Prudence: Hierophant Extraordinaire

By Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III

Prudence, a young French woman, lives in a city named St. Luciano, a province of France. Her saga unravels during the mid-1800s. under the guidance of her mentor, Melca.
Melca is a hierophant in good standing with the kings court. Melca has been searching for a prodigy that she might pass her vast storehouse of knowledge onward to the following generation. She finds such a student in Prudence.
Under the guidance of Melca, Prudence learns wisdom that leads to her own awakening. However, no one is quite ready for the impact that Prudence is to have on those who come under her influence. No one can deny the blessings that follow in her wake, or her ability to heal bodies, or change lives. The reader who follows Prudence, and is able to decipher her nature, understand her principles, cannot helped but be blessed because that is what Prudence does to all who come to really know her. I invite you to meet her, and find out for yourself.
Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479787470

Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III

After the closing of my dental practice in 1988, I was devastated and confused concerning my direction in life. I realized, then, that life had a new course that it was begging me to follow. Little did I know at the time where it was this new journey would take me. Something powerful, however, would not allow me to disengage. I decided to follow and not to regret the past. After years of study of metaphysics, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, I finally came into the realization that my purpose here was to share with others the fruits of my inner discovery. Instead of your classic “How to do” book, the idea was given me to condense all into a novel about one undergoing the awakening process. Prudence did not emerge as a true-life character for some years to come. It is my fondest hope that Prudence will shed light for those on their own spiritual path and give to them the insight to better understand what it is that they are experiencing, and why. Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III

Book preview

Prudence/Hierophant Extraordinaire

By

Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III

Have I not said, Ye are gods?

Copyright © 2013 by Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson III.

ISBN:

   Softcover   978-1-4797-8770-8

   Ebook       978-1-4797-8747-0

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter One: Three Invisible Musketeers

Chapter Two: Seven Magical Words

Chapter Three: The Hidden Cistern

Chapter Four: Healing Power Of Faith

Chapter Five: Detachment

Chapter Six: Talent

Chapter Seven: Crazy Igor

Chapter Eight: The Blind Leading The Blind

Chapter Nine: Breaking Free

Chapter Ten: Anger Is Never Justified

Chapter Eleven: Deliverance

Chapter Twelve: Drops Of Olive Oil

Chapter Thirteen: Taking Charge

Chapter Fourteen: Rebirth

Chapter Fifteen: Reunion

Chapter Sixteen: Redemption

Chapter Seventeen: Repentance

Chapter Eighteen: Death

Chapter Nineteen: A Heavy Burden

Chapter Twenty: No Accidental Happenings

Chapter Twenty-one: Creators With God

Chapter Twenty-two: Restoration

Chapter Twenty-three: Resist Ye Not Evil

Chapter Twenty-four: The Spiritual Realm

Chapter Twenty-five: Entering The Spiritual World

Chapter Twenty-six: The Me Mind Is Legion

Chapter Twenty-seven: The Great Enslaver

Chapter Twenty-eight: The Power Of Thought

Chapter Twenty-nine: A Good Samaritan

Chapter Thirty: Proving Spirit

Chapter Thirty-one: Faith Redeemed

Chapter Thirty-two: Love Your Enemy

Chapter Thirty-three: Lovest Thou Me?

Chapter Thirty-four: The Christ Mind

Chapter Thirty-five: Renew Your Strength

Chapter Thirty-six: The Way

Chapter Thirty-seven: Seeing Differently

Chapter Thirty-eight: Prospering In Spirit

Chapter Thirty-nine: Between Two Worlds

Chapter Forty: The Prodigal

Chapter Forty-one: Continual Praise

Chapter Forty-two: Closing the Door

Chapter Forty-three: Think On These Things

Chapter Forty-four: A Time To Risk

Chapter Forty-five: A Leader Is Born

Chapter Forty-six: Life’s River’s Flow

Chapter Forty-seven: One Power

Chapter Forty-eight: Analysis Of An Atheist

Chapter Forty-nine: Miriam’s Dream

Chapter Fifty: Death

Chapter Fifty-one: Fate Meets Destiny

Chapter Fifty-two: A Far Country

Chapter Fifty-three: Divine Purpose

Chapter Fifty-four: Respect Of Persons

Chapter Fifty-five: It Is All Good!

Chapter Fifty-six: The Steps Of A Good Man

Chapter Fifty-seven: My Beloved

Chapter Fifty-eight: Sublime Performance

Chapter Fifty-nine: There Is No Such Word As No.

Chapter Sixty: Be Still

Chapter Sixty-one: Always Love

Chapter Sixty-two: You Are Life

Chapter Sixty-three: The Soul’s Restoration

Chapter Sixty-four: Nothing Is Really Happening

Chapter Sixty-five: Transformation

Chapter Sixty-six: Before You Became Who You Are-Who Were You?

Chapter Sixty-seven: Be That Which You Are

Chapter Sixty-eight: The Dreams Ends

INTRODUCTION

If you are like most, beset with a hectic pace of life, you may not have all the necessary time or inclination to read all the spiritual books dealing with the Awakening Process. Books can point you in the right direction, but it is always from a particular slant on what the Awakening Process entails and means.

In following the following of Prudence during her metamorphosis from a young village farm worker to a woman renowned for her spiritual wisdom one cannot help but be helped in one’s own understanding of the Awakening Process and how to initiate the same in one’s own life. As Prudence’s own life changes because of her tutoring by her mentor Melca, one will find one’s own life positively influenced as well. Truth is truth and is not dependent on time or character for its ability to change lives so that one may pursue their dream with every certainty of success.

Dr. Albert Joseph Jefferson

CHAPTER ONE

Three Invisible Musketeers

"But let patience have her perfect work,

That ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

James 1:4

Once a man comes to understand the creative process of Spirit, he will then be in position to invoke the assistance of the three Invisible Musketeers, Time, Effort and Patience. Without a thorough understanding of their roles, what each brings to the struggle, it is highly unlikely that any endeavor will prove successful.

Selah.

Once upon a time, in a principality adjacent to the nation of France, a certain king desirous of knowing the secret responsible for success, or, why it is that some succeed and others do not, called his wise men, the courts hierophants, and put the question before them.

I know, said the king, that a man needs a certain amount of intelligence, and a desire to succeed, but, I have seen the dullard of intellect and those with no burning desire also succeed. I charge you to tell me why this is so. Is there any other essential traits present that are perhaps not obvious to my eyes why this is so?

The wise men after much pondering on the matter finally sent a messenger to the king to inform him that they had an answer to account for the seeming paradox that had their king upset. Oh king, they bowed before continuing on, "we do believe that we have found three essential elements that must be present if a man is to succeed and not fail in his quest for success. We have named them the Three Invisible Musketeers simply because they do their work in a silent manner and are not easily detectable by eyes of sight."

The king was elated because for some time he had suspected that there was something else other than intelligence and a strong desire to succeed that caused some to reach their goal of success and others to fall short. I knew I was right, he exclaimed to all present at courtside. The court audience beamed with pride at their king who could imagine that which no other in the kingdom had ever questioned; that something else was needed other than intelligence and desire if one was to break the chains that bound him and step into the freedom that success makes possible.

The first hierophant to move to the center of the court to address the king was Agar. Agar had the reputation as the most venerated sage throughout the kingdom. Never before, in anyone’s memory, had a question proved to be beyond the reach of his profound intellect and spiritual prowess to unravel. Not a sound was heard in the chamber when Agar began to speak.

Oh wise and gracious king may you live forever and be a blessing unto your subjects. You have suspected, and rightly so, that there are other traits, other than intelligence and desire, that successful men and women tame and make their servants in their rise over the common man. Common people live and die without ever realizing their dream that is if they have any dream to realize. We have discovered three attributes that are essential if a man is not to fall by the wayside in his quest for glory and honor.

And, what might these be? asked the king.

"It is my privilege to speak on the first of these Three Invisible Musketeers, which is none other than time. I chose time because I deem it to be paramount since nothing occurs without time’s passage. My king if you make a study of the lives of great men and common people you will come to the inevitable conclusion that there exist discernible differences as to their usage of time. Those who are successful, my king, see in time a value they do not squander in activity that pays them no compensatory dividend. They know that of all attributes given unto man, the only one that is definitely limited in quantity is time. Once time is gone, it is forever lost. Therefore, those given to success never put off until tomorrow that which they can accomplish in the span of time presently before them. The successful tend to do all that they can do in the time that is before them.

It is not so with the common mind, the profligate son. He, on the other hand, has mastered the art of procrastination, preferring his leisure rather than being accountable for his time. All men, my dear king, receive the same quantum of time at the rising of the sun. However, the difference lies in the fact that not all men make of time a useful servant. Common minds do not employ time judiciously. They are addicted to the suicidal habit of killing time. They allow time to escape with no useful work achieved. These are the slothful, the indulgent, and the pleasure seekers. These they do not understand that time is life in a bottle and each night, after one falls asleep, the gods allow a portion of it to escape until, at a man’s death, the bottle is emptied of all time present.

Study the wise, the prudent, the successful man/woman, and you will come to see that they make it a habit to use time in an efficient and productive manner. They tend to focus their time. They bring every hour, every minute, and every second of it to bear on that which they are desirous of achieving. They have little time for those who do not appreciate the supreme importance of time and how to make it serve one’s desire to materialize one’s dream. In conclusion, my king, allow me to say this: Until a man comes to understand that time is a power when captured, harnessed, put to work, there is little likelihood that he will ever join the coveted ranks of the successful though his intellect be keen and his desire for riches and honor be without equal. He will not be doing the thing that needs doing when its hour is upon him. He will make excuses; beg for more time. In so doing, he is attempting to disrupt the orderly manner in which Creation works. He will act in such a manner as to anger the gods and they will repay him with that which he deserves and no more. This man, blessed as he is with intellect and desire, will undoubtedly fail. No man can disrespect time and ever hope to succeed." Agar, indicating that he had finished, amidst a thunderous applause, retook his seat.

Eliza then stood and approached the throne.

The court, now hushed, had no way of knowing just how Eliza would impress the king. He was much younger than Agar. His reputation as a hierophant had yet to blossom into the flower it promised. Therefore, the court was particularly interested in the words this young man had to say. All were silent, as before, as he began to address the king.

"My beloved regency, it is indeed an honor to speak after the venerable Agar. I am humbled. As Agar has already stated, in differentiating the successful from the dullard, time would appear to come first. This is because, unlike the other two musketeers, it is definitely limited in the amount each soul possesses. However, I would ask, my Lord, what is time? Time, to me, my king, is but effort in action. Before anything is considered accomplished some force must be applied to shape circumstance, to get something to move. Unless something moves, dear king, nothing is accomplished. Therefore, I would submit that the sole purpose of time, even for the gods, is for the application of effort. Though the soil has everything within it to transform any seed we desire to harvest as a crop, it will not do so without effort on our part. Though the oceans teem with fish, they will not jump into our nets without the expenditure of effort. Wise is the man, therefore, who makes prudent use of his time, but is it not for the sole purpose of bringing to bear efficient and productive effort?

Of what use is our wisdom concerning time if it is not married to effort characterized as efficient action. Not much, I would submit, and I am sure there is no one here present who would disagree. I have studied those who are successful, my king, and I have noticed that the successful make efficient use of time through efficient effort. They possess sharp instruments and the knowledge of how to use them expertly. This is not so with those whom failure courts. You, yourself, know that out of all the scribes that serve you there is probably but one, or two, that you can assign the writing of a draft and have it returned to you error free. Why is this, my king? Is it not because he works for himself and not for you? I would suggest he demands of himself a standard that is one with perfection while the others are satisfied with any work that will get by your overburdened eyes. Therefore, we see then that the first makes excellent use of time through the power inherent in efficient action, or purposeful effort. Such a one is not agreeable to the waste of his time, he, therefore, in no way, can cause you to waste yours. The business, the army, the nation, which is populated by those who know not of the power inherent in purposeful effort, can, in no way, compete with that business, that army, that nation, that knows nothing else but purposeful effort."

With those words, Eliza retook his seat in receipt of generous applause. None other than Agar led the applause that filled the chamber. Agar was standing to receive Eliza as he returned to his seat.

The court was now ready to hear from Prudence, the only female ever given permission to sit with the wisest of the wise in this small but completely democratic kingdom. This was her first opportunity to address the king. Prudence was unknown to the court. Her appointment, the very same day, the king had approved, granting her the right to sit on the bench of Supreme Hierophants. All in attendance were anxious and somewhat nervous, not knowing what to expect from the court’s first female hierophant. One could hear a pin drop as Prudence began to speak.

"My king, may the gods grant unto you a long life and much wisdom that ye may be able to serve your subjects judiciously and wisely. It is with much honor I stand before you today as the first woman to occupy the position of Supreme Hierophant. May I acquit myself well and not disappoint in the wisdom of that appointment.

Agar has spoken of time and Eliza of effort, as being essential for the success of any individual, business, or community. I cannot disrepute what I have heard spoken here this day. As a woman, I know quite well the nature and importance of this third musketeer, whose name is patience. If we study Nature, oh king, it is true, we do see time wisely used in all Her works. She surrenders nothing to man or beast without effort. The primary attribute that Nature is in possession of, however, without a doubt, is patience. Nature never rushes anything. Nature plants Her seed, and, then, She waits, patiently, for it to germinate. She waits a season in the case of the corn stalk, or, a hundred years in the case of the mighty oak, but wait She does. Nature is infinitely patient. Curiously, this attribute is most lacking in mortal men. Most are simply not patient. Mortal men might be wise with time and capable of purposeful effort, but when it comes to patience, this is where most fall short. The common person desires instantaneous results. He abandons a project if success is not instantly forthcoming. What most do not understand is that there is always a time lag between the planting of any seed and its germination. Nothing, but nothing, sprouts instantaneously. The successful, it is true, wisely focus their time, hone and perfect their effort. When they have done all it is that they can purposely do, however, they know how to relax and allow Universal Intelligence to do its part.

We can see that patience is also a consumer of time. For every work done on the physical plane, my king, there is a complimentary work done on the spiritual. The spiritual man knows this and allows Patience to have Her perfect work. Thus, he is blessed with a work that completely harmonizes with his desire. He intuitively knows that it is not wise to rush Mother Nature. He adheres to the Universal Law that states everything in its time.

Of the three musketeers, Agar chose time as the most important because time there must be if anything is to occur. Eliza, on the other hand, chose effort. Unless something moves, nothing is accomplished. Yet, I would say that one cannot differentiate between either of the Three Musketeers. They are inexplicably joined, one to the other, with no division between them whatsoever. Furthermore, are they not all embodied in patience? What is time or effort to the planted seed if we are not patient in allowing it to germinate, sprout, and grow into the mature plant?

Therefore, I would say that time, effort, and patience are One to those who understand the mystery of Creation. Those who understand Creation know how it skillfully separates the wise from the unwise, the sage from the fool, and the failure from the successful. I would say that we are looking at the Holy Trinity, as in Father, Son and Holy Spirit, or in Cause, Medium, and Effect."

The court was deathly silent as Prudence made her way back to her seat. All were curious as to how the king would respond to Prudence’s overriding of Agar and Eliza.

Then it was that the king finally spoke, standing as he addressed Prudence.

Prudence, the king said in a loud and authoritative voice, you have justified beyond measure the faith in those who suggested your appointment to the bench of Supreme Hierophants. I am sure Agar and Eliza will agree that there can be no separation between time, effort, and patience. They are indeed One. Wisdom connects the one to the other and allows the wise to use time through purposeful effort in a patient manner to arrive at a desirable result. The dullard cannot see this and so he foolishly wastes his time in the pursuit of empty pleasures. His efforts tend to be mediocre, riddle with error. Furthermore, he lacks patience but desires instantaneous success. How is it he can ever hope to succeed? The Universe is skillfully protected from those who would introduce into it anything less than their best time, effort, and ability to trust in It workings through patience.

The king, then, led the court in bestowing upon Prudence the most appreciative applause ever before bestowed upon one at courtside. Though all present applauded, leading in that applause was none other than Agar and Eliza, two Hierophants who sincerely love the Truth more than they love fame.

CHAPTER TWO

Seven Magical Words

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,

That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not;

And it shall be given him."

James 1:5

You know all that you need to know to go anywhere

You are desirous of going. Believe this and freedom

Is yours for the asking.

Selah.

On a day when Agar and Prudence were, enjoying a philosophical discussion in the rose garden of the palace a young man approached asking permission if he might approach Agar. Agar, with a dip of his head and a wave of his hand, invited the young man to approach the bench where Prudence and he sat. The young man, who appeared to be in his early twenties, nervously began to state the reason for the asking of the audience with Agar.

He bowed graciously before speaking. Master, he spoke after clearing his throat, I have sought this audience with you to seek your advice on how I might make something of my life. My fellows, my friends, spend much time in drink, song, and the chasing of maidens. Though I am young in years, yet I can clearly see that this activity will not take me anywhere I would care to visit. I am of humble origin, yet, I do not wish to remain so. I envision myself, one day, being welcome at court. I desire to make something of myself. My heart told me to come to you, the wisest man in our fair kingdom for words of advice. I have no coins with which to pay you. The only payment I can promise is that any words you give me will be lived as if they come directly from the gods. I beseech you of your wisdom, oh wise and venerable Agar. Show me the path I must walk.

The young man, now on his knees, went silent, looking down at the ground, considering it too arrogant to engage Agar’s eyes directly. Agars, after a brief silence, reach out with his left hand and lift the young man’s head so that their eyes met. He then spoke in a very soft and compassionate voice, "Young traveler on Life’s Road of dreams and heartbreak, quiet your heart, still you mind, abandon your fears. I, too, once bowed, even as you are bowing, before my master and he told me that there is nothing to fear of Life. I believed him as you must believe me. We fear because of ignorance. Your words tell me of your intellect, your humble nature, of your virtue. All seekers of Truth, as you most surely are, are fulfilled. I am about to give you a key that will open any door, a map that will allow you to chart any destination. Both are contained in seven words, Seven Magical Words, words known only to the wisest of the wise. However, you must keep them close to your heart until you decipher their meaning. Are you ready to receive them?" Agar asked without taking his eyes off the young man, who then spoke as in a whisper.

Yes, gracious master Agar, I am, the young man, answered meekly.

Here they are then, Agar said as if he were revealing a secret shared only by the most trusted, the most worthy. You Know All You Need To Know, he spoke and then went silent.

The young man, puzzled by the silence, then looked at Agar with a somewhat inquisitive look on his face, asking, Is that all?

Yes, Agar replied, indicating by the sound of his voice that he had given all that he had to give. Then Agar said, When it is that you have pondered the meaning of the Seven Magical Words, have deciphered their riddle, unlocked their secret, then it is that you will be able to chart your course in Life to any destination, open any door, and achieve any goal.

After speaking, Agar then, by a wave of his hand, indicated that the audience was at an end. The young man then turned and walked away with a look on his face that seem to suggest his quest had fallen far short of his grandiose expectations.

It was then that Prudence spoke. My dear and beloved Agar, forgive me for what I am about to say, but I must, in this case, speak my mind. May I be as forward as to honestly do so? she said bowing her head in deference due to Agar’s senior years and higher rank.

By all means, my fair Prudence, speak your mind, Agar replied with a slight chuckle in his voice, what chastisement dost thou have in store for me?

That young man, whose desire and intellect is far nobler than most, Prudence said in an almost apologetic tone of voice, sought your advice on how to best live his life and I, though I have thought deeply on your riddle, fail to see how you have influenced him in any positive manner. I am afraid you have sent him away empty handed, with nothing of value, if I may be so candid.

I beg to differ, Agar, replied in a voice that gave no hint of irritation, I gave to him the same advice that was given to me when I asked my teacher the very same question. If his intellect is as penetrating as you seem to think, then he will have no difficulty with the riddle if his desire to rise above his present level is as equally strong. If his desire is weak, then, true, he will quickly abandon the riddle, considering it unsolvable. My own desire was very strong, yet, it did take me sometime, several arduous years, in fact, to solve the riddle, but when I did, nothing since that time has proven to be beyond my ability to comprehend, master, or accomplish. I was not jesting with the young man, my dear woman, God forbid. I did give to him the key that would open any door, the map that would allow him to chart any destination. He must turn the key as well as learn how to read the map. This knowledge cannot be given. Each must have the desire to acquire it for self.

Master, I am so ashamed of my doubt of your wisdom, yet, I fail to see how those words, ‘You Know All You Need To Know,’ can possibly be of any assistance, not only for that young man, but for anyone. Please spare me my ignorance and allow me to regain my peace of mind. Please explain the riddle for me, Prudence said smiling, thoroughly flabbergasted at her inability to solve the enigma.

Prudence! Agar said laughing, So, you are willing to become a student once again!

My dear Agar, are not we all students for as long as the gods reign supreme and keep creating that which must be newly understood?

Well said, my dear Prudence, well said, Agar replied, again with a chuckle. Your wish is granted. Here is the answer to the riddle, and with those words Prudence fell into a silence not to be broken until Agar had finished what it is that he had to say.

Each man, Agar began in a slow and deliberate voice, "has access to all of the knowledge that is presently known because each has access to the Mind where all knowledge, ever known, is stored. Each has access to the Mind of the One Supreme God. The mind that you assume to be yours, my dear Prudence, is nothing more than your individualization of the One Mind, Universal Mind, the only Mind that there is. There is no mind of Prudence, as there is no mind of Agar. Though they appear to be, your mind, my mind, in reality, does not exist. There is only One Mind in all of Creation and each is making use of it as he so desires. That which you know is that which you have assumed to know and if you would know more, then you have but to assume to know more. All Truth, of which you are in possession, is Truth that you have gleaned from the One Mind, the Universal Mind. The peasant is a peasant simply because his assumptions can rise no higher than the thoughts of a peasant. The nobleman’s assumptions, his thoughts concerning himself, can fall no lower than his station and so he remains a nobleman. Each is where he is because of the assumptions, his thoughts, concerning himself that he is placing before the One All Knowing Mind. He, who you would call a genius is merely assuming on a level that sets him apart from those who cannot assume as he. A genius asks for much wisdom; a fool asks but for a little. Environment conditions us to assume at different levels. If there is no inner desire to change one’s assumption, then the level they presently occupy is the level where they must remain. The peasant, therefore, is satisfied with backbreaking work, mind numbing drink, meaningless sex, and songs of deliverance from his life of toil. His assumption entitles him to no more than this. He simply could not fill the shoes of a learned man, a noble person. He cannot because he does not care to assume at that level. He is content being a peasant. However, if he were to raise the level of his assumptions, then, of course, by law, more would have to come to him. He, who becomes more, in thought, attracts more in fact. Study each individual, and without a doubt, you will conclude that each is at the level of the thoughts he habitually thinks; the assumptions he habitually put before the One Mind. As a man thinketh, as he assumes, so is he. The rich get richer and the poor stay poor, not because of conspiracy, not because of injustice, and most certainly not because of force since the poor greatly outnumber the rich. It is due to the assumptions that each is habitually making. The rich assume for wealth, the poor for mere survival. The One Mind gives to all that which they are capable of assuming for self. It is no respecter of persons.

Agar then stopped for a brief spell before continuing on, allowing Prudence needed time to digest the words spoken.

Each man, Agar began again, knows all that he needs know to be the man that he presently is. To be the man that he presently is, he need know no more. It would be superfluous, overkill, of no use to him whatsoever. What need does a peasant have of rules of etiquette, of military science, of laws of jurisprudence, knowledge that can do him no good service? None whatsoever and so he does not pursue it. What he does not know is that each bit of knowledge that a man makes his own, changes him to some degree, brings in more light, allows him, therefore, to assume more, to become more. Each soul asks and receives that knowledge he has an expressed need for and it is this Universal Mind gives unto him. We can say that each man becomes that for which he asks through assumption and no more than that. Some there is who come to Universal Mind with a cup, and that cup, by law, Universal Mind is obligated to fill. Others come with a barrel and that barrel, as was the cup, Universal Mind fills. The genius is he who keeps returning with barrel, after barrel. The Universe cares not the size of the container or the number of containers each brings. Law must fill each. No man, who comes, refusing a denial, goes away empty handed. Each man’s thirst Universal Mind quenches, according to the magnitude of that thirst. He who thirsts little for wisdom, for Truth, receives little. He remains ignorant. He who thirsts much receives all that he can drink. He becomes wise. Pity not the indolent, the dullard, the wine bibber, the ignorant sex addict. Each is, as he is, by choice.

But master, Prudence, interjected, finding it impossible to hold her peace any longer, forgive me for interrupting you, but what of the peasant child who grows up to be a peasant itself. According to what you say, it is possible for him to change his status simply by changing his assumption of which it is he believes himself to be. Yet, we both know that this, the transformation of a peasant into a nobleman, if ever, seldom occurs. Why is this?

"It is instilled into us at a very early age, my dear Prudence, the caliber of assumptions we are likely to make of Universal Mind. Once we receive conditioning, it is extremely difficult for one to rise above the assumptions of his parents, his clan, his caste, his culture. A few do; most do not. One will tend to assume as he sees others like himself assume; the peasant will assume as do peasants, the noble person will assume, as do noble folk. Only he who is astute enough to shift his outer gaze, from that which he sees in others, and go within, to synthesize a completely new assumption, is at liberty to break the spell that his parents, his clan, his caste, his culture has hypnotized him. A wise parent teaches their offspring to assume higher than they assumed. A careless parent teaches their offspring to assume as they. This is why peasant parents tend to raise peasants. They place in the minds of their children assumptions common to peasants. These assumptions once locked in, as I have already said, are nigh impossible to overcome, to rise above. Notice that most tend to copy their parents in religious beliefs, in work, in familiar lifestyles. Most are living out their parents’ assumptions concerning life. A few, like our young man, may desire to break with the familiar and imagine new assumptions, but they are rare. Most are like his friends, given to living out that which is easy, pleasurable, and familiar. Give a peasant child to a nobleman to rear, and, due to the different assumptions placed in the child’s head, a nobleman’s child will be the result. A peasant’s life will be far beneath him. It has nothing at all to do with who our parents are, but, everything to do with the assumptions parents teach the child to place before The Universal Mind.

Still, Prudence said, not yet convinced, I fail to see how all of this has anything to do with the question the young man asked concerning his future.

It has everything to do with the young man’s request, Agar responded. Where you saw only intellect and a noble cause, I saw also desire, Agar said in an authoritarian voice. He continued on, "the young man’s future is contained in his desire to improve his lot. The key to any quest is contained within Desire. Desire is not only the question. It is also the answer. Desire is like the acorn seed that contains within itself all it need know to become a mighty oak. Universal Mind is the soil in which we plant our desire that it may take root. It is our task to supply faith in our desire. Purposeful effort is called for, that the desire might grow, might blossom, into that which we seek, a realized fruit. The trick is to assume that you already know the answer and then Universal Intelligence will swiftly act to provide you with the answer. The very fact that you have the desire means that you are also in possession of the answer as well. A desire, without the means for its fulfillment, we cannot know, for such does not exist. The means is contained within the desire. Each step you faithfully make in the direction of your desire, using what knowledge, resources, you presently possess, Universal Intelligence will likewise respond by showing the next step, replenishing your resources, that you might be able to proceed. You must use what you have; do what you can, before more wisdom, more power, more resources will be given. Life gives what you need as you proceed. He who attempts the task, life gives the power enabling him to proceed to the next step. He who does not attempt a task needs not the power; therefore, life supplies it not. However, it is critical that you then banish desire by mentally taking possession of that which the desire represents. In other words, assume that the object of your desire is already yours, and then it soon shall be yours. It is deadly to remain in a state of continual desire. One must always be working from a state of mind free of desire because one, mentally, is already in possession of that which he desires. It is not possible to desire that which you already possess. If you assume that you possess anything, are anything, can do anything, then Universal Mind will assume that you have, that you are, that you can do, and will move to bring it about. In other words, my dear, Universal Mind mimics our assumptions, assumption for assumption, thought for thought, word for word, act for act. Universal Mind works from the Particular to the General. It works through the utilization of Deductive Reasoning, assuming that you already are. It does not work from Inductive Reasoning, assuming that one day you will be which is from the general to the particular. In other words, assume that you are, feel that you are, know that you are, and soon, you will be. At each level to which you progress, you will know all that you need to know to get to the next level. To get to the next level merely assume that you are already there and the knowledge will come to place and keep you there. That is the meaning of the riddle of the Seven Magical Words.

CHAPTER THREE

The Hidden Cistern

Drink waters out of thine own cistern,

And running waters out of thine own well.

Proverbs 5:15

Until it is that we discover that all that we seek

Resides within, we will search, but in vain.

Selah.

Agar, shortly after finishing his discourse on Seven Magical Words, begged his departure, leaving Prudence alone in the palace’s rose garden to ponder the thought that each is responsible for his station in life because of assumptions he presents to Universal Mind.

It was then that she heard a maiden’s voice sobbing softly in the distance. It sounded as if it came from behind a tall manicured hedge that concealed its owner from view. Getting up, walking over to the hedge and around it, Prudence was surprised to find the young Diana, bent over, her head in her lap. She was weeping softly. She was so intent in the expression of her sorrow that she had not noticed Prudence’s presence until it was Prudence spoke.

I have found, Prudence said softly, that in the sharing of that which troubles us sorrow becomes easier to bear. Yet, if thou would prefer to be alone, if I am intruding, then I will be on my way.

No my Lady Prudence, the young Diana answered, you are not intruding. I would be please if thou would sit with me and give me benefit of your wisdom in matters of the heart. I have concluded that I am a fool in such matters since love has brought me nothing but heartache and the tears you now see. Sit with me, I implore you, and enlighten me that they may cease, and that my faith in love might be restored.

Prudence, on sitting down adjacent to the young damsel, deftly reached inside her bodice. She retrieved a white handkerchief and handed it to the Lady Diana that she might dry her eyes.

Diana, as she took the handkerchief, softly began to speak, this is my dilemma, Lady Prudence. He, whom I have loved since my youth cannot find it within his heart to return my love, His heart loves one that plays him as does a musician his fiddle. She is much fairer than I am, but in that regard only does she outshine me. She has his heart and I, no matter how hard I try, cannot break the spell that she has over him. It seems that her outer beauty has transfixed him, for in inner beauty, she is sorely lacking.

I see, Prudence softly said, please continue.

To complicate matters, Lady Prudence, the Lady Diana continued, there is another that makes up this accursed triangle. His heart suffers because of his love for me. Though he is kind, tender hearted, never failing in displaying his love for me, yet, my heart feels no love for him. Though I have tried to love him, know it would be good to love him, yet, I cannot bring myself to love him. I love him, but, only as a friend. Never, and I know this, will I feel for him that which I feel for my beloved. Caught in the middle am I, betwixt one that I do not desire and one that I cannot have. What am I to do Lady Prudence? What words can you speak to me that can release me from the hell in which I am presently trapped?

With those words, the Lady Diana turned her head to conceal tears she could no longer command.

Prudence began by saying, let us not waste this time we have together by speaking of men. As you, even in your tender years, have already discovered, men are not that bright. They are enamored with form, with the body. They are sorely deficient in discerning content. They lag far behind us in matters of the heart. Men seek flesh hoping to find love. It is seldom that they see the heart. I am afraid we women have bestowed upon them a wisdom that few of them possess. Give them a full body and an empty mind and they are content, for a spell. Are they not? Prudence said, with a chuckle, causing the Lady Diana to chuckle as well, shaking her head in agreement.

Yes, men are so stupid when it comes to love, the Lady Diana said, laughing now uncontrollably, show them a body, a pretty face, and, they lose complete control over themselves, she said, now laughing spasmodically. Her laughter was so infectious that Prudence, as well, joined in. Both, Lady Diana and Prudence, were now laughing so joyously that the Lady Diana’s pain ceased.

Let us speak of other things, Prudence finally said, sighing, once again gaining control over her emotions.

Agreed, the Lady Diana happily chuckled, let us speak of happier things that the day might end on a happier note.

Prudence than ask the question, Lady Diana, are you familiar with the folklore that explains why it is our small kingdom is so blessed? Do you know why our people want for nothing, why our farmers grow far more than we can ever consume and why it is we have never known a dry season, but, are in fact, totally independent of the rainy season?

Of course, Lady Prudence, Diana answered with a sparkle in her eyes, "who is there who lives in the Kingdom of St. Luciano who cannot answer that riddle? The answer is taught to us from the day of our birth."

Please tell it to me, if you will. I esteem it of the highest importance that all who share in St. Luciano’s largess are familiar with why it is we are so blessed, Prudence said, smiling as she did so.

Oh, I would be happy to, the young Diana said eagerly, I just love telling the story of St. Luciano and the kingdom named after him. A very long time ago there was a peasant named St. Luciano who wanted very much to prosper on the small plot of land he worked. However, being very modest of means, he could only afford a plot of land far from the river’s edge and the precious water it carried. However, he, being a very spiritual man, believed that if he prayed the gods would bless his humble plot with enough rainfall to nourish his crops, his animals, and allow him to feed his small family. As you know, the rainy season in St. Luciano is short and very unpredictable. The rains were never ample enough to allow St. Luciano to eke out anything but the barest of a living. Nevertheless, St. Luciano prayed and prayed, then one night he had a dream, an epiphany, and in the dream he clearly heard a Voice instructing him, telling him, ‘where thou art, dig. All that thy need is where thou art.

All that thy need is where thou art, Prudence repeated the words that Diana had spoken, giving them a special emphasis as though they contained a hidden meaning.

That is all the Voice said, the Lady Diana, added, but St. Luciano, taking it to be the answer to his prayer for water began, the next day, to sink a shaft, a borehole. All of his neighbors simply laughed at him, thinking him to be bereft of his senses. Ignoring their derision, St. Luciano dug on, day after day, and month after month. One day, when it is his faith was almost exhausted, he came out of his humble house to find his fields flooded with pristine pure water pouring from his borehole. His neighbors ceased laughing then. Each of them returned to their own parched parcel of land to drop their own borehole to see if they could duplicate St. Luciano’s good fortune. Each one that tried succeeded. It seems that anyone who in the radius of a day’s ride by horseback, in any direction, that drops a borehole to a depth of a few hundred feet, cannot help but strike an underground lake, a monstrous cistern, over which the kingdom of St. Luciano is situated. It is inexhaustible. In over three hundred years, it has never failed to provide our small kingdom with all of the water we require for our fields, our many animals, our gardens, our bathhouses, which are indeed many. Yes, Lady Prudence, because of the faith of one man, the humble peasant St. Luciano, who would not give up trusting in God, we, today, enjoy the highest standard of living conceivable. We are the envy of all because of the faith of one man, St. Luciano. We are totally independent of the seasonal rainfall, which we gladly take, but, in no way, do we really need, Diana said in a voice that indicated her immense pride in the fact that she knew the story that accounted for the verdant lushness of the small, but prosperous, kingdom of St. Luciano.

The two were silent for a while, and then it was that the Lady Diana broke the silence, saying, my Lady Prudence, why was it that you had me recite the tale of St. Luciano, when I know for a fact you can tell it far, far, better than I?

Because it holds the key for your release from hell, from your torment, even as you requested when first I did sit, Prudence answered, looking at Diana, and smiling.

In what way, Lady Prudence, can folklore concerning the origin of a small kingdom deliver me from the heartache that torments my soul and gives my mind no relief? the Lady Diana asked with a perplexed look on her face.

Prudence, then, taking both of the young damsel’s hands in her own, answered, "In this way, my child. Most, who are of your tender years, are like the farmers who scoffed at St. Luciano, being content to rely on rainfall that came sparsely and when it does come, it comes in teasing amounts. You search for love outside of yourself, in others, hoping they will bring you love and graciously share it with you. If they bring it, you are ecstatic. If they decide to withhold it, then, is your heart broken. Can you not see that you, like the farmers who mocked St. Luciano, are relying on a source of love that is both infrequent and very unpredictable? That on which I must depend on another to bring to me cannot, in anyway be real, because I cannot experience it at my leisure. It does not belong to me. Therefore, my dear Lady Diana, love cannot reside outside of me. If love is real and not imaginary, then, is it not possible that I can experience it at my leisure? That which you call love, romantic love, the need for someone, the inability to be happy unless one fulfills that need, is not love. It is a red flag informing you that you have some inner work to do. There exists within a void that only you, and not another, can fill. If your beloved, as you call him, were to turn and acknowledge your love with his own, you would not be satisfied. Your void would remain. Only God can fill it. You, in time, would cease loving him when it became unmistakably clear to you that he could not make you feel happy, contented, and loved. In fact, you would probably grow to hate him. In time, you will accuse him of deceiving you, of leading you to believe he could make you happy when in fact he most certainly could not. One’s happiness is their own concern and not another’s. It is only they who have not found the fount of happiness for themselves that would trust their happiness to someone else," Prudence said with a sigh in her voice indicating that she did not understand why some searched for love outside of themselves.

But what is one to do in this game of love? The Lady Diana asked, even more confused than she was before it was the Lady Prudence took her seat alongside her.

Need you ask? Prudence answered, do even as did St. Luciano. Search for the inexhaustible cistern of Love that resides within you. Know this, that until you are successful in tapping into it, you will never know love, true Love, because you will not have any love of your own to give to another. As far as love is concerned, you will remain a beggar; hoping and praying that the rains fall, that another brings you love. If they do bring you love, you will not recognize it, or be able to return it because you will have never experienced it for yourself. It is not until one goes within and discovers for himself the fount of Love does he become able to give and receive Love, to share Love with all others. Until that time, the plot of ground that he plows will remain barren, love thirsty, parched, and very dependent on spurious relationships that burn brightly but for a short spell. They fizzle and die out. They do not last. All the Love that you will ever experience is within you. You must tap into it if you would know that the words I am sharing with you are true and not false.

But, what am I to do concerning my beloved, and, the suitor whom I love not? the Lady Diana asked.

"Fret not yourself over your beloved or your suitor. You are not yet ready for either. Remain detached until you are reasonably sure that you have discovered and tapped into the inexhaustible Cistern of Love that indwells you," Prudence answered.

The Lady Diana, after a moment of silence, then asked, Where do I start? How do I begin in finding this cistern of inexhaustible Love that indwells me, Lady Prudence? How do I drop my own borehole?

You drop it at the beginning, my dear, Prudence replied, "First, learn to love God. God is Love. Learn to trust Him. Without a belief and trust in Him, one will never find one’s Inner Cistern of Love. God is that Love for which you are seeking. We find His Love by learning to love all others with whom we come into contact, no matter their faults, their lack of inner sophistication, of outer material wealth. We love them in spite of themselves. We then learn to love Life, which is God’s Love moving through us. We love life, no matter its difficulties, its moments of disappointments, its frustrations, pain and sorrow. We learn to trust that there is a loving reason behind all that we are experiencing. We trust that all is for our good and not our hurt. In time, we will come to discover that we, ourselves, are the Love, which we have been seeking. We will discover that the gods cleverly hid it within us knowing that only a few would bother to look within; that most would look outside themselves. When we become Love, then, are we ready to share love with another. We can then give them that which we are. Until then, we can, in no way, give to another that which we, ourselves, do not have."

But, can I be sure that I will find my beloved, my true love, in this manner, the Lady Diana asked with a worried look on her face.

"When it is that you have found the Inner Fount of Love, that question will have no significance, whatsoever. You will no longer require a special love to love. You will be Love, and, others will seek you out that they may share the Love that you are. If one comes, who desires to share Love with you, fine, but if one never does, what can it matter? You will then be very self-contained, detached, not depending on another for your happiness. You will not be waiting for one to bring you love. You will then be content in the giving of love. You will then be Love and Love is complete unto Itself, in want of nothing. That which is complete is Whole, Perfect, having no voids, whatsoever, that another need fill that we might feel ourselves whole and complete."

After those words, Prudence stood up, indicating that her words were ending. She, as she was turning to depart, then said, Remember, my dear Diana, when it is that you are Love, have become Love, then it is that you are never without that which you are. It is Love that attracts Love, for Love attracts that which is one with it.

Thank you, Lady Prudence, Diana whispered, I think I understand. I am grateful to you for your wise advice.

After then speaking, Prudence then turned and retraced her steps back up the knoll to the small cottage where she dwelled, alone, but in Love.

CHAPTER FOUR

Healing Power Of Faith

He said unto her, Daughter thy faith

hath made thee whole; go in peace,

and be whole of thy plague.

Mark 5:34

When it is that one regains the understanding of Whom and What He is, then it is that He will be able to command sickness and infirmity to flee him, and it will be even as he commands.

Selah.

When Prudence reached the top of the knoll, she turned and looked down on the Kingdom of St. Luciano. Off to her left, she could see the rectangular fields of the peasants with their golden ears of corn, wheat blowing in the wind, and auburn colored barley. It was harvest time. In the fields, she saw the diminutive figures of the reapers, and the draft animals, as they moved in slow marching columns. They were cutting, and then throwing their catch onto the huge wagons that trailed after them.

Directly below her, small children were happily playing. They were merrily chasing butterflies that were going from flower to flower in search of sweet nectar they, somehow, knew awaited them. Off to her right, from where she had just come, laid the botanical gardens of the palace with flowers of every variety, and artistically trimmed hedges. Fountains, conveniently placed, provided one with pure drinking water from the underground cistern. Over the next knoll was the palace, itself. However, from her vantage point, this Goliath of marble, stone, and skillful Gothic masonry, was not visible.

Prudence sighed, thinking to herself, I am so blessed to live in this Paradise. What is it that I have done to deserve all this? I will never know.

Then she turned and made her way over a cobble stone path to her door. The cottage windows reflected the setting sun’s golden rays so brilliantly that she had to shield her eyes from the glare. The cottage had a limestone coat of alabaster white. The two windows, trimmed in black paint, and, a door likewise adorned, gave the cottage’s front the appearance of a face. Its roof was made of staves of straw, each so perfectly fitted together that nothing, whatsoever, including raindrops, could possibly squeeze between them. A carpet of green grass was on each side of her and there was a mosaic of wild flowers to entice the eye wherever one might look.

Behind the cottage was her vegetable garden where she grew lush vegetables, herbs for eating and medicinal purposes. There was her hammock between the two tall spruce trees that provided the shade that made St. Luciano’s hot summers bearable. All who knew Prudence knew that if she were not in her cottage, or, at court, then, she was out ministering to the sick and mentally depressed of St. Luciano.

Prudence was a hierophant. She was a seeker of esoteric wisdom, not so much for herself, but for those who had not the time, nor the inclination to seek. This was her mission in Life and this she had known from an early age. No one told her. She was born knowing.

Prudence, then, entered the cottage and her feline companion, Ishtar, met her and began interrogating her regarding her feeding. Ishtar was telling her, in the only way she knew, she was in need of sustenance. The village chimes had just rung four bells and Ishtar, in a manner unknown to Prudence, knew by their count that it was time for her dinner.

Patience Ishtar, she said, reaching down and picking up the furry ball of fur, everything in its time. She then proceeded over to the cast iron stove, opening its hot front door with a pair of tongs and began stirring its smoldering coals with a poker iron, which she kept in its bin on side of the potbelly stove. Soon, the embers burst into flame as the outside air rejuvenated them