Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
ON FREEMASONRY . EVIDENCES , DOCTRINES , AND TRADITIONS .
I 5 Y THE REV . Cf . OLIVER , D . D . ( No . 6 . )
ANY one who considers the important duties attached to the Master of a Lodge , should well weigh his capabilities for the office before undertaking it . It is not enough that he is aufait at the openings and closings of the several degrees of Craft Masonry , and well acquainted with the ceremonies p f conversant in
making , passing , and raising ; he must also be the history and antiquities ofthe Order ; its philosophy , and the tendency of its mysteries and pursuits ; for on this knowledge will the success of his administration , in a great measure , depend . In these days , bodies of men meet together for other than to hear the repeated recitation of
purposes routine common-places , which soon lose their interest , and become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal . _ Even an acquaintance with the traditions of Freemasonry is not withcnaracter
out its utility . They lead to something or a tngner , and are intimately connected with its philosophy . The most minute legend , although abstractedly it may be considered trifling and unmeaning , is not devoid of use ; and if traced to its elements , will be found to have a relation to facts and doctrines connected with our best and dearest interests . attached to
For these reasons I pursue the traditions our Stone of Foundation , the incip ient history of which was detailed in my last paper . Hitherto we find nothing in the account of our Stone ot Foundation which violates probability . The descent seems gradual and easy , ancl not inconsistent with the details which Creator to
accompany the original p lan of the Divine preserve the purity of relig ious truth from being contaminated by an association with that impious race descended from the first fratricide . These had already become masons , mechanics , and musicians ; and , in the plenitude of their pride _ and wantonness , had renounced all adherence to the worship of VOL . VIII . T
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
ON FREEMASONRY . EVIDENCES , DOCTRINES , AND TRADITIONS .
I 5 Y THE REV . Cf . OLIVER , D . D . ( No . 6 . )
ANY one who considers the important duties attached to the Master of a Lodge , should well weigh his capabilities for the office before undertaking it . It is not enough that he is aufait at the openings and closings of the several degrees of Craft Masonry , and well acquainted with the ceremonies p f conversant in
making , passing , and raising ; he must also be the history and antiquities ofthe Order ; its philosophy , and the tendency of its mysteries and pursuits ; for on this knowledge will the success of his administration , in a great measure , depend . In these days , bodies of men meet together for other than to hear the repeated recitation of
purposes routine common-places , which soon lose their interest , and become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal . _ Even an acquaintance with the traditions of Freemasonry is not withcnaracter
out its utility . They lead to something or a tngner , and are intimately connected with its philosophy . The most minute legend , although abstractedly it may be considered trifling and unmeaning , is not devoid of use ; and if traced to its elements , will be found to have a relation to facts and doctrines connected with our best and dearest interests . attached to
For these reasons I pursue the traditions our Stone of Foundation , the incip ient history of which was detailed in my last paper . Hitherto we find nothing in the account of our Stone ot Foundation which violates probability . The descent seems gradual and easy , ancl not inconsistent with the details which Creator to
accompany the original p lan of the Divine preserve the purity of relig ious truth from being contaminated by an association with that impious race descended from the first fratricide . These had already become masons , mechanics , and musicians ; and , in the plenitude of their pride _ and wantonness , had renounced all adherence to the worship of VOL . VIII . T