royal art. Freemasonry bears this name. Not only
the name but its ethical ideal connects it with the spirit of the old
alchemy. This statement will probably be contradicted and meet the same
denial as did once the ideas of Kernning [J. Krebs], although I think I am
on different ground from that of this poetic but, in my eyes, all too
uncritical author. Keep in mind the historical treatment mentioned in Part
I, Section 4, and furthermore do not forget the psychological basis of our
present modes of viewing things.

[If I wished to compare the ethical aims of both in general terms, I
should run the risk of unduly expatiating on what is easily understood.
Robert Fischer describes freemasonry as a society of men who have set
themselves the severe task of a wise life and labor as the most difficult
task, of self-knowledge, self-mastery and self-improvement,--tasks that are
not finished in this life but only through death prepare us for the stage
where the true consummation begins. These beautiful and straightforward
words could just as well stand in an alchemistic discussion on the
terrestrial and celestial. But this will suffice.]

And now permit me to present the following portrayals by Jane Leade
[English mystic of the 17th century. She belonged to the philadelphian
society founded by Pordage.] which I reproduce here with a few words of
comment, and take them as an illustration of the beautiful spiritual union
of the serious hermetic with the new royal art. The reader can draw his
own conclusions. The passages are taken from Leade's "Garten-Brunn" (L. G.
B.). References to Wirth are to the "Symbolisme Hermetique" (W. S. H.) of
this modern author.

This mystic who is sunk in deep meditation on the noble Stone of divine
Wisdom, has a vision of Sophia (Wisdom) at which she is startled. "Soon
came the voice and said: Behold I am God's everlasting handmaid of wisdom,
whom thou hast sought. I am now here to unseal for thee the treasures of
the deepest wisdom of God, and to be to thee even that which Rebecca was
to her son Jacob, namely, a true, natural mother. For from my body and
womb shalt thou be born, conceived and reborn." (L. G. B., I, p. 14.)

Leade is much rejoiced that the "morning star from on high" has sought
her, and secludes herself for the following days to await further
developments. She has still more visions of the crowned queen of heaven
and was asked whether she had the desire to be taken up into the celest