Author Description

In compiling this Manual for the use of members of the Societies Rosicruciana In America, there has been no intent of offering an occult treatise of any sort whatsoever. It is purely a manual of instruction and information for the exclusive use of members. It is not secret, but it is expected that each member will exercise due caution in exposing this or any other publication of the Fraternity in ways that may result in causing misunderstanding and give undesirable publicity to the principles of our Art. In this manual will be found, first of all an amplification of Official Publication No. 2, entitled, "Who may become members of the S.R.I.A.-." This amplification is for the information of members themselves, and their guidance and instruction in seeking "heirs" or prospective members of the Fraternity. The Ancient Landmarks are given in full, together with the Constitution of the Societas Rosicruciana In America, with which every member is required to be thoroughly familiar, for it is in consonance with these instruments that all legislative and executive work of the Fraternity in the United States is carried on. Valuable matter is reprinted from "In the Pronaos of the Temple" by Dr. Franz Hartman, and also from "The Real History of the Rosicrucians" by Mr. Arthur Edward Waite. Both these valuable works are long since out of print, otherwise we should refer our members to the originals. It is essential however, that each member be familiar with these statements of the fundamental principles and legends of the Fraternity at the very beginning of the study of our Art. Some features may appear to be unnecessary repetition, but such instances will be found to be really advisable in order to give an accurate facsimile reprint or an obvious reason for the immediate context.