15 If one has only reached the plane of treachery, he is a lover of deceit, and will betray a friend to serve his selfish self. 16 Behold, you men, or whatsoe’er you be, your words fall lightly on my ears, 17 Could I prejudge these hundred priests, turn traitor to myself and them, because of what you say when you confess your treachery? 18 No man can judge for me; and if I judge till testimony all is in I might not judge aright. 19 Nay, men; by whatsoever way you came, return. My soul prefers the darkness of the grave to little flickering lights like these you bring. 20 My conscience rules; what these, my brothers, have to say I’ll hear, and when the testimony all is in I will decide. You cannot judge for me, nor I for you, 21 Begone, you men, begone, and leave me to this charming light; for while the sun shines not, within my soul there is a light surpassing that of sun or moon. 22 Then, with an angry threat that they would do him harm, the wily tempters left, and Jesus was again alone. 23 Again the white-robed priest appeared, and led the way, and Jesus stood again before the hierophant; 24 And not a word was said, but in his hands the master placed a scroll on which the word suggestive, JUSTICE, was inscribed. 25 And Jesus was the master of the phantom forms of prejudice and of treachery. CHAPTER 50. _Jesus passes the third brotherhood test, and receives the third degree, FAITH._ The Logos waited seven days, and then was taken to the Hall of Fame, a chamber rich in furnishings, and lighted up with gold and silver lamps. 2 The colors of its ceilings, decorations, furnishings and walls were blue and gold. 3 Its shelves were filled with books of master minds; the paintings and the statues were the works of highest art. 4 And Jesus was entranced with all this elegance and these manifests of thought. He read the sacred books, and sought the meanings of the symbols and the hieroglyphs. 5 And when he was absorbed in deepest thought, a priest approached and said, 6 Behold the glory of this place! my brother you are highly blest. Few men of earth, so young, have reached such heights of fame. 7 Now, if you do not waste your life in search for hidden things that men can never comprehend, you may be founder of a school of thought that will insure you endless fame; 8 For your philosophy is deeper far than that of Plato, and your teachings please the common people more than those of Socrates. 9 Why seek for mystic light within these antiquated dens? Go forth and walk with men, and think with men, and they will honor you. 10 And, after all, these weird initiations may be myths, and your Messiah hopes but base illusions of the hour. 11 I would advise you to renounce uncertain things and choose the course that leads to certain fame. 12 And thus the priest, a demon in disguise, sung syren songs of unbelief; and Jesus meditated long and well on what he said.