ORIGIN viij

...to recognize one another, despite the confusion in which they lived among the barbarians. To succeed more effectively, it was resolved that signs, words, and different marks would be used at each Degree to distinguish them not only from the uninitiated Sarrafins Saracens, but also to mark the different Degrees. These were fixed at the number of seven, following the example of the Grand Architecte Grand Architect who built the Universe in six days and rested on the seventh. Similarly, seven years were spent constructing the Temple of Solomon, which had been chosen as the figurative base of Masonry. Under the name of Hiram, for which the Master's degree gives only a false explanation, the true secret is only unveiled in this present Work.

A small decorative printer's ornament depicting a floral or leaf-like motif.