The Book of the Light

by Oddonomics

"Blessed is the Light and all those that read its sacred words. Through the teachings of Seamus and Gareth, along with those that came after, you can free yourself from the slavery of false gods, and become a living divine yourself (results may vary)." A fake religious book I wrote a few years ago. Please don't take it seriously.

4. The First Book of Gareth

The First Book of Gareth

I

The chronicles of Gareth the Fire Master, detail how his courage and persistence brought the teaching of the Light as taught by Seamus to the West, bringing these United States to a more perfect union and understanding of the true nature of existence. As it was foretold by the prophets in ancient times, "The man that once lived in shadows shall become a beacon of the Light. For the mighty shall submit to the gathering of masses and become humble before the Lord." Through connection, and knowing the joint suffering we entail together, both Seamus and Gareth brought the Light to all corners of this nation.

There was a certain man named Daniel who lived with his wife Betty. They were owners of a local convenience store and believed in the wicked belief of the Christian deity. For days and days, Betty would slave herself to her husband, but no child appeared. Suddenly, while she was awake, a light appeared before her, and it called out her name.

It said, "Betty, why thou persist to honor a husband that refuses to honor thyself?"

Betty replied, "Who is it that gives me presence?"

The voice replied, "I am the Light, and I shall birth you a son. I shall be his father and not thy wicked husband, for he dishonors thyself. Behold as I plant my seed into you, as a plant ground its roots into the soil. The child shall be a beacon for the Light and shall inherit thy kingdom."

Betty was afraid and said nothing to her husband. She bore a child and named him Gareth Vandersleld, for that was her husband's surname. So, the prophecy was fulfilled, as it was spoken by the prophets before the Light was cruelly taken from the people in ancient times, "He shall be named by me, but he shall not be of my kin." Although she knew the child was from the Light, her husband Daniel did not, and abused both physically and mentally. Daniel forced Gareth to attend the false religion's church, where Gareth was indoctrinated and forced to believe in a concept, that he secretly knew was a lie. Gareth grew to become a bitter adult, and after leaving home fell into dark temptations. For ten years he lived on the street homeless when Seamus came forth and healed Gareth of his sickness.

Seamus said, "Come my brother, for the Light as a calling for you. No matter how far deep into the darkness a man may delve, the Light shall rescue you if you seek its guidance. For the Light is kindness, unlike the Christian false god who is jealous. Rise now you shall forever be known as the Fire Master, greatest of your elemental class."

And so, Gareth rose and became a follower of the Light. As it was foretold by the prophets, "In the end days, before the tribunal comes, the first testament to the Light shall find the second testament of the Light immediately." And so, Gareth became wise and a teacher of men.

II

And so, as it was, only days before Seamus was shot by the traitor, he took Gareth and Seamus spook to him.

Seamus declared, "My days are numbered, but your days are many. You shall go forth to the west, for the calling the Light yearns to travel to foreign lands so that all can know the glory of the Light."

Gareth replied, "I shall go forth wherever the Light instructs me, for I know the Light is wise. My power of flame shall warn cold hearts and bring comfort to those that need it the most. For, although my body is weak, and my mind weaker, through the power of the Light we shall overcome all challenges."

Seamus instructed, "go forth my son, and fellow follower of the Light. Travel to each city on this continent. Care not what you wear on your feet, for the Light cares not for such trivial matters.

And Seamus said, "Go to the city of Los Angeles, where a pray has been made. A person seeks to know the true make of this world, and they shall now gain the correct answer. Do not mind whether you are using public transport, or simply walking to your destination, for the Light knows you are doing its deeds, nonetheless. A walking stick or not, for the Light shall always be your guide.

"Many shall cross your path and hinder your travel. Be kind to them, for they know not what they are doing. For the Darkness controls the hearts of many, yet the many are yet to realise the darkness that hides within them. Through the power of the Light, and the kindness of the heart, these misled people were come to understand and value the Light. For only the kind ones shall inherit what the Light proposes in the earlier days.

"And if forbid, the Darkness tempts you into committing atrocities, for it is willing to commit such acts of inhumanity, do not associate with such wicked beings for they will only drag you further into the Darkness. For they may say their god sacrificed himself for you, but this is to guilt you into thinking you are in the wrong. For as long as you follow the Light, no false deity needs to sacrifice themselves on your behalf."

And so, Gareth collected his most trustworthy followers to join him on his journey to the west. His followers included Tobias of Newark, Pedro of Fire, Mannford of Florida, Angelica of Boston, and Alfred the brother of Max.

And Gareth said to his followers, "He that wishes to stay behind, leave now, for the Light shall forgive. But if you follow the Light, what you leave behind you will gain tenfold. For we may not see these lands again but believe me we shall see them again in spirit through the power of the Light. For we are mighty few, but history will remember us as the beginning of many."

And so, as it was said by the Prophet Kyla, "The Nation shall unite under the Light, both west and east shall know thy name."

III

And so, as it was, Gareth returned to New York, which was his place of birth just like Seamus, to confront his family. His family thought he was out of his mind and tried to restrain him. Gareth's father was calling to get his son into a mental institution when a blinding light appeared. Gareth was free and could continue his journey.

Gareth then travelled to Philadelphia, for he had heard a new congregation dedicated to teaching the Light was in the city. When he arrived, fear struck them down for dark spirits roamed freely. The followers were scared due to the cold night and were forced to go into hiding. Now as Gareth entered the city, behold there was a dark spirit waiting there to meet him.

It said, "Who of which comes before me, for I rule this city. For what purpose have you come here, Gareth the Fire Master." (For the dark spirit knew who he was.) "Have you no other city to go to preach your teachings?"

And so, Gareth went forth, and declared, "Go away from this place, dark spirit of the elder days, for I come in the name of the Light. With the power that the Light gives me I order you to go from this city and never return. You shall never burden this city again if the Light inhabits these city boundaries."

The dark spirit replied, "We shall go away as you have ordered, for we fear the Light. But know this, we shall return to this city and reclaim what is rightfully ours. For the Light can only protect this city for as long as its teaching is preached. If a single believer stops believing, we shall return."

And so, as it was, the dark spirit left the city, and the followers of the Light rejoiced.

Gareth was now full of courage and spirit, went to the steps of the town hall, and he began preaching teaching the coming of the Light, and that through the Light's blessing all can become enlightened.

He declared, "Fear not, o unbelievers, for I am of the Light. The light has chosen this city to be a beacon, as foretold by the prophets. For as it is once said, 'as long as the liberty bell rings, we shall be free'. Heed new teachings. Convert now and you shall be freed from tyranny. May the blessing the Light be with you always."

And all that listened to his speech, including the mayor of the city, converted and followed the teaching of the Light.

Because Gareth feared the Darkness may return, he set aside some of his followers and began teaching them.

He taught, "I shall be leaving now, but I fear the darkness is on the rise again. So now I will teach you a chant that will rid of them. For they are an evil we must rid of the world. Do not follow their ways, for the Darkness's power is intoxicating.

"Now here is the Chant: 'The Light commands all and behold before the Darkness. Be gone, for we do not need your presence, for your evil is not welcome. By the name of the Light, I commend you to never return for evermore.' Chant this and the dark spirits will avoid this city."

IV

Behold, these were the followers that originated in the city of Philadelphia: Milo of Water – who returned to the east to inform the brothers and sisters in New York, Sylvia of Earth – who remained in Philadelphia, and Jake of Fire – who continued travelling with Gareth. There were many more who were converted to the way of the Light, whose multitude of numbers were so numerous no book in this world could contain a list.

And so, as it was, Gareth left the city of Philadelphia and ventured to the city of Pittsburgh. Gareth met followers of the Light, for there were new converts and knew little of the Light.

And he taught them: "Be great to the Light, for the Light is great in return. Those who serve the Light will be rewarded tenfold by tenfold in the next life, and into the next. As I walk and breathe, the Light is with me always. As it was foretold in ancient days, the Light shall always defeat the Darkness as it is meant to be. So, it will come to pass when everyone will know of the Light and will have the choice to accept the Light or become no more. For the Light comforts all and ceases the never-ending sadness. For as long as you follow the Light, the Light shall be with you always. Die as a follower of the Light, and your life will be renewed in the glory of its comfort. Believe in the Light and you shall live again."

And Gareth went to the slums, for there were many poor people who were starving. With the help of the congregation, he fed the poor and many were converted.

He said, "I was once like you; homeless, alone, depressed, and sad. I came to a point when I drank strange drinks, saying, 'My life is over.' But now I see the Light, for it has saved me. And as it was foretold by the prophet Yeshua: 'What I am, I am.' Remember the Light, and you will be comforted. Within the Light's comfort, we are all at home. The Light is the father we never had. And let it be that way"

And so, as it was, they were comforted by Gareth's words of wisdom, and all of them converted.

It came to pass that a group of followers were being harassed for their belief in the Light. They approached Gareth for guidance.

He taught, "And they may say we are gullible, for we accept the testament of the Light to be true. But in truth, they are the gullible ones for they still accept old superstitions. For they still worship false gods and say only one man can be their deity's son. But for the Light it has no son for all is one with it.

"Their teaching is fallible, for it was written not by the divine but by imperfect corruptible hands. For it was their false teacher Paul who taught salvation only comes from submitting oneself to slavery. Paul said faith alone can save a person. I say good works can bring salvation, for it is through good works which please the Light. The Light asks not to be worshipped like other petty false gods.

"For Yeshua knew the truth, for it was the Light that came forth when he was submerged in the waters of the Jordan. The Light said, 'This is my beacon, and through him, all will know of the Light.' But the Darkness is sneaky and had the prophet murdered, strung on a cross for three days under the orders of the wicked Romans. The Darkness tricked Yeshua's followers that a false god had risen him from the dead. But heed not these lies, for Yeshua was a true follower of the Light and became a god just as it was promised."

V

And so it came to pass that Gareth had to leave the city, for dark spirits threatened his life. And so he went to Chicago, the city by the lake, to preach the coming of the Light and of salvation. When he arrived, he discovered no one had heard about the Light before, and this made Gareth very sad.

And so it was, Gareth discovered people were worshipping a false idol, for they had placed a giant cross dedicated to their slain false god. Using the power of fire, Gareth turned the cross into flames. And the earth opened up and swallowed the cross and all those who refused to convert. So, Gareth preached to those that accepted the light.

He preached, "Why do you waste your life believing in false gods when in truth through the blessing of the Light you can become your own gods. For although the Light is divine, so too can you become divine through accepting its blessing. For these false gods are made-up, created to mislead the masses to their true purpose."

While those there were comforted by his words, those who placed the Cross in the park grew angry and began throwing stones at Gareth. He escaped with the edge of his life and was given a safe haven in an abandoned church by followers of the Light. Nearby, a group of homeless people witness Gareth's bravery and amassed into the church to hear what Gareth had to say.

Gareth said, "For when they attack one follower of the Light, they attack all those who follow the Light. For we, as members of the Lights, are one and the same. For this church was built to worship a false god, now shall refuge for those who know the truth."

Behold there was a group of men wanting to test Gareth, to see if he may contradict himself. They asked him what the Light was, although they knew exactly what the Light is.

So, he said to them, "How dare your question the teaching other Light, for the Light has informed of who you truly are, wicked worshipers of false idols. For you have been sent by the Darkness to test us in our faiths. The Light is the way of freedom, the way of truth, and through the truth, you shall understand the Light. For it is through Seamus I discovered the Light, and through its blessing, I became so powerful."

The men were unable to refute him and went away angrily. He then read from the Book of the Prophets, for they foretold the coming of the Light (this was before the Book of the Light had been written). As a witness to his preaching, Gareth never contradicted himself like his predecessor Seamus. And those who were among them were comforted by Gareth's words.

Now here are the people to who Gareth gifted the power of Earth. Daniel of Naperville, Cain of Champaign, Tobas of Waikato, Harry of Winchester, and Quintana of Montana.

Now here are the names of those gifted powers of Water. Benjamin of the Lake Region, Jake of Springfield, Zima of inner Chicago, and Fredrick of Winchester and the brother of Harry.

Now here are the people who he gave the power of Air. Josh of Lombard, Mike of Gurnee, Matthew of Downers Grove.

He gave none the powers of fire; for he feared they would misuse it.

VI

Knowing he had done enough for the people, he left the city beside the lake and travelled to Des Moines. Gareth had desired to see this city for he heard it was the most beautiful place on the continent. Due to a disagreement, Tobias of Fire decided to go on his own. Mannford of Fire decided to follow Tobias for he agreed with his sentiment. Alfred decided to return to New York because he had heard the news of his brother's death and wanted to see if these rumours were true. To replace these disciples, Gareth choose Quintana of Earth and Matthew of Air was chosen to replace those he had lost.

And there was a dark spirit waiting in the city, for he had complete control. He had possessed the mayor and enslaved the entire population. Gareth went forth to confront the dark spirit.

The dark spirit asked, "Who is it that cometh before me, for you are not Seamus, the one the Light choose as his champion. For Seamus is death, and too will your movement. For Seth will be the new champion of the world."

Gareth wept for the death of his friend, for Seamus and he was very close.

In anger, Gareth spoke: "By the command of the Light, I declare you leave this city and never return. I am one with the Light, and the Light is one with me, and through its power, I will turn you into nothingness. Let you dark spirit be of nothingness, forever and ever."

However, the Darkness was too strong in this city, for those who live there were corrupt and supported the dark spirit. So, Gareth was forced to leave Des Moines for the Darkness was going to kill him.

So it came to pass, that Gareth went to Cheyenne, where he taught anyone willing to listen to the teachings and blessings of the Light.

Gareth preached, "Bless is those who bath in the Light's shine, for the none greater. Believe in the Light, and you shall be rewarded with new life. Refuse to believe and your life will be in vain. For those whose loved ones have died not knowing the blessing of the Light, chant this to the Light and they shall be saved. And let it be known, those that died before being born will be given another chance for the Light desires not to waste life. And so, chant, 'Let their lives go on, for the Light shall bless them. May they have the blessing of the Light in their next lives.'

"And to those that intend to marry, chant this, 'Let us embrace one another as the Light embraced us.'

"And to those suffering and are in pain, chant the following, 'Let the blessing of the Light soothe my pain, and allowed myself to continue without suffering.'

For those who are on the verge of the dark abyss, chant this, 'I trust in the Light and whatever path it deems suitable to me. For the Light knew me before my death and will continue to do shall after my birth.' For all the problems you may confront know the Light always has the answers."

Those who listen fell in fear and converted. Yet the same men who confront and challenged Gareth before informed the local constabulary that he was a thief who stole souls. They planned to arrest Gareth, but he left before they could.

VII

And Gareth went to Sacramento. Here he preached the salvation that can come from believing in the Light. And behold, the Light ascended upon him and glorified him as a living saint. Those that witness this testify this to be true, and that believing in the Light can guarantee eternal life.

As he left the city, a man came up to him.

The man asked, "What new gods are you teaching of? For I know of one God, and the Light is not of them?"

Gareth replied, "I have not been brought forth by the words and teaching of a divine god but of the Light and its eternal message. For the Light is no god, but a way of life and path towards freedom of unshackling your enslavement to petty rules."

He then read to the man the teaching of Prophets, and how they predicted the arrival of the Light. And the man was comforted, and from that day onwards became a devote follower of the Light.

And then Gareth went to Ogden, to teach the city of the Light. However, the men of the city were cruel and preferred their enslavement. They told Gareth to leave, or else they would kill him.

Gareth declared, "For as long as this wicked city, and its wicket people refuse to accept the teaching of the Light, as it was foretold by the prophets, this city will not experience a bountiful harvest."

To this day, this city has suffered, and no one of the Light ever goes there, for it is tainted by the Darkness.

So, he went to San Jose, saying declaring all that the prophets declared in elder days.

He said, "To those of San Jose, what have you to fear of the Light? For in its eyes, you are all one and all the same, equal in every way. Sit down within the Light, just as Seamus and I did. The only solution to darkness is the Light. Kindle thy eyes and follow the abundant path. For it is by siding with the Light that you shall have a light to salvation.

"Be with me, sing with me, and chant with me, and then you will truly understand. Do not look into the sky for answers, for the Light does not reside in a heavenly realm. Instead, look around and you will see the light, for it is all around us. We bathe in the Light's glory. Look to you brothers and sister, for they are all a part of the Light. "Stand in the Light, just as your brethren do, and your life will carry on into the night. I will tell you this is true, and to believe is to accept.

"Have no fear for the Light, for it is great and satisfyingly good. It is eyes you know deep down you need., you are only but at the same time necessary for the Light's salvation. Time has come to convert and believe what you know is true."

While his speech was cohesive, no one paid attention, and he failed to convert anyone. And so, Gareth spat on the ground in disgust, before going to San Francisco. There he met Mackenzie, who had already seen the Light, for the Light came to him in a dream. And Gareth stayed there for two months, before forming a new congregation. And soon the new church flourished, and Gareth was free to preach the good news and announcement of the Light.

VIII

This is the account of how Gareth Vandersleld met his wife, and how she helped him come to terms with his dark and gothic path.

Gareth was in San Francisco conducting a sermon. This was before he was arrested and returned to the city of Washington for trial. Behold there was a new follower of the Light named Ruth. For she had been a cult, which terrorised the east coast. She escaped to California when she realised how dangerous they truly were. She was in hiding because her former leader Jeremy Christo declared her a traitor and worthy of death. When she heard of a new movement in the city of San Francisco, she eagerly travelled there to meet the congregation. And so, she became good friends with Mackenzie, for he too grew up in a false cult.

Behold, Gareth arrived in the city to declare and support the new movement, for outside forces were trying to destroy them. Corrupt government officials were terrorising members of the congregation, for the followers of the Light refused to bow down to the false god Jehovah.

Gareth and Ruth were together preaching when police arrested them. They took them to a jail cell where they waited for trial.

And so, the Light called out to Ruth, "Chant for your lives, for this, is the only way you will get out of this prison."

Ruth chanted, "Rescue me, and those that are imprisoned because they believe in the Light."

The Light said, "You shall be rewarded. For the man that stands before you shall be your husband. Together you will bring thy presence to all corners of the world."

Behold there was a blinding light, and there was an earthquake that shook the prison. And the guard fled in panic. The cell doors were open, and Gareth and Ruth left unscarred. They returned to the congregation, and everyone was amazed. The act of the Light and how it saved them made the follower more committed to their faith.

And so, the next Monday, Gareth and Ruth wedded.

Gareth said, "I once knew a woman who poisoned my mind with dark thoughts. She forced me to drink strange toxins that made me do evil things. But with your presence, I know the Light has a purpose for me."

Ruth said, "I will be remembered for all, for the Light has glorified me in its vibrance. Through the Light, I discovered you, my deepest and truest love."

So, they continued living in the city, and the movement grew beyond what was thought possible.