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The Twelfth Lesson: The Message of the Master.1105
the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more
than others? Do not even the Gentiles the same? Ye therefore shall be perfect
as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43–48)
Here is taught that broad tolerance, charity and love that form such
an important part of all of the mystic teachings. It is a doctrine entirely at
variance with the orthodox idea of tolerance only to those who agree with
one, or who may live in accordance with one’s own views of life and conduct.
It is the great broad doctrine of Human Brotherhood. Jesus teaches that
God’s love is bestowed upon all—the just and the unjust—and that this
perfect love is the aim and goal of all who desire to attain to “the kingdom”
of Spirit.
“Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them;
else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When, therefore,
thou doest alms sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say
unto you They have received their reward. But when thou doest alms let not
thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret
and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.” (Matthew 6:1–4)
This is another denunciation of ostentatious “churchiness” and “goodness,”
and religious posing. It is a lesson needed as much today as in the time of
Jesus.
“And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand
and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may
be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But
thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy
door, pray to thy Father, who is in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret,
shall recompense thee. And in praying use not vain repetitions as the Gentiles
do, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not
therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need
of before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art
in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as