17 The priesthood cannot be reformed; it is already dead; its greatest needs are graves and funeral chants.
18 The new age calls for liberty; the kind that makes each man a priest, enables him to go alone, and lay his offerings on the shrine of God.
19 And Kaspar said, In Persia people walk in fear; they do the good for fear to do the wrong.
20 The devil is the greatest power in our land, and though a myth, he dandles on his knee both youth and age.
21 Our land is dark, and evil prospers in the dark.
22 Fear rides on every passing breeze, and lurks in every form of life.
23 The fear of evil is a myth, is an illusion and a snare; but it will live until some mighty power shall come to raise the ethers to the plane of light.
24 When this shall come to pass the magian land will glory in the light. The soul of Persia calls for light.
CHAPTER 57.
Meeting of the sages, continued. Opening addresses. Jesus with the sages. Seven days’ silence.