Selections From “The Gospel of the Holy Twelve” by Reverend Gideon Jasper Richard Ouseley (vegetarian) – Chapters 6–8, Part 2 of 2

CHAPTER VII John The Baptist Preaches Repentance: Forbids Flesh-Eating And Deeds Of Cruelty: Enjoins Mercy To Man And Creatures.

“[…] Then came also certain tax gatherers to be baptized and said unto him, ‘Master, what shall we do?’ And he said unto them, ‘Exact no more than that which is appointed you, and be merciful after your ability.’ And the soldiers likewise demanded of him saying, ‘And what shall we do?’ And he said unto them, ‘Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with sufficient wages.’ And to all he spoke saying, ‘Keep yourselves from blood and things strangled, and from dead bodies of birds and creatures and from all deeds of cruelty, and from all that is gotten of wrong. Think ye that the blood of creatures and of birds will wash away sin? I tell you nay; speak the truth, be just, be merciful to one another, and to all creatures that live; and walk humbly with your God.’

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ or not, John answered saying unto them all, ‘I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with Water and with Fire. […]’”

CHAPTER VIII The Baptism Of Jesus. Testimony Of John The Baptist.

“And it was in the midst of the summer, the tenth month. Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade Him saying, ‘I have need to be baptized of Thee, and come Thou to me?’ And Jesus answering said unto him, ‘Allow it to be so now, for thus it become Us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then He allowed him.

And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo the Heavens were opened unto Him, and a bright cloud stood over Him, and from behind the cloud Twelve Rays of Light, and thence in the form of a Dove, the Spirit of God descending and lighting upon Him. And lo a voice from Heaven saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well please; this day have I begotten Him.’ And John bare witness of Him saying, ‘This was He of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was in part given by Moses, but grace and truth come in fulness by Jesus Christ. No man has seen God at any time. The only begotten, which comes from the bosom of the Eternal, in the same is God revealed.’”