History | Page 246

THE COMPANIONAGE. 220 who have served their time. Perdiguier — who was a joiner of Solomon— has not given us any probably with the exception of his own society, In these would remain a secret even to himself, whilst his oath would forbid any revelation. hint of the ceremonies used at theii- reception ; — A young own handicraft we find the following customs and arrangements prevailing workman presents himself and requests to be made a member of the society. His sentiments At the next " General are inquired into, and if the replies are satisfactory, he is emhaucM} his : " Assembly he brought into an upper room {fait monter en chamhi'e), when, in the presence and affiliis, questions are put to him to ascertain that he has made no is of all the companions mistake, that he is it is into this particular society informed that there are The ordinances No," he is is at liberty to retire place in the room. If he is (ordrcs) of the Companionage, The candidate the distinct societies, and that he is affiliated, which ; and all he replies " Yes," he is affiliated and conducted to his proper honest and intelligent, he obtains in due course all the degrees ; if and succeeds —but in to the various offices of the society. what manner we —and thus —accepted companion steps are not informed, In this particular society there are three further first step. is to enter quite free in his choice. companions and affilids are obliged to conform, are asked whether he can and will conform thereto. Should he answer (rdjlcmeiits), to then read to him, and he " many and not in some other that he wishes attains companion {