Another man strives to the temple's light; Though not at once will he approach its doors And seek for entrance to this hallowed spot. Throughout a life of studious research He planted germs of thought in his soul-depths. And so perforce the spirit-light went forth To ripen them outside our temple's doors. 'Twas given him to know his present life To be the product of a former one Lived in a time that now hath long gone by. Now he can see the errors of that life And realize what their result will be, But lacketh power, those duties to fulfil, Which through self-knowledge he can recognize.
Capesius shall, through the temple's power, Learn how a man must, in a single life, Take up a load of duties which demand For their entire accomplishment the space Of many lives of earthly pilgrimage. So casting fear aside he will admit That ancient errors with their consequence Pursue the soul e'en past the gate of death. Nor shall he then be vanquished in the fight By which the spirit-portals are flung wide If eye to eye, undaunted, he shall brave The Guardian of the Threshold of that realm. To him shall by that guardian be revealed That none may climb up to the heights of life Who fears to look on destiny's decrees. His insight will admit with courage then That of self-knowledge suffering is the fruit For which she knows no words of comforting. Will shall become his comrade on the way Which faceth boldly all that may befall, And, heartened by a draught from hope's clear spring, Endures the pain of widening consciousness.
Ye have, my brothers, at this present hour,-- True servants of the temple that ye are,-- Set forth the ways in Wisdom's outlines drawn By which these two who seek the spirit-truth Shall have their souls brought to their goal by you. Yet other work the temple-service claims. Here by our side the Lord of Wishes stands; He can be present in this holy place Because Johannes' soul unbarred for him The gates which he would otherwise find barred. The brother who is our initiate Lacks for the moment courage to withstand With power the words that from the darkness rise. The powers of good can only strengthen him When on their opposite they test themselves. 'Twill not be long ere he again appears Here in this temple, compassed by our love. Yet must his spirit-treasure guarded be Now that he must descend into the dark.