In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never been surpassed, and who seld

In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never 
been surpassed, and who seldom have been equaled, during the 
centuries that have taken their processional flight since the days of the Great Hermes. In Egypt was located the Great Lodge of Lodges of the Mystics. At the doors of her Temples entered the Neophytes who 
afterward, as Hierophants, Adepts, and Masters, traveled to the four 
corners of the earth, carrying with them the precious knowledge which they were ready, anxious, and willing to pass on to those who were ready to receive the same. All students of the Occult recognize the debt that they owe to these venerable Masters of that ancient land. 

The Kybalion. 
Chapter I. 
THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY.