LODGE LA CANDEUR DE STRASBOURG. - MANUSCRIT entitled "Masoni - Lot 85

LODGE LA CANDEUR DE STRASBOURG. - MANUSCRIT entitled "Masonic Rule, and Statutes by which the L∴ de La Candeur is governed." [Probably 1770s]. In-folio, brown morocco, smooth mute spine cloisonné and fleuronné, gilt floral roulette framing the boards with gilt garlands in the spandrels, cold ornamented coupes (period binding). (22) ff; binding a little worn and stained, with some leather spinewear, which has been reinforced from the inside. The statutes govern the operation of the Lodge (first 17 leaves), while the rule spells out the principles that should guide the Mason in his relationship with the Divinity, with temporal authority and with his Brethren. EXAMPLE SIGNED BY MEMBERS OF THE LODGE, including Abbé Baudin (Venerable), Baron de Joham (First Warden), Chevalier de Klinglin d'Essers (Second Warden), Baron de Rathsamhausen, Baron de Lutzelbourg and others. THE MAIN ALSACIAN LODGE AT THE END OF THE OLD REGIME, LA CANDEUR was established in 1763, but broke away from the Grande Loge de France, placed itself under that of London, and affiliated itself to the Templar Strict Observance Regime, becoming the seat of the Directory of the Vth Province, known as Burgundy. It recruited not only from aristocratic and bourgeois circles, but also from students at the city's Lutheran University, building up an extensive Franco-German network. Marquis Armand Chastenet de Puységur introduced mesmerism. Provenance: Jesuit establishment in Belfort (bookplate stamp).