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Correspondence from Charles Stansfeld Jones to Max Schneider
[EXTRACT]
[8 June 1924]
Now as regards the A∴A∴, again I feel that you have done really good work along certain lines, and work that would entitle you to considerable advancement in that System, provided all the other essential conditions had been fulfilled.
"But as a Probationer of the A∴A∴ you must not fall into the very possible error of thinking that your attainments advance you automatically in that Order. You have done a great deal of work on the preliminary stage, but you have neglected to turn in your exam-paper (although your record is in my hands) and for that reason alone, you have not been granted the official Grade to which you would otherwise undoubtedly be entitled, and which would carry with it a formal recognition of your work, thus making it no longer a matter of personal opinion, but of established fact. You may remark that this is little more than a technicality, but in reality a great deal more is involved (from the A∴A∴ point of view with which we are dealing). But, whatever your personal views may be of your attainments and studies, whatever you, yourself feel to be your true stage of advancement and (unofficially) corresponding grade in the A∴A∴, one thing is certain, as far as that system is concerned, you have not fulfilled the tasks necessary to the Grade of Zelator, and this is no mere technicality, but a most important consideration, and no officer in the A∴A∴ knowing the System and conditions, could possible pass you beyond that Grade with the conditions are unfulfilled. Neither can you at any time safely take the one open step in the Order, and claim the Grade of M.T. [Magister Templi]—even should you really think of doing so—from your present position, for, as I understand it, this can only be done by an actual Neophyte or one actually advanced in the Order, not by a Probationer who is officially, so to speak, outside the door of the Outer College. . . . . . .
I have merely raised these [illegible] so that you may examine yourself upon them, not that I [illegible] them with me or another; but I feel that if you do so within yourself, you may be able to adjust your interior differences, and get rid of them. If you consider me wide of the mark, there is no harm done. It is of course for you to do your own True Will in any case.
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