| 51. If ye would keep a black book, let it be in your own hand of write, let all brothers and Sisters copy what they will, but never shall ye let the book out of your hands, and ye shall never keep the writings of anouther. 52. for if it be found in their hand of write it may be taken and engained. 53. and let each guard his own writings, and destroy them whenever danger threatens. 54. learn as much as you can by heart and when the danger is past, rewrite your book an it be safe. 55. for this reason if any die, destroy their book, as they have not been able to. 56. for an it be found, 'tis clear proof against them 57. and our oppressor knows well "ye may not be a Witch alone." 58. so all their kin and friends be in danger of torture 59. so destroy everything that is not necessary 60. if your book be found on you, 'tis clear proof against you alone. You may be engained. 61. under torture keep all thoughts of the Craft from your mind. 62. if the torture becomes to great to bear say "I will confess, I cannot bear this torture. What would you have me to say?" 63. if they try to make you talk of the Brotherhood , do not. 64. but if they try to make you speak of impossibilities, such as flying through the air, consorting with the christian devil, sacrificing children or eating men's flesh, 65. to obtain releif from the torture say "I hold an evil dream, I was beside myself, I was crazed." 66. not all magistrates are cruel, if there be any excuse, they may show mercy, 67. if you have confessed ought, deny it afterwards, say you babbled under torture, say you know not what you said. 68. if you are condemmed fear not 69. fear not the Brotherhood is powerful, they will help you escape, if you can, but stand steadfast in thrust. 70. but if you betray any secrets and Brethren, there is no hope for you in this life or any that is to come. 71. be sure, if steadfast you should go to prye, drugs will reach you, you will feel naught. You go but to death and the peace which lies beyond. 72. to avoid discovery, let the working tools be as ordanary things that any may have in their houses, 73. let the Pentacles be of wax so that they may be broken or melted at once, should danger threaten, 74. have no sword unless your rank allows you one 75. have no names or signs on anything 76. write the names or signs in ink immediatley befor consencrating them and wash it off immmedialtey after all rites have ended 77. do not engrave them lest they cause discovery 78. let the color of the hilts tell which is which 79. ever remember you are "the hidden children of the Goddess", never do anything to disgrace them or her, 80. Never threaten, never boast, never say you would wish ill of anyone. 81. if any person,not in the Magick circle, speak of the Craft, say "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me, 'tis evil luck to speak of it." 82. for this reason; the christians have their spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well afficted to us, as if they would come to our meetings saying "My Mother used to go worship the Old Ones. I would could I go myself" 83. to such as these, ever deny all knowledge 84. but to any others, ever say "Tis foolish talk of Witches flying through the air. To do so they must be light as thistle down. And men say that Witches all be blear_eyed, old crones, so what pleasure can there be at a Witch meeting such as folks talk on?" 85. and say "Many wise men now say there be no such creatures." 86. ever make it a jest and in some future time, perhaps the persecution may die and we may worship our Gods in peace and saftey again. 87. let us all pray for that happy day 88. may the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all those who keep these Laws which are ardane. 89. if the Craft have any Appenage, let all guard it and help keep it clear and good for the Craft. 90. and let all justly guard all monies of the craft. 91. but if any Brother truly wrought it,'tis right they have their pay and it be just.And this be not taking monies for the Art,but for good and honest work.For money cheapens the arts. 92.and even the christians say "the Laborer is worthy of his hire" but if any Brothers work willingly for the good of the Craft without pay,'tis to their greatest honor. 93. (If there be any dispute or quarrel among the Brethren,the High Preistess shall straightly convene the Elders,and inquire into the matter and they shall hear both sides,first alone,and then together. 94. and they shall decide justly,not favoring one side or the other. 95.ever recognizing there always be people who can never agree to work under any others 96.but at the same time,there be some people who cannot rule justly 97.to those who ever must be cheif,there is but one answer 98."Void the Coven or seek anouther one,or make a Coven of your own,if ye be of the third,taking with ye those who would go. 99.to those who cannot rule justly,the answer shall be,"those who cannot bear your rule will leave you." |
|