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THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE.
anger which interferes with the spiritual harmony of the soul. Hence, the adept would give away his coat and cloak, both, to prevent spiritual discord, even though the claim be in respect of only one of them.
It is rather hard to realize the force of this doctrine so long as one is steeped in materialism. The fact is that the Messiah gave out only a fragment of the philosophy of this 'hard' doctrine. If he had further added that when one becomes firm in the practice of this great principle his will acquires that degree of irresistibility which no mortal can thwart, the sense of the doctrine would have been easier of comprehension for and more acceptable to the masses.
In very truth, as the force of ignorance, which reduces the native vigour of the soul to a state of demoralization and impotency, weakens with the acquisition of truth, will begins to regain its pristine power, so that, by the time perfection is attained, it is developed to such an extent that it may not be thwarted by any one, whether man, beast or ghoul. No one will then be found willing or anxious to drag such an one into a law court. People walk miles to visit an adept rather than ask him to go a mile with them. The adept knows the Law, and unhesitatingly practises the teaching. The ignorant alone raise the question : what would happen in the world if wickedness were humoured in this fashion ? Unable to understand the full consequences and the increase of power which result from the practice of the teachings of great Masters, men have come to reject them altogether. We should put it to practical test, in all sincerity of the heart, and see if Religion does
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