d for as complete a reversion of the ideas of the
Ancient sex-worshippers, as was consistent with the truth.

Hence we find the extreme attitude of the Church opposing all
reference to sex as other than a part of the temptations of the Evil
One, although they did retain the central truth typified by the Holy
Virgin Mother, and the pure and perfect child.

The Alchemists are supposed to have been imbued with the desire and,
to some extent, at least, were regarded as having the knowledge of how
to make gold. This gold-making was always accomplished by
transmutation of the baser (lower) metals; also, the knowledge of how
to accomplish this transmutation was possible only to one possessing
"the philosopher's stone."

If we will but remember that this "philosopher's stone" was of such a
purity that it was almost impossible to find it; that, although
several initiates claimed to possess the stone, yet no visible proof
of its existence, or of gold resulting from lead or copper, was ever
offered; and again if we will realize the fine distinction between the
words "found" and "discovered," and take note that the word "found" is
used almost invariably in connection with those who claimed to possess
the stone, we will arrive at the obvious conclusion that the secret of
the Alchemists was of an interior nature. We "discover" outside of
ourselves; we "find" within. Above all, the "stone of great purity" is
the same that was raised at Babylon, supplanting the yoni, which is
to say, the phallic symbol.

A philosopher is one who is wise in his interior nature; his wisdom is
of the esoteric quality; we do not apply the term "philosopher" to
either great educators, or great financiers; but to those whose
activities are turned within.

The force which is manifested in the lower desires and passions, when
transmuted into spiritual channels, opens the door to the golden light
of illumination.

To become in reality a Prince of the Rosy Cross bestows the exaltation
and the power, typified by that of an earthly prince--one who is
exalted above the common man.

It is doubtful, indeed, if many of the ancient alchemists attained to
this exalted degree in its true significance; and we may readily
believe that in an age in which wealth was so eagerly sought; temporal
power so much desired; where deception was almost general; that few
lived the requisite purity of life to have accomplished the
transmutation; so today there is not one in a t