“There are strong spirits who do not approve this Mandate. They have their place in the hierarchy; they are of the chosen friends of mankind; sacred Hellas and imperial Rome are with them; they have the sanction of the elder gods, but I say to them, judge not that you be not judged. The Apostate has sinned against the Light, but millions of her children have been purified by sacrifice. Man may live a slave, and in a vile cause may die a king. The enemy of the human race has bred great souls. And in the last account let these stand the surety of her that bred them. Therefore I say to you again, judge not that you be not judged.” There was a pause of curious intensity. When the familiar voice ceased for a moment, Brandon, as if in a dream, peered through the stifling silence to the figures round the fire. One there was standing in their midst, whom he could not yet see, but of whose magical presence his every fiber was aware. Suddenly he caught a gesture of the uplifted head and the voice flowed on. “Empires and kings shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away. And I say to those who pray for the Apostate, let her cast out the devil in her entrails and return to the old way. Let her seek again the voice of the Father in the trees and the grass, the rivers and the mountains, let her weave again her enchanted harmonies in homage of the Love He bears her. Then shall her fields again grow fruitful, the sweet past shall renew itself with increase, her grateful brothers in science shall again take her hand. “I see around me the souls of the saints waiting to be reborn. Through unnumbered ages they have held on high the lamp of Truth. Let them return to a sweeter world, a world enkindled and renewed in the Father’s Love. “Here, in the presence of all that is, and all that was, I affirm the Beautiful, and the Good. “I affirm Justice, Truth, _and_ Mercy. “I affirm the universal brotherhood of men. “I say to you, fear God, honor the King; which being interpreted means, obey the Law. “See the Father in all things. “I say to you finally, man is the question, God is the answer. “This is the law and the prophets. If you would see the Kingdom deny it not.” Again the voice ceased, and Brandon heard the doctor’s whisper: “The Master is at his best this afternoon. It is better not to interrupt him if you don’t mind. He will come to you presently. He knows you are here.” Brandon shook violently. Possessed by an excitement now almost terrible, he was unable to speak. XXXI “HE is coming now,” the doctor whispered. “I will leave you for a little while so that you may talk without interruption.” And the doctor passed out noiselessly.