Hall, Manly P. America's Assignment Research Society, 1951, p. 115.
with
AMERICA'S ASSIGNMENT WITH DESTINY
Destiny.
Philosophical
115
their work be accomplished it is not sufficient that they have the needed vision. This vision must be communicated. It must be extended throughout human society until humanity redeems itself by the experience of enlightenment. The security that the world seeks cannot be bestowed; it must be earned. When a sufficient number has attained this degree of true leadership, the imperishable democracy of the sages will become a fact in the mortal sphere. The genuine Esoteric Associations always required that disciples prepare themselves for careers of practical service. The student was expected to attain to a state of unusual skill or proficiency in some branch of learning. He was then to practice this profession or craft as a means of extending his sphere of constructive influence. He was to teach through example, enriching his chosen vocation with the overtones of enlightened religious philosophy. Thus, gradually creating a significant zone of influence, he was available for whatever task the Keepers of the Great Plan required. Practical ends can only be achieved by practical means, and the agents of the Universal Reformation must be sufficient for every emergency. Rather than attempt to indicate modem organizations which may or may not be instruments of the Mystery system, it is more useful to recommend that each truth seeker make use of his own faculties of discrimination. The Esoteric Orders have never accepted candidates without reasonable qualifications, nor have they offered any inducements except the privilege of becoming unselfish, useful, and humble. They have never promised to gratify the whims of mortals, and have reserved the right to select in their own way those whom they believed to have the courage, the insight, and the fortitude which the magnitude of the project demanded. Human society cannot be preserved by Fraternities of the unfit, even though the members be well-intentioned. Suc-
ESOTERIC GROUPS LIKE MASONRY REQUIRE THEIR MEMBERS TO GAIN INFLUENCE TO PROMOTE THE PLAN