Francis Bacon and his secret society - Grand Lodge of Colorado

286 FRANCIS BACON
regular system of science, demonstrated on the clearest principles,
and established on the firmest foundations.
Truly this must be a wonderful lecture, and it seems quite a
pity that the majority of mankind should be excluded from this
short cut to the seveu liberal arts and sciences. Perhaps, however,
it only points the way, as Bacon did, to so many studies
which ultimately lead to knowledge fitting its possessor for
admission to the last and highest degree of initiation. For the
third and last lecture consists of twelve sections, composed of
" a variety of particulars, which render it impossible to give an
abstract without violating the laivs of the order. . . . Every
circumstance that respects government and system, ancient lore
and deep research, curious invention and ingenious, is accurately
traced, while the mode of proceeding, on public as well as on
private occasions, is explained. Among the brethren of this
degree the land-marks of the order are preserved; and from
them is derived that fund of information which expert and
ingenious craftsmen only can afford, whose judgment has been
matured by years and experience."
" To a complete knowledge of this lecture few attain ; . . .
from this class the rulers of the craft are selected; and it is only
from those who are capable of giving instruction that we can
properly expect to receive it.
It is, then, this highest class of Masons that we should confidently
expect to find in possession of all the histories of the
building and endowing of the great libraries, colleges, schools,
hospitals, etc., of which we have elsewhere spoken. We should
expect them not only to be able to give account of the origin
and builders of these and other structures — gateways, fountains,
etc., to ancient houses; tombs and monumental tablets and
sculptures; of wood-carving^, of pulpits, choir stalls, etc. Ironwork
also, in churches, gateways, and old signs; designs in
stained windows and ceilings. But we should expect from them
a clear and indubitable explanation of the meaning of the
peculiar designs and figures which we have observed, not only in
buildings, but in books.
A very brief account of the building of the Temple of