They were very long, and Pierre, from joy, agitation, and embarrassment, was not in a state to understand what was being read.

He managed to follow only the last words of the statutes and these remained in his mind.

"In our temples we recognize no other distinctions," read the Grand Master, "but those between virtue and vice.

Beware of making any distinctions which may infringe equality.

Fly to a brother's aid whoever he may be, exhort him who goeth astray, raise him that falleth, never bear malice or enmity toward thy brother.