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320 BOOK OF THE A. AND A. RITE
HISTORY.
The Knights oi this Order originally united them-
selves together in the times of the Crusades ; when,
in consequence of the general disorder that prevailed
all over Europe, and the multitude of estates and
titles left to be disputed, wrong and violence went
onrebuked, and became superior to the law. Com-
posed at first of a few Masons, who had learned the
rules of justice from the teachings of the Order, they
exerted only a moral influence, owing to the purity
of their lives and the justice of then opinions. They
called themselves Noachite Masons; because they
strove to imitate the primeval justice and purity of
the beloved Patriarch. Finding that where their
influence was most needed, mere advice and exhor-
tation, addressed to the rude Barons and haughty
rapacious priesthood, had no effect, they assumed
the power to enforce performance of their judgments
and through the common people and a multitude of
the poorer Knights who had found the benefit of
their protection, and who revered their justice, they
found a ready means of compelling obedience and
inflicting punishment. Then number was limited,
and their persons unknown. They met always at
night, when the moon was full ;
and the more per-
fectly to remain unknown, allowed no light but hers.
Lest their own members should become haughty
and vain-glorious on account of the mysterious power
they possessed, they inculcated humility, and inces*
;