Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

MADE A FREE MASON. 279
theless, were not sparing in a multitude of tiresome and insignificant
questions.
" On firiding myself obliged to go through this farce, I
had taken care to say* that since they had cut off every
means of retreat, I was forced to submit; but that if I perceived
any thing, either against honour or conscience, they
should soon find with whom they had to deal.
u As yet I had only perceived a mere childish play and
burlesque ceremonies, in spite of all the gravity which the
brethren affected: but I had given no offence by any of pay
answers. At length the* venerable, with the utmost gravity,
put the following question: * Brother, are you disposed
to execute all the orders of the grand master, though you
were to receive contrary orders from a king, an emperor,
or any other sovereign whatever? 1 My answer was, * iVb.'
—' What, no,' replies the venerable with surprise! " Are
you only entered among us to betray our secrets! Would
you hesitate between the interests of Masonry, and those
of the profane? You are not aware, then, that .there is
not one of our swords but is ready to pierce the heart of a
traitor. 1 Notwithstanding the gravity with which this
question was put, and the menaces which accompanied it, I
could not persuade myself that he was in earnest; but I
still continued to answer in the negative, and replied, as
may easily be imagined, 4 that it was rather extraordinary
to suppose that I, who had only been brought in by force,
could ever have come there in order to betray the secrets of
Masonry. You talk of secrets, and you have told me none.
If, in order to be initiated, I must promise to obey a man
that I know not, and if the interests of Masonry can be a
bar to any part of my duty, good day to you, gentlemen.
* The most worshipful master. All this scene shows the licentiousness
of French Masonry; but they used it for its worth; the game of the gay,
and the tool of the selfish.