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Article THE FREEMASONS' LEXICON.* ← Page 7 of 10 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Lexicon.*
the violation of the laws and rules of the Order , as also upon showing a want of due respect or reverence towards their law-givers and chiefs , they had very severe punishments , which , iu some cases , amounted to death , in others , expulsion from the society . The sure hope in the immortality ofthe soul , and in a future state of reward or of punishment , gave them courage to fulfil their duties , ancl to despise every danger , even the most cruel death itselfrather than violate the rules of tbe Society , or
, discover any of its secrets to the uninitiated . One common fund was formed out of all they possessed at their meetings , to which fund every member had an equal right , and which was superintended by a few of the members . This fund , as well as the fruits of their industry ancl skill , was applied principally in acts of benevolence and humanity to the sick and the poor , as the temperate and retired mode of life they themselves led , made their own wants very few . When
travelling they were always welcome , to the houses of the members of their society , and were sure of a kind reception and hospitable attention as long as they chose to remain , in fact it was only in cases of the greatest distress that they were allowed to accept of either meat or drink , except from the members of their own Order . Their professions or trades were various ; some practised medicine , others were agriculturists ; others again housekeepingor making articles necessary
, in housekeeping and agriculture , but nothing coulcl compel them to go to war themselves , or make instruments of war for others . According to their various professions every one was sent to his duty after he hacl gone through the regular prayers each morning ; but before sun rise , or the due celebration of morning prayer , no one was allowed to speak
of worldly things , or undertake any kind of manual labour . At midday they assembled together , after they had bathed and put on the peculiar clothing of the Order , ancl in silence partook of a plain but wholesome meal , of which no one was allowed to taste until after the priest had invoked a blessing from Almighty Gocl upon the food they were about to receive ; in this , as well as in all their other assemblies , no one was allowed to speak but in his turn ancl with the permission of the elders . After they had laid by the clothing of the Order they
returned to their various occupations , until the close of the eveningsummoned them again to the common table . They hallowed the Sabbath day more than any other of the Jewish sects , diligently preparing themselves , according to Jewish custom , the evening before , ancl spending it assembled in their synagogues , where they sat in order according to their initiation , and inculcated morality , and explained by the means of parables passages taken from the sacred writings . As
they believed they could only make themselves acceptable to the Godhead by virtue ancl good actions , and not by burnt offerings and sacrifices , they did not give offerings as the other Jews did , but occasionally sent gifts unto tbe temple . They lived generally a single life , because they believed there were no women who were true ; and if any portion of them took wives it was principally with a view to having childrenand with the same object the unmarried adopted the children
, of strangers ancl orphans . Without the knowledge and consent of their chiefs or elders , towards whom they always paid the greates t respect , nothing of any consequence could be undertaken , and a permission once given was as sacred and unalterable as if it had been confirmed by the most solemn oaths , for this reason , they were obliged to go with the greatest care and attention , and never came to a determination of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Lexicon.*
the violation of the laws and rules of the Order , as also upon showing a want of due respect or reverence towards their law-givers and chiefs , they had very severe punishments , which , iu some cases , amounted to death , in others , expulsion from the society . The sure hope in the immortality ofthe soul , and in a future state of reward or of punishment , gave them courage to fulfil their duties , ancl to despise every danger , even the most cruel death itselfrather than violate the rules of tbe Society , or
, discover any of its secrets to the uninitiated . One common fund was formed out of all they possessed at their meetings , to which fund every member had an equal right , and which was superintended by a few of the members . This fund , as well as the fruits of their industry ancl skill , was applied principally in acts of benevolence and humanity to the sick and the poor , as the temperate and retired mode of life they themselves led , made their own wants very few . When
travelling they were always welcome , to the houses of the members of their society , and were sure of a kind reception and hospitable attention as long as they chose to remain , in fact it was only in cases of the greatest distress that they were allowed to accept of either meat or drink , except from the members of their own Order . Their professions or trades were various ; some practised medicine , others were agriculturists ; others again housekeepingor making articles necessary
, in housekeeping and agriculture , but nothing coulcl compel them to go to war themselves , or make instruments of war for others . According to their various professions every one was sent to his duty after he hacl gone through the regular prayers each morning ; but before sun rise , or the due celebration of morning prayer , no one was allowed to speak
of worldly things , or undertake any kind of manual labour . At midday they assembled together , after they had bathed and put on the peculiar clothing of the Order , ancl in silence partook of a plain but wholesome meal , of which no one was allowed to taste until after the priest had invoked a blessing from Almighty Gocl upon the food they were about to receive ; in this , as well as in all their other assemblies , no one was allowed to speak but in his turn ancl with the permission of the elders . After they had laid by the clothing of the Order they
returned to their various occupations , until the close of the eveningsummoned them again to the common table . They hallowed the Sabbath day more than any other of the Jewish sects , diligently preparing themselves , according to Jewish custom , the evening before , ancl spending it assembled in their synagogues , where they sat in order according to their initiation , and inculcated morality , and explained by the means of parables passages taken from the sacred writings . As
they believed they could only make themselves acceptable to the Godhead by virtue ancl good actions , and not by burnt offerings and sacrifices , they did not give offerings as the other Jews did , but occasionally sent gifts unto tbe temple . They lived generally a single life , because they believed there were no women who were true ; and if any portion of them took wives it was principally with a view to having childrenand with the same object the unmarried adopted the children
, of strangers ancl orphans . Without the knowledge and consent of their chiefs or elders , towards whom they always paid the greates t respect , nothing of any consequence could be undertaken , and a permission once given was as sacred and unalterable as if it had been confirmed by the most solemn oaths , for this reason , they were obliged to go with the greatest care and attention , and never came to a determination of