Record: mixed sources The volume draws on more than one kind of record; its own notes say which a text is. Evidence: «Briefe, Rundbriefe, Dokumente und Vorträge … Nachschriften und Notizen von Vorträgen und Ansprachen» (Letters, circulars, documents and lectures … transcripts and notes of lectures and addresses)
The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume One
GA 264 — 14 August 1906, Berlin
To Eugenie von Bredow in Landin/Westhavelland
August 14, 1906
Dear Mrs. v. Bredow!
As sad as the news you gave me regarding our dear Mathilde Scholl is, it does not surprise me. However, it will not be possible to help her by doing something that she herself would have to be a part of. The situation is such that she is facing a test that cannot possibly be taken away from her. What you and I can do is strike the right note for her within ourselves. And the note that your letter to me just shows as yours is the right one. You will help her best by remaining strong in this very note. It would not be right to interpret Matilda's present state of mind as a “weakness”. At the occult level at which she lives, it is not a matter of her inner weakness, but rather of the strength of the attacks on her soul by certain powers. One gets the right point of view if one regards the form in which friendship expresses itself in her as a test. There can be no question of any “fault” on your part, dear woman. If you remain true to the path you have chosen, you will do the right thing for yourself and for Mathilde.
You must both have the firm point of your friendship in view of the spiritual ideal. I myself will write to Mathilde in a few days. Today would not be the right time. If she emerges victorious from this trial, then all the more strength will flow to her in the end.
During the time I was allowed to spend with you, I would have been of more use to you if I did not have some very important duties to attend to right now. But the main thing is that you have found a way to follow the path that is right for you in your difficult circumstances. In human development, a lot depends on such things. A secure soul is a powerful force for spiritual progress. You will not lose courage in the face of difficulties, even if unexpected ones arise. You are emotionally in tune with your environment. And even if you often think that your influence is not great enough there, you will gradually recognize that indirectly it is seeking the right paths and will ultimately find them.
Let the spiritual powers you have sought be with you as you maintain and develop the path you have been striving to follow for a while.
Kind regards
Yours
Dr. Rudolf Steiner
Berlin W, Motzstrasse 17