25 And then your lamp will be transmuted to a boundless flame, and you will be a living torch whose light will shine wherever man abides. 26 But in the ages yet to come, man will attain to greater heights, and lights still more intense will come. 27 And then, at last, a mighty master soul will come to earth to light the way up to the throne of perfect man. CHAPTER 15. _Death and burial of Elizabeth. Matheno’s lessons. The ministry of death. The mission of John. Institution of the rite of baptism. Matheno takes John to Egypt, and places him in the temple at Sakara, where he remains eighteen years._ When John was twelve years old his mother died, and neighbors laid her body in a tomb among her kindred in the Hebron burying ground, and near to Zacharias’ tomb. 2 And John was deeply grieved; he wept. Matheno said, It is not well to weep because of death. 3 Death is no enemy of man; it is a friend who, when the work of life is done, just cuts the cord that binds the human boat to earth, that it may sail on smoother seas. 4 No language can describe a mother’s worth, and yours was tried and true. But she was not called hence until her tasks were done. 5 The calls of death are always for the best, for we are solving problems there as well as here; and one is sure to find himself where he can solve his problems best. 6 It is but selfishness that makes one wish to call again to earth departed souls. 7 Then let your mother rest in peace. Just let her noble life be strength and inspiration unto you. 8 A crisis in your life has come, and you must have a clear conception of the work that you are called to do. 9 The sages of the ages call you harbinger. The prophets look to you and say, He is Elijah come again. 10 Your mission here is that of harbinger; for you will go before Messiah’s face to pave his way, and make the people ready to receive their king. 11 This readiness is purity of heart; none but the pure in heart can recognize the king. 12 To teach men to be pure in heart you must yourself be pure in heart, and word, and deed. 13 In infancy the vow for you was made and you became a Nazarite. The razor shall not touch your face nor head, and you shall taste not wine nor fiery drinks. 14 Men need a pattern for their lives; they love to follow, not to lead. 15 The man who stands upon the corners of the paths and points the way, but does not go, is just a pointer; and a block of wood can do the same. 16 The teacher treads the way; on every span of ground he leaves his footprints clearly cut, which all can see and be assured that he, their master, went that way. 17 Men comprehend the inner life by what they see and do. They come to God through ceremonies and forms. 18 And so when you would make men know that sins are washed away by purity in life, a rite symbolic may be introduced. 19 In water wash the bodies of the people who would turn away from sin and strive for purity in life.