Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

278 ABBE BARRUEL
long to the society of Masonry. I was acquainted with
many, and some were my intimate friends. These, with
all that zeal common to young adepts, frequently pressed
me to become one of their brotherhood. As I constantly
refused, they undertook to enrol me, notwithstanding my
refusal. The plan settled, I was invited to dinner at a
friend's house, and was the only profane in the midst of a
large party of Masons. Dinner over, and the servants ordered
to withdraw, it was proposed to form themselves into
a lodge, and to initiate me. 1 persisted in my refusal, and
particularly refused to take the oath of keeping a secret,
the very object of which was unknown to me. They dispensed
with the oath, but I still refused. They became
more pressing, telling me that Masonry was perfectly innocent,
and that its morality was unobjectionable; in reply, I
asked whether it was better than the Gospel. They only
answered by forming themselves into a lodge, when began
all those grimaces and childish ceremonies which are described
in books of Masonry, such as Jachin and Boaz.*
I attempted to make my escape; but in vain; the apartment
was very extensive, the house in a retired situation;
the servants in the secret, and all the doors locked.! I am
questioned, and answer most of the questions laughing. I
am received apprentice, and, immediately after, fellow craft.
Having received these two degrees, I was informed that a
third was to be conferred on me. On this I am conducted
into a large room. There the scene changes, and takes a
more serious appearance. And though they dispensed
with my undergoing all the more toilsome tests, they, never-
* Morgan's is said to be only a second edition of this.' *
t " Trusty brother, take care; of eves-droppers beware;
" Tis a just and a solemn occasion;
u Give the word and the blow, that workmen may know,
" There's one asks to be made a Free Mason."
Book of Constitutions, &c. p. 258.
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