The Martiniste school of unknown philosophers founded by Martinez de Pasqually and continued by L. C. de Saint- Martin seems to have incorporated the last adepts of true initiation.
History of Magic- Eliphas Levi
The Martinist Order is an esoteric Order strictly on the Lodge system perpetuating a chain of Initiation which came through Martinez de Pasqually and Louis Claude de Saint Martin, both Brothers of the Rose+Croix in the 18th century. The teaching generally is a system of philosophic thought, essentially a Christian Gnosis, which is chiefly based on the doctrinal tenets of work called, "Treatise on the Reintegration of Beings into their original virtues, powers and qualities," written by Martinez de Pasqually. This work gives a particular interpretation of Creation, of the Hierarchy of Beings, of the Fall of Man and the way for Man to regain his original status in the scheme of things so as to be re-established in his initial state and privileges. Martinez de Pasqually considers Man to be in exile in this earthly existence deprived of all his real powers. Man's main aim must be, therefore, to work at becoming restored to the condition that was his originally. This he can achieve by following a certain technique which constitutes the secret part of Martinez Pasqually's doctrine.
L. C. de Saint-Martin introduced a more contemplative character to Martinism. He moved away from the theurgic practices of his Teacher to find a more spiritual means to achieve the same result, thus he developed what is known in Martinism terminology the "Inner Way" of Reintegration.
The similarity of names between Martinez and Saint-Martin has led to much confusion as to whose followers were, and still are, MARTINISTS. The answer is quite simple: BOTH. Their respective followers share belief - the Divine Glory of Man's Origin - and the same aim: to regain that glorious Divinity. Only their methods vary, some following the technique of theurgic operations, the others that of inner guidance and illumination.
The Grand Lodge of the U.S.A. a of the Martinist Order is an independent jurisdiction of the ANCIENT MARTINIST ORDER of Europe and has full powers to establish Lodges wherever sincere and capable students of the Path can gather together and invoke Divine Power.
The true Order never advertises itself, for such action would not achieve its purpose which is Initiation. Initiation cannot be bought but it can be transmitted personally by those in the direct chain of authority to students who are properly prepared. All who are ready to enter the Brotherhood are permitted to find their way in. The Martinist Order has members of both sexes in keeping with Saint-Martin's way of extending Spiritual Light.
The Ancient Martinist Order gathers its members of both sexes in groups called Lodges or Heptads, without any difference as to their race, nationality, religious faith, political ideology, class or social condition, having as its aim the spiritual improvement of its members by means of the study and knowledge of the Initiatic tradition.
The Order follows exactly the cultural, philosophical, liturgical and mystical orientation that was given to it by Martinez de Pasqually and Louis Claude de Saint-Martin.
The Order does not impose in the least any dogmatic doctrinal restrictions on its members.
The Order teaches all which it considers useful, leaving to the members the application of the acquired knowledge according to their own manner of experience and assimilation.
The Order divides its teaching into three Degrees called: ASSOCIATE, INITIATE, and UNKNOWN SUPERIOR, so that Martinists, when they merit it, may advance in their studies.
To be admitted into the Order the postulant must be at least 21 years old.
The postulant must be free, honest, of good morals and obedient to the laws of the country in which he/she lives. His or her conduct as a free citizen should be unblemished.
The postulant cannot be an atheist.
The postulant should show:
* the greatest tolerance towards all religious faiths.
* that he considers all those who compose Humanity as his Brothers, and that he does not have any racial notions or is negative towards different nationalities.
* that he is always ready to forgive and suppress, as much as possible, all impulses of rancor or vengeance.
* that he is always ready to practice kindness and to help as much as his possibilities permit him, the weak and needy.
The postulant should also be an intelligent person with a certain degree of culture that will permit him to learn and assimilate the fruits of the teachings given to him by the Order.