Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon
furnished an exception was considered even by his friends as highly reproachful to the philosopher , and afforded his enemies abundant matter of accusation and triumph . Clean hands and a -pure heart were indispensable requisites in all who aspired to the knowledge of the Sacred Mysteries * . The rites of initiation are described as having been splendid and awful in the hig hest degree . The Scene —¦
a large aud magnificent temple . —The Time—to inspire veneration and relig ious dread—the hour of midnig ht . —The Action—a species of dramatic exhibition , in which , amongst other subjects of a sacred nature , were represented , in the most glowing colours , the happiness and joys of the good in a future world ; the distractions , horrors , and ' torments of the wicked | . One of the initiatory ceremonies was striking , and for its peculiarity deserves your attention . The candidate for admission , after vows of secresy % , sanctioned by penalties
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon
furnished an exception was considered even by his friends as highly reproachful to the philosopher , and afforded his enemies abundant matter of accusation and triumph . Clean hands and a -pure heart were indispensable requisites in all who aspired to the knowledge of the Sacred Mysteries * . The rites of initiation are described as having been splendid and awful in the hig hest degree . The Scene —¦
a large aud magnificent temple . —The Time—to inspire veneration and relig ious dread—the hour of midnig ht . —The Action—a species of dramatic exhibition , in which , amongst other subjects of a sacred nature , were represented , in the most glowing colours , the happiness and joys of the good in a future world ; the distractions , horrors , and ' torments of the wicked | . One of the initiatory ceremonies was striking , and for its peculiarity deserves your attention . The candidate for admission , after vows of secresy % , sanctioned by penalties