LET IT BE KNOWN that there exists, unknown to the great crowd, a very
ancient Order of sages, whose object is the amelioration and spiritual
evolution of mankind by means of conquering error and aiding men and
women in their efforts of attaining the power of recognising the
truth. This Order has existed already in the most remote times and it
has manifested its activity secretly and openly in the world under
different names and in various forms: it has caused social and
political revolutions and proved to be the rock of salvation in times
of danger and misfortune. It has always upheld the banner of freedom
against tyranny in whatever shape this appeared, whether as clerical
or political or social despotism or oppression of any kind.
To this "secret order" every wise and spiritually enlightened person
belongs by right of his or her nature: because they all, even if they
are personally unknown to each other, are one in their purpose and
object and they all work under the guidance of the one light of truth.
Into this Sacred Society no one can be admitted by another unless he
has the power to enter it himself by virtue of his own interior
illumination, neither can anyone after he has once entered be expelled
unless he should expel himself by becoming unfaithful to his
principles and forget again the truths which he has learned by his own
experience.
All this is known to every enlightened person.
{link: http://www.scarletwoman.org/
Revised O.T.O. Constitution of 1917
by Fr. Merlin, Theodor Reuss
This historical document was written by Theodor Reuss, the first Outer
Head of the Order, which was largely based on the MMM Constitution
written in 1913 by Aleister Crowley.