"Few realize that even at the present stage of civilization in this world, there are souls who, like the priests of the ancient temples, walk the earth and watch and guard the sacred fires that burn upon the altar of humanity. Purified ones they are, who have renounced the life of this sphere in order to guard and protect the Flame, that spiritual principle in man, now hidden beneath the ruins of his fallen temple. " - Introduction, Initiates of the Flame, Manly P. Hall.
Artwork: The Young Martyr (1865) by Paul Delaroche
SCL:33:21
He revealed the Light of Truth darkly to the people, but they were people of the night, and even its dim flame consumed them. The child of good intentions may be fair or dark.SCL:33:22 The Guardians of Truth covered the bright flame, and even its glow was seen no more by the people. No unlearned man again saw the light. - The Kolbrin Bible