Abhandlung über die allgemeine Zusammenkunft der Freymaurer, bei den Gesundbrunnen in Wilhelmsbad

by which they could nonetheless become useful to the association Verbindung the fraternal bond, their friends, and the fatherland? And if among those to be admitted Aufzunehmende candidates for initiation there were those who could be useful to the fatherland and society in various ways, would it then not be important to establish distinct classes Classen categories or grades of membership, so that everyone could provide their contribution of utility? Does one not see in this way, in religious orders geistlichen Orden monastic or clerical societies, some skilled in the instruction of youth, others in divine service, still others in the pulpit, and finally those dedicated to the administration of property, and so forth?

Finally, if the candidate has all the desirable qualities, should he not then be admitted and initiated into all the secrets of the society? (*) Once this has happened, should one not then communicate to him all the knowledge that one possesses, so that he can make himself as useful as depends upon him?

But if the one to whom the instruction in this knowledge is entrusted only gives a part

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(*) This could only be the case if the founders could or would only have given this voluntary gift into the hands of a certain number of brothers, or that, to prevent all degeneration, all misuse, and all desecration, this number had been established in the future.

R. v. S. stands for Ritter von Sonnenborn, the Masonic name of the author, Jean-Pierre-Louis de Beyerlé.

of it to those who have been fully initiated, would this conduct then be just and honest? (s) especially if this knowledge were of the kind that he could give it without the least disadvantage? Might one then not compare him with the man who shows a lost traveler the wrong way, and then still refuses (t) to let him light a candle from his torch? Must one not rightly assert that the honest man redliche Mann a man of integrity should make himself as useful as possible, and do as much good as depends on him; (u) that he must never deceive, (x) and that it is better to behave uprightly, than to have the most brilliant intellect Verstand? (y)

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(s) And all those who do one thing and pretend another are treacherous, wicked, and malicious. Therefore, no deed of theirs can be useful, since it is stained with so many vices. original: "Et omnes aliud agentes, aliud simulantes, perfidi, improbi, malitiosi sunt. Nullum igitur factum eorum potest utile esse, cum sit tot vitris inquinatum." Cicero, On Duties, Book III, chapter 14.

(t) A man who kindly shows the way to one who is wandering does as if he were lighting a light from his own light: it shines for himself no less after he has lit it for the other. original: "Homo, qui erranti comiter monstrat viam, Quasi lumen de suo lumine accendat facit; Nihilominus ut ipsi luceat, quum illi accenderit."

(u) Now let him teach himself that he is a good man who helps those whom he can. original: "Jam se ipse doceat, eum virum bonum esse, qui prosit, quibus possit." Cicero, On Duties, Book III, chapter 19.

(x) As among good men it is necessary to act well and without fraud. original: "Ut inter bonos bene agere oportet, et sine fraudatione." Ibid. Book III, chapter 17.

(y) Thus it happens that to act considerately is of more value than to think prudently. original: "Ita fit, ut agere considerate pluris sit, quam cogitare prudenter." Ibid. Book I, chapter 45.