THE COMPANIONAGE.
226
and locksmiths/ being disgusted at the tyranny to which they were
a new society, which should only consist of one degree, admit
subject, revolted, and iustituted
members of all crafts indiscriminately, and thus do away with all jealousies. They called it the
some aspirants
of the joiuere
"
a certain influIndependents," and, as others joined it, they were not without
manifests the not unence.
Perdio-uier, whilst admitting their good intentions, nevertheless
natural reoret of an old "Companion" at the obliteration of the ancient landmarks or customs.
SocUte
He
iV union,
or
"
they have no mystery, no initiation, no distinctions."
The houses of resort for the Companions were also their quarters on their travels. The whole
was to a certain extent responsible to the Merc for the expenses of any particular
says,
society
was here that the new comer received his welcome, and applied for work it
was here that on his departure he took a solemn yet jovial farewell of his fellows it was
here that he first was admitted to join the society here that he entered into the serious
an annual dance.
questions of trade policy, or joined in the excitement of
member.
It
;
;
;
General assemblies of the craft were usually held on the first Sunday of every month
and other assemblies, as occasion might require, such as the departure of a brother.- At the
;
paid an equal sum, irrespective of the amount of his own consumption.
The advantages to which a member was entitled were manifold. Upon his arrival in a city
he was di &V7FVBv