Aquarian Age Gospel of Jesus
Chapters 1 - 7
Birth and Early Life of Mary, Mother of Jesus
CHAPTER 1
Palestine. Birth of Mary, Joachim's feast. Mary is blessed by the
priests. His prophecy. Mary abides in the temple. Is betrothed to
Joseph.
AUGUSTUS Caesar reigned and Herod Antipas was ruler of
Jerusalem. 2 Three provinces comprised the land of Palistine: Judea,
and Samaria, and Galilee. 3 Joachim was a master of the Jewish law, a
man of wealth; he lived in Nazareth of Galilee; and Anna, of the tribe
of Judah, was his wife. 4 To them was born a child, a goodly female
child, and they were glad; and Mary was the name they gave the child.
5 Joachim made a feast in honour of the child; but he invited not the
rich, the honoured and the great; he called the poor the halt and the
lame, the blind, and to each one he gave a gift of raiment,food or
other needful thing. 6 He said, The Lord has given me this wealth; I
am his steward by his grace, and if I give not to his children when in
need, then he will make this wealth a curse. 7 Now, when the child was
three years old her parents took her to Jerusalem, and in the temple
she received the blessings of the priests. 8 The high priest was a
prophet and a seer, and when he saw the child he said, 9 Behold, this
child will be the mother of an honoured prophet and a master of the
law; she shall abide within this holy temple of the Lord. 10 And Mary
did abide within the temple of the Lord; and Hillel, chief of the
Sanhedrim, taught her all the precepts of Jews, and she delighted in
the law of God. 11 When Mary reached the age of womanhood she was
betrothed to Joseph, son of Jacob, and a carpenter of Nazareth. 12 And
Joseph was an upright man, and a devoted Essene.
Birth and Infancy of the Harbinger, and of Jesus
CHAPTER 2
Zacharias and Elizabeth. Prophetic messages of Gabriel to Zacharias,
Elizabeth and Mary. Birth of John. Prophecy of Zacharias.
NEAR Hebron in the hills of Judah, Zacharias and Elizabeth
abode. 2 They were devote and just, and every day they read the Law,
the Prophets and the Psalms which told of one to come, strong to
redeem; and they were waiting for the king. 3 Now, Zacharias was a
priest, and in his turn he led the temple service in Jerusalem. 4 It
came to pass as Zacharias stood before the Lord and burned the incense
in the Holy Place, that Gabriel came and stood before his face. 5 And
Zacharias was afraid; he thought that some great evil was about to
come upon the Jews. 6 But Gabriel said, O man of God, fear not; I
bring to you and all the world, a message of good will, and peace on
earth. 7 Behold, the Prince of Peace, the king you seek, will quickly
come. 8 Your wife will bear to you a son, a holy son, of whom the
prophet wrote, 9 Behold, I send Elijah unto you again before the
coming of the Lord; and he will level down the hills and fill the
valleys up, and pave the way for him who shall redeem. 10 From the
beginning of the age your son has borne the name of John, the mercy of
the Lord; his name is John. 11 He will be honoured in the sight of
God, and he will drink no wine, and from his birth he will be filled
with Holy Breath. 12 And Gabriel stood before Elizabeth as she was in
the silence of her home, and told her all the words that he had said
to Zacharias in Jerusalem. 13 When he had done the service of his
course, the priest went home, and with Elizabeth rejoiced. 14 Five
months passed by and Gabriel came to Mary in her home in Nazareth and
said, 15 Hail Mary, hail! Once blessed in the name of God; twice
blessed in the name of Holy Breath; thrice blessed in the name of
Christ; for you are worthy, and will bear a son who shall be called
Immanuel. 16 His name is Jesus, for he saves his people from their
sins. 17 When Joseph's daily task was done he came, and Mary told him
all the words that Gabriel spoke to her, and they rejoiced; for they
believed that he, the man of God, had spoken words of truth. 18 And
Mary went with haste to tell Elizabeth about the promises of Gabriel;
together they rejoiced. 19 And in the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth
did Mary tarry ninety days; then she returned to Nazareth. 20 To
Zacharias and Elizabeth a son was born, and Zacharias said, 21 Most
blessed be the name of God, for he has opened up the fount of
blessings for his people, Israel. 22 His promises are verified; for he
has brought to pass the words which holy prophets spoke in olden
times. 23 And Zacharias looked upon infant John, and said, 24 You
shall be called the prophet of the Holy One; and you will go before
his face, and will prepare his way. 25 And you will give a knowledge
of salvation unto Israel; and you will preach the gospel of repentance
and the blotting out of sins. 26 Behold, for soon the Day Star from on
high will visit us, to light the way for those who sit within the
darkness of the shadow- land, and guide our ways to the feet of peace.
CHAPTER 3
Birth of Jesus. Masters honour the child. The shepherds rejoice.
Zacharias and Elizabeth visit Mary. Jesus is circumcised.
THE time was nearly due for Jesus to be born, and Mary longed
to see Elizabeth, and she and Joseph turned their faces toward the
Judean hills. 2 And when upon their way they came to Bethlehem the day
was done, and they must tarry for the night. 3 But Bethlehem was
thronged with people going to Jerusalem; the inns and homes were
filled with guests, and Joseph and his wife could find no place to
rest but in a cave where animals were kept; and there they slept. 4 At
midnight came a cry, a child is born in yonder cave among the beasts.
And lo, the promised son of man was born. 5 And strangers took the
little one and wrapped him in the dainty robes that Mary had prepared
and laid him in a trough from which the beasts of burden fed. 6 Three
persons clad in snowwhite robes came in and stood before the child and
said, 7 All strength, all wisdom and all love be your, Immanuel. 8
Now, on the hills of Bethehem were many flocks of sheep with shepherds
guarding them. 9 The shepherds were devout, were men of prayer, and
they were waiting for a strong deliverer to come. 10 And when the
child of promise came, a man in snow-white robe appeared to them, and
they fell back in fear. The man stood forth and said, 11 Fear not!
behold I bring you joyful news. At midnight in a cave in Bethehem was
born the prophet and the king that you have long been waiting for. 12
And then the shepherds all were glad; they felt that all the hills
were filled with messengers of light, who said, 13 All glory be to God
on high; peace, peace on earth, good will to men. 14 And then the
shepherds came with haste to Bethlehem and to the cave, that they
might see and honour him whom men had called Immanuel. 15 Now, when
the morning came, a shepherdess whose home was near, prepared a room
for Mary, Joseph and the child; and here they tarried many days. 16
And Joseph sent a messenger in haste to Zacharias and Elizabeth to
say, The child is born in Bethlehem. 17 And Zacharias and Elizabeth
took John and came to Bethlehem with words of cheer. 18 And Mary and
Elizabeth recounted all the wonderous things that had transpired. The
people joined with them in praising God. 19 According to the custom of
the Jews, the child was circumcised; and when they asked, What will
you call the child? the mother said, His name is Jesus, as the man of
God declared.
CHAPTER 4
Consecration of Jesus. Mary offers sacrifices. Simeon and Anna
prophesy. Anna is rebuked for worshipping the child. The family
returns to Bethlehem.
NOW, Mary took her son, when he was forty days of age, up to
the temple in Jerusalem, and he was consecrated by the priest. 2 And
then she offered purifying sacrifices for herself, according to the
custom of the Jews; a lamb and two young turtle doves. 3 A pious Jew
named Simeon was in the temple serving God. 4 From early youth he had
been looking for Immanuel to come, and he had prayed to God that he
might not depart until his eyes had seen Messiah in the flesh. 5 And
when he saw the infant Jesus he rejoiced and said, I now am ready to
depart in peace, for I have seen the king. 6 And then he took the
enfant in his arms and said, Behold, this child will bring a sword
upon my people, Israel, and all the world; but he will break the sword
and then the nations will learn war no more. 7 The master's cross I
see upon the forehead of this child, and he will conquer by this sign.
8 And in the temple was a widow, four and eighty years of age, and she
departed not, but night and day she worshipped God. 9 And when she saw
the infant Jesus she exclaimed, Behold Immanuel! Behold the signet
cross of the Messiah on his brow! 10 And then the woman knelt to
worship him, as God with us, Immanuel; but one, a master, clothed in
white, appeared and said, 11 Good woman, stay; take heed to what you
do; you may not worship man; this is idolatry. 12 This child is man,
the son of man, and worthy of all praise. You shall adore and worship
God; him only shall you serve. 13 The woman rose and bowed her head in
thankfulness and worshipped God. 14 And Mary took the infant Jesus and
returned to Bethlehem.
CHAPTER 5
Three magian priests honour Jesus. Herod is alarmed. Calls a
council of the Jews. Is told that prophets had foretold the coming of
a king. Herod resolves to kill the child. Mary and Joseph take Jesus
and flee into Egypt.
BEYOND the river Euphrates the magians lived; and they were
wise, could read the language of the stars, and they divined that one,
a master soul, was born; they saw his star above Jerusalem. 2 And
there were three among the magian priests who longed to see the master
of the coming age; and they took costly gifts and hastened to the West
in search of him, the new-born king, that they might honour him. 3 And
one took gold, the symbol of nobility; another myrrh, the symbol of
dominion and of power; gum-thus the other took, the symbol of the
wisdom of the sage. 4 Now when the magians reached Jerusalem the
people were amazed, and wondered who they were and why they came. 5
And when they asked, Where is the child that has been born a king? the
very throne of Herod seemed to shake. 6 And Herod sent a courtier
forth to bring the magians to his court. 7 And when they came they
asked again, Where is the new born king? And then they said, While yet
beyond the Euphates we saw his star arise, and we have come to honour
him. 8 And Herod blanched with fear. He thought, perhaps, the priests
were plotting to restore the kingdom of the Jews, and so he said
within himself, I will know more about this child that has been born a
king. 9 And so he told the magian priests to tarry in the city for a
while and he would tell them all about the king. 10 He called in
council all the Jewish masters of the law and asked, What have the
Jewish prophets said concerning such a one? 11 The Jewish masters
answered him and said, The prophets long ago foretold that one would
come to rule the tribes of Israel; that this Messiah would be born in
Bethlehem. 12 They said, The prophet Micah wrote, O Bethlehem Judea, a
little place among the Judean hills, yet out of you will one come
forth to rule my people, Israel; yea, one who lived in olden times, in
very ancient days. 13 Then Herod called the magian priests again and
told them what the masters of the Jewish law had said; and then he
sent them on the way to Bethlehem. 14 He said, Go search, and if you
find the child that has been born a king, return and tell me all, that
I may go and honour him. 15 The magians went their way and found the
child with Mary in the shepherd's home. 16 They honoured him; bestowed
upon him precious gifts and gave him gold, gum- thus and myrrh. 17
These magian priests could read the hearts of men; they read the
wickedness of Herod's heart, and knew that he had sworn to kill the
new born king. 18 And so they told the secret to the parents of the
child, and bid them flee beyond the reach of harm. 19 And then the
priests went on their homeward way; they went not through Jerusalem.
20 And Joseph took the infant Jesus and his mother in the night and
fled to Egypt land, and with Elihu and Salome in ancient Zoan they
abode.
CHAPTER 6
Herod learns of the supposed mission of John. The infants of
Bethlehem are massacred by Herod's order. Elizabeth escapes with John.
Because Zacharias cannot tell where his son is hidden, he is murdered.
Herod dies.
NOW, when the magian priests did not return to tell him of the
child that had been born a king, King Herod was enraged. 2 And then
his courtiers told him of another child in Bethlehem, one born to go
before and to prepare the people to receive the king. 3 This angered
more and more the king; he called his guards and bid them go to
Bethlehem and slay the infant John, as well as Jesus who was born to
be a king. 4 He said, Let no mistake be made, and that you may be sure
to slay these claimants to my throne, slay all the male children in
the town not yet two years of age. 5 The guards went forth and did as
Herod bade them do. 6 Elizabeth knew not that Herod sought to slay her
son, and she and John were yet in Bethlehem; but when she knew, she
took the infant John and hastened to the hills. 7 The murderous guards
were near; they pressed upon her hard; but then she knew the secret
caves in all the hills, and into one she ran and hid herself and John
until the guards were gone. 8 Their cruel task was done; the guards
returned and told the story to the king. 9 They said, We know that we
have slain the infant king; but John his harbinger, we could not find.
10 The king was angry with his guards because they failed to slay the
infant John; He sent them to the tower in chains. 11 And other guards
were sent to Zacharias, father of the harbinger, while he was serving
in the Holy Place, to say, The King demands that you shall tell where
is your son. 12 But Zacharias did not know, and he replied, I am a
minister of God, a servant in the Holy Place; how could I know where
they have taken him? 13 And when the guards returned and told the King
what Zacharias said, he was enraged and said, 14 My guards, go back
and tell that wily priest that he is in my hands; that if he does not
tell the truth, does not reveal the hiding place of John, his son,
then he shall die. 15 The guards went back and told the priest just
what the king had said. 16 And Zacharias said, I can but give my life
for truth; and if the king does shed my blood the Lord will save my
soul. 17 The guards again returned and told the king what Zacharias
said. 18 Now, Zacharias stood before the alter in the Holy Place
engaged in prayer. 19 A guard approached and with a dagger thrust him
through; he fell and died before the curtain of the sanctuary of the
Lord. 20 And when the hour of salutation came, for Zacharias daily
blessed the priests, he did not come. 21 And after waiting long the
priests went to the Holy Place and found the body of the dead. 22 And
there was grief, deep grief, in all the land. 23 Now Herod sat upon
his throne; he did not seem to move; his courtiers came; the king was
dead. HIs sons reigned in his stead.
Education of Mary and Elizabeth in Zoan
CHAPTER 7
Archelaus reigns. Mary and Elizabeth with their sons are in Zoan
and are taught by Elihu and Salome. Elihu's introductory lesson. Tells
of an interpreter.
THE son of Herod, Archelaus, reigned in Jerusalem. He was a
selfish, cruel king; he put to death all those who did not honour him.
2 He called in council all the wisest men and asked about the infant
claimant to his throne. 3 The council said that John and Jesus both
were dead; then he was satisfied. 4 Now Joseph, Mary and their sons
were down in Egypt in Zoan, and John was with his mother in the Judean
Hills. 5 Elihu and Salome sent messengers in haste to find Elizabeth
and John. They found them and they brought them to Zoan. 6 Now, Mary
and Elizabeth were marvelling much because of their deliverance. 7
Elihu said, It is not strange; there are no happenings; law governs
all events. 8 From olden times it was ordained that you should be with
us, and in this sacred school be taught. 9 Elihu and Salome took Mary
and Elizabeth out to the sacred grove near by where they were wont to
teach. 10 Elihu said to Mary and Elizabeth, You may esteem yourself
thrice blest, for you are chosen mothers of long promised sons, 11 Who
are ordained to lay in solid rock a sure foundation stone on which the
temple of the perfect man shall rest--a temple that shall never be
destroyed. 12 We measure time by cycle ages, and the gate to every age
we deem a mile stone in the journey of the race. 13 An age has passed;
the gate unto another age flies open at the touch of time. This is the
preparation age of soul, the kingdom of Immanuel, of God in man; 14
And these, your sons, will be the first to tell the news, and preach
the gospel of good will to men, and peace on earth. 15 A mighty work
is theirs; for carnal men want not the light, they love the dark, and
when the light shines in the dark they comprehend it not. 16 We call
these sons, Revealers of the Light; but they must have the light
before they can reveal the light. 17 And you must teach your sons, and
set their souls on fire with love and holy zeal, and make them
concious of their missions to the sons of men. 18 Teach them that God
and man are one; but that through carnal thoughts and words and deeds,
man tore himself away from God; debased himself. 19 Teach that the
Holy Breath would make them one again, restoring harmony and peace; 20
That naught can make them one but Love; that God so loved the world
that he has clothed his son in flesh that man may comprehend. 21 The
only Saviour of the world is love, and Jesus, son of Mary, comes to
manifest that love to men. 22 Now, love cannot manifest until its way
has been prepared, and naught can rend the rocks and bring down lofty
hills and fill the valleys up, amd thus prepare the way, but purity.
23 But purity in life men do not comprehend; and so, it, too, come in
flesh. 24 And you, Elizabeth, are blest because your son is purity
made flesh, and he shall pave the way for love. 25 This age will
comprehend but little of the works of Purity and Love; but not a word
is lost, for in the Book of God's Remembrance a registry is made of
every thought, and word, and deed; 26 And when the world is ready to
receive, lo, God will sent a messenger to open up the book and copy
from its sacred pages all the messages of Purity and Love. 27 Then
every man of earth will read the words of life in language of his
native land, and men will see the light, walk in the light and be the
light. 28 And man again will be at one with God.
