Several Masonic Assembly Speeches

...that the intellect original: "Verstand." In the 18th century, this specifically referred to the faculty of logical reasoning. might be delighted by them, and the heart most deeply moved, would be perfection; and we finite creatures are not destined to achieve this. Meanwhile, in order to show my readers for what reasons I have often been moved to speak a word of truth to the brothers This refers to fellow members of the author's secret society or fraternal order. entrusted to me, I consider it my duty to point out something here to the praise and honor of a worthy man.

I, as well as several of my dear brothers, read with deep feeling—and I may say, without looking too much at the story and the outer shell, but all the more at the essence—the "little Voltaire" The author is likely referring to one of Voltaire’s philosophical tales, such as Zadig or Micromégas. It is notable that he finds "religion" in Voltaire, who was often criticized by the Church as an atheist. (indeed a novel; but would that they were all like this!) and were most deeply moved by the excellent morality contained within it, and by the hints that always lead back to religion and the fear of God. This sparked the thought in me to make use of the then-current state of mind of my dear brothers, and I therefore composed the speech on the Fear of the Lord. If it has awakened any benefit among my good brothers, or should it produce any in my other readers, let it be attributed solely to that good and excellent writer who gave my heart the direction to immerse myself entirely in the fear of the Lord,