“Viewed in perspective, in the early days of his ‘mission’ the Brother XII was manifestly sincere, even though inclined to be fanatical. He was unsparing of himself, and begrudged neither time nor labour for the cause he had at heart. But later his actions exhibited a rapidly accelerating declension from grace. The germs of egomania appear to have fructified all too rapidly. The more or less innocent leaning towards a love of mystery and effect grew rapidly to alarming proportions. For it is inconceivable that his melodramatic acting could be the product of anything but a mind dangerously unbalanced? How otherwise account for the sensational ‘stunt’ of crossing the Atlantic in a tiny fishing-smack when, presumably, the funds of the Aquarian Foundation would have been legitimately at his disposal? How otherwise account for the love of high-sounding names, such as ‘Amiel de Valdes?’ How account for the fortifications of the settlement after the style of a medieval baron? And the succession of spiritual mates? A monarch of mere times bereft of the power of the Lodge, which apparently was at his disposal in the first instance—little wonder that his ‘subjects’ rebelled!

“It is easy to be wise after the event; but the wise ones should in turn beware of censuring too hastily those whose zeal for practical brotherhood was in excess of their powers of discrimination. Rather should one pause to admire the sincerity of those who proved ready and willing to stake their all on the chance of realizing their ideals. Not everybody would be so much in earnest. Those, however, who are so placed as to be in a position to render financial assistance in communal schemes, however idealistic in character such plans may be, should not scruple to safeguard themselves by every means in their power against the results of possibly misplaced confidence.

“Brother XII started on his occult career with promise, and subsequent events would have shaped themselves far differently had he remained more faithful to the highest and best within him. Although it was impossible to agree with every detail of his teachings, his earlier books breathed sincerity and charm. Judged merely by his writings, Brother XII was an inspiration to renewed endeavor, to more unselfish service. He might have