^11 . ■■;:■-.;: ^: 1 i ■iJ r L , , ■■• t-'Sy'- ^^' %h '^^ • lift 1 L, ... I is ii /■ ! i \ ' .^ ^mM'^^^r '«%i^^' liiiili ll!!Hilhiil|ii{iiii!!i|iii ii 11 ii iJl liiiiilip' • M\ M i!i ill ■ 1 1 1'i ! II liiiiiitli liiiiiH i ! i i ! nil 111 ii fiKfikfwnim Class __p£L€51. COPYRIOHT DEPOSIT \ r y K /■ c<*. ~s I V \ \ V^ V I Jt \ DhE false and the TRUE: A PSYCHIC PHANTAiMAOOKIA OF THE RESURRECTION - IN EPIC VERSE WITH SUB-HKADINGS, ILLUSTRATIONS AND COMMENTS BY JOHN UI.RICK OBERG, M. D. AUTHOR AND PUBI^ISHKR \ V^ > 5 :. ; ' ^ 3 J « '^ 3 , > 3 3 ' J ^ J ^ J > J , 3 » J > ' ' J ' BERKEI.EY, Cai^IFORNIA Thm.lBRARV OF CONGRESS, Two Copies Recoveo AUG. 11 1902 COPVRIQHT ENTWV ASS «- XXol No. COPY B. \ --^ 'Y '^ COPXRIGHTED JtJLY, 1901 ■•^5 C C C c Carriith &= Carriith, Printers Oakland, Cal. THE CONTENTi. Salutation by the Author ; 5 Dedication 6 Preface 13 Introduction 22 THE FALSE. AND THE TRUE. PART I. The Author's Religious Faith and Training. CHAPTER PAGE I St — Creation, Fall, and Plans of Salvation 25 2nd— The Birth and Life of the Redeemer 36 3rd — His Persecution, Death, Resurrection and As- cension 39 4th — Redemption Finished, but God's Dissatisfaction ■ with Man. The Coming of Judgment 44 5th— Childhood's Faith 46 PART II. The Phantasmagoria. 6th— Growth, Life and Travels 48 7th— A Scene of Resurrection and Judgment . 54 PART III. The Explanations of the Scen:^. 8th— How Teachers Answer Rational Thought 60 9th — Nature's Explanations of the Phantasmagoria. 62 loth—How Creation Comes About 67 nth — How the F'all, Condemnation and Redemption Comes About 69 1 2th— The Relation One Man Holds Toward Another. The True Resurrection, Judgment, Condem- nation and Redemption 86 PART IV. The Seed of Education. 13th — Early Education and Its Effect on After-life When in Conflict with Truth 91 14th — From Whence Comes Revelation 98 PART V. PARAGRAPH CORROBORATIVE Comments. page I— The Constellations of all Cult Lores 100 2— The Sacred Numbers : 12, i, 5, 7 and 13. .... . 100 PARAGRAPH PAGE 3 —The Cube 102 4 — The Four Women Marking the Seasons Con- tained in all Cults 104 5 — The Sacred Number Two 108 6 — Evolution '. 109 7— The Center Numbers in the Mysteries: i, 5 and 7 no 8 — The Kdenic Periods . 112 9— The Devil and the Serpent 115 o— Why Each Cult Has a Serpent 117 I— The Deluge . 118 2 — The Causes for the Flood 118 3— The Moon's Birth ' 119 4 — A Better Reason for the Flood 120 5 — The Turning of the Poles 121 6— What They Have Found at the Poles 123 7— What They May Find at the Poles 125 8— The Sacred Holy Days 126 9 — Passover and Lord's Supper 127 20 — Which is the Sabbath Day . 127 21 — Baptismal Rites 133 22— Arks, Altars, Priests, Prophets and Wizards. . . 133 23 — From Whence and Where to ? 135 24— A Golden Image 136 25— The Abode of the Soul 137 26 — The Golden Rules 137 27 — The Saviors 138 28 —Conflicting Forces 141 29 — ^Job's Constellations ' 142 30 — ^Job, Satan, Gabriel, and the Asar Gods. 143 31 -The Battle of the Gods 145 32— Grave, Hell and Resurrection 155 33— If Man Dies, Shall He Live Again ? 157 34 -Life's Pathways from Cradle to Tomb 161 35— The Cause and Origin of Santa Claus 167 CHARTS AND EXPIyANATIONS OF CHARTS. 1st— The False and the True 78 2iid — Odin's Wheel 82, 147 3rd — The Lamb on the Cross 138 4th — The Cross and Six Constellations Having 12 Satellites Moving Around a Center 70 5th — Six Cult lyores Having Women for Seasons 103 SALUTATION. You, dear reader, we kindly salute With, deepest heart-love, in rhyme. A mystic key we here contribute: Take it, and use it in time! If you are wrong, you suffer defeat^ 'Though you the victory gain; If you are right, you victory meet. Although you thereby are slain. DEDICATION AND ADVICE. Whereas, all mankind, when possessing anything of value, desire to leave their wealth to their dearest friends and relatives, we have, therefore, resolved to do likewise. The wealth we wish to bequeath is stowed awa}^ in Nature's storehouse, and the Key that unlocks the door to the way leading to the treasur}^ we herein conve}- to each one named in this dedicated testament. And we sincerely hope and pra^^ that each one will gather in his full portion, and make good use of the same for the un- foldment of his own and his fellowmen's higher selves, so all humanity may reach the higher rounds on the lad- der of human blessings and happiness. I Dedication and Advice. This work, to the world, and to our daughter, Leona E. Oberg, we here dedicate, As key to treasures hidden till sought for. And the way to them we herein relate. Take great care to heed Each thought and each deed; Because by thinking you sow the soul-seed. The False and the True. If in thoughtlessness deeds are committed For mischief, or for resentment of wrong, It is hard from them to be acquitted; They remain companions all the life long. The tongue, therefore, learn To mind, and to yearn For insults and wrongs kind deeds to return. Do not imagine no one can see you. And therefore your actions will not be known. Each bears his record of what he does do; Open, or secret, they are ever shown. The mind accuses, The face refuses All partnership in hiding abuses. The old respect; to equals be civil; Aid you the poor; to the fallen be kind. By doing right show the weak the evil Of yielding themselves to appetites blind. For all, be a stay. And in virtue's way Lead them from gloom into Hope's !sunny, day. The pay for your eiforts may seem scanty. And some time with scorn and derision met; Yet the soul harvest will bring its bounty. Dedication and Advice. By doing good you have naught to regret. Then always do right, And never take fright At scorn from the dwellers in their soul's night. Cherish the good, and you greatness attain By being and living just what you are. From envy and malice ever refrain, For such are sure your own progress to bar. Whatever you do. To yourself be true. And each one receives what is his just due. Struggle not only for wealth and pleasure, For when you attain them, joy often has flown. Although they are good, and comforts measure, Without heart-compassion you are all alone. So dreary and sad. And with yourself mad For not getting that which makes the heart glad. Strive more to unfold your own soul-kindness; In the top story of your being dwell. Always control your own passions' blindness. Follow them not! for they lead to a well Wherein it is dark. lo The False and the True. And misery's mark Is fixed on all who to their counsels hark. If you become disheartened and weary, And life's gloomy clouds are hovering nigh, If of temptation you have not been wary, Return, and go to the fountain on high. There drink your draught deep: There strength take and keep: Then in assurance of victory sleep. Within each one there dwells a God, called Soul, Who is the ego that moves, lives and thinks; Who can lead you safely to the right goal, Over all troubles on Misery's brinks. Your prayers to Him send; Your will force extend; Hoping and trusting it shall rightly end. ' Humanity is a graded folk-school, Beginning with birth — whilst death graduates; Where some are punished for breaking each rule Which nature — and oft man only — creates. Others seem favored. Though wath crime flavored. And of debauchery's mire savored. Dedication and Advice. ii Yet do not mind it. 'Tis only seeming, As tliey are not what tliey appear to be, Whilst they on wealth and their birth are leaning. But when the soul is by Grim Death set free, Each one can then see What in truth he be — No Gods nor Saviors from sin can him free. When he heartily of himself tires, And each sinful act he loathes with disgust, And within his soul forms new desires Of evil to purge, and thenceforth be just, There springs a new light In his soul's dark night. Which shines brighter for every wrong set right. Dear friend, thus take care never to falter In right doing, though it may thankless seem. For then your life's course you need not alter; You no acts of folly have to redeem. May you ever grow In virtue, and go On reaping love's crop you started to sow. When reaper Death shall have gathered us in On his course o'er Mortality's ferry. 12 The False and the True, And we shall have ceased response to earth's din, And friends the corse shall solemnl}^ bur}^, Remember we meet Again, and shall greet Each other beyond, and Death's sting defeat. PREFACE. In this small volume we try to record The old and the new: The creation of man, God, and our Lord — The false and the true — In a synopsis of the Christian lore. As in childhood taught; How man sinned, and how the sins Christ bore — By his blood man bought; And in epic verse a lucid scene draw. So we all may see What is in accord with Nature's own law: To the false set free. From her hidden contents, be patient and read What she has to say. She, in new thought-paths, will your reason lead From night into day. Religion must stand upon facts, or fall And crumble to naught; And by natural laws faith's truth recall. If patiently sought. 1 4 The False ajid the True. Nature is the only God-written book That is fully true. In her we must for all mysteries look, For the old and new. With respect for all, and malice for none, We've tried to be just. When your reading of this volume is done, You are paid, we trust. ^^. i^K The l^eason why we Wrote This Book. RESURRECTION AND JUDGMENT DAY. All who have been brought up within the pale of the Christian Church have been taught to be- lieve in a resurrection and a judgment day. In fact, it constitutes one of the principal corner-stones on which the Church is built, espe- cially the doctrine of immortality. The Creator^ the Creatuj^e^ the Destroyer^ the Redeemer^ Resurrection and Judgment^ Condemnation and Salvation^ are the eight corner-stones of the crosses on which the Church is built. Remove any one of these and the structure cracks, crum- bles and falls. There are many eminent shep- herd-architects within the fold who are constantly undermining the above-named corner-stones, and discarding them as of no value, until the struc- ture is considered unsafe; hence the flocks are roaming at large over rough mountains of chance and often grazing on the herbage of sensuality. 1 6 The False aiid the True. greed and lust, refusing longer to obey the shep- herds' call. No one can blame them, as they have long been herded in fields devoid of soul nutriment, but have still been compelled to yield their scanty wool for their shepherds. But now that each sheep has become his own keeper, shearing his own wool for himself, there is a famine in the shepherds' camp, who are forming a wool-clippers' union, and are trying to combine with the state, and thus, by law, to com- pel the sheep to be herded and clipped by and for themselves. We rejoice over the liberty obtained by and for each individual, but we nevertheless bemoan the fact that liberty placed in the hands of the ignor- ant and the vicious often means only license for doing evil. We recognize the fact that each in- dividual has the privilege, right and dut}^ to think and judge for himself. But before he forms an opinion upon a subject, he should gather all the facts pertaining thereto; otherwise he will do himself and others great injustice, be- cause his judgment will be formed by what he thinks are the facts instead of what he knows them to be. The Reason Why We Wrote this Book. 17 Many precious truths are thus discarded as of no value, and many errors are accepted as solid truths. To-day the Christian Church, as a body, is at sea, scarce knowing what it builds its faith on. The Hell and Devil have long been doubted; Christ the Redeemer is only redeemer by pre- cepts; immortality is scoffed; the Creator has become chance, and has lost his personality. In fact, all the corner-stones are rapidly being re- moved, and replaced by nothing better. And yet Christianity, built on its eight corner- stones, when viewed by the light of science, is true, and its eight corner-stones are natural facts. The crosses and crucifixions are true, but the trouble lies in the fact that the priesthood have, through time — b}^ superstitious venera- tion — erected other crosses and laid other cor- ner-stones than Nature and Nature's God have laid. Christ was crucified between two malefac- tors: one was repentant and one defiant. We have, therefore, three crosses and three Christianities. One is false and two are true. It is our desire to clear away the rubbish which The False and the True. time and priestly arts have gathered around the true crosses, and thus bring to view the true and ever -living Christs crucified for the benefit of man, so he who runs may read and know for himself. In order to accomplish this task, the reader must follow through the maze of mythology and mystic lores, where, to prevent our being lost, we shall take Nature for guide. We must be careful not to condemn that which is true, though old and time-worn, because we, above all others, will be injured thereby. To avert this danger we must from the results trace the cause and origin. This we will en- deavor to do by thorough investigation. But the subject is too vast and complicated for perusal by the busy individual. Hence, to be understood, we must condense the whole subject, and bring it within the scope of three or four hours' read- ing, 3' et have care that not a shade of the mental picture shall be lost. We have, therefore, re- sorted to the greatest condensing process known — namely, rh3^ming epic verse. The subject is naturally so dry and bony. The Reason Why We Wrote this Book. 19 that few can be brought to give it the proper at- tention, preferring to take the say-so of their teachers, whether right or wrong, rather than to take time to read it. To make it more interest- ing we have woven the fabric into a story around a dream, or a vision, we saw while but a child. But when the story is read, forget it, and only remember what we desire to convey by the same. It should call your attention to existing nat- ural facts, and the laws governing these facts, and no more. There it ends. It should not be considered authority by its mere statements, for a revelation to the first person becomes faith to the second. We merely relate, and leave the conclusions of what we have related to you. We have used simple language so all can un- derstand it, but wish to label a few words used, namely: Life, death, spirit and soul. Many confound the words spirit and soul, and use them interchangeably. We claim both are immortal, but soul is a more highly evolved spirit. All life is animated by spirit, but of all organic beings mankind alone has soul. 20 The False a?td the True. We have four kinds of life : First, the mate- rial, or inorganic, life; second, spirit life. Inor- ganic life is permeated with spirit, and it is spirit known as cohesive force which holds the crystal in contact. This kind of spirit exists every- where throughout the entire universe, and we may also call it Chemic, or Cosmic, force. There is, however, another kind of spirit which, when it crosses this inorganic life, forms organic physi- cal life. Thus the third kind of life is Physical life. It takes more or less unfolded soul life crossed with matter to form Physical life, but it is, nevertheless, known as spirit until it has reached its highest unfoldment through the physical life found in man, where it becomes an independent living soul, a creator and a god. Soul is, therefore, the fourth and the highest degree of life. All life is immortal, except the physical life^ which is ever-changing; and when the soul ego has no longer use for the same, it crumbles and dies. The material returns to the organic and inorganic worlds, from whence it came, whilst the animal spirit and the soul return to their respective stations in the spirit and soul Vv^orld. The Reason Why We Wrote this Book. 21 These definitions may not be found stated in the authorities, but we wish them to be under- stood so, hence label them. ^-51^^ INTRODUCTION. Ye lovers of truth, observe! and behold The foundations of the religions old! How truth and error there lap and indent, And are held together by fear as cement! Religion, the light In Sorrow's dark night. Help us to purge it and keep it aright. Truth is eternal, and can stand the test. Error will vanish when by facts hard pressed. And to religion is terredoed spiles — The good it weakens, while truth it defiles: Religion the stay On temptation's day; The anchor and hope when life flies away. Its massive buildings, like monuments, stand In every nation — and in this fair land — Whose foundations crumble under thought-light. Long-believed dogmas are taking their flight, Where fear and alarm. The dogmatic's charm. No longer trouble nor do any harm. Their flocks are roaming, like sheep on a hill. Without order going, trying to fill Their hunger and thirst from Theory's spring; Iniroduclion. 23 From her dry pasture they scarce glean a thing. The last and the first Are in a disgust; Though free,areinfetters,andthenidare not burst. They go from faith to dark doubt's dreary maze, And there facts with uncertaint}^ replace; While religion they call only a game Played by the priesthood, for money and fame, Who want to be great. Hence early and late Try to draw power for church from the state. With dogmatism they have covered truth; With God's fearful vengeance threatened the youth If by science they measure faith and draw From it conclusions of God's Holy Law. They curse and they ban Child, woman and man. For walking beyond their own finger's span. Open the window^s and let the sun in; Wide open the doors and call science in, Which only can help you the facts to find — Food for the hungry and sight for the blind. The glorious Ever Victorious, never Does true religion from science sever! 24 The False and the True. Mortal man dieth. The soul survives death, And is the cause, and not subject, of breath. He is his own savior from his sin's stain — Provided from sinning he does refrain. The soul is the light In life, and Death's night. Follow its guidance; 'twill lead you aright. If you seek for light in God's Holy Writ, My humble la.y read, and well digest it; For, from that fountain which never runs dry, I have drawn it; and that fountain is nigh. The language has faults. The rhyme often halts, But sense, and the truth, it always exalts. PART I. CHAPTER I. In memory's fountain there lingers still A scene I cannot forget, for it will Not be banished from my memory's e^^e, As, companion-like, it always keeps nigh. Perchance it was a mirage reflecting My own soul's thought; and ever selecting The theme which I held most dear and cherished- If continued long, I must have perished. The False and the True, Then came to me a dream, or a vision — What it was you may render decision. Say what you will, you can name it yourself, But to me it proved a heaven-sent elf. THE REAvSON FOR ITS COMING. Yet, before I describe this scene so queer, The cause of its coming you ought to hear: Born a Swede, in the Church Evangelic, In her pious tenets' world- famed relic; In her faith established through the nation. In the belief that the whole creation As taught in the Bible — the old and new — In which every line is word for word true. CREATION AND FALL OF MAN. All that is was in six days created, Including man, whom God estimated Above everything else which he had made. And gave to him Eden, with fruit and shade; Our Childhood' s Faith. 27 Wherein he reserved for Himself one tree, Which stood in its midst — whilst the rest were free — Whose fruit was knowledge of evil and good, Of which eat they must not, if live they would. CLOSE OF THE SIXTH CREATION DAY. " My work is finished, and my rest is near^ And for recreation I will come here. For all is perfect without correction. Adam and Eve are mine by election. They are charmingly graceful, like unto us; We shall live in unum e pluribus. For I am satisfied with all I've made," Said He to His Son, in cool evening's shade. LIFE OF BLISS IN EDEN. How long the}^ lived there in bliss we don't know, But Eve's prying mind soon started to grow; Covetous glances she cast on that tree. Because it was charming and fair to see. THE TEMPTATION AND FALL. A serpent then of the Devil was seized. And by his fine talk the woman much pleased. " Behold! this fruit is fine and delicious! Partake thereof, and be wise and gracious." The False and the True. eve's answer. "To eat of that fruit God has forbidden; For under its beauty death lies hidden." Satan's argument. xc Nay! Say not so, woman; for we well know That wisdom and knowledge thereon do grow. When you thereof eat you will be like Him; Your eyes shall open and no more be dini:" YIELDING TO TEMPTATION. The woman took it and ate a measure, And gave to Adam, who ate with pleasure. But lo and behold! They found they were nude, And to eat such fruit was wickedly rude. THE creator's appearance on the scene. As the Lord came at the cool evening tide, The}^ swallowed the apple and ran aside — Hence were not present and ready for pla}^ When He came, after they had gone astray. Our Childhood' s Faith. 29 "O Adam! Where art thou! Why dost thou hide!" ^' We find we are naked," Adam then cried. '' Come forward this moment! I want to hear What brought on this change to cause thee such fear. You alwa3^s were innocent till to-day; What maketh you act in this frightened way?" ADAM AND EVE BEFORE GOD. Then Adam and Eve came slowly around, With fig-leaf aprons upon themselves bound. " You have eaten of the forbidden fruit — For I see its effect upon you bruit — Or your nudeness would not have 370U disgraced," Said God, as they stood before Him shame-faced. AD \m'S ANSWER AND GOd's ANGER. ^' The woman, Thou niadest, gave it to me. I ate and it was a folly, I see." Indignation, sorrow, anger and rage Then shifted about on God's mental stage; ^' You I created and gave the whole land. Except yon small tree. You broke my com- mand! 30 The False arid the True. My work is a failure, I now have found, Though my heart was pleased and unto it bound. Cursed be thou, Adam, and cursed be the ground! Cursed be thou, woman, and serpent profound! Cursed be all nature — in one single blow. Everything now to destruction shall go; For I am the Just Lord God, and must be Satisfied ere I can let you go free!" THE son's intercession. The Son spake up: "O Father, be quiet! Do not be angry, nor make such a riot! But with love's compassion open thine eyes, And do not destroy thine own paradise! For Adam's action I stand guarantee. Dost he not act right, wilt let Thee slay me.'^ This intercession appeased Him quite soon, For in a short time He granted the boon. Then, with animal skins. He made them dress. Without shedding of blood — and nothing less — They could not have stood before Him at all After that evil and terrible fall. heaven's councii.. ' ' 'Tis best we consider our acts with care. Or much annoyance from them we may bear. Our Childhood' s Faith. 31 If we let them stay here we will it rue — Since good and evil are known by the two — For they ate the fruit and shalt feel Death's sting, And reap what they sow and on themselves bring. We must drive them away from the Life-tree, Or they may eat and live, and like us be. Thou gavest for them thy promise to me, Of guardianship, and thy guarantee. 'Tis well for thee to secure thine own prize Lest they in rebellion against thee rise. We will it thus: That who on Thee believe, Shall pardon for his transgressions receive; And if he believes not, him must we sure Send down to Hades, to stubbornness cure. These shall be Heaven's immutable laws. Made for salvation and fallen man's cause;" Yet^ before the zvorld^s founda- tion was laid. And Adam and Eve in the gar- den strayed. EXPULSION FROM EDEN. Then Adam and Eve from Eden He drove mdm}^''Mi 32 The False a7id the True. To out in the wide world's misery rove. ^'In griping pains shall thy children be born, In the sweat of thy brow shalt eat thy corn ; In raising thy bread thou shalt till with care, As thorns and thistles the ground shalt thee bear. Thou, accursed snake, Man's power shalt feel; He shalt crush thy head; thou shalt bruise his heel! At Eden's gate I shall angel-guards place, And all the roads to it I shall deface, So none shalt eat of its life-giving fruits, But stay on earth among vipers and brutes." ABEL, CAIN AND SETH. Dark sadness then reigned until Cain was born. They thought a savior come to the forlorn; And more when Abel lit their hearts anew; But still sadder when Cain his brother slew, And fled to Nod, a people full of strife. Among whom to himself he took a wife. Then again they were with sorrow alone. Until Seth, a fair lad, himself made known. Who grew to manhood, and is filling earth With sons of men — through the channel of birth. They lived in abundance through the whole land, Yet heeded no rights, nor God's own command; Our Childhood' s Faith. 33 But grew every day much stronger in sin ; Though Enoch was good, and God took him in. THE DELUGE OF SIN. For years — hundred-twenty — God with them plead To walk in the right, and by Him be led. They heeded not, but bade Him defiance. Though with good Noah He made alliance To build him an ark — his family to save From a deep deluge and watery grave. And for forty days storms and rains He sent. Till the water over high mountains went. When the winds blew, and the sinners were drowned. The ark a landing on Ararat found. Then emerged from the ark all found within That grand refuge in the deluge of sin. And Noah and sons, together with wives. Burnt offerings offered to God for their lives: He, smelling its savor, was with it so pleased That he told Noah his anger had ceased; Thus placed in the sky the rainbow for men^ As token that he will not drown them again ; And gave them control of all upon earth, 34 The False and the True. And all within it that to them had worth. From the fertile soil grew the grapevine. From its luscious fruit made Noah his wine, And drank of it till he acted not right. His shameful deeds was for Ham a bad sight, For, by beholding, Noah cursed his son; Since which, for like causes, others have done. If Noah pleased God as priest or as monk, It says not for sure, but says he got drunk. After the flood, things went smoothly for years- Some were ruled by love, and others by fears. Here we have no time to mention them all. But onl}^ such as the mind can recall: There were Abraham, Isaac and his son, Joseph, Moses, David and Solomon, With many wase prophets, priests and great kings. Of which memory a multitude brings. Our Childhood' s Faith. 35 To walk justly He of them demanded, And from Sinai ten times commanded. Time passed on with an occasional pull At God's patience, till forbearance was full, And He determined on sin's prevention. And of His son exacting redemption. Thus called him into the accounting room To balance the books and receive the doom. The results were bad, for he had to pay The debt for which he stood security. Therefore he bade the Heaven's-court good day, And then prepared to go, without delay. To upon himself take poor man's estate And in physical life suffer his fate. A forerunner of him to the earth went. And John, the Baptist, before him was sent. He also sent angels with the story Of His coming in a hidden glor\^ CHAPTER II. THE angel's Sx\LUTATION TO MARY. " All hail to thee, Mary," the angel said, "The blessings of Heaven rest on thy head. Unto thee. Virgin, a child shall be born. Who shall be a savior of all forlorn." MARV'S ANSWER. " May the blessings come, however they can; But know not from whence, for I know no man." " Oh, no, Mary," said the angel again, " He shall be no product of sinful man. But a holy seed will take root and bloom. For God's holy son shalt with you find room." ELIZABETH AND ZACHARIAH. Then Elizabeth, Zachariah's wife, Came, blessing the product of Mary's life. The priest, Zachariah, had a queer freak: Because of a vision he could not speak. Until John was born, and he wrote his name; Then he spoke and rejoiced — who could him blame? Our Childhood' s Faith. 37 THE BIRTH OF CHRIST At Bethlehem, born at the Christ- mas tide, To see the Christ-child many wise men hied. They sought him in stables of sheep and goats, From whence the glad tiding joy- fully floats. And those good shepherds who then were not there, A message received from the angels fair. THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT. Herod the Great with the dark thought was filled. "If the child be a king he should be killed." Thus he gave orders to slay every kin Who had that year around Bethlehem been. That treachery Joseph saw in a dream; Hence fled to Egypt the child there to screen, Who grew in wisdom, in power and love — Reflections of unseen forces above. 38 The False and the Tnie. When Herod died tHey returned to their home, And no longer did in foreign lands roam. HE TAUGHT THE PEOPLE. At twelve years, in Jerusalem's temple, He taught the wise men — with learning ample; At thirty did his full mission commence, When he healed and taught without recompense. Around him gathered the high and the low, Who loved his presence where'er he would go; Till in priests and scribes he much envy wrought, Who took him, and Annas and Caiaphas sought. But, as by law they had no right to kill, They sent him to Pilate, and sought his will. This occurred at Pascal festival time. When people were there from many a clime. These raised insurrection to have him slain. Which, to the priesthood, w^as clearest of gain. CHAPTER III. BEFORE THE COURT OF PILATE. "Of what crime do ye this great man accuse? He is innocent, and King of the Jews. Your accusations I cannot support," Said Pilate of him, while before his court. " We have an old custom, which thou should'st know, A prisoner free at Pascal shalt go." And robber Barrabas — an evil brute — Was to be crucified, but they were cute To demand his release — without least dread — And have Jesus crucified in his stead. He sent him to Herod, to please his mind, Who could the least fault against him not find. Then robed him in purple, and whipped him, too; And crowned him with thorns; and blood from him drew. "Behold! the man is now scourged, without cause. And is not guilty of crime against laws." Then cried the people: "We shall never dread His blood on our own and our children's head." 40 The False a?id the True. Then washed Pilate his hands from every guilt Of the innocent blood they would have spilt. And gave them a warrant which they could use For crucifying the King of the Jews, With an inscription to be nailed o'er him : ^^Jesu Naserene Rex Judeorum.^^ ^ On Golgotha to a cross him they nailed; In quelling his love they utterly failed. While tortured he prayed: "Father forgive you, For ye know not the sins that ye now do." But while in anguish, pain and gloom, said he: '' My God! my God! Why forsakest thou me?" Yet, seeing his mother and John, he cried: "Thy mother, thy son, 'tis finished!" then died. Thus for man, on the cross, his prayers went. Answered by the Temple's veil being rent. His sorrowing friends the body secured, And, wrapped in myrrh, in a new tomb im- mured. And, sad, departed for their homes to weep, And him forever in memory keep. Our Childhood' s Faith. 41 Forlorn and dreary, they could not refrain From going to see his body again. When the sacred Sabbath came to a close, To visit his grave the mourners arose. The women came first — at the break of day — And found the door-stone had been rolled away, And angels were standing at foot ^-^-. ^_. -:.. ~ and head Informing them that: " He rose from the dead!" On searching, they found his napkin was there. With care it was folded; the rest was bare. The men went away, but Mary still stayed. And asked the gardener: " Where have you him laid?" The Master said: "Mary," in his sweet voice, "I live! Go, tell my brethren, and rejoice." And on that day, on the Emmaus road, He relieved two men of their sad hearts' load, Opening to them the words truly spoken. How for sins of men He must be broken. Once closed in a room, on the upper floor, His disciples were with hearts sad and sore. 7he False ajid the True. When by them He stood, saying: "Peace to you! Thomas, thou doubtest. Stick thy fingers through The wounds in my sides, my hands, and my feet! Dost thou think it is I whom thou dost greet?" And Thomas, amazed, could scarcely find word, When seeing his risen master and lord. THE DISCIPLES GO FISHING. On Lake Tiberias, one night, they fished. And faithfully labored till dawn, but missed. Tired and weary their course homeward bore, And there found the Master upon the shore • Calling to them: " Have ye got any meat?" They answered him: "No!" " Then come here and eat! Cast your net on the right side of your boat!" And one ' fifty-three they to the land float. All were astonished when seeing the yield — So great a wonder to their hearts appealed. " It is the Master!" and Peter sprang in, (?) And two hundred cubits he had to swim. He three times asked: 'Teter, dost thou love me?" Who answered him three times: " Lord, thou canst see." (?) " If thou lovest me, then feed my dear sheep, And ever on them a watchful eye keep." (?) Our Childhood' s Faith. 43 All were fed from the fish on the fire Representing his funeral pyre. THE ASCENSION. He taught many things to the faint-hearted, What they should do when from them he parted. When his instructions to them had ended, Into Heaven from thence he as- cended. Thus, leaving them gazing into the sky, Until he vanished among clouds on high. Then two angels appeared, asking of them: " What gaze ye after, ye Galilee men? This same Jesus, we truly to you say. In like manner shall come on Judgment day. Return to Jerusalem, and there stay For the Holy Ghost's coming. Watch and pray.'' They went, and from God assistance they sought; And the Spirit wonders on Pentecost wrought. For with tongues he their intellects fired. Till they spake every language, inspired. Thence to the world was the gospel proclaimed: " The sin-debts are paid and man is redeemed." CHAPTER IV. THE MISSION FINISHED. His mission was finished here npon earth, Where He paid the debt to its utmost worth. And God is not fully satisfied yet, But out with the world, and will destroy it. First, man was saved by the Son's intervene; Second, Noah and ark came in between; And third, God's own son on the cross was slain; Yet, his fierce anger he cannot restrain. The world he will burn in fires of Hell, Where sinners, in bondage, ever shall dwell. HE SHALL COME FOR JUDGMENT IN HIS GLORY. Before this burning, with horrors gory. He shall come for judgment in his glory. Arch- An gel Gabriel shall blow his horn, On that resurrection's imposing morn, And call to judgment the living and dead. Those shall to happiness by him be led To God's right hand, who in bliss shall have slept. And their sinnings' receipt closely have kept; Those on the left side have damnation earned, Our Childhood" s Faith. 45 For they his plans of salvation have spurned. Salvation is easy: Only believe Jesus as Christy and salvation receive. The unbelievers shall be like the goat, And go to the left, to in darkness float. By lack of faith they God's ire have wrought. For spurning Him, who them dearl}^ had bought. Those in glory shall praise God, and never Cease singing the Lamb praises forever. And to the Triune and Heavenly host — The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Those sent to damnation's horrid fire Shall cry from pain, and sorrow, and ire. There souls shall not die, nor shall anguish cease. And from hell-torments none shall find release. CHAPTER V. MY childhood's faith. This, I was taught, was the truth, every word From God's holy mouth, by His prophets heard. One must repent, and believe, to be saved, And in Christ's holy faith be well behaved: Which is not so easy as one might think, For Paul, the Apostle, feared he might sink Under his Car's heavy doubt-sinning load. And finally miss the salvation road. Then, if he, thought I, could miss salvation When he offered himself in oblation To the Master's sacred soul-saving cause, I had good reason to ponder and pause. Again : If from the damnation horrors I save myself from Hell and its terrors, What of my friends, as well as relations? And what of my earth-neighbors, and nations? Shall they suffer pain, and I near by? Or, will each one be saved as well as I? But am answered firmly with a "No! no! In Heaven none pangs of conscience can know.'^ Our Childhood' s Faith. 47 But what kind of Heaven can that well be To me, while from glory I will them see? As a child I o'er it studied and thought, Till it near the verge of distraction brought, For much did it weaken and exhaust When for salvation I counted the cost. PART II. CHAPTER VI. THE PHANTASMAGORIA. (As I saw it in the Autumn of 1867.) I remember one misty, autumn day, On an errand Fatlier sent me away. My mind had been dwelling on salvation For myself, and all human relation. Until exhausted, and so had to rest. And must have fallen asleep in the mist. And in that short sleep a long dream I dreamed, And traveled through space and time, and, it seemed. Though a small lad, in the vision I grew Into man's estate, and saw what I knew I never had seen before in my life: Foreign lands, and seas, with their peace and strife. As I grew up, thought also unfolded, And my religion ever re-molded. From ni}^ Father's and Mother's cherished faith Atheism and doubt soon took its place. It was a cold faith, and 3^et it much stilled I o O o w I— ( o w o o 50 The False and tke True, The terrible fear of Hell which me filled. Though sure of no life beyond the dark grave, A full assurance of it I did crave. To me preachers preached, and argued, and prayed, And yet still stronger in that faith they made. But a wish within would ever persist To know if beyond death man does exist. PROOF OF IMMORTALITY. Then came to me friends from my early youth: ^'We are not dead, but live!" said they. In truth, They were evidence of what I there saw. And proof of the immortality law. This filled my mind with a long longed-for peace. Because the soul-strength it did much increase With understanding of the sacred key To Mother Nature's hidden mystery; With power to know myself and my God : That His rule is Love, and Man's is the rod. IN THE VISION I VISITED OTHER COUNTRIES. In far distant lands, and in golden spheres, I was living for many happy years. Until with life's care, and age, I was bent. The Phantasmagoria. 51 When thoughts toward home of my childhood went. So in shape my affairs I tried to make, For a needed recreation to take. My family and I bade adieu one day, And for home of childhood we sailed away. And came to memory's hallowed spots. Where, as children, we picked forget-me-nots. It was in the mellow-light autumn time. When for beauty it can vie with each clime. With its deep blue sky and its gold-lined cloud; Its echoes resounding so clear and loud. The lakes lay before us, peacefully bright. Reflecting shadowy scenes in the light. Of everything that might be on the shores. And boats plied by steam, by sails, or by oars. And whatever is above it on high, On their bosoms record, both form and dye. Under the feet was a green mat of grass, Soft as velvet, while we over it pass. Adorned with flowers which in the fall grow. Their sweet-scented fragrance was good to know. The tree leaves were turning yellow and bright, Charming and beautiful in the sunlight. The fruit in the orchards was ripening. Some finding it hard to on the tree cling. 52 The False and the True. Of birds there were many different kinds Gleefully singing the song of their minds. Their warbling, whistling, chirping and cooing Caused one to wonder what they were doing, For they created a bedlamic noise ; Eut who could well help to with them rejoice. The busy farmer was plowing his field; Or ascertaining the potato yield; Or gathering in whate'er they had sown; Or threshing with flails, by fours, or alone; The house-wives were working over their flax; The busy woodman was using his ax; The blacksmiths were forcibly hammering; The herd-maids did charming melodies sing; The house builders were working and drawing; And chis'ling, planing, rubbing and sawing. And for the people ever erecting Houses, and homes, with much care selecting. There were men of leisure, w^ho pleasure sought And busy merchants who wares sold and bought The stockman raising his stock and his shoats The milkmaid milking the cows and the goats. The cattle were lowing in pastures near; And the horse-neighings we also could hear, With quacking of geese and bleating of sheep. In tune with themselves they harmony keep. The Pharitasmagoria. 53 And yet, they keep time with the merrj^ song Of human voices heard all the day long. With amazement I stood, and mused and thought Over the wonderful comfort it brought, For folk-life is in harmony going. And all nature must be better growing. CHAPTER VII. THEN Gabriel's trumpet sounded for judg- ment. As I mused I heard a blowing, Like a steamboat whistle going, With a shock and a vibration. Which penetrated everything, And distant echoes answering. Stirring up the whole creation. Yet knew I not from whence it came, Nor could I to the sound give name. The Phantasmagoria. 55 Until I heard it overhead, Then some wings I heard a-flutter, And a clear bassetto utter: ^'For the judgment arise, yo^ dead!" THE DEAD AROSE FROM THEIR GRAVES. Then I saw the ground a-waving, Like some angry billows heaving Frail sailing barks upon the main; And I heard much groan and wailing, Like a raging storm with hailing. Or like the noise when threshing grain. All around me I saw popping Children, men and women, hopping Up from the ground close where I stood. Closely watching their expressions, I could hear them make confessions. Some thought it bad, some thought it good. TO JOY. But for them there was no choosing. They must go their way rejoicing If well they had it so they could. Each must go and meet his Master; Try his fortune, or disaster; Each hoped to have it as he would. 56 The False mid the True. TO SORROW. Some were scowling, howling, crying, And in every way a-trying To find some shelter for themselves; But were dragged by pure volitions To their places and positions. Clear in front of the judgment shelves. Still the angel kept a-going, And his golden horn a-blowing. While a due eastward course he led. As he blew and kept a-calling — Trees and rocks were shaking, falling — "Arise for judgment, all 3^e dead!" THEY SHALL COME BEFORE HIS THRONE. When the angel passed on, eastward, I turned my eyes to the westward, Where an imposing scene I saw: There was God, the Father, sitting, A bright halo round him glit'ring, And He before Him had the law. THE BOOKS SHALL BE OPENED. At his left hand sat the spirit With a book of records. From it I The Phantasmagoria. 57 He read account of each, and name. When a sinner came before him, With his eyes he tried to gore him : "I find you doubly here to blame!" AND THEY SHALL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO' THE DEED DONE IN THE BODY. At his right hand sat the Savior His mein was mild with behavior As if he had a human heart. God, the Father, kept a-scolding. Over them the law a-holding. And bidding each one to depart. I WAS HUNGRY AND THOU GAVEST ME NAUGHT TO EAT. "To the left thou canst be drawing. And in anguish shalt be gnawing Thy wicked soul in suf rings drear." But the Son kept on a-holding, And was busily unfolding The sinners' favors, to him dear. "remember there is an ADVOCATE NEAR THE FATHER." Yet the Spirit kept on calling 58 The False and the True, Each, sin-account, and each falling, And the stern Judge was on his side. Still the Son stopped not his pleading. And oft their forgiveness reading; By which the court had to abide. THE SHEEP. Then the Father changed the finding Of the culprit, on him binding A long white robe and golden chain: ^ 'Enter now, thou faithful servant. Into Heaven. Thou'st been fervent In believing in my Son's gain." ^'WHEN SAW WE THEE HUNGRY AND GAVE THEE NO MEAT?" There I saw so many coming, And the most of them kept humming Some flattering praises to the Lamb. 1 Then, when before the court they came, .J And in the Lamb's book found no name, ^ They quickly changed their tunes, and damned. THE GOATS. Then in anger they were raving. For a Master now was craving 2^he Phantasmagoria. 59 Full adherence to his command. 'Twas the Devil who had gained them, And by trickery retained them; For full nine-tenths of men were damned. WHAT LESSONS WE MAY DRAW FROM THE SCENE. There I stood aghast, observing Peaceful nature's love conserving Life's harmony, so bright and good. Which the judgment came a-foiling; And its beauty God was spoiling. In seeking human gore and blood. why destroy entire nature because of man's sin? "Is this true, or am I dreaming Of a scene in life, with meaning Which I should know and understand? Shall this fair world now be destroyed. And benign nature be decoyed Into it, too, because of man?" PAR.T III. CHAPTER VIII. DOES NOT GOD BELITTLE HIS OWN ABILITIES BY THE FALL OF MAN? Close beside me stood a stranger, Whom I asked: "What caused this danger To the weal of the human race ? Is not man by God created ? By His spirit saturated ? Then why does He His work disgrace ?" THE ANSWER WE RECEIVE FROM THE TEACHERS. ''You should know it was the Devil, Who is always up to evil In places where his feet get in. Who became the ruling master. Through a wager's bad disaster. By tricking mankind into sin." IS NOT THE CREATOR GREATER THAN THE CREATURE ? "Who can trick the wise and mighty ? Who believes so must be flighty. The Phantasmagoria. 6i Or mucli deluded by a whim. God is ever wise and glorious, And must always be victorious Over that which opposes Him !" SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND. "O mortal man! with searching mind, You ever seek until you find The mystic key to the life's springs; From whence you came; whereto you go; What causes life; what makes things grow; What dams the Soul; and saving brings." KNOCK AND IT SHALL BE OPENED TO YOU. ''This scene in life, as shown to you. Has meanings which will help you to The religious lore interpret. Man's future life, his fallen state, Salvation, and his tragic fate, Have by teachers been perverted." CHAPTER IX. WHAT GOD IS. ^'Yea, God is great! His will is done: Though but the image of each one Who beholds his omnipotence. He fills immensity of space; Through the Life-ocean, by his grace, We are in his omnipresence." WHERE GOD IS FOUND. ^'He's center and circumference Of everything, with difference In structure, being, and in form! He is in and through every law; He can repel, and also draw; He is in air, in rock and worm." WHAT GOD IS LIKE. ^'He's soul-like and material, Crystalic and ethereal. And He is the Great All-Father; The chemical intelligence. Which by its constant diligence The unfolding life-germs gather." The Phantasmagoria. 63 WHAT RELATION DOES MAN BEAR TO GOD. ''In him we move, in him we live! Yet has no form till egos give To Him the same, when through Him born, And cosmic force is his true name. All life-egos pass through the same Organic channels into form. GOD AS SPIRIT AND GOD AS SOUL. As spirit, God — in nature's course — Is everywhere as cosmic force; But as the Universal Soul Is reasoning, progressive mind Bvolved from the organic kind. Till all are under his control. FAITH. Although his form we shape and mould His ever-presence we behold. And from him food and strength receive; Man is so made that he can draw To himself life from Him through law Of faith, and can himself relieve. WHAT GOD DOES. ''Whenever he by love is bound 64 "^^^^ False ajid the Tme. To crude matter, then he is found In the sexes' close relation. Then Devil-Hate comes on his course And causes quarrels and divorce, Scattering the new formation." GOD AND DEVIL. "Hence we find that Good and Evil, Act the same as God and Devil, And both are functions of life's state. When a substance comes between them They stop quarreling and unite, then They act as one — which is life's fate." HOW FAR THEY AGREE. 1 u And in unison keep moving In life's pleasure, still improving, Until it cannot hunger sate. Then there comes dissatisfaction. With a quarrel and a friction, Hence find it best to separate." LAW OF GROWTH. "Organic life is a river Of cell-lives, and keeping ever The cells at work to feed the soul. The Phantasmagoria. 65 Which in return are by him fed; Thus food through blood is to them led; Through birth and death each meets his goal." DIGESTION. ^'The cell-egos manufacture — By fermenting and cell-fracture — Two forces which they cannot use. One is too high, the other low. The high force does as soul-food go, Whilst lower lives the lowest use." ALIMENTATION. ^'Thus the food which man is eating, Causing pleasure at its meeting, Contains thousands of living cells. Which are crushed, and mashed, and melted, In the stomach's furnace smelted To yield its product which is Hell!" KXPUI.SION OF WASTE. ^' After yielding up its treasure It is expelled, with much pleasure; If long retained it causes pains; And sickness follows in its wake. 66 The False and the True. And death will soon him overtake, If for some cause it still remains." IT IS THE SOUL WHICH HAS NEED OF THE AURA GENERATED BY CELL-LIFE. '' 'Tis God's law which does the crushing, Whilst the Spirit is them rushing Into the stomach's caldron hot. Where the Devil tortures, goads them; From their sex -force he unloads them; But the ego he touches not." WHAT PORTION OF THE FOOD IS RETAINED. ^'For the sex-force of the cell-life Goes to feed the body's soul-life; And cell-ghosts go to higher planes, There to enter higher sex-life, And to feed the highest soul-life. Thus life goes on, and ever gains." OTHER LIBERATING FORCES OF NATURE. "There are many solving forces — Each through Nature ever courses. As light and darkness, heat and cold — Which bring to life, and separate; The old destroy, and new create; And each step gained the spirits hold." The Phantasmagoria. 67 KVOIvUTION OF THE SPIRIT : "For each ego always chooses Force like hiraself, which he uses To his own hunger satisfy. Whereby he gains his highest bound On the unfolding ladder's round, And is thus saved and glorified." CHAPTER X. MAN'S OBTUSENESS OF UNDERSTANDING "Who can this subject comprehend, Or to its highest point ascend! For life and matter have e'er been. But tell me how it came about, So many different forms came out, Which through creation we have seen?" earth's SEVEN CREATIVE PERIODS: a AND THE EVENING AND THE MORNING WAS THE THIRD DAY." "Suns, stars and worlds formed on their ways, On various creation days: 68 The False and the True, On the earth's third life-egos came In vap'rous fogs, formed vegetation, Snakes and fish; from fourth's creation The fossil monsters make their fame." ^'and the evening and the morning was the sixth day." ''On the fifth the mammalians, grand, Of all descriptions came to hand. From models, varied, high and new; The sixth day was the bipeds' day: Four kinds of men appeared. They say i^H That mother Eve came last in view." ^^H "ON THE SEVENTH DAY HE RESTED FROM ALL HIS WORK." "The seventh day is now at hand, And winter has been o'er the land, Light and darkness have been wrestling During winter, and the sun's fall — From whence came sin's own bitter gall: From new work God has been resting." CHAPTER XL HOW THE CREA.TION OF MAN APPEARS TO THE QUESTIONER. Damnation came through Adam's fall, Whilst the Creator caused it all; And did not show omnipotence, In not sparing His only Son, And from sin's sting save every one: Did He then show his competence? THE LAW OF UNFOLDMENT. ^'The molecules from atoms grow; Through protoplasm egos go, On the life-unfolding-ladder. On top we find the human race. With one foot on the highest place. And in spirit realms the other. THE FOUR PERIODS OF LIFE. ''Each living thing has four life-zones: Spring, Summer, Fall, then Winter comes. When all lives must be protected. Each has its morning, noon and night; Birth, youth, and life, then comes death's flight. From which each is resurrected." CHEMIC FORCES /V-%- ?^^.^^- ^^ The scene grew dim, the stranger said. iVs he gentl}^ brought to view A charming picture in its stead: From the Cradle to the Tomb. 163 ''This is of life more true." Two lovely children are at play — Their books and slates aside — Spending in mirth their holiday In meadows green and wide. They chase each other o'er the lea, And both so happy are. They gather flowers fair to see, No troubles do them mar. The stranger said: " 'Tis life's fair morn For this bright girl and boy; May roses grow without a thorn, And their lives be but joy." He changed this youthful, pleasing scene To the moon's soften'd light. 'Twas charming as a poet's dream In a bright, starry night. Under a shade-tree's spreading boughs Two youths with sparkling eyes Were pledging there in love their vowSj By their heart-yearning sighs, "O happy boy and girl!" I cried. "Your cups are filled with love I 164 The False a7id the True. What can you ask on earth beside? Your hope-stars shine above." The stranger's face looked touched and sad. "May no grief bow their heads! But with each good there comes some bad For one who life's-road treads." Then to a rural scene we go, With cottage, farm and field. Where wheat and corn in plenty grow. With promise of great yield. The youth and maid are married now, And charmed by a loved child; They under toil's burdens bow. With cheerful looks so mild. He changed the scene — long years have fled- To a dreary, silent morn. From the Cradle to the Tomb. 165 Where two parents weep o'er their dead — Heart-rending and forlorn. The only sonnd within that room Comes from some broken heart. The intense angnish and the gloom, Tears heart and soul apart. He, weeping, sobbing, turned his face. " 'Tis part of life," he said; ^ 'Earth is a mirth and mourning place — The dead are still not dead! They are not even sleeping there. But oft stand by and hear The mourners' cries, and try to bear Their anguish and their fear." He forthwith wiped his tears away. Brushed back his flaxen hair. And changed the scene to brightest day. Which spellbound held me there. Two aged ones, with care much bent. Came walking, hand in hand. With hopeful smiles, from Heaven lent, Bound for a better land. They from the strand a fairer clime View across Death river, 1 66 The False and the True. And longingly abide the time For their passing over. At last the boatman comes in view, His back is turned with tide, And in his boat he takes the two Safe to the other side. The misty veil which hangs between Here and that blissful land Is cleared away — now can be seen Heaven's immortal strand. Such hearty welcome which they meet, Before I never saw. Their long-lost friends, with joy, them greet, And in communion draw. "Tell me, kind stranger, what this means? Have I a vision seen? Or are these only empty dreams, Which leave me thus serene?" "This is the path of life for man From cradle to the tomb. These are the children who once ran Sporting in life's forenoon." "They are now gray and old, from care, For roses oft have thorns; Santa Claus. 167 Each one Has burdens hard to bear. The hardest he who mourns. Death takes them to life's other strand, On Heaven's blissful shore, Where the sun in the Spirit land Shines brighter evermore." Then brighter, brighter, grew the goal Of Heaven's peaceful land. Nearer, nearer, it drew my soul To that charmed, blissful band; Until he in a misty cloud Dissolved and disappeared, And all vanished. With head bowed, Back to the earth I neared. iANTA CLAUi: HIi CALiE AND ORIGIN EXPLAINED. Thou Santa Claus of Christmas time. Who dost not think of thee? Thou art the theme for many rhyme Around the Christmas tree. They say thou art, and yet, art not; And, Santa Claus, thou still — i68 The False and the True. Or some one else gav'st what we got — Didst our stockings fill! Who art thou? And where com'st thou from? What is thy pedigree? From whence dost all thy presents come We every Christmas see? Why dost not come some other day, But just on Christmas eve? Why dost not come in March or May, And then your presents leave? Santa Claus. 169 They say thou ridest reindeer train From the cold, polar ice; And thy span to the chimneys chain, Thence bringest thy surprise. We cannot see how thou com'st down There with thy bulky load. Perhaps thou leavest goods in town, And Cometh by the road. Nor can we see how thou canst be, Throughout the entire world. At ever}^ place on Christmas eve. Art thou by lightning hurled? These are the questions asked each year, By young, and by some old. "Why tell such nonsense, just to cheer. When a real falsehood told?" Asks he who finds his gifts have come From toil, and suff'ring, too; And he who is without a home. Scarce knowing what to do. Whose morsels are by sorrow spread. From no fault of his own ; Whom accident, or fate, has led On paths by life-thorns grown. Yyo The False and the 2'rue, AVe say to each and every one, To aged and to yonth, Santa Clans is a legend come From Nature's solid truth. We do proclaim : He lives, and still, By chimney and by road, Dost all thy wants and pleasures fill From his benignant load. He is an old and pleasant chap. With pockets full of gifts. He gives the harvest, and the chaff From your own life-grain sifts. In legend he, in each cult-lore. Is known by his own name. Where'er we go He is before, Though not pronounced the same. Some call him Allah, and some God, All-Father, and the Sun. Whatever name the}^ choose to laud, He is the self-same one. In all lands is a custom old. When death occurs, to take Of his left property, and hold A burial feast and wake. Santa Claus. 171 Old cult-lores teacli.tliat spirits feast On odors from the food, Whilst relatives partake — at least The ghost keeps in good mood. So think the Brahmin, Moslem, Jew And Irim; likewise do The Indians, Chinese, Esquimaux, And even Christians, too. Then they an inventory take Of chattels and wealth left; Produce of air, field, wood and lake ; All owned by the bereft. Each heir receives thereof his part. And in it pleasure finds. Because abundance fills the heart, And closely to it binds. The Year-God dies and is entombed, December Twenty-first; To give his Soul light in the gloom, And his death prison burst. The Church her burial-rites must lave; Hence, cattle, hogs, for meat Are slain, and bread is baked to save For him aromas sweet. 172 The False and the True. The twenty-fourth the feast runs high, Until the midnight hour, Then slowly to its close draws nigh The pleasure-making power. But proclamation carols ring From charming angel voices: "A child is born! A God and King! All life now rejoices!" Lo, and behold! The Sun passed o'er The bright solstitial line, And the Gods who were dead before Are now re-born to time. The wake's solemn festivity Ends in a birthday feast. Eight days in his nativity. And the year is released. The year is born and goes its course. And what exists does grow. The heirship right man claims — by force- Though oft' he no seeds sow. We must by fire our food prepare; Melt metal from the rocks; Must till the fields and roads repair; Must feed and tend the flocks. Santa C/aus. 173 We plant and reap; we spin and weave; We likewise cut and sew; But to produce we have to leave For Nature's God to do. He comes by chimney, low and tall, And every other way: Thus, Santa Claus gives each and all. And we naught to him pay. All things which grow — we only tend — Comes from life and the sun; We have but to assistance lend, By them the work is done. Each is a child of Santa Claus, And an heir of each year. These are the reasons and the cause Why Christmas he comes near. We creative energies behold — Remembering we receive. Give others some of what we hold 'Most every Christmas eve — Which give to us, concealing source; And to this lesson learn. We say it comes by Santa's course, And love him in return. ^74 T^^^^ False and the True. Christmas, a Pagan harvest feast, At whiter solstice line, All cult-lores keep, and — we, at least — Keep part for Easter time. When Nature rises from the grave, The year at Christmas laid. And lavishly her verdure lave With flow'ry perfume's aid. She in her beauty rises high — In glory almost lost — Till germ-formation time draws nigh. Which is her Pentecost; Then with the Sun to Heav'n ascends, With offerings of her fruit, And to its charming bliss much lends; Thus proves herself astute. O Nature's Prince! We thanks thee pay; For Santa Claus thou brought; The Year-Christ's birth, and New Year's day; For Easter wonders wrought. For Pentecost, Ascension, too. And thy return again; Thy solemn death, and for gifts new; And th}^ continued reign. To the Reader. 175 Now, dear reader, we thank you for your kind attention and patience in reading this volume. We hope you will study it closely and imbibe all the good there is in it. In a companion volume, which we are now writing, we will endeavor to show how the tran- sition from Paganism to Christianity came about, and that we are in a new transition period in which the false is struggling with the true for mastery, and how the true can become victorious, though now conquered by the false. What name we will give to the same depends upon the copy- right office. AUG. 15 190; AUG 1 2 1902 \y / M 'X\ -V V \ >:3: