9 If men could come unto the kingdom with their carnal thoughts, their passions and desires, there scarcely would be room for all. 10 But when they cannot take these through the narrow gate they turn away; the few are ready to go in and see the king. 11 Behold, John is a mighty fisher, fishing for the souls of men. He throws his great net out into the sea of human life; he draws it in and it is full. 12 But what a medley catch! a catch of crabs, and lobsters, sharks and creeping things, with now and then a fish of better kind. 13 Behold, the thousands come to hear the Wild Man of the hills; they come in crowds that he may wash them in the crystal flood, and with their lips they do confess their sins. 14 But when the morrow comes we find them in their haunts of vice again, reviling John, and cursing God, and heaping insults on the king. 15 But blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see the king. 16 And blessed are the strong in heart, for they shall not be cast about by every wind that blows; 17 But while the fickle and the thoughtless have gone back to Egypt land for leeks and carnal herbs to satisfy their appetites, the pure in heart have found the king. 18 But even those whose faith is weak, and who are naught but carnal manifests, will some day come again, and enter in with joy to see the king. 19 O men of Israel, take heed to what this prophet has to say! Be strong in mind; be pure in heart; be vigilant in helpfulness; the kingdom is at hand. 20 When Jesus had thus said he went his way, and with his six disciples came to Bethany; and they abode with Lazarus many days. CHAPTER 68. _Jesus speaks to the people in Bethany. Tells them how to become pure in heart. Goes to Jerusalem and in the temple reads from a prophetic book. Goes to Nazareth._ The news soon spread abroad that Jesus, king of Israel, had come to Bethany, and all the people of the town came forth to greet the king. 2 And Jesus, standing in the midst of them exclaimed, Behold, indeed, the king has come, but Jesus is not king. 3 The kingdom truly is at hand; but men can see it not with carnal eyes; they cannot see the king upon the throne. 4 This is the kingdom of the soul; its throne is not an earthly throne; its king is not a man. 5 When human kings found kingdoms here, they conquer other kings by force of arms; one kingdom rises on the ruins of another one. 6 But when our Father-God sets up the kingdom of the soul, he pours his blessings forth, like rain, upon the thrones of earthly kings who rule in righteousness. 7 It is not rule that God would overthrow; his sword is raised against injustice, wantonness and crime. 8 Now, while the kings of Rome do justice, and love mercy and walk humbly with their God, the benediction of the Triune God will rest upon them all. 9 They need not fear a messenger whom God sends forth to earth.