What important knowledge did these Ancient Masons wish to convey down through the ages to those who would come later?

Nothing less than the vital role the evolving human soul must play in the successful evolution of the universe.

And fundamental to the accomplishment of this mission, the ancient Magi stressed the value of will power.

In their view, what contributes to the development of a strong will?

First, to recognize that along with substance and energy, intelligence too, commands recognition as a universal quality.

Second, that the human's only source of will power lies in our ability to receive energy, and then to persistently direct it into channels of our own choosing.

But exercising the will on the physical plane consumes the electric energy of the nerve currents.

And they taught this energy can be increased by tension exercise and rhythmic breathing.

Throughout such training, control plays a crucial role.

Should the brains cells not mobilize enough energy to displace competing energies generated elsewhere such as the sympathetic nervous system, the brain cells no longer control, but are controlled by these other energies.