The Advent of Dionysus / Ephraim and Manasseh / 10.01

Israel's Blessing

1	"And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. . . .

And Joseph took both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me fromall evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

5	And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh." Genesis 48:5-20

Israel Blesses Joseph

The above passage speaks of Israel's adoption of the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, and his blessing of them before he died. Hence it speaks of Israel's rightful inheritance or, lineage of that nation, which is The Church: i.e., ". . . let my name be named on them."

Genesis 48:16 This is elaborated further when Israel blesses Joseph:

"Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob . . . by the God of thy father, who shall help thee . . . the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren."

Genesis 49: 22-26

Great Britain and United States

This clearly suggests Israel's inheritance (or main blessing) will be passed on to Joseph. And brings up what I spoke about Great Britain and the United States in chapter 1: where Great Britain represents the 5th Church, and the United States represents the 6th Church. It thus becomes evident that these are the two sons of Joseph: Great Britain who is Ephraim: ". . . his seed shall become a multitude of nations" (or, the British Commonwealth); and the United States who is Manasseh: ". . . he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great." And, since these are arguably two of the greatest nations to ever exist, it's easy to see the connection, especially when we realize the Judeo-Christian ethic, in accord with the Bible, has survived here more than elsewhere.

In biblical times, the tribe of Ephraim was a single tribe, living in close proximity to its neighbors, and wasn't even a nation, let alone a multitude of nations. Obviously then, we have ask at what point this is supposed to occur? It hasn't been until recent history, with the arrival of Great Britain, that we can even begin to consider it. And, as Israel "set Ephraim before Manasseh," it follows that a single "great nation," which is Manasseh—with distinct ties to his brother—should also appear. This is the United States. And, in modern times, the United States has become the anchor to the world and, the support of all that preceded it: Great Britain or the British Empire.

And so brings up my analogy of the walnut tree in chapters 1 and 6, where the stem appears first and, is rooted in the soil. This is Manasseh, the firstborn. Yet, as the foliage proceeds from the stem, it appears to be set before the stem, as new growth replaces old. Actually that's not quite what happens but, by grafting the English walnut (Ephraim) to the black walnut (Manasseh), the English walnut—its fruit the desired fruit—takes precedent and, indeed is set first. Therefore Ephraim was set before Manasseh.

Mormon Church

Regarding my referrence to the Mormon Church in chapter 1, it's uncanny how the descendants of Lehi (the Nephites and Lamanites), the ancient peoples who came to America, were descendants of Manasseh! And in Alma 10:3 it says: "And Aminadi was a descendant of Nephi, who was the son Lehi, who came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by the hands of his brethren." I have no way of verifying this for myself but, in creating such a myth, it fills that spiritual void that would have existed when coming to this new land. While it's curious how the name of its founder was Joseph Smith. Besides, who's to account for the Native Americans? Surely God didn't put them here arbitrarily! (i.e., we're all descendants of the human race).

While here, Israel had twelve sons, and by adopting Ephraim and Manasseh it became fourteen: Manasseh became the thirteenth and Ephraim the fourteenth. Thus it's significant that the United States, which is Manasseh, originally had thirteen colonies. And here is something simply amazing. If you look at the back of a one dollar bill, you'll notice thirteen five pointed stars above the eagle which form into a six pointed star. So here it is the United States represents Manasseh, the thirteenth son and, the 6th Church! Whereas the six pointed star itself becomes the fourteenth, with respect to the thirteen five pointed stars. And here it is Great Britain represents Ephraim, the fourteenth son and, the 5th Church! And so it follows the thirteen five pointed stars should represent the thirteen colonies of Great Britain. Wow!

The number 13 is also harmonically the same as the number 6 (see Gerarai), which is the United States or 6th Church. And in Revelation chapter 7, it speaks of the 144 thousand of the tribes of Israel, sealed with the seal of God in their foreheads: and Manasseh is the 6th tribe sealed. Hence in Swedenborg's account, in The Apocalypse Revealed, he says Manasseh, in accord with being listed 6th, corresponds to the voluntary of the church: or, one's free will. Which clearly alludes to the United States, the freest nation to ever exist!

Thus it's significant that the first battle of the Civil War, which was fought over slavery, was fought in Manassas; which indeed sounds like Manasseh. These are nearly the same name. Manasseh is also called Manasses in

Matthew 1:10. And of course the thirteenth amendment, which was later added to the U.S. Constitution—abolishes slavery! It's also interesting how Manasseh sounds like Vanessa, the 6th aspect of Gerarai: with the letter "V" incorporated in the letter "M."

When considering the colors of the American flag, red, white and blue, which are also the colors of Great Britain's flag (and now Russia's), it brings to mind the number 146 (as detailed on the front cover). Which happens to correspond to the number 6 (of Gerarai), which is the United States. And thus shows the 6th church proceeding from the 5th church, which is Ephraim or Great Britain—the 14th son (i.e., 14 + 6). Also, the dream I had with the red, white and blue race cars, prior to the rebirth experience (see chapter 5), suggests exactly this: The Advent of the 6th Church. For an automobile represents one's freedom or, free will.

Roy Masters

I also credit Roy Masters, an Englishman—and a Jew—who immigrated to the United States (I don't recall if he's a citizen?), with the task of transplanting The Church to North America. Thus we have Ephraim (Roy), transferred to Manasseh, who I view as myself (as symbolized by the walnut tree). And I'm reminded of the story of King Manasseh, the corrupt king of Judah, who committed grievous abominations in the Lord's sight, and was carried off to Babylon. Where he humbled himself greatly, and was remitted of his sins, and later returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 33

2 Kings 21 In many ways I'm reminded of my youth (as I refer to in the next chapter). Hence the nature of repentance itself, occurs through one's understanding (Ephraim), together with what one hopes or longs for, which is of the will (Manasseh).

Manasseh was also the thirteenth biblical king, in succession to Saul, the first. And while for different reasons, i.e., drugs—thereby signifying my corruption—I had the number 13 tattooed on my left arm as a youth (similar to Israel placing his left hand on Manasseh's head above). Known for trying to introduce polytheism, prior to his exile, Manasseh later withdrew from this and reinstituted monotheism. Afterwards: ". . . the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the Lord their God only."

2 Chronicles 33:17 In many ways it reflects my presentation of the Greek deities here: although I recognize and accept the truth of other religions, I still only believe in One God.

As for Roy Masters' church, The FHU, I don't view it as the real church, for we're speaking of the 6th Church. And apart from being British (in accord with the 5th Church), there are numerous falsities associated here: what I view correspondently with the Church of Smyrna, the 2nd church in

Revelation (2:8-11). Swedenborg calls it the church of false doctrine in The Apocalypse Revealed. (I speak more of this in the next few chapters.) Thus it seems fitting that their church correspond to the 2nd church, as this is the medium or, second segment of the cross, which joins the 5th church to the 6th church: i.e., the 5th and 6th aspects of the cross. Although here I view Roy himself as the 5th Earl of Roy, which signifies the understanding (again the correlation to Great Britain). Which indeed is the mainstay of what he preaches, and it's the kind of impact he's had on my life.

The Gulf War

Another thing of more current interest, is the pact that existed between the United States, Great Britain and Israel, in the Gulf War (in 1991). A close-knit alliance existed between these three as they had the most at stake (as did Saudi Arabia). Hence is it only a coincidence that 146 American troops died in this war? (It was later revised to 148.) Thus we have Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah (the Jews): and, in Israel's blessing of Judah he says: "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. . . ."

Genesis 49:8 Surely since the advent of modern Israel, since after World War II, this has been the case. But, were it not for the vast amount of aid from the United States and Great Britain, Israel would not exist. (It's clear all three are affiliated.) Thus I see an alliance between Ephraim, Manasseh and Judah, that will likely continue—for always.

Also, the Soviet Union or Russia played an integral role in this war: more of a silent partner or role of non-interference—for once. Which leads me to what I believe will be the next phase of The Church. And as I said in chapter 1, the 7th church will correspond to Russia; confirmed in part by my rebirth experience along the Russian River. Also, by looking at a map showing the tribal divisions of ancient Israel, there were two territories associated with Manasseh: one to the northeast and one to the southwest. Thus it occurred to me that they corresponded to Russia (to the northeast) and the United States (to the southwest).

Ties with Russia

This may not seem all that substantial, but when considering the close ties Russia has had with Great Britain and the United States, it portrays a real connection. For example, consider all the marriages between the royal families of Great Britain and Czarist Russia: what would have represented the reign of Ephraim. And, consider the close economic ties between Russia and the United States: what corresponds to the current reign of Manasseh, with Russia dependent on the United States more than ever. Nor must we forget the close ties these three countries had during World War II.

And in his book, Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville (French author and statesman), speaks of the similarities that would likely occur between the United States and Russia. (And he wrote this in the middle of the 19th century!) He said these two giants would be reared at the same time and, although they approached each other as opposites, they would someday effect a merger in ideologies, and become very much alike. (And like the United States, the symbol of Czarist Russia was the bald eagle.) So here we are today, having adopted numerous socialist policies into American culture (even more so with Great Britain), while the Soviet Union itself has collapsed, to form a loose coalition of states—to restructure and go to a free market economy.

And when speaking in terms of Gerarai, the numbers 33, 34 and 343 are brought to mind: as corresponds to the 5th (33), the 6th (34) and the 7th (343). Hence in chapter 6, I portray the symmetry of the cross, with these numbers plotted accordingly. Indeed it shows the 7th state tying the 6th state to the 5th state—through the 2nd segment—to become the extension of the 6th state. Hence, by joining the numbers 6 and 2, the number 62 is formed, which corresponds to 6 itself! Therefore both the United States and Russia are viewed correspondently as Manasseh.

I've also shown that the number 146 represents the United States. So the next number after that, 147, would represent Russia. An interesting number, that corresponds to the age Israel died.

Genesis 47:27-31 It also signifies the first, middle and last (i.e., red, white and violet). And thereby depicts the lineage of Israel.

Russia the Seventh Church

Due to the nature of its people, it seems fitting that Russia represent the seventh state of the church. For I've already stated the seventh church signifies the marriage of the fifth and sixth churches: the understanding to the will. And when speaking of marriage, one is speaking of adherence: and I would venture to say the Russian people are conditioned towards adherence more than any other. And once released from the yoke of tyranny (communist dogma), and they find a system that really works, I doubt very much that they'll err from it.

This brings up what

Revelation 3:14-22 says about the Church of Laodicea, the seventh and lukewarm church. And when speaking of what lukewarm means, we're speaking of one's faithfulness or, fidelity. (The seventh commandment says, "Don't commit adultery.") It also suggests a state of vacillation, between what one truly believes, and going off and doing something to the contrary (which is also a form of adultery).

As communist dogma itself adulterates the truth, I suggest it represents what is lukewarm (not necessarily the people under its dominion). And once it's cast off, the Soviet or Russian people, are likely to experience the kind of freedom they've always longed for. And casting it off may only be a matter of recognizing their ties with Ephraim, from above (British Royalty), and Manasseh from below (the American economic and justice system). And once this occurs, it's likely to be the final statement, or reflection, of what the western church entails. I honestly can't conceive of any further development beyond this—not to say there won't be!