The Light of Truth — Page 177
PARABLE OF THE CHRISTIANS AND THE ATONEMENT deliverance, you will find no equal to it save the Atonement of the Messiah. The doctrine of Atonement suffices for your faith and this affluence for your world. Thus, you are freed in both realms from labouring with your hands and from toiling in the manner of those who struggle. ' They said: 'It is for you to command us and our hearts are with you. On this day you are a man of established position and trust with us. ' He replied: ‘Well done! Soon, the doors of hap- piness will be opened for you, and you shall be given the keys to the State. What is more, I will teach you my incantation so that, during my absence, you are not put to any hardship, and so that you may possess a great nation and an eternal kingdom. 'We cannot properly express our gratitude, they cried, 'and you are surely the most generous of those who do good unto others. ' He answered: 'Truly, I have never taught this method to anyone before you, nor shall I teach any other people after you. So they asked him the veiled reason for this distinction and the wisdom behind limiting this lustre. He swore upon the godhead that grants redemption [i. e. the Father] that in this practice he resembles the second godhead [i. e. the Holy Spirit], and this would make them like the Messiah, insofar as they were chosen above all others. Then he tucked in the tail of his cloak to fly off like an eagle. He arose the following morning with the intention of depart- ing quickly, not like the morning wanderings of the raven. As he took flight, he said to them: 'O ye chiefs of the towns and rulers of the states! I will return to you by midday, so wait for me with a little patience. Be not anxious, for the incantation is lengthy and its purpose is grand; moreover, I am unwell and the distance is long and the cold weather is intense. Truly I do not wish to take more trouble upon myself in this state of weakness and emaciation, nor do I find strength in my body to complete this journey. I have abandoned all attachments to this world, and forsaken both its abundance and its scarcity. Now, the only 177