T. The deacon, who has listened to my wisdom, and desirest instruction in the mysteries of thy work, wishes admission within this court, and instruction in ways he has not known. M. Hast thou instructed him, as most necessary to his improvement, before entering this circle? T. I have said that which was necessary, and find him prepared to receive the lessons which appertain to his progress. M. Then thou wilt bid him welcome. I returned. When I returned, he said, “This is a secret society, I suppose.” T. The wisdom of this circle, who work in this temple, is not a secret to those who have received it. D. Why dost thou keep thy wisdom a secret? T. Because all wisdom is a secret to the uninformed. Thou wilt understand that this circle withholds no good thing from those who need, but even those who need, are not always prepared to receive our aid. The secret will not harm thee, neither will it do good to those who refuse to comply with its requirements. The secret is a secret only, because minds know it not, and have resolved not to receive the wisdom which their condition requires to make them skillful workmen in the temple. Art thou prepared to enter with me, and do the work which may be required of thee for the good of mind? D. I am ready to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, in the path of righteousness. T. Thou wilt remember the poor and thy vows. D. The needy thou hast with thee. T. Thou wilt soon become rich. The same instruction was imparted to the deacon, which I received on my first visit to the temple. When the lessons had been repeated to him, I inquired, “Welcome, wilt thou now revisit the castle with me, that we may aid our brethren to see the light thou hast beheld?” D. Thou wilt not expect that I would refuse to aid them. We returned. CHAPTER VII. THIRD VISIT TO THE CASTLE. The wonder in the castle--Dialogue between the chief, the deacon, and Thomas--The senior consulted--The circle of the temple summoned by the trumpet--Conversation between the Commander of the temple and the senior of the castle on war--On rights--The conversion of 24 elders, and 144,000--The Commander conducts them to the temple, where they were initiated into that degree of wisdom. When we reached the castle, there was great wonder and astonishment, that the deacon should have departed from it. I heard the chief say, “I have been suspicious of him ever since the conversation between the centurion and the strangers through the port holes. I saw,” said he, “that he listened quite too attentively to the conversation; for it is not possible for any mind to resist the arguments which that circle brings. But alas! there is great danger of their sentiments; there is such a sweetness in their conversation, that it is no wonder that they draw minds away from the truth.” “Wouldst thou taste that sweetness?” said the deacon. C. I would not jeopardize the eternal interests of my soul.