Preface

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TV

Gass

Book

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT

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ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY

OR

THE LESSER MYSTERIES

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Some Leading Works

BY

ANNIE BESANT

THOUGHT POWER
ANCIENT IDEALS
THE ANCIENT WISDOM
THE PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP
IN THE OUTER COURT
BUILDING OF KOSMOS
FOUR GREAT RELIGIONS
THE SEVEN MANUALS
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

For Full List See End of Volume

Esoteric Christianity

OR

The Lesser Mysteries

BY

ANNIE BESANT

NEW YORK
JOHN LANE: THE BODLEY HEAD
1902

35 Ps6 3
7

In proceeding to the contemplation of the mys-
teries of knowledge, we shall adhere to the celeb-
rated and venerable rule of tradition, commencing
from the origin of the universe, setting forth those
points of physical contemplation which are necess-
ary to be premised, and removing whatever can
be an obstacle on the way ; so that the ear may be
prepared for the reception of the tradition of the
Gnosis, the ground being cleared of weeds and
fitted for the planting of the vineyard ; for there is
a conflict before the conflict, and mysteries before
the mysteries. — 'S. Clement of Alexandria

Let the specimen suffice to those who have ears.
For it is not required to unfold the mystery, but
only to indicate what is sufficient. — Ibid.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. — S.

Matthew

Copyright
1901 ' J
By JOH^'LANE
A II Rights Reserved

TH? LIBRARY OF
CONGRESS,

Two Copies ^ec^o

DEC. 4 1301

CLASS <^XXa N».

COPY A.

IV

CONTENTS

PAGE

Foreword vii