The Equinox (Volume III, Number I)

THE EQUINOX The claim of the Order that the true adepts were in charge of it was definitely disproved. 15. In the Order, with two certain exceptions and two doubtful ones, he found no persons prepared for initiation of any sort. 16. He thereupon by his subtle wisdom destroyed both the Order and its chief. 17. Being himself no perfect adept, he was driven of the Spirit into the Wilderness, where he abode for six years, studying by the light of reason the sacred books and secret systems of initiation of all countries and ages. 18. Finally, there was given unto him a certain exalted grade whereby a man becomes master of knowledge and intelligence, and no more their slave. He perceived the inadequacy of science, philosophy, and religion; and ex- posed the self-contradictory nature of the thinking fac- ulty. 19. Returning to England, he laid his achievements humbly at the feet of a certain adept D.D.S., who wel- comed him brotherly and admitted his title to the grade which he had so hardly won. 20. Thereupon these two adepts conferred together, saying: May it not be written that the tribulations shall be shortened? Wherefore they resolved to establish a new Order which should be free from the errors and deceits of the former one. 21. Without Authority they could not do this, exalted as their rank was among adepts. They resolved to prepare all things, great and small, against that day when such Authority should be received by them, since they knew not where to seek for higher adepts than themselves, but 58