THE PERSONAL APPLICATION
“We introduce the following chapters to aid those whose minds are reaching out for methods by which to attain the ultimate that has been set forth in this work. We have not attempted to give the methods in their regular sequence, because the experiences of each individual will be different, and the angel of the Lord will lead each one according to his peculiar quality and temperament. We believe these facts are presented for the first time to the world because the time has arrived for the coming of the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, referred to in the third and fourth chapters of Malachi. The office of this MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT will be to lead men to the Door, to the Christ, who will introduce them in thru the gate into the city to the Father, for, as we have before stated, the time has come for the establishment of that Eternal Order in the physical form upon earth once more, of which Order Christ came as a member, and as he said 1900 years ago, so say we, “Be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not, the Son of man cometh.”
Part 1:
Our Lord Jesus said, “Narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it.” No doubt since the time of Christ, these words have brought a shock to many a devout soul; but we are inclined to believe that the words, “few be they that find it”, were intended more especially to apply to the age of generation and death intervening between the time of Christ and the present, for, as has been herein stated, it is the attainment through this “narrow way” that was the ultimate purpose in the mind of the Creator in creating man. This purpose is the end to which all men must attain some time, but at this time, at the end of this age, there will be comparatively few that will attain. We repeat here what has been said before, that all who have the will to attain, may attain, for the fact that they have the will to live the life requisite to attain, is an absolute proof that they have the ability within themselves.
Again, it was said by the apostle, “Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”; for not only has he given the world the quality that is planted in the earth-life of man, the substance of Divinity, but his teachings have been left on record, which, if followed faithfully, will lead man to the final goal – immortality. But there are some things about the history of the church in the past that repel many intelligent, highly developed people of our day from seeking what used to be called “religion”, or “conversion.” This repulsion is mainly due to a peculiar emotionalism that has followed the church.
This emotional devotion has had its use, not that the Elohim are influenced by that emotional zeal, for it is the office and desire of God and his angels to lead his people in the way of true intelligence; but emotional devotion has served the purpose of breaking down and suppressing the animal sense desires, and has caused the inner consciousness to centralize on the idea of God. This has enabled God’s people in the church to inspire, to draw in, so to speak, from the Universal Soul a new and higher quality of life, and it has produced sufficient effect upon many to cause them to continue striving to live a better life – striving to be the expression of that higher life that has been drawn into the organism.
But now that we have come to know the truth – for the Lord Christ said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” – we have endeavored to set forth the great truths of the Gospel of Christ; and if these facts are fully grasped by the intelligence, they will have an important influence on the soul-consciousness, because they are truth.”
Hiram Butler
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 