Several Masonic Assembly Speeches

directed, but rather that we primarily apply ourselves to the closer knowledge of Godnähern Erkenntniß Gottes—the pursuit of a more intimate or detailed understanding of the Divine through reason and study, a hallmark of Enlightenment-era theology. through the means granted to us for that purpose, and that the contemplation of nature and the works of creation, combined with the strictest observation of moral duties, is incumbent upon us; so I ask: whether (—) FreemasonryMaurerei—the practice of the Masonic craft and its philosophical tenets. is something useless or superfluous (given these circumstances)?

Secondly, it is said: Why are you so secret! It is envious to withhold true knowledge, and a fraud for those you admit if you possess none.

Just as there is knowledge that would be superfluous, indeed perhaps dangerous, to a child, yet is absolutely necessary for a man, so it is with knowledge that has a moral reference. The most magnificent and perfect knowledge produces in the head and heart of a villain and immoral person the material for new and never-before-invented crimes. The author argues that advanced philosophical or "secret" knowledge requires a foundation of virtue, otherwise it becomes a tool for harm. Regarding this, I ask every upright person whether we do well or not, in the current sad decay of humanity, to close our doors to the viciousLasterhaften—those who are prone to vice or lack moral integrity.; and let the upright, worthy man step forward for whom they were ever closed! The latter,