"kingdom of
heaven." Again He points out that the "righteousness" required to gain
the "kingdom of heaven" is a far different thing from the formalism,
ceremonialism and "churchism" of the scribes and pharisees--people
who, in that day, stood for that which the "churchy" preachers and
their bigoted, narrow flock of sheep-like parishioners stand for
today. It requires more than "faithful performance of church duties"
to enter into the real "kingdom of heaven." Jesus was ever a foe of
the narrow formalism which clings close to the empty forms and words,
and which ignores the Spirit. Were He to return today, He would drive
from the temples the horde of money-making preachers and hypocritical
followers who make a mock of sacred things.

"Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou
shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger
of the judgment: but I say unto you that every one who is
angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment;
and whosoever shall say to his brother 'Raca,' shall be in
danger of the council; and whosoever shall say 'Thou fool'
shall be in danger of the hell of fire. If therefore thou
art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy
gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled
to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with
thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him; lest haply
thine adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge
deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out
thence till thou hast paid the last farthing." (_Matt.
5:21-26._)

These verses emphasize the teachings that sin consists not only of
deeds and actions performed, but equally of _thoughts and desires
entertained and encouraged in the mind_. The desire and thought, made
welcome in the mind of a person, is the seed and germ of the sin or
crime, even though they may never be manifested in action. To wish to
kill is a sin, just as is the deed of killing. This is an old occult
teaching, imparted to all candidates for Initiation.

"Ye have heard that it was said Thou shalt not commit
adultery, but I say unto you that every one that looketh on
a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her
already in his heart. And i