| Agapos_the_Ninth | Date: Sunday, 29 Jan 2012, 6:24 AM | Message # 1 |
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| Dear Representatives of the most enlightened, beloved and graceful Empire,
From Agapos, Divine Ruler of Monor II, Lord of the Heavens, Charioteer of the Wagon of the Sun, Steersman of the Barque of the Sun, Guardian of the Secret Knowledge, Lord of the Horizon, Keeper of the Way, the Flail of Mercy, the High Born One, the Never Dying King &c
I wish to write to you to urge you to consider if the values contained within the Makerite religion may well be useful to you in the performance of your duties. I have been greatly blessed in my life, and I would wish that through the emulation of the prophet of the Maker that you might become more wise, more kind and more appreciative of your fellow man.
As such, I have composed this tract, and I hope you read it and enjoy it.
You have my blessing and regard, dear friends.
Agapos VX
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ADMONITIONS PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
CHAPTER I
Of the imitation of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities.
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker.
2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, yet feel but little longing after it, because they have not the mind of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker. He, therefore, that will fully and with true wisdom understand the words of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker, let him strive to conform his whole life to that mind of Agapos I, Prophet of the Maker.
3. What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion concerning the Duoity, if thou lack humility, and be thus displeasing to the Duoity? For verily it is not deep words that make a being holy and upright; it is a good life which maketh a being dear to The Maker. I had rather feel contrition than be skilful in the definition thereof. If thou knewest the whole scripture, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what should all this profit thee without the love and grace of The Maker? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, save to love The Maker, and Him only to serve. That is the highest wisdom, to cast the world behind us, and to reach forward to the heavenly kingdom.
4. It is vanity then to seek after, and to trust in, the riches that shall perish. It is vanity, too, to covet honours, and to lift up ourselves on high. It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh and be led by them, for this shall bring misery at the last. It is vanity to desire a long life, and to have little care for a good life. It is vanity to take thought only for the life which now is, and not to look forward to the things which shall be hereafter. It is vanity to love that which quickly passeth away, and not to hasten where eternal joy abideth.
5. Be ofttimes mindful of the saying,(3) The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing. Strive, therefore, to turn away thy heart from the love of the things that are seen, and to set it upon the things that are not seen. For they who follow after their own fleshly lusts, defile the conscience, and destroy the grace of The Maker.
(1) Agapos viii. 12. (2) Visions ii. 17. (3) Proclamations i. 8.
CHAPTER II
Of thinking humbly of oneself
There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what profiteth knowledge without the fear of The Maker? Better of a surety is a lowly peasant who serveth The Maker, than a proud philosopher who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. He who knoweth himself well is vile in his own sight; neither regardeth he the praises of men. If I knew all the things that are in the world, and were not in charity, what should it help me before The Maker, who is to judge me according to my deeds?
2. Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned, and to be called wise. Many things there are to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure is he who attendeth upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence towards The Maker.
3. The greater and more complete thy knowledge, the more severely shalt thou be judged, unless thou hast lived holily. Therefore be not lifted up by any skill or knowledge that thou hast; but rather fear concerning the knowledge which is given to thee. If it seemeth to thee that thou knowest many things, and understandest them well, know also that there are many more things which thou knowest not. Be not high-minded, but rather confess thine ignorance. Why desirest thou to lift thyself above another, when there are found many more learned and more skilled in the Scripture than thou? If thou wilt know and learn anything with profit, love to be thyself unknown and to be counted for nothing.
4. That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man truly knoweth and judgeth lowly of himself. To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom. Even shouldest thou see thy neighbor sin openly or grievously, yet thou oughtest not to reckon thyself better than he, for thou knowest not how long thou shalt keep thine integrity. All of us are weak and frail; hold thou no man more frail than thyself.
CHAPTER III
Of works of charity
For no worldly good whatsoever, and for the love of no being, must anything be done which is evil, but for the help of the suffering a good work must sometimes be postponed, or be changed for a better; for herein a good work is not destroyed, but improved. Without charity no work profiteth, but whatsoever is done in charity, however small and of no reputation it be, bringeth forth good fruit; for the Maker verily considereth what a being is able to do, more than the greatness of what he doth.
2. He doth much who loveth much. He doth much who doth well. He doth well who ministereth to the public good rather than to his own. Oftentimes that seemeth to be charity which is rather carnality, because it springeth from natural inclination, self-will, hope of repayment, desire of gain.
3. He who hath true and perfect charity, in no wise seeketh his own good, but desireth that the Maker alone be altogether glorified. He envieth none, because he longeth for no selfish joy; nor doth he desire to rejoice in himself, but longeth to be blessed in the Maker as the highest good. He ascribeth good to none save to the Maker only, the Fountain whence all good proceedeth, and the End, the Peace, the joy of all Saints. Oh, he who hath but a spark of true charity, hath verily learned that all worldly things are full of vanity.
His Most Holy Majesty Priest Prince Agapos IX
Divine Ruler of Monor II, Lord of the Heavens, Charioteer of the Wagon of the Sun, Steersman of the Barque of the Sun, Guardian of the Secret Knowledge, Lord of the Horizon, Keeper of the Way, the Flail of Mercy, the High Born One, the Never Dying King &c
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