine men and women have started peace movements. Renowned teachers and ministers of all religions were on the platform every day that summer.
  One movement, the “Fellowship of Faiths,” had been started by Dasgupta, 1 a Hindu, who spent approximately $400,000 at the Chicago World Fair. 2 His critics nearly crucified him for his ideas.
  Synods and churches have held conventions on peace, yet favor no ministerial campaigns. Cities have had union meetings to promote peace. No one seems willing to act, yet every man of family and business wants peace. War is horrible except to those whose god is money and profit. Why do people meet this presentation of peace with indifference, lukewarmness and outright anger? Something is wrong with the presentation.
  First, it usually calls up your past memories and experience of formal worship, making you a forced saint going to church, or guilty of wickedness and sin. Second, if you ask a man to join, the first question in his mind is, What if I must fight? Moses led in peace and defended every foot of ground God had given him to possess. Every man must be prepared to defend his own.
  The American Legion’s new motto is “Peace through preparedness.” With our boys ready in strength, we are too strong to allow aggression. We are not aimed at fighting, but to have the strength to stand. Whether as individuals or as a nation, we are strong enough to keep the peace.
  What is the answer to this? You love something when it is made attractive and desirable to you. Religions must do at least as much as our ex-soldiers. We must find a common meeting ground and point. First, we believe in One God, we have faith, we obey the Golden Rule. These factors, together with the fundamental desire for peace, spell freedom through tolerance.
  We need a leader to sell the idea. We need a leader who knows where we are going in our evolution, not just for four years. How do we go? What do we do? Our leader must be able, through practice, to prove that it works. Since Moses, we’ve always had leaders: Disraeli, Gladstone, Kitchener, Foch, Washington, Lincoln. We must not think that we have been deserted.
  We have the greatest destiny of all, and America must lead. Canada and the U.S. are a living example of peace: We share 3,000 miles of peaceful border.
  Freedom can spread and grow. It is working as countries and individuals make themselves havens of peace and unity. Let your personal borders be peaceful as well, whether family, social, or business.

1 Surendranath Dasgupta, M.A., Ph.D., was the Principal of the Sanskrit College, Calcutta, who authored A History of Indian Philosophy and Indian Idealism.

2 Chicago World Fair: The “A Century of Progress International Exposition,” held in Chicago 1933-1934.

Top ↑

Freedom to Express Yourself
Edna Lister outline; October 2, 1937, Cleveland, OH; April 15, 1956, Tacoma, WA. James 1:17-27, Galatians 6:1-9
  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”–James 1:17-27.
  What is freedom? Who are you? What is your self? What is expression? One man may say, “I am just an attorney, a doctor, a musician, a painter, a statesman, a financier, or a judge.” This is not enlightening as to who “I am,” but is telling us what “I” does. Who is the “I” who is doing these things?
  Man is Spirit, the Word made flesh, the incarnate Word. Yet people say, “I am a racketeer, I am a thief, I am a fighter, a warrior.” Some days I am little, I am petty, tired, ill, weak, all right. Other days I am happy, I am free, I am joyous, I am strong. My heart is gone, or my heart is strong.
  Freedom is personal liberty, non-slavery, independence, liberty of action, the right to do, to determine for yourself. Yet, which self does the choosing, I AM or “little me?”
  To express means “to pour forth, to push forth, to produce,” but what will you express? How will you express? You must make your decision now: What kind of freedom do you want? Which self are you talking about, I AM or “little me”? Finally, What do you press forth?
  Everyone has the freedom to press forth and to express the gifts that God has given them. He created you to shine, to lift others to Him, and He has given you the strength to work for Him.
  “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”–Galatians 6:1-9.
  You can boil these verses down to four steps: First, if another is overtaken in fault, restore him. Second, bear the other fellow’s burdens.
  Third, what you sow, you reap. Finally, do not grow weary in well doing, because if you faint not, you shall reap the rewards. So, which self will it be? Will you choose your higher strong soul, or your lower weak “little me?” It is your choice: You must decide.

Top ↑

The Joy of Praise and Song
Edna Lister outline; October 13, 1937, Cleveland, OH; Acts 16:25-26
  “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”–Acts 16:25-26.
  Joy is compounded of faith, recognition and conviction. Faith is your rod of Power, the conductor of Power, a high vibration.
  Recognition awakens gratitude in your heart, the ardor and fervency, which keeps the fire of desire burning on your altar.
  Your soul’s conviction awakens the joy of Spirit within you. Joy attracts your own substance and miracles to you.

Top ↑

Battling Draco the Dragon
Edna Lister outline, October 28, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  Krishna of India, according to legend, slew a noisome dragon whose poisonous breath withered the crops, bred famine, and whose movements through the countryside left death and destruction in its wake. In legendary Christendom St. George played the role of valiant hero, and after a long and violent battle, succeed in leaping on the monster’s back and driving his great two-handed sword straight through the serpent’s wicked heart.
  As Draco, this vicious creature still is pictured in the northern sky, winding its slimy length with a coil about the pole star as if to strangle truth, and with another turn about the ecliptic pole in a mighty endeavor to wrench the Sun from its accustomed path. Draco symbolizes nothing good: This is verified in the explanation set forth in Revelation 20: The word Satan is derived from Saturn, the planet having special affinity for loss and sorrow, evil, selfishness, despair, and desolation. It has its exaltation in Libra. In the middle decanate is the starry dragon, the dragon’s home is the bottomless pit, where his victims stood amid snake and heat of a never-ceasing fire of smoldering brimstone. The dragon is also a symbol of marriage, and points to the destructive union both in sky and earth.
  The Nodes of the Moon are called the dragon’s head and tail. The Moon in its orbit around the earth does not follow the path taken by the sun. The apparent path of the Sun is called ecliptic. The orbit of the Moon is at an angle of five degrees to the ecliptic as that when the Sun and Moon are exactly in the same Zodiacal degree, the same East-West position they may still be several degrees apart in North-South direction. As the diameter of the Sun or Moon is only about half a degree, the effect, so far as a shadow is concerned, is as if an object were slightly West of a house in the morning but ten times the width of the house to the North or South of it.
  The two points where the orbit of the Moon intersects the apparent orbit of the Sun are called the Dragon’s head and tail. When the Sun in the Zodiac is farther from the Dragon’s Head or tail than 13 degrees at the time of full Moon, the Moon cannot be eclipsed, but when it is within nine degrees of either of these two points, a lunar eclipse occurs. When the Sun at new Moon (the indicator of “marriage”) occurs within 15 degrees of either of these Nodes, a solar eclipse always occurs. The relation of the Sun to the Dragon’s head or tail determines whether an eclipse takes place. An eclipse of the Sun indicates some disaster in the region where it is visible. Symbolically the Sun is then being devoured by the Dragon, or in case of a partial eclipse, the dragon gnaws at the disc of the Sun, the symbol taken literally produces terror.
  In China, the people spend far more energy in ceremonies to prevent misfortune than in observances to attract the good, the most spectacular pageant and play of the year. There the dragon is met and finally vanquished. A beautiful girl in distress, meek and virtuous is arrayed in silk and decorations that proclaim her the goddess of the Moon. Soon, disaster threatens her. A huge scaly dragon writhes out from the lurking shadows, exhaling fire. The Moon goddess flees in terror but finds her retreat cut off. She is hemmed in, crowded into a corner as the vile reptile’s jaws open to seize her.
  With a shout and a rush, the hero comes to save her. The hero is in raiment resplendent with glittering gems that represents the Sun. He rushes to the rescue as the monster turns to attack. The fire from Draco scorches his cheeks and hair. Terror grips the heart of the spectators for if the monster wins, the world is lost. This demon from the pits of hell almost defeats the hero. The Moon goddess, from the corner where she crouches in dread, utters an awful scream, and holds her out-turned hand before her eyes to shut the too terrifying spectacle from her gaze. The fate of the universe is weighed in the balance. The hero (sunship) has killed the Dragon. He then gathers to himself the lonely goddess of the Moon and marries her then and there.
  No less seriously do the Hopi Indians of Arizona consider the influence of the dragon. Their snake dance is the traditional ritual by which, the effect of a possible eclipse upon their crops can be avoided. A picture of the Hopi snake dance reveals that the reptile carried in the dancer’s mouth is in form the same as the symbol commonly used for the dragon’s head or tail. He does not hold it in his mouth while he dances to prove his bravery but to symbolize the eating of the Sun and Moon by the dragon. The union of Sun and Moon to the ancients was the symbol of the union of the ego and the Soul that is, of mind and spirit.
  The Moon is the symbol of the indwelling soul. The dragon on the other hand, represents environment and forces which tend to develop the reptilian traits of character, the cruel instincts and ruthless selfishness which shut out the light of spirit and thus eclipse the soul. To the extent, therefore, an eclipse represents the soul or spirit devoured and destroyed by the powers of darkness associated with the struggle with physical environment.
  You can now see why Yom Kippur which is ten days after Rosh Hashanah and when the Sun enters the Draco Decanate, is the most sacred of Jewish observances. Kippur means atonement, the setting at one the reconciliation of two parties, just as the Sun and Moon are reconciled and united as one at New Moon, unless an eclipse is present. When there is an eclipse the light, or good, is devoured by darkness or evil. This signifies the destruction of the soul unless the powers of darkness and of evil, symbolized by the dragon, are vanquished and the final atonement made.
  The whole purpose of evolution, up to the state of man, is to develop the selfish instincts and the animal qualities through combat with environmental conditions and the struggle for physical survival. Difficulties are not overcome by weakness nor is accomplishment made without aggression and courage. Those who permit anyone to force them to one side are not fulfilling the highest purpose of physical destiny.
  When one’s abilities and possibilities are developed in the fierce struggle of its animal past and have turned to purposes which have the welfare of all, then the soul ceases to function on the lower plane, and it rises to that which we term divine. It has triumphed over the dragon and its atonement is complete. When it has thus reunited with its ego and the dark peril is past, it can find no joy in the pain or discomfort to any living thing. The text - Deal justly, even with thy enemies for it is better to suffer evil than to retaliate with vengeance.

Top ↑

The Keys of St. Peter
Edna Lister outline, November 4, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  Cepheus (pronounced Kepheus), husband of Andromeda, father of Cassiopeia, was the King of Ethiopia who was signifies a rock and the constellation in the sky pictures on his throne with one foot upon the immovable Pole Star represents truth.
  Sagittarius and Pisces are dual signs both, through Jupiter which is the ruler of one and the co-ruler of the other, tie up with religion. Joseph, whose “bow abode in strength” represents Sagittarius the duality of which is symbolized by his coat of many colors. It is the coat which Cepheus, or Pharaoh, whom Joseph served so well in the land of Egypt, still holds in his hands. Pisces, three decanates represents the king, queen and princess of Ethiopia, is the sign of imprisonment, deceit, and secret enemies. It belongs to the dark half of the year.
  Joseph represents the sign of dreams and prophecy, Sagittarius told his dreams to his brethren, and these, in true twelfth House fashion (secrets), conspired secretly to destroy him. They took from him his coat of many colors, with which to deceive his father, and threw him into a pit, represents the sign Capricorn, lowest position of the Sun, into which this luminary moves immediately after it leaves Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the sign of long journeys, hence Joseph was taken out of the pit and removed to a far off land. Pisces through the twelfth House rules imprisonment and involuntary servitude, and not only was Joseph sold into slavery, but due to the perfidy and deception of Potiphar’s wife in Egypt, he was thrown into prison. And while still in Egypt, desiring to bestow a favor upon his brethren he did it through deception. He concealed the money they had paid him in the sacks of grain sold to them, and in addition concealed his cup in the sack of Benjamin, that he might have an excuse for detaining him.
  The Pharaohs of Egypt were not only the rulers of this land of darkness but they also were religious potentates, some of whom had undergone initiation. It was the common thing for them to consult with their high priests, even Pharaoh called upon Joseph to give him counsel, in all important matters based upon conditions which would rise in the future. The priests who advised the ruler were well versed in astrology and divine wisdom such as gained Joseph renown.
  Peter, of New Testament is a name also which means rock. It was upon a rock that Peter was commanded to found his church. In the sky of course the “rock of ages” is the Pole Star, which changes not, the symbol of eternal truth. Cepheus not only represents Pharaoh but also pictures Peter whose foot, or understanding, and Pisces rules the feet, must rest on truth and who holds the keys to hell or heaven. These keys, by which understanding of the Truth may be gained, are not pictured in Peter’s hand but adorn the crown placed on his head. They are shown as seven little spheres, represents the septenary of planets. They are placed on head-region represents intellect. It is the comprehension of the significance of these seven types of energy that opens the gate to an understanding of Truth, which in turn permits entrance to the higher realms of being.
  Peter, shown in the sky, in addition to Joseph’s coat of many colors which he grasps in one hand also has an implement of power in the other. Understanding alone does not open the heavenly gates. That understanding must be applied in action. Therefore, he holds aloft a scepter, of a form symbolizing the virility and energy of the Sun, a symbol of the same import as the Common Gavel of Ancient Masonry.
  Thus does the ruler of life and death, of the external world and the astral kingdoms, which belong to the twelfth House indicate that he both knows the Truth and that he applies that knowledge in appropriate action.
  The scepter of power indicates creative energy under control and directed as the ruler wills. The control of energy, such as the scepter represents, is one of the symbolic of the truth of life. Joseph and Pharaoh are not only linked as types of Sagittarius and Pisces influences, in the Old Testament but in addition to the keys which Peter holds, the New Testament in Revelation and the seven seals.
  Sagittarius ruler of the ninth House, house of publishing, relates to books; and the seven seals are the impress which the seven planets make upon the Book of Nature. Yet this book, which rightfully belongs to Sagittarius and not to Pisces when mentioned in Revelation is associated with the constellation Cepheus: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”
  Cepheus or Peter rules over the Borderland between the waking and nightmare worlds. Sagittarius is the sign of religion, seeing clearly and expressing benevolently. Pisces has a religious significance, sign of secret things. The Astral Plane, through Pisces tendencies, have been able to impress their ideas upon the human race, causing it to place Faith in those things which are to the advantage of these selfish astral entities, that the race during the Piscean Age was so bound and fettered by its religious misconceptions.
  Elementals and earth-bound discarnate souls are so close to the vibratory level of the earth and are best able to contact it through conditions represented by Pisces. Through the deception they are able to practice they can in a measure control the trend of human events and themselves gain a satisfaction for their own desires. Obsession relates to this borderland of the Zodiac as do mystical manias and religious fanaticism; these being extreme expressions of the influence of such astral entities upon human life.
  The knowledge and beliefs of those on earth, influenced by the invisible world. We tune in, planetary energies stimulate thought-cells within the four-dimensional body of man and these attract events and prompt to action.
  We do not say, as some Orientals do, that the physical world is Maya, (illusion) for its energies also cause changes in the astral world; but we acknowledge the most physical events and conditions trace their immediate cause to happenings in the Borderland. We cannot know the whole truth if we ignore the physical world; but as the astral persists after the dissolution of the physical; as its sensations, experience, etc., are much more vast than those of the physical, and as the immediate stimuli of physical movement are chiefly astral in origin we can perceive the reason that prompted the ancients to place the constellation picturing Verity in the Zodiac which more than any other relates to the Borderland. When the Sun is in Pisces from February 20 to March 1 yearly.
  The keys which unlock the door of truth also unlock the doors of heaven or hell, for action based on falsehood or deception leads to discord and destruction; while based on verity which Pisces also governs, leads to harmony and eternal life. Because all things in nature in their essential vibratory rates correspond to astrological influences, these astrological correspondences, such as are symbolized by the seven little globes in Peter’s crown, are the positive keys to knowledge which is essential to progress and to life everlasting.
  As a feminine complement to this positive key to assist in unlocking the mysteries of the universe there is also a receptive key. This is embraced in the Tarot. The golden key is the understanding of planetary law, the silver key is a duplicate of the one of gold, except that its action is feminine and passive, leaving the same relation to the latter that women bear to men. In fact, the Tarot is to Astrology, what the Moon is to the Sun. Astrology and Tarot are the two keys. They are the “Keys Veritas,” the real keys for which Peter is renowned. The text therefore is the Hermetic axiom: As it is above, so below, below like above.

Top ↑

The Cloak of Death
Edna Lister outline, November 11, 1937, Cleveland, OH

  Cassiopeia, the lady in the chair, who with one hand removes the cloak, which represents the physical body and with the other holds aloft a branch from the Tree of Life. This decanate has closest affinity with both the higher and the lower spheres in relation to the conditions existing immediately following physical death.
  It is here, as the soul leaves the physical body, symbolically by the removal of the cloak, that it experiences in full measure the effect of the astral circuit so well represented by the ribbon binding the two fishes of Pisces. This circuit, depending upon its quality and attachments, may become a shackle, such as that by which Andromeda is chained, or it may in truth become the Tree of Life, such as Cassiopeia holds.
  The key word here is Vicissitudes. As one queen (Cassiopeia) her inordinate pride, selfish ambition and attachment to worldly honors caused her daughter Andromeda to be chained to a rock for Cetus to destroy. In her better moments she was the queen who furnished her children Helle and Phryxus, with the Ram of the Golden Fleece, which was to carry them from danger to safety.
  The Bible portrays this celestial constellation in alternate roles, in the Old Testament as Potiphar’s’ wife, whose Scorpio desires, and secret enmity when her advances were repulsed, caused Joseph to be placed in prison; and the New Testament by Mary Magdalene, out of who went seven devils and whom Jesus loved. John 11:5: “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”
  When the Sun moves across the celestial equator at the vernal equinox, at the moment it leaves the garment of winter darkness, that is, the longer nights than days, in the hands of Cassiopeia marking the decanate from which it thus exits. This garment of winter is symbolic of the physical body of man which is left behind when he passes to the next life.
  As related in Genesis 38, Joseph had been given complete charge over Potiphar’s affairs. He was in a position of trust and responsibility, and as nearly always happens to those who gain position of power and influence, he was approached by one who used great pressure to influence him to betray that trust.
  Joseph might have lived now and had the same experience, so typical is it of present day methods of disposing of one whose integrity becomes annoying to the corrupt who are in power; Genesis 12: “And she caught him by his garment, saying lie with me and he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out. Then she called forth men to her house and told them, He hath brought in a Hebrew unto them to mock them, he came to lie with me, I cried with a loud voice, when he heard that I cried, he left his garment and fled.”
  When Joseph was placed in jail due to false charges of this woman of the twelfth House affinity, it also suggests the circuit of energy pictured by Pisces by which those in love are bound into a single soul-mate system; and that if such a circuit is to result in greater freedom and power, rather than in greater bondage it must have a vibratory rate which is uplifting and spiritual in quality, such as tender love and unselfish affection tend to generate.
  That is, if it is to provide the energy of the Tree of Life, rather than bind to lower astral regions, the circuit must raise the planes to new heights of feeling, and stimulate new endeavors for the welfare of the race. The circuit also can be formed between two people on a level that opens them to the influence of the lower astral plane. This results in the generation of great force; but the force so generated is confined in its effects to the things of a phenomenal nature, being unable to affect the finer substance of the higher astral spheres. That is, the ribbon of Pisces, unless generated by a fire and exalted type of love, tends toward imprisonment rather than to greater freedom. That which can be used for good, can also be used for evil. This circuit on the lower while giving great magical ability, tends in the direction of death rather than in the direction of life. Spiritual Power: It then performs the same function as the circuit in a seance room when those present take hold of hands and sing. It generates a circuit of astral energy of great force and also liberates etheric energy in volume.
  This starry energy thus established is a vibratory rate corresponds to the elementals and other entities of the astral spheres closest to earth. These denizens of the realm sign by the house of self-undoing in a birth chart, find such a circuit of energy of their own plane a stream that enables them to move into the desire bodies and in contact with the etheric energies of those through whom the current flows. They are carried by the current whenever it goes and as it goes through the bodies of those comprising the circle, they are able to bring their influence to bear directly upon the etheric energies and nervous systems of those thus contacted.
  With a contact so fully established, through a seance circle or a circuit established between two lovers whose desires are on the level of those of Potiphar’s wife, these twelfth House astral entities are able to use both energies generated and the astral energies present, to bring things to pass on the physical plane. The energy may be used for healing.
  When one has brought power, related etc., let astral entities use them, without knowledge, too much is to deplete the spleen. Sensitives are impressed, restlessness follows, slowly they are drawn into the power. They then furnish the current. The same ribbon when lifted to higher plane, brings one in contact with higher regions. When this energy is that of unselfish spiritual love, all animal qualities gone, sublimated and true regeneration has taken place, it gives the ability not only here but in the after life to penetrate the higher spheres and to there enter upon the Cosmic work.
  It then becomes not such an influence as Mary Magdalene was under at first, for according to St. Luke 8:22 she had at one time been possessed of seven devils, just such a condition as the lower circuit connection with the twelfth house to attract. Mary Magdalene was loved by Jesus who cast the devils out of her. After this she became one of those who ministered to him at the cross, and who, on going to the tomb which he had left, was told by the angel there to herald the resurrection to the world. Instead of the devils which once she had having turned in on a spiritual circuit in which unselfish love was dominant, she had partaken of the fruit of the Tree of Life.
  Such a spiritual circuit, among other things permits of passing to the next life in full consciousness. Man may pass from this life to the next even though death, with no greater break in his affairs than would be occasioned by leaving his acquaintances in one city and taking up his activities in another city amid a different group of friends.

Top ↑