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T h e L i g h t o f E g y p t
T h e St r a n g e St o r y o f t h e
• ROSICRUCIAN3
B̂y Sri. R am atherio
FOURTH EDITION
Privately Issued by Permission of The Department of Publication of the American Ministraro for
AMORC T R A D E M A R K
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis,
Jurisdiction of North AmericaSUPREME GRAND LODGE
ROSICRUCIAN PARK, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
P RIN TE D IN U. S . A
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION NO. FIFTEEN J ULY, 1928
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SIR FRAN CIS BACON, K. R. C.IMPERATOR OF THE ROSICRUCIANS IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY
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BBOADCASTffVG OVER KNX
E V t ' R y i R i D A Y M O R N I N G 8 A . M .
c2>/ie Story of the cRgsicrudans
It was nearly eleven o'clock and the guests had been pleasantly enter-tained after dinner with a program of music and song, and now lingered with
the hope that shortly the heavy rain would cease and permit a more com-
fortable departure for their homes.The large fireplace with its cheery flames and warmth attracted the
guests, some of whom squatted close to the old screen that held back the
occasional sparks, while others lounged in chairs, or stood near by, in silent concentration upon the burning logs.
One by one the brighter lights in the large dining room of the Wentworth
home had been extinguished and only a soft color of orange and blue, from
shaded lamps and burning logs, lighted the countenances of the guests on
this tenth anniversary of the Wentworth marriage. Outside the wind and
rain added their mystic tones and notes to the enchantment of the scene
within.
“Come, Roberts, and tell us the story that you promised at the table. This is the time and place for any story that is really worth the telling.” All
agreed with the invitation extended by Johnson, the new District Attorney, and chairs were moved closer together while Roberts, the physician and
advisor to most of those present, assumed a position in front of them, to the
side of the fireplace.
“If you have the time to listen to the whole story—which will take some
time to tell, I will gladly keep my promise. But I must exact one promise
from all of you in return; it is that none of you will go forth into the world
and repeat this story without makng sure of your facts. The story is an old
one, but a much abused one; and in thirty years I have heard as many versions
—each differing in such details as to make the story either of value or non-sensical. In fact it was because young Deeming, breaking into reportorial work for the Evening Journal, had expressed himself with some erroneous
ideas about the Rosicrucians that I promised to tell the real story some time.”
“I am sure we can all promise to remember the truth and nothing but the truth of the story,” responded Judge Wentworth, which brought a merry
chuckle from the women present.
“Well, then, let me tell you that the Rosicrucians—”
“Why not tell us what Rosicrucians means, as an introduction,” inter-rupted Mrs. Lashburn, the very precis'e teacher of tiie Girls’ Friendly Gym-nasium, a local social centre.
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4 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
“That is just what I was about to do. The Rosicrucians much prefer to
have their name andactivities completelyveiled if the unveiling cannot bedone expertly, or at least efficiently. I mean by this that they do not fancythe unwarranted mystery that some writers and lecturers attach to them, but it is more acceptable than the misunderstanding that results from incorrect statements found in some encyclopaedias.
“I cannot tell you when the Rosicrucians as a body of men and women
using the term Rosicrucian, were first organized. One can find traces of them
as individuals, and as groups, far back into the dawn of civilization. But I can
start my story with the time when the whole of Europe was suddenlyawakened to tbe fact that the Rosicrucians were well established in the formof an international brotherhood, and in possession of very valuable secrets and principles of nature."
"Is this a story of some secret cult?" queried Miss Fletcher, the active
little missionary worker of the Methodist Church.
“Not at all; and that is one of the points I wish to make very plain. The
Rosicrucians and their groups throughout the world do not constitute a cult nor a religious school, nor can I say that they form a secret society, since we
are here discussing them, and I am permitted to tell you anything you wish to
know about them, and they are anxious to reveal anything—any knowledge, any information, they possess. That is hardly the attitude of a secret society.”
“You say you are permitted to tell us the story. Does that mean that 3'ou are a member of this organization?" asked Deeming.
“I am. And a large number of persons in this city are members. Many
of you deal with them, meet with them, have pleasant contacts with them, and do not know that they are members; not because they hide their identity, but because you have never asked them about the matter.”
“I am sure that I have never met one of these very unusual persons
before,” exclaimed Miss Fletcher.
“Oh, yes you have, Miss Fletcher,” replied Roberts. “You have told us
this evening how greatly you and many others in your Church admired the
excellent abilities of the Organist who came to your Church last Fall, and
how he had volunteered to teach a class of the Sunday School teachers so as to prepare them for the questions asked by the young folks. You did not know that this brilliant musician and well informed teacher was a Rosicrucian. But this is all beside the story I wish to tell before the hour passes.
“As I was saying, the whole of Europe, that it is the intellectual or learned part of Europe, was suddenly mystified in the year 1610 by the wide-spread distribution of seven pamphlets, in several languages, emanating from
hundreds of sources, and announcing, in excellent style and conservative
statement, that the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross was reborn in Cassel, Ger-many. The pamphlets contained an introduction addressed to the progressive
minds of the land, but the appeal was unnecessary, for they at once took to
themselves the message of the pamphlets and the foolish smiled and scoffed."Never in the history of man had a single message reached so many
persons and aroused so much comment. The art of printing was still young, and it was the first time that this new art had been used to prove the power of the press. By what means the pamphlets were so generally distributed
to scores of central points for logical dissemination, may never be known. But within ten days the message contained in the Fama, as it is briefly
designated, was not only being discussed, condemned, ridiculed, praised, admired and rejected, but dozens of other pamphlets attacking or supporting
it were keeping the few printing presses of Germany and other countries busy.“Clergymen of all denominations used it as a basis for a sermon with
either satire or satisfaction. Physicians and chemists were called together in general assemblies to determine the number of their own class that might
be found in agreement or disagreement with the message. The populace recalled and retold fantastic Rosicrucian stories heard from grandparents. Thousands wrote letters or sent messengers long distances inquiring for more
information, and the agents of the government were advised to solve the mystery of all the claims set forth in the Fama.
“The original pamphlet was in German, and all others were translations
of it, according to their dates. No name was given, as its author, but it was
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 5
issued as a message from Christian Rosenkreuz. For a time everyone who
did not know believed that this was the name of some person, and a hunt was nationally instituted for Christian Rosenkreuz. Even some of the Germans
did not seem to realize that these two words could be translated into Christian and Rosy Cross. Then it dawned upon them—the unknowing ones —that the symbol of the fraternity referred to in the pamphlet was a Cross
with a Rose in its centre. Realizing then that the name was only a penname
for the author, they sought for one of the most learned of the philosophers
of the day who could have sufficient knowledge to prepare the astounding
message. They finally selected one Valentine Andrea, a worker in behalf of the Reformation and a prominent Lutheran clergyman. They were strength-ened in their selection by the fact that the family coat of arms of Andrea
contained a cross. Almost over night he was acclaimed the “Christian of the
Rosy Cross” who had written the pamphlet.
“The pamphlet itself was really remarkable in its appeal and offer of universal reform in the lives of men and women. It announced that the
ancient Fraternity of the Rosy Cross was about to begin its new cycle in Germany, and that before many months had passed the hidden or preserved
knowledge of the ancients, as well as the foreknowledge of the most illumi-nated minds of many nations, would be at the disposal of those sincere seekers for the philosopher’s stone, health, happiness, success in proper undertakings, the transmutation of baser elements into the most refined, the secret of regen-eration, resurrection, and life eternal. It cited instances of the fraternity’s power through unusual knowledge, its glorious record in ages passed, its high membership, and its exclusiveness. It stated no definite place where
inquirers could make contact with the organization, but implied that the mere
expression of desire for membership would at once bring to the worthy one
the necessary information.
“As I have said, other pamphlets followed it, condemning it as a hoax,
and many praising or supporting it. A second, official pamphlet was issued giving further information, and in a few years the ideals and principles, the
activities and benevolence, of the Rosicrucians were as firmly established in
Germany as they had been for centuries in other countries of Europe. The
only difference at this time was that it was now a popular subject; the organi-zation was publicly known, while in other lands, in other years, the work and
even the name Rosy Cross were seemingly unknown.
“I wish I had lived in those days and could remember now what occurred. It would be a story of thrilling adventure that I would tell. From the thou-sands of historical references now extant, one imagines that it was one joyous
session after another in Germany, in small towns and hamlets, in cities large
and mighty. Week after week men and women, of careful selection, were
initiated into the Fraternity, in groups of fives, sevens or twelves. The his-
torical references show that men of every walk of life, and women of every degree of mental culture, tried to secure admission. Many of them succeeded. There were eminent physicians, whose names some of you would recognize
as important contributors to the art of medicine, as it wras called. There were
chemists and biologists, scientists and their advanced students. Many of their names you will find in lists of famous workers in man's behalf. There were
Priests and Monks—yes, Monks like Friar Roger Bacon, and even a Pope of the Roman Church was a member at one time. There were astronomers, authors, and educators, such as Sir Francis Bacon, who had considerable to
do with the establishment of the new cycle in Germany. Truly, a host of the most learned, informed, and progressive of all lands eventually became publicly identified with this rapidly growing movement."
“Was there something new about its knowledge, or its system of instruc-tion and help, that it offered to mankind?” queried Deeming.
“Yes, and that was one of its tempting features. You see, the Fraternity
of the Rosy Cross, or Fraters Rosae Crucis, as the term is in Latin, had
existed for many centuries; but it had been inactive in Germany for about one hundred and eight years, and secluded or restricted in other lands for many years. This rebirth in Germany was the beginning of another and quite different cycle. Every hundred and eight years the fraternity comes to public
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6 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
life in some part of the world where it has been inactive. Then for one hun-dred and eight ears it assumes and maintains a very prominent place in the mental and cultural development of the citizens. At the end of the period of one hundred and eight years of public existence, it retires to seclusion or seeming inactivity for another hundred and eight years. In other words the birth of a new cycle is every two hundred and sixteen years for each country, with a new cycle born in the meantime in some other land.
"At the time of the new cycle in Germany, in 1610, the fraternity in other lands was quite active, though secluded, as is shown by the many books
found in later years. The Fama itself called attention to the previous cycle
in Germany in preceding centuries. The unique point about the revival in
1610, however, was its very wide and open announcement to all classes of per-sons, made possible through the use of the new art of printing, and made
necessary by the growing activities of the Reformation that was taking place, with the resulting demand for information that would free all men and women
from the superstitions, false notions, and the unrevealed obstacles to health,
complete happiness, and worldly as well as spiritual power.“And so the message was welcome indeed. The knowledge offered by the Rosicrucians was to them, what it is today to all men and women of this advanced civilization of the twentieth century. It was the tearing away of the veil that hides the Truth, and the revealing of the Light of Wisdom. It offered that information, that positive knowledge, which only the fortunate
few could obtain in the past by long years of research or contact with the
advanced schools of higher learning; and it offered to the multitude the simple, simon pure, keys to the mysteries of life. Some of you may smile
and say that you suspected that the Rosicrucians were a school of magic or mystery, but I want to assure you that I woxild have no more time for such
things than you have. But, can any one of you honestly say that never in any
hours of our daily life, in hours of test and trial, hours of relaxation or recre-
ation, in hours of meditation or speculation, have you had the slightest wish to know the answer to some of life’s mysterious problems? Do you ever wonder why you are here on earth? Do you ever speculate as to why you
were born, and where life will lead you? Have you ever been face to face with one of the common, though ever mysterious, manifestations of natural law, and wished that you could understand it? Have you ever been face to
face writh death or transition? Have you ever seen the sick, the suffering, the passing fconsciousness, pleading for help, and you could give no help, no ex-planation? Have you ever looked into the eyes of a new born babe andwondered about the strangeness and the marvelousness of Divine prin-ciples? Oh, I know how each of you would answer these questions, and the answer would be the same today as it was a thousand years ago.
"Man is constantly face to face with problems that call for action of the
mind, the application of laws and principles regarding which he understands little. He is totally at the mercy of casual understanding or misunderstanding. He is ever confronted with tasks and trials that require the functioning of powers within himself which may be so underdeveloped, so inexperienced, that in the minute of most use, they fail him and he is lost. Do you think that such experiences come only to those who have anattraction tothe wierdand mystical things of life? Not at all; for who among you can say right now, which are the mystical things of life and which are the practical?
"We send our sons and daughters to college and the university to acquire
a broader and more comprehensive education than the public schools can give them. We want them to have a larger education than we have had. We
want them to include Latin and other languages in their studies; we insist that ancient as well as modern history be included; we encourage them to
study the arts and sciences in their fundamental principles; we approve of such subjects as will make their hands and fingers nimble, their minds alert in reasoning and comprehending; wre wish them to make sure that their eyes are well trained to see, their ears to hear, their other senses to apprehend. This we believe is necessary in order that they may be able to master any
problem that arises, meet any question, solve any perplexing situation. Why?
In order that they may be successful in life, not only in a material sense, but
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 7
in a cultural, ethical, mental, and spiritual sense. We want them to achieve
selfmastership and attain worldly mastership. Do we feel that they can
successfully go through life without ever requiring the principles of mathe-matics to serve them? Do we imagine that they can get along successfully without a knowledge of the sciences or the arts? Do we feel that since we
do not expect them to be musicians we need not ask them to know anything
about the laws of music and harmony? Do we assume that since they are
not going to be civil or electrical engineers, they need know nothing of the principles of physics or magnetism?
“But, look at ourselves! We seem to assume that since we are dealing
with business propositions all day long, we have no need for any knowledge
that does not pertain to our business. You, Johnson, are our new District Attorney. You are quite sure, I suppose, that your large knowledge of the
laws of man is quite sufficient to make success certain for you in your life’s work; but, can you say right now that you will never have need to know even
the simple fundamental laws of God’s kingdom on earth? Can you feel sure
at this moment that tomorrow, or the next day, there will not arise in your daily affairs, or in your home life, or in your own personal affairs, some
incident, mild or serious, that will not bring a desire to know what law, what principle, what force, or agency is at work, and which of the many laws of God and Nature you can apply quickly and efficiently to meet the situation?
Can any of you say that?“What makes one man more successful than another? His training in
just one line? You know that is not true! You cannot make a good business man out of a youth who has been taught nothing more than buying and
selling. You cannot make a good physician out of a man or women who
has been taught only the principles included in the restricted four years of medical college. The fallacy of such preparation has been known for many
years. Is a successful mother of children and a happy housewife only a
woman who has ignorantly given birth to a child, mechanically cooks and cleans her home, and is unfamiliar with any of the laws of nature, art, music, science, and literature as they relate to her duties, obligations and aspirations?
“Success in life means mastership, and mastership means utilizing every
inner force and power of the being as well as every outer force. Man’s creative abilities do not rest in the muscular strength of his body, nor in his
fertile imagination. He must be able to bring his mental imagining into
materal expression, daily, hourly; and to do this he must be able to use other faculties than simple visualization of the imagination. He must not place
all dependence on his or other hands to work out the concrete expression. He must be able to recreate things in that world of form which exists
between the mental and the material—the transitory stage where success is assured in the plans or failure is inevitable.
“It was this sort of knowledge that the Rosicrucians offered so generously in the seventeenth century in Germany, and in other centuries before and
after that time. The success of their plans, in aiding men and women to
achieve their desires in life, brought them some fame, but more power. Before the end of the seventeenth century they were ready to carry their work to the New World, to America, in accordance with plans made long
before Columbus ventured to explore the unknown seas.
“It was in 1693 that the leaders and eminent Rosicrucian workers of Europe gathered together and selected from their volunteers those proficient in the arts, sciences, trades, and professions, to go to America and establish
the Great Work. That was one hundred and eight years after the new cycle
had started in England, and two hundred and fourteen years after the new
cycle had started in France. In their own boat and with proper ceremony
they departed, and reached the shores of America in the early part of 1694.”“Do you mean to say that the Rosicrucians have been in America all
these years? asked Johnson.
“Yes, and they were really a part of American history long before that. According to very dependable records a well known Rosicrucian leader of Europe sailed with an early expedition from Spain and landed with the
exploring party on the shores of California in 1602 or 1604, and there deposited
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8 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
a “Rosicrucian Stone.” This means that lie established some foundation, some principle of the work, in the name of the Order. There are a number of references to this fact in Rosicrucian writings. However, in 1694 the
Rosicrucian colony arrived at what is now Philadelphia, and in Fairmont Park on Mystic Lane one can still see part of their first building. Their colony increased, their work progressed, and in a few years they moved
further inland to a quiet valley, and built many structures and established
many of the first American institutions. You may be surprised to know
what a valuable contribution they made to the founding of America. I do not have my note books at hand, but I can tell you what I have read in a book by Julius Sachse, the eminent Historian of the Grand Lodge of Free-masonry for Pennsylvania, and who was reputed to be a descendant of one
of the families closely connected with the colony. He quotes the records in
the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and books and records in possession of former Governor Pennypackcr of Pennsylvania and hundreds of other au-thorities. He show's that these early Rosicrucians established a really marv-
elous system of widespread brotherhood activities for the advancement of man’s inner and cultural development. To do this they utilized all the laws of nature and taught those laws. Here they created the first complete printing plant in America, and made their own paper in the first American
paper mill. Out of this shop came the largest books ever made in America
charing those years, and books that had no other purpose than to reveal to
men and women the laws of nature which would lift them out of the ruts. Not mystical books, not books of secret teachings, but unusual books. Even
the first American Bible was published here, and the first Sunday School was established by them, sixteen years before one was established in England.”
“I thought you said they were not a religious school or cult?” asked
Miss Fletcher, intent upon finding some support for her erroneous belief.
“Publishing a Bible and establishing a Sunday School would not make them a religious body. Remember that they found that most of the settlers in America came here for religious freedom. They catered to this, and kept free from all sectarianism, just as the Rosicrucians have in all ages. So, these first Rosicrucians in America helped to establish and dedicate several churches in Philadelphia, by furnishing the music for choirs and trained
teachers as clergymen; they helped churches of six different denominations, and expressed no preferment. They even published the first Christian Testa-ment produced in America, and the first religious magazine. All of this was the work of Brother Sauer, the master printer of the colony who had been
selected abroad because of his knowledge. He also established the first American type foundry and finally produced the most beautiful books ever made in America during the eighteenth century.
“They also established mills for grinding corn, a factory for the making
of organs, and actually made the first organs ever manufactured in America
for church use. Their chemists and biologists worked with their botanist, and the first botanical gardens were established for the purpose of preparing
herbs and medicines for the most advanced medical practices. They were
not mentalists to the extent that they placed a fanatical valuation on the power of mind, but gave rightful place to all the sciences, as do the Rosi-crucians today.
“Just to show you the humanitarian activities of this colony, let me say that they established free schools for children, free clinics for the sick, and
free systems for aiding everyone in improving the existing standard of living. AH who wished to vmive with the work were welcome to do so and
all shared alike in the benefits and obligations.“It was in the college rooms of this community that the Declaration of
Independence was translated by a Rosicrucian into the several foreign lan-guages so that all colonists could read it; and the famous document now
preserved in Washington was engrossed by a Rosicrucian in that colony. It was here also that the first propaganda for the freedom of the negro slaves was started, as is shown by the early records.”
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 9
“I thought it was commonly believed that Thomas Jefferson wrote or engrossed the Declaration of I ndependence?” remarked Johnson.
‘‘It may be, since Jefferson was not only a member of the Rosicrucians
but one of the later officers of the colony. All that the records show, however, is that it was engrossed in the editorial rooms of the community college. Other famous documents were prepared there, for they were constantly pre-paring manuscripts for future generations, and many of them are in existence
today, showing skilled penmanship, lettering, and colored engrossing like those made by the Monks of ancient times.
“What were these manuscripts about?” asked Mrs. Nathan, who had
been silent through all the story.“They were private manuscripts of instruction, intended for the students
of the Rosicrucian Order.of that and future generations. I remember some
of the titles, for we still use some of them—copies of course—in some of our .lectures. There was one entitled ‘The Mystery of Numbers.’ It revealed
how the law of numbers, the law of averages, and the law of proportion, affects things in our lives. Such ideas have been established among learned
men and women since then, but the multitude knows little about the subject. Another manuscript was entitled ‘Phisica, Metaphisica, and Hyperphisica,’ and
another deals with the ‘Nonego’.”“I had no idea that the modern subject of Metaphysics had such an early
start in America,” remarked Johnson.“That is just it. America today is being offered many systems of New
Thought, Metaphysical, occult, and practical psychology courses of study, and
they are offered as something new, something surprising and astounding. The Rosicrucians have been teachers and demonstrators of these things for very many centuries, and have the only dependable system of personal devel-opment that men and women can rely upon to awaken and make active their inner, latent, faculties. But, the Rosicrucians have never sold this knowledge
in books and have never conducted paid classes. They will not commercialize
the knowledge which was given to them freely and which must be passed on just as freely.“Many eminent characters in American history became members of the
Rosicrucian colony. I could cite hundreds of names which all of you would
recognize. There was Brother Rittenhouse, for instance, who established
the Rosicrucian astronomical observatory at the colony. It was the first in
America and soon became world famous, for it was Rittenhouse with his
unusually large telescope, a Rosicrucian invention based upon principles laid
down by the Rosicrucian, Roger Bacon, who placed America in the foreground
of astronomical research. Rittenhouse made the first measurements of the
distances between the planets—the sun and the earth. Was that not scientific
achievement? You could hardly call that the dreamy work of a mystical philosopher—and yet he was a philosopher, a Rosicrucian philosopher, which
means one who is very practical and has no time for idle speculations. Thomas Jefferson, speaking of Rittenhouse’s wonderful discoveries of the distant sky which brought the heavens nearer to man’s understanding, said: ‘He hasnot indeed made a world, but he has approached nearer to its Maker than any
man who has lived from the time of the Creation to this day.’ Benjamin
Franklin worked out his great library plan as an associate of the Rosicrucian
library, and he also worked in the experimental laboratories of the colony, and became advanced in the principles of natural forces. Can anyone say
that such education given to Franklin and used by him for further experi-ments did not benefit mankind as well as himself?
“And so the years passed. The eighteenth century ended, and the com-munity of Rosicrucians consisted of many hundreds of families, with hundreds resting in their graves, in the grave yard which still exists, and hundreds away
in other states and cities becoming leaders and masters in the arts, industries
and trades. Every large city in America at the close of the eighteenth century contained in its roster of eminent citizens and successful homes, many Rosi-crucians—all happy men and women, prospering in their business affairs, mastering in their life problems, leading others in education and development, and maintaining the high standard for American progress.
‘‘Then came the year 1801. It was just one hundred and eight years after the new cycle of the Rosicrucians for America. The year had come for the
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to THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
Rosicrucians to retire again into silence. One by one the buildings of the
community were sold or abandoned, and the workers and leaders departed for other cities. Secret sessions were held twice yearly for many years until all the initiates then living had passed to the beyond, and their successors were
instructed how to preserve the work and carry on in silence and seclusion. From time to time in important local or national crises, one of the most advanced of the silent workers would come forward and aid, in ways that only the Rosicrucians understood. Manuscripts were prepared and issued in
secrecy, and hundreds of students of the work went to Europe to receive
initiation into the Order in one of the active Jurisdictions.
“Then as the period of one hundred and eight years of silence came to
its close and the year 1909 approached, those who had been in preparation
for the birth of the new cycle of public activity made ready for the first steps. Thus, in 1909 many Americans offered their services to foreign branches of the Rosicrucian Order in establishing a new American branch. Some went to Europe, others sent communications. Some were high officers in the Freemasonic fraternity, others were leaders in various metaphysical and
scientific work based upon the Rosicrucian principles.“Among those who went to Europe was Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, the
President of the New York Institute for Psychical Research, and former editor of several scientific and metaphysical magazines. He was duly exam-ined and tested for his seven years of preparation, and sent from Paris to
a city in the south of France where the ancient seat of Rosicrucian Councils
had been maintained for several centuries. Here in a special conclave of Supreme Masters, Heirophants, and Councilors of the Order for France and
other countries, he was selected and elected to be the American Legate, and
the proper instructions were given him to proceed to America and announce
the new birth of the Order, just as it had been announced in Cassel, Germany, in 1610.”
"That is all very interesting, Roberts, but there are two questions that come to my mind at once,” remarked Johnson. “First, why is it that so many encyclopaedias say that Christian Rosenkreuz established the whole Rosicru-cian order in Germany in either the fourteenth or the seventeenth century, and secondly, why do some small Rosicrucian fellowships or societies in
America claim that they have authority from the first Rosicrucian society
established by this fellow Rosenkreuz?”
“Those were the points that were bothering Deeming tonight at the table, were they not, Deeming? You will remember that I told him he had
an erroneous impression. But I do not blame him. Just today I had in my
hands one of those popular books claiming to explain the Rosicrucian myster-ies, offered by a concern that writes, prints, and sells books which seem to
have the Rosicrucian teachings in them. I have already stated that the real organization has never issued its teachings in any public book and never will. What would you think of a book entitled “The rites and mysteries of the
Freemasons?” You would know at once that it had none of the legitimate
rites, none of the real principles in it, or it would not be printed and sold. You would know at once that if the book was really a true Rosicrucian book it could contain nothing more than a short talk or brief description of the
Order, such as I have been giving you tonight. There are many such books
which tell the story of the Rosicrucians much better than those which claim
to have the secret teachings. Such books are like the one by Lord Bulwer Lytton, called ‘Zanoni,’ or the books by Marie Corelli. But the organization
itself issues a book about its history and existence, and gives it away freely to
sincere seekers. The book which I examined today is found in many book-stands and many who buy it for several dollars believe that it is more than
just a roundabout story of the Rosicrucians. They think it contains the real
teachings—and sold for profit. This particular book, like a dozen others I have seen, is an example of the ignorance of those writers who know nothing
even of the history of the Rosicrucians. It distinctly stated that it traced the
Rosicrucian brotherhood, and traced its whole existence, to the foundation
established by Rosenkreuz in Germany. That is so ridiculous that I cannot understand how anyone believes that story today. As I intimated, there never
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 11
was a man by the name of Rosenkreuz. One character, connected with the
Order, used that name a number of times in writing some public pamphlets. It was used long before the Order started in Germany, and long afterward
by persons representing the same character. The name simply meant that the writer of the pamphlets was a Christian Brother of the Rosy Cross, 01in the German language, 'Christian Rosenkreuz.’ As for the Order starting
in Germany, that appears strange at once when one reads any of the prin-ciples. One notices quickly that the Order had an Egyptian origin, that it started in those mystery schools of Egypt where the world's knowledge was preserved for centuries. We find the Order in Germany in the year 1115 with
headquarters in Cologne, where the old records are still in existence. The
King of Denmark was the head of the branch in his land in 1484. In Rich lieu’s memoires there is mention of Gautier the Imperator of the Order in
France in 1410. Why, a large convention of Rosicrucians was held in England
several years before the Christian Rosenkreuz name was ever made public
in any pamphlet.
“As for the existence of various societies, let me assure you that the real Rosicrucian Order is well established in every civilized land today. But, it is known in its present cycle by the only title it ever made official. That is the Rosicrucian Order, or in Latin, the ‘Order Rosae Crucis.’ It does not use such names as society, fellowship, or club. The word ‘Rosicru-cian’ is not patented, and cannot be patented. It is an old word and has been freely used in many ways, just as has the words Masonry or Masonic. But, there is only one organization in America and other lands that can
rightfully call itself the ’Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons.’ Others ma\
form a Masonic club, a Masonic Publishing Company, and print and sell books relating to many interesting subjects, but it would not be a part of the Masonic international fraternity, and it would not claim that its books contained Masonic ‘teachings.’ All of you can see that point very plainly.
The same is true of the Rosicrucians. We, here tonight, can legitimately form ourselves into a Rosicrucian Club, a Rosicrucian Society of Students, or a Rosicrucian Association. There is nothing to prevent it. We can proceed
to solicit other members, and when we have discussed and talked all we can
about the Rosicrucians, we can issue a magazine or a few books containing
our discussions and our personal ideas of what we think Rosicrucianism reall>
is. But, we could not be a part of the Rosicrucian Order if we sold such
books, held such unsystematic sessions, and had no affiliation with other Rosicrucian Orders in foreign lands. I am sure that you see my point, now
The new cycle of theRosicrucian Order uses the complete name, AncientMystical Order Rosae Crucis, the initials of which form the strange wordAMORC. This wordAMORC is used by dozens of foreign branches, alla part of the one new cycle of the Order in every land where the new cycle
has started. No other name is used, and none other means the same.”"What right, then, have these other organizations, to use the same
symbol?” asked Deeming."They have no right to use the real symbol, and knowing that they
have no right, they do not use it. You will notice that other organizations
using the word Rosicrucian use a symbol of the Rosy Cross that is slightly
different from the true one. They use a cross with several roses on it, or a wreath of roses on it, or around it. The ancient and true symbol of the Rosej Cross is a Cross with JUST ONE ROSE in its centre—no more and no less. And, that symbol, with the true name, AMORC, is patented in the United
States Patent Office by the organization known as AMORC. No other Rosicrucian organization in America has such a patent. That should mean
something.”
“And are we to look upon all these other Rosicrucian activities as abso-lutely worthless and shun them as—what shall I say?” queried our inquisitive friend, Miss Fletcher.
“Look upon them as clandestine, as we say in the fraternity to which I belong,” replied Johnson.
“Not at all!” answered Roberts. "That is a harsh and unkind word
which the Rosicrucians avoid using; for they do not under any circumstances
criticise or attack any movement that is trying to help mankind in any way.
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12 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
But, if one wants a complete, private, efficient Rosicrucian knowledge, one should go to a regular Rosicrucian source for such knowledge, not to a pub-lishing company or group of students who are simply skimming over the
subject, and enjoying each other’s difficulties in the search for such knowledge.“The Rosicrucians of today are practical; they deal with the mental and
material problems of life on the one hand, and with the inner faculties and
powers of man on the other. They show each student H OW to prove the laws and principles in daily application with personal problems. They do not waste your time telling you how the Masters of the Far East, the mystics
of the Orient, and the Hindus of India did wonderful things in days gone by
—things which if you could duplicate today would simply make you qualified
to be a magician on the vaudeville stage, or a first class medicine man peddling
medicine and giving trick performances along the highways of the country. That will not do for men and women who are practical, who are not only
sane, but conscious of the fact that there are forces in the world today, at man’s disposal, which will enable him to subdue conditions around him, arouse
dormant powers, and master the matters at hand. There are principles which I use in my daily medical practice to help nature restore health and strength
to the sick, and at the same time prevent further complications or other ill-nesses, There are simple rules which make men conscious of other person’s thoughts and intentions, and many successful business men have found them
their greatest asset. There are other principles which enable anyone to attract the better things of life and change the course of living from mediocrity to
noble achievement, from the common place to the extraordinary. These are
the things we wish to know, and I can say to you, that I have found them all in the Rosicrucian teachings.”
“May anyone join the Rosicrucians?” asked Miss Fletcher, with an evident personal interest.
“Yes, providing one is a good citizen, a sincere seeker for this personal knowledge, and ready to use the principles to help others as well as himself. Men and women of every walk of life, even the most humble, are freely
admitted into the Order. They become members and are given the private instructions, without the purchase of any books or private lessons of any kind. In our city we have a group of members, forming a chartered branch, and in
it are eightynine of the city’s finest women—housewives, business women, teachers, physicians, nurses, librarians and artists. Many of them never attempted any reading along this line before, but their lives have been changed
since they united with the Order and learned how to live. We also have one hundred and sixty men in that group—men of all walks of life—and each one
more successful today in his occupation than he was when he joined us.
There are thousands of such persons in America, in hundreds of cities and
towns everywhere. In some cities there are several groups. More and more the Order is attracting to itself those who wish to rise higher in life. It is the one true pathway to personal evolution. It brings great happiness through the peace and power that it creates; it brings success through the mastership it gives in directing our affairs and our desires; it brings satis-faction, for it answers our problems, reveals the true workng of all of nature’s laws, and points out the meaning of life and transition in a new and astounding
light. What more can one ask? Yet the Order does not withhold its teach-ings, but offers them freely. It invites the seeker to come to its portals. It extends this invitation to all. And, one may study at home in privacy!
“And now the hour is late. The rain has stopped I believe, for I do not hear it. Let us wend our way homeward, and think over the beautiful gifts of God and nature, and the glorious privileges which are ours. If you now
feel an inner urge to accept the invitation of the Rosicrucians—the wray is open.”
(H ow to accept the Invitation to share in the Rosicrucian privileges, is explained on the last pages.)
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Part CtooSOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE ORDER
THE FIRST ROSICRUCIANS
In the traditional history of the Rosicrucians we find one man standing
out boldly in the light of illumination. He was Amenhotep IV, Pharoah of Egypt, and the world’s “first great citizen,” to quote the eminent historians of Egypt’s period of rebirth. Descendant of a previous Pharaoh, who had es-
tablished the first secret schools of advanced learning in Egypt, and who was known as the Heretic King because of his modern viewpoints, and
born of parents who looked forward to his coming as the first great ruler of a mighty brotherhood of enlightened men and women.
And, Amenhotep IV, at an early age was made King as well as the
high potentate of a secret organization which in a few years changed the
whole religion of Egypt, cast aside its antiquated art, revised its language
and literature, ended its continuous warfare, rebuilt its falling Temples,, created new cities, and instructed the Tribes of. Moses in the laws of God
and nature. Out of the great Light thus brought into almost blinding
effulgence in darkened Egypt, there passed to many lands and to many
nations of peoples a new standard of living, a new system of thinking, a
new process of cooperative action, which became the foundation for every
one of our present day methods of higher education and successful living.Amenhotep changed his name—along with thousands of other changes
he authorized—and into the world’s history stepped Akhnaten IV, the man
of whom history has written that he was the world’s first modernist.In 1350 B. C. this man left to posterity his well developed plan of con-
ducting secret or private schools for the superior education and preparation
of men and women for the parts they must take in life to be the lights of civilization, the pathfinders of new and untrammelcd roads to health and
success, the leaders of advancing humanity.His own descendants and the graduates of his secret schools in the
Palace on the banks of the Nile wended their way into other lands—Jerusa-lem, Persia, India and Greece, and in each of these lands the great work continued, always under the same symbol, with the same banner, the same
standard and the same cry: “Per rosam ad crucem, per crucem ad rosam!”
By the Rose to the Cross; by the Cross to the Rose!
MEANING OF THE NAME AND SYMBOL
The Order of the Rosy Cross (Latin, Rosae Crucis), as the organ-ization has been officially known for so many centuries, derived its name
from the early secret symbol of the society. That symbol is no longer either secret or mysterious. It served its purpose well in the early days through being veiled; today it is seen and known in too many lands and
among too many millions of persons to be considered as a secret sign of any kind.
The symbol is composed of a Cross with a red rose upon its centre.
A great many persons believe that the cross as a symbol had its origin in the early days of Christianity. That is a mistake. It can be found on
the walls of tombs and temples in Egypt, and may be seen on the two obelisks that were sent from Heliopolis to London and New York City. The cross has always had several meanings, closely related. To the mystics of Egypt or the Orient who were the first to use it, it meant man’s body
in either a posture of salutation to the rising sun (with arms held out in
horizontal position) or man’s body being crucified by the labors, trials.
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14 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
tests and sufferings of life. No religious significance was attached to the
cross until years after the crucifixion of The Christ, when the cross was adopted by the early church Fathers as a symbol of their new institution,
and that cross adopted by them had a crucified body upon it. The mere fact that the Hebrews and other races had crucified their criminals upon
crosses for years before The Christ was crucified, plainly shows that these peoples associated no religious ideas with the cross.
However, it was the mystics and sages of Amenhotep’s schools in the
Palace that evolved the Rosicrucian symbol by adding the red rose to the Cross. Perhaps it was Akhnaten himself, for it was he who loved roses and introduced the Persian rose into Egypt. The rose was made symbol-ical of the inner consciousness, the spirit, the SOUL of man. The fact that the rose gradually opened from a tightly closed bud into full bloom
and expression, and then slowly faded, drooped and passed out of sight, made itself suggestive of the soul of man which came into the youthful body imprisoned, slowly evolved to manifestation and beauty, and slowly
weakened in its expression until it seemed to be no more. The evolution
of the rose seemed to typify the evolution of man’s soul. Years of obser-vation convinced these sages that the tests and trials of life, the experiences, lessons learned and suffering endured, contributed to the evolution of the
soul; to them it seemed that the soul of man was evolving through the
experiences of the body. Since the cross had ever been to them the symbol of the body of man in its sufferings, they added the rose to the cross and
created the symbol which has but one explanation. That is:
The Rose (soul) evolves and gains beauty and fragrance
while being crucified upon the Cross (the body).
From this symbol and the term Rosy Cross, we have the term Rosi-crucian as the English form of the name of the organization which now
exists in every civilized land. Through the experiences of life, man’s soul
and understanding evolves; through the united experiences of thousands of members in one brotherhood the soul of the group of persons or even of a nation, evolves and becomes more potent in the direction of personal and
national affairs.
That is the explanation of the symbol and the name. It is ageold, honored, respected and glorified in every clime, and in its name has man
achieved and succeeded beyond his fondest dreams.
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 15
FROM EGYPT TO OTHER LANDS
From out of Egypt and Palestine, as well as Greece, came the great
LIGHT which in many lands was protected by the secret brotherhood. Under various names—but always with the same ideals and standards—the brotherhood operated. We find them referred to as the Therapeuti, the
Essenes, the Silent Brothers, and many other names in the middle ages, when secret or private schools of advanced learning were forbidden, just as the pagan priesthood of ancient Egypt finally cast into oblivion all that Amenhotep IV and his brotherhood had accomplished in that land and
brought the great darkness over the nation again, so other priesthoods in
the middle ages succeeded in forcing the state to forbid the spread of the awakening consciousness in the peoples who sought The Light. But ever did
the work continue, and the time came when in every part of Europe, as well as in the Orient, the fraternity of the Rosy Cross was a mighty factor in the social, political and economical development of nations.
In certain long established centres of learning, national and international headquarters were maintained. Thus at Toulouse, in southern France, a seat of advancement in all learning, the Rosicrucians maintained one of the oldest centres of their activities. To this centre came the philosophers, educators and leaders of human activity from all parts of the world, and
it was here that many of the world’s most important reforms and innovations
had their birth.
STRANGE STORY OF CHRISTIAN ROSENKREUZ
According to the erroneous story told in some popular encyclopaedias, a group of scientists opened a tomb in Cassel, Germany, in the 17th century
and there found the body of Christian Rosenkreuz, the founder of the Rosi-crucian fraternity, along with papers and documents for the continuance of the organization hundreds of years after his transition. The real facts are that there wTas no one person known as "Christian Rosenkreuz” (which words
mean, in German, Christian Rosy Cross) and such a character was certainly
not the original organizer of the Rosicrucian Fraternity. However, there are many popular writers on the subject of Rosicrucianism today, and a small group of Rosicrucian students formed into “fellowships” and "associations” in
America which believe that the whole Rosicrucian order started in Germany
at the hands of “Christian Rosenkreuz,” and he (!) is named by these per-sons as their beloved “founder and originator” of the form of Rosicrucian
teachings they present. The incongruity and inconsistency of these statements
do not seem to dawn upon those who adhere to this ancient absurdity.
A man who never existed as the personality attributed to him could not have founded or originated an organization that was in existence hundreds of years before the time given as the date of his foundation work.
Who, or what, was Christian Rosenkreuz? This is the question that was asked several hundred years ago when a series of books or pamphlets were issued in Germany informing the “learned of Europe” that the Rosi-crucian fraternity was again active in the lands of that continent. These
books—among them the renowned Fama Fraternitatis—were issued under the fictitious name of Christian Rosenkreuz, or ‘‘C. RC.” Investigations
revealed that the books were the work of Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Verulem. Bacon had become the international chief of the Rosicrucian fraternity as had other eminent characters in the past; and lie proceeded to enlarge the
activities of the Order and bring it into conservative publicity through the
issuance of books credited to a fictitious name that told every student of the Rosicrucian teachings that the real author was a Christian Brother of the Rosy Cross.
The same name or the initials “C. RC.” had been used centuries before. In the year 908 B. C. the name was used by Zoroaster while he was Supreme Magus of the mystic fraternities of his time. In 1290 A. D. the same
name was used again in connection with an event similar to that which
occurred in Cassel, Germany, in 1604. All who are familiar with even the
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16 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
superficial facts of the origin and historical activities of the Rosicrucian
fraternity or Order, know that a man, one man, having a genuine name of Christian Rosenkreuz, did not found or originate the Order in Germany in
any century. Emphasis is put upon this fact with reiteration here because
■of its extreme importance to American persons who are seeking the facts.
FRANCIS BACON ’S LEADERSHIP
Lord Bacon is generally acknowledged to have done more for the
universal growth of the Rosicrucian Order than any other man since the middle ages. He found the fraternity, and its many branches in Europe and
the Orient, an excellent channel for the important changes which he wished
to bring about in the practical affairs of men's lives.Not only did he revise the activities of the Order in Germany, where
he made Valentine Andreae his Deputy, but he sent his brother and other associates to every part of Europe to lecture and propagate the work openly
among the learned and sincere. He it was who lifted the obscure veil that enshrouded the fraternity, and daring the criticisms of state, ensconced it with the halo of glory to which Lord Lytton referred in his famous novel about the Rosicrucians, called Zanoni. At once the Order attracted to itself the interest of nobility as well as the men and women of the average walks
of life, and like a tidal wave sweeping over some level land, the prestige and
good works of the Rosicrucians reached every land.
WORLD WIDE ORGANIZATION
Prior to Bacon’s leadership as Imperator for Europe, or rather certain
parts of Europe, the Order Rosae Crucis was well established in many lands under the old cycles of existence.
Not only was there a convention of Rosicrucians of many lands held in
England just prior to Bacon's elevation to the position of Imperator, but similar conventions or Congresses had been held in other countries for several centuries.
Among the many picturesque incidents of the operation of the Order in foreign lands in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries, we find, for instance, the record of the Initiations held
on the Island of Mauritus in 1794; the operation of a Lodge of the Order ■on the Gold Coast of Africa in 1799; the selection of Cornelius Agrippa, the
eminent philosophical writer, as Imperator in the year 1507; the record of a new cycle of one jurisdiction in Europe in 1410; the Initiation of the famous character known in history as Paracelsus, in Basle, Switzerland, in 1530; the •operation of a large Lodge in Cologne in 1115; the public activities of the
Rosicrucians during the Crusades in the south of France between the years 1192 and 1227; and the development of the Order in Holland during the years 1483 to 1498. In Spain, I taly, and the Orient, the Order carried on extensively
in certain channels, while in Russia, China, and especially in Tibet, the Order had many members who exerted a great power for progressiveness.
Hundreds of books and manuscripts have been listed in catalogs known
as Rosicrucian Bibliographies, and published in many historical, mystical and
Freemasonic encyclopaedias. These show that many writers of many lands wrote historical essays, official Manifestoes, Instruction guides, and treatises
upon the subject of the Order Rosae Crucis, the Brothers of the Rosy Cross, the Fraters Rose Croix, the Rosenkreuzer, etc.
For many centuries the organization held international Conventions or Congresses in cities most convenient to the greatest number of delegates.
Most of these were held in Switzerland, usually in Basle, and later in Zurich and Geneva; and in Toulouse, France; Halle, Germany; Cologne, Germany; London, England; and Lyon, France. A few were held for special purposes in Cairo, Egypt; and Calcutta, India.
Even to this day these Congresses are held every few years and delegates from, or representing, thirteen lands or more are present along with many
•officers of various ranks and departments.
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 17
PRESENT DAY HEIRARCHY
In all lands where the new cycle of existence of the Order is established
(in accordance with the law of “108 years of secret activity and then a birth
into public activity for another 108 years’’) each branch of the new Order has
its own Jurisdiction, as heretofore, with its own Imperator for the Jurisdic-tion, and under him a Supreme Grand Master, a Group of Grand Masters, and
a score of Masters of local Lodges or groups.
The Imperators of the various Jurisdictions constitute a supreme council of advisors to the White Lodge, which is the superior body of the entire
Order in the world.
In each Jurisdiction the Grand Masters and executive officers constitute
the Supreme Council for the Jurisdiction, at the head of which is the
Imperator.
This form of national and international cooperation between all duly
chartered and empowered branches maintains a system of united effort and at the same time makes for solidarity. It means that, despite the division
into official jurisdictions, the Rosicrucian ORDER is one body throughout the world.
THE INTERNATIONAL NAME
The Order of the new cycle uses the same old ancient name that isfound in the oldest records. That name, in its complete Latin form is:
Antiquae Arcanae Ordinis Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis.
Translations and abbreviations of this name are used by the various
jurisdictions to meet the requirements of the local tongue. In America, and
some other English speaking lands, the name is shortened to: Ancient,Mystical Order Rosae Crucis. This form retains the ancient Latin words Rosae Crucis which mean: of the Rosy Cross. For the sake of veiling the full name the initials of the short name are used, as: A. M. O. R. C. or AMORC. Even in some Latin countries we have the Spanish form of the
name thusly: Antiqua y Mistica Orden Rosae Crucis, giving us the initials again of AMORC. In some other lands the complete name is used or abbre-viated to: A. A. Ordinis Rosae R. A. Crucis, or AAORRAC, or “A. A.O.” or “A. O.’’ However, such abbreviations are used only when publicpapers or other matters are to be veiled, but not in connection with official documents. And, always the symbol of the Order is a cross with one red
rose in its centre. The use of a number of roses on various crosses or around
a cross, does not make the official, ancient, emblem. Such modifications indicate that the person or group of persons using them are not connected
with the above Order—The AMORC.
THE FIRST AMERICAN BRANCH
Before his transition, and while Imperator of the Order in Europe, Bacon made plans for the spread of the work to America. This he did by writing a story called The New Atlantis, or the House of Solomon. This was, presumably, a story of a newly discovered land in the Atlantic where
everything was done according to Rosicrucian standards. In the story was contained the famous Bacon secret code which he also used in writing the
Shakespearean plays and many other books now found to be his work.
In the code used by Bacon, instructions were given for the establishment of a national centre on the shores of America. For years the strange plans in this book puzzled those who read it and knew not the ideas back of it. Then in 1693 the plans began to materialize, and in all parts of Europe
men and women came together in Rosicrucian sessions to select those
who were to carry out the Baconian plan. Finally in the fall of 1693 a group of several hundred men with their families were decided upon and they
joined together in England and Holland.
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Men for the plan were selected according to their professions and
trades. All men had to be able to contribute to the knowledge and experience
required, and in the winter of 1693 the group of Rosicrucians set sail forAmerica in their own chartered boat, the Sara Maria.
No more fascinating story of pilgrimage is told in history than this. They travelled under the auspices of Bacon’s former Lodge in London, the Rosicrucian Lodge known by the Greek word, Philadelphia, and they
carried with them rare manuscripts, records, scientific devices and equipment such as had not been brought to America before.
The work of the first Rosicrucians spread rapidly throughout thecoloniesin the first hundred years and laid a foundation for it from coastto coast.
Some uninformed writers of early American history state that the first Rosicrucian foundation in America was laid by a Dr. P. B. Randolph who
lectured considerably on psychological and Rosicrucian subjects during the latter part of the eighteenth century. He claimed Initiation in a foreign
branch of the Rosicrucian Order, but it has been found that he was simply
a member of a small Hermetic organization of Rosicrucian students of either
Paris or London, and had no authority to establish permanent Lodges any-where in America. Aside from the fact that his lectures here were many
years after the Order had come to America, and therefore could not have
been the first efforts to bring the work to this land, his groups of students
in a few cities did not carry on any systematic organization work after his transition, and there was no affiliation between his student groups and the
Order in other lands.
THE PRESENT AMERICAN ORGANIZATION
The year 1909 was a very important year in the activities of many Rosi-crucian Jurisdictions, and in the history of many metaphysical, alchemical, and Hermetic organizations. To the Rosicrucians it was the year of new
birth, the year of the new cycle, in those lands which had completed the 108 year of silence. Chief among these was America, where the Rosicrucian
activities consisted of a great fire of power and knowledge burning in quiet preparation for the sudden fanning into brilliant flames. With other organi-zations the year was an important one in its relation to the periodicity of the Aquarian cycle. All in all, 1909 proved to be the “quickening and awakening’’year for all lands ready for the new dispensation of “Light, Life and Love.”
For several years prior to 1909 many men, and several women, of pro-found metaphysical and occult training and preparation journeyed to Europe, and, in either France or England, received Initiation into the Rosicrucian
Order to enable them to assist in the newer activities for America.Two characters stand out in the history of the present American organi-
zation. One of these is Mrs. Col. May BanksStacey, a descendant of the D’Arcys of France, and through blood relationship with the nobility of Eng-
land, a high Initiate of the oldest Rosicrucian organization of London and Paris. She was also an Initiate of the Order in India, and was appointed an
American Legate of the Indian Jurisdiction.
The other is Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, formerly President for many years of the New York Institute for Psychical Research, editor of several meta-physical magazines, and a coworker with E lbert (Fra) Hubbard of Roycroft fame, and Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, both of whom were desirous of helping
in the Rosicrucian work and rendered unusual services.
Dr. Lewis went to France in the summer of 1909 and after consultation
with the Supreme Master of the French Jurisdiction was placed under the direction of the European Supreme Council whose sessions finally agreed to
the plans of the new cycle for America, and authorized the French Jurisdic-tion to sponsor them.
Dr. Lewis returned from Europe and began at once his official activities. In the winter of 1909 he held conferences with a number of those who
had been initiated abroad, and who were familiar with the rules and
regulations of the foreign jurisdictions and acquainted with the Supreme
Officers.
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H. SPENCE R L E WIS, F. R. C„ Ph. D.,
IMPERATOR OF THE AMORC OF NORTH AMERICA
MEMBER OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE WORLD
LEGATE OF THE ORDER OF FRANCE
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20 THE LIGHT OF EG YPT
The task of translating into English the many documents and papers of authority, required months of labor, and the formation of a foundation
committee necessitated many interviews and private council meetings. Twelve men and women had been placed on the foundation committee by
Dr. Lewis before the end of 1909, and thereafter many months were spent by these persons assisting in the preparation of literature, a new and
typically American constitution for the Order, and the development of many
new features that had not been introduced in America. All this had to be done in great secrecy until a certain stage of the work was reached.
When this point was attained there came to Dr. Lewis the first of the
many messengers of the Order in Europe. This first representative was Dr. May BanksStacey. A woman of wide travel and many affiliations, she came as a special Legate of the Order in India. She brought to Dr. Lewis
and the foundation Committee the final papers of preparation for the great work, and the Jewel of Authority, a rare official emblem, and valuable treas-ures from the archives of the Oriental headquarters. During her stay in
New York she acted as the first Matre of the Order.
THE GREAT NATIONAL CONVENTION
In the summer of 1916 the work of the new Order had spread so rapidly
in America and so many new branches were in operation, that a national convention of all officers and delegates was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaniwa, for one week. At this convention the principal officers of every American
branch and the delegates from every state were present. Sessions were held
during the day and evenings with lectures, demonstrations and discussions.It was at this great convention that a committee composed of leading
characters in many other fraternal organizations, devoted their time to a study of the national constitution of the new Order as it had been worked out by the supreme officers in the years preceding. On the last day of the
Convention the Committee read the proposed constitution and it was adopted, paragraph by paragraph by the delegates assembled. Other matters
of great importance to the Order were definitely settled at this convention, and at the one held in New York in the summer of 1918.
THE AMERICAN AMORC
Thus was established for the new cycle in America, the Rosicrucian
Order now known in every state of the United States, every Province of Canada, and every important section of Mexico. Manifestoes were issued
presenting the official headquarters of the American AMORC, its list of selected and elected officers, its affiliation with bodies of similar name in
other lands, and its high purposes.The American AMORC also announced: that it had no connection with
any other metaphysical, occult, or fraternal bodies except those which were
Rosicrucian; that it would adhere to the ancient landmarks and traditions, and would present the enlarged and evolved Rosicrucian teachings of the past and present, with such slight changes as were necessary to make the
work of benefit to those of this progressive continent in the twentieth
century.Legates and high Officers of the Order in other lands visited the
American headquarters, official communication was established with the lead-ing foreign Jurisdictions, and the American Imperator was officially appointed
by other Jurisdictions as their Honorary representative in America, in letters
and documents now preserved in the AMORC archives.In all recent international conventions or Council sessions held in foreign
lands, the AMORC of America has been invited to participate with the other AMORC Jurisdictions, and the American AMORC is the only Rosicrucian
organization in America ever invited to have a part in these sessions.Today the AMORC in many lands is operating in a new cycle and in
close affiliation and cooperation, and the American branch is an inseparable
part of this unique body of Rosicrucian workers.
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$ art TOiree
THE PRINCIPLES OF ROSICRUCIANISM
THE ARCHIVES OF KNOWLEDGE
Whether we inquire into the true and tested principles of psychology, the established and dependable laws of health and long life, the funda-mentals of religion and philosophy, or the attainment of mastership in life’s problems, we find that constant reference, quotations and recommendations
by thousands of eminent writers in all ages bring us eventually to the reserved teachings of the Rosicrucian schools. There probably never was
any other single source and fountain of arcane, universal knowledge equal to the systems of this organization.In all ages there have been the few—the specially learned and wise, the
master philosophers, the in tiates—who have had access to the arcane, secret and vital principles of all knowledge, and these persons have care-fully concealed such knowledge from the unworthy, the evilminded and the selfish. Such persons have constituted the school of advanced wisdom and
their organization has been known by many names, but always under the direction of one Great Brotherhood. Now we find this knowledge pres-erved and taught through the channels of the Rosicrucian Order, one of the original conservators of such knowledge.
WH AT DID THE ROSICRUCIANS TEACH?It is the general belief of the casual investigators of the Rosicrucian
teachings that the members of the fraternity were experts and masters in the subjects of the transmutation of base metals into pure gold, the prolonging
of life, the immediate cure of disease, the performance of seeming miracles, the control of nature’s forces, the mastership of life’s problems, and directors
of future events. And they have always been credited with possessing the
correct knowledge of God, life, transition and immortality.Many books and papers refer to the Rosicrucians as Alchemists and
Hermetic Physicians. The truth of the matter is that the Rosicrucians of all ages not only devoted their time in laboratories to transmuting metals, but a greater part of their time was spent in transmuting the baser elements
of human nature into the pure gold of health, happiness and prosperity.
This was their higher form of alchemy. Their general teachings and activ-ities were devoted to overcoming the obstacles in life which kept progressive
men and women from attaining individual heights. Therefore their ancient teachings included the secret facts of nature about health, the source and
nature of the vital force of life, how it could be retained and increased, and
how disease of all kinds might be prevented or cured. They taught also the nature of many of the strange universal forces which surrounded man and
which few even today suspect as existing.
MENTAL POWERS OF THE ROSICRUCIANS
However, one needs to read only a few books about the Rosicrucians, such as Lord Lytton’s “Zanoni” and Marie Correlli’s “Life Everlasting,’1to see that the greatest power .developed by the Rosicrucians was the men-tal power they were able to use.
The Rosicrucians taught—esoterically—that every thing in the world, from the smallest cell in a living or nonliving body to the rocks in distant mountains, could be affected by an unsuspected mental power which can
be developed by their formulas. They pointed out how they could make
their thoughts become concrete realities; how they could transmit thoughts
from one place to a more distant place; they demonstrated their ability
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22 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
to make people think and act in accordance with law, and to have nature’s forces obey their wills. All the seeming miracles of ancient Babylon, Persia, India and the Orient generally they reduced to simple processes. They
sought to become mighty in the power to foresee, to hold back the progress
of undesirable conditions, or set into motion newer and more favorable conditions.
All this they taught each selected student to do for himself. They did
not perform miracles for one another, for they taught that each person
possesses a power and a faculty to direct his own affairs more efficiently
than anyone else could do it for him.
THE TESTS OF HUNDREDS OF YEARS
As the ages passed, the teachings of the Rosicrucians were tested by newer knowledge at the hands of later Master teachers and workers. From
century to century the Rosicrucian teachings were amended, strengthened, improved and widened in their scope until they now embrace knowledge inevery metaphysical and psychological field, in every arcane art, and every practical, mental system for the development of man’s greater powers.
WHO THEY ARE TODAY
The Rosicrucians of today are practical men and women, occupying
high positions in every walk of life, from the humble workers and happy housewives to leaders in all forms of education, in schools, colleges and
universities. They include persons of every denomination, physicians and
scientists, lawyers, judges, bankers, musicians, artists, inventors and heads of big corporations; newspaper editors and owners; men and women who are
more successful and prosperous, happy and masterful than the average person.
No one is ever denied admission because of lack of college or academic
education. Moral character and sincerity of desire are the only qualifica-tions considered.
All agree in their enthusiastic comment upon this one point: The knowl-edge given to them in their studies and through their connection with the
fraternity has enabled them to round out their own lives, and more efficiently
carry on their life work, in a manner almost impossible without the benefits derived from the SPE CIALIZE D instructions given to them by AMORC.
THE GREAT WORK TODAY
Not only is the Great Work of the AMORC still carried on in Europe and other lands, with periodic International and National congresses to unify
the work throughout the world, but in America the organization is especially
systematized and well founded.The North American continent constitutes the largest of all the jurisdic-
tions of the Rosicrucians which operate throughout the world under the name of AMORC. In the United States, Canada, Mexico and the dependencies of the United States, there are College, University, and Lodge Branches, as well as study groups in every important city and town, with many reading rooms
and study halls always open to those who are associated with the work. National conventions have been held in the United States and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles have appeared in the public press, within
the last twenty years, referring to the unusual features offered by the Rosicrucian system of education and evolution.
In some cities as many as a thousand persons meet weekly at one session
to hear the Rosicrucian teachings expounded, and in many of the branches
there are three to five sessions of students a week.
WH Y THE FRATERNITY GROWS
An illustration of the importance of the new cycles of the Order may be seen in the comment of thousands who have pursued the presentday teachings
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THE LIGHT OF EGYPT 23
of the AMORC, which comment may be summarized in the words of a former high officer of another school of philosophy and metaphysics in America:
"Man has evolved in the past several hundred years through definite cycles and
stages of mental and spiritual awakening and comprehension, just as he has advanced in scientific achievement and attainment. Those thoughts, those
principles, and those ideals which were vital and guiding to him five hundred
or even one hundred years ago are obsolete now, some even impracticable. Other schools of thought, systems of instruction, courses of practice in life
which have not evolved and advanced step by step with man’s evolution are
passe today. AMORC is notable for its advancement and its foresight in
keeping many steps ahead of man’s present stage in civilization, so that today the Rosicrucian teachings and benefits offered by the AMORC con-stitute a goal to approach, an ideal to hold before us—a true leadership
to follow.”
NOT THE TEACHINGS OF ONE PERSONThere are systems of philosophical and higherthought instruction in the
world today which were outlined or prepared by one or more founders, “discoverers” or leaders—systems which were prophetic and ultramodern in
their day—but because the founders of such systems made no provision for the advancement of the teachings, or the gradual growth and evolution of the system, they stand today as monuments of good in the past but in-adequate and inefficient today.
The child of today is taught in school, in high school, and in special courses, those subjects which were select and advanced subjects for the
evolved adult of a hundred years ago. To adhere to the philosophic or scientific teachings of the ancients, no matter how remarkable they may
have been in their day, would be equivalent to teaching and promulgating dead languages as a vital factor in our modern life.
MOST ADVANCED OF ALL TEACHINGS
The AMORC of today preserves and presents in the most impressive
and helpful manner every law and principle that was known to and used by
the ancient Rosicrucians and which made them famous as the forerunners of all scientific, occult, metaphysical and practical schools making for man’s greater growth and development. Each year of the past five hundred years
or more has seen additions made to those fundamental teachings. Each
month of the past hundred years has seen the ancient system of instruction
and cooperative benefits improved, modernized and advanced.
During the past twenty years, the evolutionary growth of the plan of AMORC has been phenomenal. In every field of endeavor, in every art, science, and domain of thought, AMORC has taken great steps forward until today its knowledge of certain laws of nature, activities of the human mind, powers of personal forces, manifestations of principles and possibilities of unsuspected agencies, is far in advance of man’s general evolution and
greatly in the lead of all other schools or movements.
A GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT
In other words, AMORC, typifying the Rosicrucian spirit throughout the
world, represents today the very soul of the Rosicrucian activities of all ages —the most advanced and practical guide or movement in man’s behalf. This has been no simple achievement. No organization but that which lives with the spirit of true Rosicrucianism—fearless, dauntless, and mighty in its own
powers—could have survived in the past decades the many obstacles to growth
and the insistent attacks of its natural enemies—the enemies of all progress. None but the present Imperator of the AMORC, Harve Spencer Lewis, F. R. C., Ph. D., could have accomplished the tremendous task set for him
when he accepted the obligation and duties of his office for the purpose of establishing the new cycle of AMORC as Bacon was commissioned to do in
the seventeenth century in Europe, and others before him.
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24 THE LIGHT OF EGYPT
How to Become a Member
This book and the accompanying application form and
letter constitute a formal invitation to you to become a
member of the Order. If you do not find a letter or
application form with this book, the Secretary (whose
address is given below) will be glad to furnish you with
one.
HERMES LODGE No. 41, AMORC. is a duly char-
tered and properly sponsored Lodge of the AMORC of
North America, operating in Los Angeles with the largest
membership in any one of the hundreds of branches in
America.
HERMES LODGE No. 41 occupies a large number
of offices, reading rooms, and Temple Lodge rooms in
Egyptian style, in the very heart of the city. The Read-
ing rooms are open daily from 9 to 5 and from 7 to 9. and
on Sundays from 10 to 12. You are cordially invited to
come and visit and enjoy the many generous activities.
^Applications
Applications for membership should be mailed or de-
livered to the address below. After investigation the
accepted applicants will be notified when to attend the
Lodge for special ceremony. New classes of students
are being formed continuously with men and women of
every walk of life, representing the highest types of mind and character. Public lectures are also held each Sun-
day morning at the address below, at 11:15 A. M. Come
and meet us and accept our sincere offer to help you
solve life’s problems.
AMORCHERMES LODGE, No. 41
233 South Broadway
Los Angeles California
Phone Vcindike 9033
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