The best society did not receive them without submitting them to careful inquiry, in order to ascertain that they brought no dangerous doctrines; and then it seemed to say to them: "You cannot be our relations--be our masonic brothers!" I have said that the Roman princes are, if not without pride, at least without arrogance.

This observation extends to the princes of the Church.

They welcome a foreigner of modest condition, provided he speaks and thinks like themselves upon two or three capital questions, has a profound veneration for certain time-honoured lumber, and curses heartly certain innovations.

You must show them the white paw of the fable, if you wish them to open their doors to you.
On this point they are immovable.

They will not listen to rank, to fortune, or even to the most imperious political necessities.