Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX. Although the members of the Masonic fraternity must be supposed well instructed in the history of their society, yet I have concluded to append to this work a few extracts, principally from Dr. Mackey's Lexicon of Free Masonry, which can hardly fail to interest the general reader. ESSENES. A sect among the Jews, supposed by masonic writers to have been the descendants of the Free Masons of the Temple, and through whom the order was propagated to modern times. The real origin of the Essenes has been a subject of much dispute among profane writers; but there is certainly a remarkable coincidence in many of their doctrines and ceremonies with those professed by the Free Masons. They were divided into two classes, speculative.? and operatives; the former devoting themselves to a life of contemplation, and the latter daily engaging in the practice of some handicraft. The proceeds of their labor were, however, deposited in one general stock; for they religiously observed a community of goods. They secluded themselves from the rest of the world, and were completely esoteric in their doctrines, which were also of a symbolic character. They admitted no women into their order; abolished all distinctions of rank, "meeting on the level," and giving the precedence only to virtue. Charity was bestowed on their indigent brethren, and, as a means of recognition, they adopted signs and other modes similar to those of the Free Masons. Their order was divided into three degrees. When a candidate applied for admission, his character was scrutinized with the greatest severity. He was then presented with a girdle, a hatchet, and a white garment. Being thus admitted to the first degree, he remained in a state of probation for one year; during which...