Wisdom of the ages; revelations from Zertoulem, the prophet of Tlaskanata

Introduction

TRUTH is eternal, exhaustless, unfathomable. Its Divine Fount is far beyond human discovery, however rich the intellect which aspires towards its inaccessible heights. It lies far above the topmost clouds which eye of man can scan, far beyond the Storm-King's throne, whence the flashing lightnings are hurled, where the mighty thunderbolts are forged ; far above the vast waves of ether, that wide Planetary Sea where suns and worlds float and sail their swift, majestic currents ; still farther on beyond the boundaries of this entire Universe of expressed Life, toward the Infinite, causeless Cause, the Unmanifest, the Silence, from whose profound depths all vibrations are stirred, all Light spoken, all Harmony breathed — even there and only thence has Truth its pristine, immaculate birth.

No human ear can catch its full-toned syllables, no

IV INTRODUCTION

heart conceive the beauty, the grandeur of its sublime accents, but to the aspiring soul come glintings of its full-orbed Glory, flash-lights of its Perfection. And to that soul which likewise feels its own union with the same wondrous Source, there come in-breathings, or inspirations, of this Eternal Wisdom, whose translation into human speech serves to illumine mundane shadows.

All down through the ages such souls have blessed and enlightened the world. The messages received by such seers, prophets and psalmists have been collected in every cycle of human advancement, into Scriptures fitly termed sacred, into Vedas, Sutras, Koran, Avesta and Bible. No age, nation or teacher holds a copyright above any other for the excellence or infallibility of its particular message. The One Fountain has countless rills, and were all these minute streams collected into one great volume, the vast reservoir which feeds them would still be scarcely touched.

But as humanity advances, as material, grovelling tendencies are transcended and outgrown, and the Light of the Spirit illumines mortal vision, as the yearning of the soul increases and is felt above the clamor of the senses, as the demand for more of Truth arises from the lips and

INTRODUCTION V

hearts of men, such earnest prayer is always answered. Pure-hearted messengers are chosen and prepared through discipline, through sorrows manifold, to hear this transcendent Voice and transmit its potent accents to mankind.

The planet is now passing its sixth cyclical birthday. The fifth grand cycle wanes, a new spiritual dispensation is upon us; the sixth age advances, the opening of the sixth seal. Our solar centre in his tireless revolution around far distant Alcyone, with his attendant retinue of worlds, passes from one sign of the Zodiac to another, making marked planetary changes in physical, mental and spiritual life. Wars, famine and pestilence abound — the fermentation of unrest, which will work out the necessary purification for the spiritual era, whose dawn already is dimly discerned. Even now the angels of preparation for this glad new Day are on the earth or in the air, psychic gateways are being prepared among the children of men for the entrance of new messages of Truth, for deeper words of Wisdom, for grander paeans of Harmony than have hitherto blessed the world.

Such a message is contained in the rare volume before us, whose origin and manner of transmission are calcu-

VI INTRODUCTION

lated to inspire the soul with reverence and awe. Not alone is it literally the work of angelic hands, but it serves also as a valuable link with a prehistoric past, the inspirer of these pages having once worn mortal form, once trodden mundane pathways, in the earliest civilization our planet has known, many thousand years ago, in Central America.

The instrument through whom this grand, unique message has been transmitted — Dr. George A. Fuller — is admirably fitted to be thus chosen as a mouthpiece of wise inspirers, being a man of pure, clean nature, a close student, philosopher and aspirant for Truth, loving honor and integrity better than fame or fortune. He has been for years before the public as a teacher of spiritual truth, constantly under observation when criticism was rife, without a stain or breath of calumny. Some twenty-five years ago, Dr. Fuller possessed to some degree the gift of automatic writing, and at that time received communications purporting to come from an ancient dweller of Central America. But these messages were chiefly historical and personal, and after a time ceased; gradually also the automatic gift was withdrawn, presumably forever,

INTRODUCTION Vll

After the lapse of a quarter of a century, however, —

"The mills of the gods grind slow, But they grind exceeding fine," —

to Dr. Fuller's great surprise, on the morning of June fourth, suddenly and without warning, a peculiar pricking of the hand and arm, with a strong impulse to take his pen, resulted in the transcription of the first chapter in this volume, followed an hour and two hours later by succeeding chapters. At intervals during the current summer, though busily engaged in other absorbing duties, the volume grew, page by page, until the ancient Teacher and Revel ator himself pronounced the Finis.

Who shall say that other sacred books have not been similarly penned? The manner of inspiration, it is true, matters little, or whether the angel is seen, as it was by John in Patmos, and other early writers; it is the purport of the message which decides its value, and surely the exalted character of this scripture, its revealments of spiritual truth, its advanced teachings, its lofty conceptions and ideals, the beauty of its musical rhythm, the utterly impersonal feature of its authorship, must stamp this work, whatever its source, as pure inspiration of a high order.

Vlll INTRODUCTION

By the expressed wish of the intelligence inditing these pages, the volume is now given to the world. The same Power that had a use for it and thus called it into being will direct that those souls who are ready, whose further growth demands this nutriment, will attract it unto them, while minds less ripened may pass it by until a more convenient season. To sow the seed is all the disciple can do. The Lord of the harvest can alone bring the increase in His own time and way. May it prove an hundred-fold to every thoughtful, earnest reader!

" Rise, oh my soul, to still loftier heights ; unfettered be all thy wings!"

Susie C. Clark.

I

r 7ERT0ULEM spake unto the multitude *-** and said: Inasmuch as ye are led by

the desire to gratify selfish propensities are ye excluded from the higher light which is the natural birthright of every soul.

Be ye seekers after the higher truths of the spirit, not content with the vain babblings of men who are puffed up with their own self-conceits.

He that overcomes the flesh, not by crucifixion and mortification, but by sublimation, that leadeth to the complete purification of this house in which spirit dwells, shall become a leader among men, and shall know all things in heaven and earth.

Knowledge is not always gained of books, for oft-times these are misleading and unsatisfactory. Spirit must speak to spirit, and soul must vibrate responsive to the inner harmonies of the universe of God.

He who seeks of the spirit shall find the royal road that leadeth to the great garner house where is stored the rich fruitage of the ages.

Be not deceived of men who occupy the chief seats in the synagogues and universities of the outer world, for these are puffed up with their own self-conceits.

They conceive of theories, then search the universe that they may find facts that seem to prove their verity.

They go no deeper than the outer husk of the external universe. Like children, they play with these cast-off shells. Out of these things are builded the sciences and religions of the world.

The teachings of the great masters have been misunderstood and misapplied. The world has been too engrossed with material things to read aright the lessons given.

Only the things of the spirit are permanent. All outward things are transitory and fleeting. Vain pomp and glory of the world without life, ye flaunt your gaudy rags before eyes whose spiritual vision is sealed. Ye have no dominion over him who is baptized of the spirit.

He rises glorified and exalted into the atmosphere of gods.

He reflects no light of sun or star, but glows and shines with the inexhaustible light of spirit.

He acknowledges no leadership, either of book or man, but follows the star of his own destipy.

To him is given the broadest liberty, for the wings of his spirit, at last, have been unfettered, and now they cleave the ethers of infinite space.

The glory of the rapidly dying East, the wealth of El Dorados, flicker, fade and are lost in this newer glory and wealth of the spirit, exhaustless and undying.

I that speak unto ye am as deathless as the Unspeakable One. I assist at the birth of worlds and universes. I am my own star of destiny.

What I am ye also may become. Through the gateway of suffering and poverty ye must be led until the spirit asserts itself.

Know then your oneness with the Infinite, and claim the royal birthright that is thine inheritance.

II. TXT" HEN the faithful ones were gathered

* * together Zertoulem appeared in their midst and said unto them : Let peace and love abide ever in your midst.

For without peace there can be no true spiritual growth. It is the foundation upon which all true life must rest. Discord and war are great shadows that shut out the light of Omn the Infinite.

My gospel is one of peace, although at first it might seem to bring discord into the world. For it shall separate families and break many of the ties that the world calls sacred.

Peace cometh not by conforming to the outward usages of the world, but by seeking the way of the spirit that leadeth to a more perfect life.

Wealth and outward prosperity, the inordinate desire for gain, these bring neither peace nor love to the world. Instead they foster the spirit of unrest and develop in man the selfish propensities.

No man has ownership in material things. Houses, lands, books and other properties are loaned him for his use. Not even does he own the body he occupies. This is loaned him for a season, but when Omn calls the spirit hence, he needs must return the body to the great reservoir from whence at the bidding of His spirit it was called.

War is inevitable when man seizes more of this world's goods than he can utilize.

Peace comes when he takes that which he can use for his or other's good.

The earth is Omn's, and the fruits thereof are for the sustenance of his children.

There should be no private ownership in

WISDOM OF THE AGES J

land, but a portion should be set apart by wise leaders sacred to the uses of each individual.

Remember, oh, my disciples, that ye are not of this world of selfish, discordant, sensual men, for ye have been called to the Higher Life, where peace reigns evermore.

Ye are bound by indissoluble chains of love, and not by the bonds of the flesh, of avarice, of selfishness, and of passion, wherewith the people of the Outer World are bound.

Love knows no evil, and only seeks to bless all.

I would not condemn those who have not the light of the spirit, and walk by the uncertain light of the flesh alone. They are Otmar, ones who have not awakened to the newer light of the spirit.

They are neither to be condemned nor pitied. They are walking where ye walked ages ago. The divine spark will yet be kindled upon the altar of their souls, and then the path of the spirit will be made plain and clear to them.

Hold condemnation for no man. Be not so conceited as to think ye are higher or wiser than others. The veil has simply become thin between your eyes and the Infinite Omn.

As brothers, commune together and enjoy the serenity of a pure and noble life.

Walk among men, imparting of your peace and love to those in need, and your influence for good shall be felt afar in the world. Then shall thy soul become as sweet and fragrant as the air of morning, and Peace and Love the wings that bear thee onward amid circling spheres of light.

III

r)URPLE and gold are the mountains of * Sebas-tha-ontu; above hang wavy billows of golden fleece; for he that giveth life to all terrestrial things, mighty Tha, sleeps in the Chamber of the West.

The valleys are filled with purple mists and gloom, for the arrows of Tha no longer speed on their course.

The night winds laden with the heavy perfume of a thousand plants soothe the restless breast of man, and seal down his eyelids with a kiss.

Sleep, the shadow of death, is abroad in the land, and all is quiet, save the shrill note of the night bird and the voices of innumerable insects.

Behold the grandeur of the heavens ! The

IO WISDOM OF THE AGES

crown that Omn wears sparkling with innumerable gems.

The soul is filled with awe and reverence at the majesty of the scene.

All that the natural eye beholds pales into insignificance before the illimitable depths and numberless globes of amethyst, purple and gold that burst upon the bewildered vision of the spirit.

Who made these chariots of fire that circle forever the throne of the Infinite One ?

Ever on and on ! from chaos to nebulae, — from nebulae to suns, from suns to worlds !

Who the mighty Sculptor that shaped the endless variety of forms?

Who the mighty Artist with brush dipped in molten colors made the heavens shine with new lights unknown before ?

What mighty Musician gave to each star and sun its keynote, and made the heavens vocal with a new song voicing the majesty and glory of the One, Everlasting Omn ?

The Heavens give answer: Our Creator is Spirit.

Archangels are the servants of Omn. They, the framers and builders of universes. They, the sculptors, artists, musicians, incomparable.

In their hands chaos assumes form. The lightnings are their playthings. All the mighty and subtle forces obey the mandates of their wills.

They make the pathways for circling spheres of fire. They determine when worlds shall be born out of these spheres, and shape and fashion them into things of exquisite beauty.

Their work completed, angels of light are placed over them and become the masters of their destiny.

Innumerable spirits do the biddings of these angels. And thua from angels to spirits, and from spirits to man terrestrial, throbs and beats forever the Life that is that of the Eternal One.

One Life in all and through all ! One purpose, that of the Divine Will, pulsates in every atom, making through all a most perfect undertone of harmony.

Purple and gold are the mountains of Sebas-tha-ontu, as the shades of evening settle over the earth. Peace, sweet peace, spreads her wings over all, and the questioning spirit of man rests ere it takes again its upward flight.

IV

r I ^HUS spake Zertoulem : Worlds age; suns * grow cold and cease to give forth light; both return to chaos whence they had birth.

Their substance never ceases to exist ; but the form it had been compelled to take is no more in the external world.

There are only two conditions of life, although the manifestations may be infinite — the External, or outer, and the Internal.

The first is the realm of shadows, reflections of spirit as it passes across the great stage of Infinite Action.

The second is the realm of the real — the spirit that vitalizes all things.

Awful beyond description the spectacle of dead world or sun rushing madly onward into the wide opening arms of chaos.

Sublime beyond description the birth of a sun out from the dark clouds of chaos and night.

With quickened vision the seer sees beyond world or sun the all-powerful arms of spirit that hurled to destruction or quickened into life.

Over the formless he beholds a sphere of pure amethyst light. Innumerable rays flash from this sphere, grasping the dead atoms ana impregnating them with life. The atoms thus vitalized rush together and a sun is born into the universe.

Beyond the sphere of light the seer beholds the form of the Archangel. But his eyes are still veiled, for it is not given to mortal to behold all the glory of those who stand nearest to the Infinite Omn.

All power belongs to spirit. Here lies all that is permanent. Elsewhere all is fleeting and delusive.

He who sets his heart on earthly things is unwise, for these in time must return to the formless.

Rather think of those imperishable things of the spirit, for these abide with thee evermore.

Too great love of earthly things deadens all the nobler instincts of the spirit. < Much earthly possessions anchor the spirit to the earth. These impedimenta must be removed before spirit can spread its wings for flight into the Higher Heavens.

Infinite possibilities slumber in every human soul. These are wrought out through many incarnations.

Ye may have already trod the dust of many worMs.

But he of little faith says : If this be true why do I not recall previous embodiments ?

In answer, Zertoulem would say : Many do dimly see as in a glass the faint shadows of past experiences. But life holds within itself the results of all experiences.

It is wise to assert what the spirit perceives; and he who is ready to receive will accept.

The prophet speaks for all men — but all men are not yet ready to receive his words.

Be patient, if the world receives not thy message ; if it be of the spirit, thou canst afford to bide thy time, for sooner or later the world will listen for thy voice.

V

OPIRIT is not born, therefore dies not. It ^ is individualized not as a whole, but as a part of the Infinite One.

Each soul possesses an atom of the Supreme Consciousness. This atom possesses the power to attract other atoms to itself.

Inasmuch as the outward body is a matter of growth and development, so also the inner body, or that which becomes the envelope of the spirit after its transition from mundane life, is made up out of emanations from the thought life.

Spirit is a segregation of divine atoms. These atoms never lose their relationship to the Infinite One.

The Infinite One is more than father and mother, brother and sister, wife and husband, children and friends, for it is all of these and more.

The air taken into the lungs gives new life and tone to the physical body. Inflate, then, the lungs of thy soul and draw from the Infinite Reservoir more atoms throbbing and pulsating with the life that is divine.

Death holds his carnival only in the external world. He cannot cross the threshold of spirit.

Things created alone come within his domain. The realm of the uncreate lies beyond his reach.

Spirit triumphs over the grave and charnelhouse. It is the only victor that fears no conqueror.

It counts not time either by years or cycles, for it knows only the ever-present Now, which is Eternity.

As in the realm of the external those things that approach the nearest to the imponderables are the mightiest of all, so in the internal world spirit is the power that controls all.

Think of the external life, then, as onlyone incident along the endless journey of spirit.

And know this much of the future — it holds divine possibilities in store for all.

Think not that there are favored ones of the Infinite, unless all are favored ones.

Even the meanest life holds its measure of sacredness, and even here the struggle of the good for supremacy is apparent.

The divinest life cannot hold more than its measure will contain of that which maketh for righteousness.

Omn is not a jealous God ; neither does He love the few and hate the many. Over all are stretched His protecting arms ; all bask in the sunshine of His love.

Oh, Omn, our souls reflect the light and glory of Thy presence !

Our souls are ever filled with devotion to Thee, the one true God, whose love is the source of our growth and strength.

We would worship Thee through sacrifices placed on humanity's altar.

Deeds, and not words alone, are the gifts we would bring unto Thee.

Oh, may the world learn the lesson of sacrifice, and love season humanity's every act !

VI. IV TEONTU asked Zertoulem, What is Re- * ^ ligion?

The Master plucked a wayside flower, and turning to Neontu, said : Perceivest thou this flower I hold in my hand ? How beautiful in form and color! And how exquisite its fragrance ! Man with all his art and skill could not make one of these. It has taken Nature millions of years to prepare the conditions necessary for its development. Might we not almost call it the soul of the world ?

Few there are who truly understand the nature of religion. Far too often the world takes the outward form for the real essence of religion.

Religion is more than belief and its attendant ceremonies.

It is the flower of the soul, whose expanding petals are Charity, and whose fragrance is Love.

Like as millions of years were required to make the flower I hold in my hand, and Nature broke and threw away many moulds before this flower came, so the soul has discarded many forms of religion that served their day and purpose, before the Higher Religion was found.

The petals of true Charity seasoned with Mercy and Justice shall be for the healing of the nations.

The all-abiding fragrance of Love shall cement all races and peoples into one great brotherhood.

Without religion the soul wanders darkling in eternal night.

With religion it rises to celestial heights and basks in the light of the Infinite One.

As the body requires food, shelter and raiment for its sustenance, likewise the soul needeth spiritual food.

In the silence flndeth the soul the food it needeth the most, for there only is perfect communion with Omn.

All that harasses and perplexes the soul is made clear, for the soul then perceives that the undeviating path leadeth to victory at last.

Through religion is revealed the at-one-ment with the Infinite One.

In its widespread and sheltering arms it holds the tired heads of all humanity.

Over the troubled waters of restless ones its voice cries out, " Be still," and the waters are troubled no more, and the souls rest in peace and harmony.

Here the tired and weary ones of earth find rest; and those who have been disposed to do evil are led to perceive the true light that in time will guide every soul to peace and righteousness.

Not creed, not outward ceremony, not pious cant, is that religion that leadeth to a more devout and holy life ; but it is the pure white flower of Charity, whose fragrance is Love.

Hasten the day, oh, Omn, when man shall turn from the outward symbols, and the mammon worship of the hour, to the things of the spirit that giveth life, and to the acceptance of Charity and Love as the basis upon which religion needs must rest.

VII

j\ TO longer is anything new unto me. Sur- * ^ prise never overtakes me. For back of all outward forms I perceive spirit, that produces all things.

I have stood with universes without number; have assisted at many births celestial and have watched with calm, unwavering spirit the breaking up of worlds and suns into the formless chaos out of which they had their birth.

Life is that which gives motion and unrest; being withdrawn all things fall into Not- Being, the formless, primeval chaos.

Spirit and life are one — or, rather, life is the manifestation of spirit.

We are told that there are mineral, vegetable and animal life; but these are all one, differing only in the intensity of vibration.

The more rapid the vibration the nearer we approach to the pure white light in which Omn forever drapes himself.

As in music vibrations determine the note, so in man vibrations determine the degree of spiritual growth and culture.

Ask not the man of low vibrations to the feast where falls the manna of Heaven, for he is not yet ready to assimilate such food.

Spread for him the rich viands of the earth, for he is of the earth, earthy, and has hardly risen above the vibrations of the mineral world.

Invite unto the spiritual feast those who knock at the door.

Despise not those who are yet in the valley, and see not for fogs and mists the light and beauty of the mountain tops.

Remember, once thou mayst have stood where they are standing, and with feeble vision failed to pierce the thick clouds that were around thee.

Unmindful of what others may think move onward, ever obeying the voice within, and nothing shall prevail against thee.

What are the riches of the world compared with those of the spirit? Like as the flower perishes in a day, so these shall not remain after this day has faded into the All that Is.

Poverty is more of a blessing than a curse. It is the fire of purification that sublimates and strengthens the soul, and prepares it for a fitting habitation of the spirit.

At the gate that opens upon celestial glories, he who was poorest in worldly goods may find himself richer than he who was the possessor of much lands and worldly goods.

Yet despise not riches, and turn not away from worldly possessions.

Not the possession of these things condemns the man, but the uses he makes of them.

If he clings to these things that his appetites and passions may be gratified, then they become stumbling blocks along his path.

But if he uses them for his own and others' welfare, they will become stepping stones to the higher.

Each man's spirit must determine the uses to be made of all things. Obey the Voice that speaketh when all other voices are silent, and all will be well with thee.

VIII

SPEAK the universal language of the spirit, and in time all men will hear me and understand. The language of the spirit translates itself into all dialects.

The stars speak the same language to all men, yet are they ever understood, for the truths they voice are heard of the spirit.

Likewise the prophet uses the universal language of spirit.

If he spake in one dialect his message would be lost to many men. But if he speaks in that which is universal his message is never lost.

He strikes the chords of sympathy and love that must vibrate in time in every human soul.

He does not stop to argue, but from the heights he has attained announces what he perceives to be true.

He is above all controversy, and will not discuss that which he knows to be true.

Out of the many discussions and controversies of men come the Babel-like confusion apparent in the so-called sciences and religions of the world.

The prophet calls to his own, and his own know his voice.

What if he dwells on mountain heights? He is not afar from the hearts and souls of men. For the spirit knows neither space nor time.

He draws unto himself those who are led of the spirit to approach him.

His voice unto them is like sweetest music and his words are the winged arrows of love.

His thought finds lodgment in their souls and produces in due time the harvest of perfected lives.

The strongholds of ignorance and superstition are overthrown from within and not from without.

The world throws aside its old garments no longer of service to humanity.

Customs outgrown, rites once held to be sacred disappear simply because the vitalizing spirit is withdrawn.

Foolish is the man who has no more profitable labor than to batter down the old.

Leave it alone and soon it will fall, for spirit is slowly but surely withdrawing from it.

Speak boldly thy message to the world! Not as one angered with thy fellow-men, but as one whose heart is fired with love and goodwill.

Then shall thy words live in the world, and thy message become a living power that leads to good.

One might as well find fault with the snail because he travels not with the fleetness of the horse as with the theologians whose eyes see no glory save that of the past.

In time the snail will acquire the agility and fleetness of the horse, but it may be millions of years hence. Nature does not censure the snail, but awaits with patience its slow but inevitable progress.

Then, oh, man, be possessed of the patience of Nature. Wait, and thou shalt perceive that the theologian has felt the thrill of eternal progress.

If thou art a prophet of the soul thou shalt perceive what is to be, and the equanimity of thy soul shall not be disturbed by the slow progress of the world.

IX

T3 ISE, oh, my soul, to still loftier heights — * ^ Unfettered be all thy wings!

Let earth's empurpled mountains fade upon my vision.

Unfettered be all thy wings !

Let the great sun sink and fade from out the heavens.

Unfettered be all thy wings !

Fade from my vision, oh, ye mighty worlds and suns, flaming with amber, and gold and purple light.