ou, O searching spirit, when once you obtain
it.' " Nevertheless wisdom goes about and looks for those who deserve it,
[Nothing being made of nothing, the point of departure of the philosophic
work is the finding and choice of the subject. The material to work upon,
say the alchemists, is quite common and is met with everywhere. It is
necessary only to know how to distinguish it, and that is where all the
difficulty lies. We continually experience it in masonry, for we often
initiate the profane, whom we should have rejected had we been
sufficiently clear sighted. Not all material is good to make a mercury.
The work can succeed only if we succeed in finding a suitable subject; so
masonry makes many inquiries before admitting a candidate to the tests.
(W. S. H., p. 87.)] She does this so as to write herself on the inner
walls of their hearts and in each and every one meet their thoughts which
wait upon her laws and counsel, [Obedience of apprentices. The laws of
wisdom are meant.] and brings a kingdom with it which will be well worth
sacrificing everything for. [Laying aside of all metal. The newly admitted
brother is "through his unclothing" (which probably belongs here) to
represent mankind symbolically, as he comes from the hand of nature, and
to remind us that the freemason, in order to be continuously mindful of
the fulfillment of his duty must be able to rid himself of all fortuitous
externalities. See Note H at end.] But the greatest and most distinguished
master work, says wisdom, consists alone in your keeping your spirit
disciplined and learned, and making it a skilled worker or artist, to give
it knowledge of what material, as well as in what number, weight and
measure [Surveying, geometry.] to make this pure key, which [material] is
the bright pure divinity in the number three, the mighty in truth.... It
is distinguished as a surpassingly mighty glory and lordliness which sits
in a circle of heaven within the hearts of men. [The connection of circle
(doubly significant) and heart is interesting. As is well known the circle
is placed on the bleeding left breast. In the old English ritual the
touching with the point of an instrument (sword or the like) is proved
"Because the left breast is nearest to the heart, so that it may be so
much the more a prick in my conscience as it then pricked my skin."] It
does with the plumbline of its power measure the temple and inner court
with those who worship there. [The line i