CHAPTER I.

£f)e (SXiialifiCcrtions of (Katttrttratcs.
The qualifications which are essential in those who apply for initiation into the mysteries of Free- masonry, are of two kinds, internal and external*
The internal qualifications of a candidate are those which lie within his own bosom, and are not patent to the world. They refer to his peculiar disposi- tions towards the institution — his motives and de- sign in seeking an entrance into it. Hence they are knov^n to himself alone ; and a knowledge of them can only be acquired from his own solemn declarations.
The external qualifications are those which refer to his outward fitness for initiation, and are based on his moral and religious character, the frame of his body, the constitution of his mind, and his
* It is true that the ritual of the first degree says, that " it is the internal and not the external qualifications whicn recommend a man to be made a Mason," but the context of the sentence shows that the external qualifica- tions there referred to are " worldly wealth and honors."' The ritual, there- fore, has of course no allusion te the sort of external qualifications which are here te be discussed.
84 THE QUALIFICATIONS
social position. A knowledge of these is to be acquired from a careful examination by a committee appointed for that purpose.
Each of these divisions requires a separate con- sideration.