The Equinox (Volume III, Number I)

CONCERNING THE LAW OF THELEMA or sequestrate it from the common good. He may travel, for instance, as a railway magnate travels; but he cannot injure the commonwealth by setting his private car athwart the four main lines. Even intellectual eminence and executive ability are at a certain discount in the Order. Work is invariably found for persons possessing these qualifications, and they attain high status and renown for their reward; but not advancement in the Order, unless they exhibit a talent for government, and this will be exhibited far more by nobility of character, firm- ness and suavity, tact and dignity, high honour and good manners, those qualities (in short) which are, in the best minds, natural predicates of the word gentleman. The knowledge of this fact not only inspires confidence in the younger members, but induces them to emulate their seniors. In order to appreciate the actual working of the system, it is necessary to visit our Profess-Houses. (It is hoped that some will shortly be established in the United States of America.) Some are like the castles of medizeval barons, some are simple cottages; the same spirit rules in all. It is that of perfect hospitality. Each one is free to do as he will; and the luxury of this enjoyment is such that he becomes careful to avoid disturbance of the equal right of others. Yet, the authority of the Abbot of the House being supreme, any failure to observe this rule is met with appropriate en- ergy. The case cannot really arise, unless circumstances are quite beyond the ordinary; for the period of hospitality is strictly limited, and extensions depend upon the goodwill of the Abbot. Naturally, as it takes all sorts to make a world —and we rejoice in that diversity which makes our unity so 237