The Theoretical Brothers, or the Second Stage of the Rosicrucians

brutality of the customs of their century, and to transform the peoples into civilized nations. This was the purpose of an Osiris in Egypt, an Orpheus in Thrace, a Zoroaster in Persia, a Minos in Crete, Ciniras in Cyprus, and Erechtheus in Athens: such MysteriesSecret religious rites of the ancient world, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries, which involved initiation and promised spiritual insight. were established only for the spreading of the knowledge of a single God, and for the attainment of the moral virtue that alone makes mankind happy.

"Good, dear Doctor," said the yawning Shah Gebal—"but to the point, if I may ask—"

Danishmende, who was already accustomed to such interruptionsoriginal: "Einfälle," which can mean ideas or sudden intrusions into a conversation., only bowed low—and continued undisturbed—

It was one of the happiest thoughts of the ancients to make use of mankind’s inclination for the wondrous in order to lead them to wisdom and virtue: for this reason, they also established certain stages and ceremonies which no one who wished to be initiated could avoid: this