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appearance altered; he became a deeply-thoughtful and for a time a highlyintrospective young man. He possessed, however, a keen and wide sense of humour, which proved of the utmost value in his new life. He was gradually entrusted with important missions, on which he carried letters, manuscripts, and magical objects to other centres in the neighbourhood. By this time the descent of the Spirit upon Jesus was beginning, and consequently there was very great activity in the various occult fraternities in and near Palestine. Great care was expended upon the disciple Jesus, who was guarded by angels on the inner planes and by members of an occult” fraternity on the physical. Simon first met Jesus when the manifestation of our Lord’s presence was just beginning. He was travelling with a number of his brothers of the monastery, when, in a secluded glade, the actual meeting took place.34 The scene was a very remarkable one. Some fifty or sixty adults, both men and women, as well as numbers of young people of both sexes, were gathered together. Jesus was singularly unaffected, frank, open, natural, and very like the picture by Hoffman of the boy Jesus in the Temple. At this time He was about twenty-eight, though looking younger. He was paler than most of the other people, His skin being fair for that district. He was wearing a light and somewhat downy moustache, medium-coloured hair worn rather long, and loose garments. His temperament was singularly happy, and a wonderful light shone all about Him. He bore evidence of having led a rather sheltered life, and seemed to prefer the companionship of the young people, amongst whom He had certain special friends. He was deferential to the elders of the party, and almost childlike in His obedience to them. There were a number of very great people in His train, who would almost appear to have reached Masterhood. Some of the women, too, were remarkable for their wisdom, as well as for their beauty and gentleness. The monastic party approached, and its members were greeted by their friends. Some went straight up to the leaders, with whom they engaged in earnest conversation under the trees, whilst others joined the younger group. Simon was presented to Jesus, who received him in a gracious, unaffected manner. They talked naturally and freely, and towards evening a meeting was held at which Jesus spoke, being preceded by some of the leaders. As He spoke. He changed, and a magical atmosphere surrounded the whole group. The outer world was forgotten for a time, as He drew them close to Himself and taught them with