Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. The History And Antiquities Of Freemasonry.
appointed that luminary to confer li ght and heat on his creatures , and then they proceeded to labour . AVhen the sun attained his meridian hei g ht , they assembled for refreshment , and their humble meal was preceded b y prayer ; and when , to close the day , the sun sank in the west , their labours were closed b y prayer , and they retired to rest in
peace , harmony , and brotherl y love . Their assemblies were conducted with the most scrupulous regard to decorum . The Principal , who sat in the east , opened the proceedings with much form , and the Brethren remainedin silent attention . They never attempted to interfere with the solemn lecture by any intrusive inquiry ; but were mute hearers of the instructive harangue , except
personally appealed to b y the Principal , which was usuall y done in rotation . And this silence and prompt acquiescence with the will and pleasure ' of their presiding officers , was a characteristic of their profession which distinguished them amidst all the fluctuations of their fortune . This cheerful obedience to their governors arose out of the very nature of
the institution . Their disci pline was strict , and it was a maxim steadil y enforced and implicitly received , that disputes and insubordination were the greatest evils under which any society or body of men could labour , and tending , as a direct consequence , to their speedy dissolution . At these meetings , however , they were accustomed to relax , on particular occasions , and laying graver business aside , they indulged in moderate convivialitv .
J . bey used no influence to make proselytes , and a standing rule forbade them to persuade any individual to become incorporated amongst their number . And before admission , it was strictl y investigated whether the candidate was stimulated b y a love of virtue and holiness , and the sole desire of improving his mind in knowledge .
_ A probation of one whole year was imposed on the asp irant , for the Essenes were singularl y tenacious of their mysteries , and used great caution lest they should be communicated to improper persons . Hence , during the period of trial , much pains were taken to ascertain die habitual propensities of the aspirantas well as the natural and
ac-, quired endowments of his mind . If he proved worthy ; if he possessed a tongue of good report ; if he was capable of practising secrecy , and possessed the requisite qualifications for obedience and submission to the will of his superiors , lie was admitted to the FIRST DEGREE , and invested with a lohitc garment , as emblematical of the purity which they expected
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. The History And Antiquities Of Freemasonry.
appointed that luminary to confer li ght and heat on his creatures , and then they proceeded to labour . AVhen the sun attained his meridian hei g ht , they assembled for refreshment , and their humble meal was preceded b y prayer ; and when , to close the day , the sun sank in the west , their labours were closed b y prayer , and they retired to rest in
peace , harmony , and brotherl y love . Their assemblies were conducted with the most scrupulous regard to decorum . The Principal , who sat in the east , opened the proceedings with much form , and the Brethren remainedin silent attention . They never attempted to interfere with the solemn lecture by any intrusive inquiry ; but were mute hearers of the instructive harangue , except
personally appealed to b y the Principal , which was usuall y done in rotation . And this silence and prompt acquiescence with the will and pleasure ' of their presiding officers , was a characteristic of their profession which distinguished them amidst all the fluctuations of their fortune . This cheerful obedience to their governors arose out of the very nature of
the institution . Their disci pline was strict , and it was a maxim steadil y enforced and implicitly received , that disputes and insubordination were the greatest evils under which any society or body of men could labour , and tending , as a direct consequence , to their speedy dissolution . At these meetings , however , they were accustomed to relax , on particular occasions , and laying graver business aside , they indulged in moderate convivialitv .
J . bey used no influence to make proselytes , and a standing rule forbade them to persuade any individual to become incorporated amongst their number . And before admission , it was strictl y investigated whether the candidate was stimulated b y a love of virtue and holiness , and the sole desire of improving his mind in knowledge .
_ A probation of one whole year was imposed on the asp irant , for the Essenes were singularl y tenacious of their mysteries , and used great caution lest they should be communicated to improper persons . Hence , during the period of trial , much pains were taken to ascertain die habitual propensities of the aspirantas well as the natural and
ac-, quired endowments of his mind . If he proved worthy ; if he possessed a tongue of good report ; if he was capable of practising secrecy , and possessed the requisite qualifications for obedience and submission to the will of his superiors , lie was admitted to the FIRST DEGREE , and invested with a lohitc garment , as emblematical of the purity which they expected