Francis Bacon and his secret society - Grand Lodge of Colorado

AND HIS SECBET SOCIETY. 273
Next we read of the advantages of secresy, and of a system of
secret signs carefully preserved among the fraternity. A universal
language is thus formed, and contributes to the union, in
an indissoluble bond of affection and mutual interest, of men of
the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of
the most contrary opinions. The Chinese, the wild Arab, the
American savage, will embrace a brother Briton, and will find a
stronger obligation than even the common tie of humanity to
induce him to kind and friendly offices.
» As all religions teach morality, if a brother is found to act
the part of a truly moral man his private speculative opinions
are left to God and himself."
" Masonry," we are told, is a term which expresses a double
meaning, the work, that is, and the abstract ideas of which that
work is the symbol or type. Masonry passes under two denominations,
operative and speculative.
" Bv the former we allude to a proper application of the useful
rules of architecture, whence a structure derives figure,
strength, and beauty, and whence result a due proportion and a
inst correspondence in all its parts. By the latter we learn to
subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue ot good
report, maintain secresy, and practice charity.