Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Eeeemasons' Quarterly Magazine And Review.
though the code of mutual intercourse is changed , there is yet no fixed or definite principle in that refinement to fall back upon , Avhich has a tendency in itself to influence daily habits and manners beyond the mere conventionalisms of society . But in Freemasonry there are rules and precepts
which , however long concealed and once nearly obliterated , have never yet been permitted to fall into total oblivionprecepts and rules founded on the only touchstone of truth and holiness , the Volume of the Sacred Law , which tell of something better , and far beyond the conventionalisms of
society—which , whilst enforcing obedience to the moral law , " written on tables of stone , " also instruct the initiated how to walk in " light , " and to frame their life and conduct according to its illumination . And the effect which this has produced upon many minds once thoughtless with
respect to the decencies of their own deportment , and careless of , or indifferent to , the wants of others , has been so marked and decisive , that it has caused others to inquire into and to seek after a knoAvlege of a system which , whilst it refines the intellect , also expands the judgment , and elevates the man , wherever it is rightly used according to those strict rules and commandments which " have been
taught by the forefathers unto the children . " From these observations , not a few may be induced to think that we would argue that Freemasonry , being so useful and regenerating in its influences , may supersede religion itself . Far be it from our purpose to do so . We
attribute no such honour to any scheme of earthly invention . We repudiate with abhorrence the bare idea of any such purpose . We should shrink from all contact with any system which would attempt to subvert that one sublime scheme , which the Great Architect of the Universe
has planned , perfected , and revealed . We look upon Freemasonry as the handmaid of reli gion . And we say it fearlessly , and in defiance of the accusation to the contrary of any man , whoever he may be , who does not even remember the obligation he OIACC took , —if ever he took
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Eeeemasons' Quarterly Magazine And Review.
though the code of mutual intercourse is changed , there is yet no fixed or definite principle in that refinement to fall back upon , Avhich has a tendency in itself to influence daily habits and manners beyond the mere conventionalisms of society . But in Freemasonry there are rules and precepts
which , however long concealed and once nearly obliterated , have never yet been permitted to fall into total oblivionprecepts and rules founded on the only touchstone of truth and holiness , the Volume of the Sacred Law , which tell of something better , and far beyond the conventionalisms of
society—which , whilst enforcing obedience to the moral law , " written on tables of stone , " also instruct the initiated how to walk in " light , " and to frame their life and conduct according to its illumination . And the effect which this has produced upon many minds once thoughtless with
respect to the decencies of their own deportment , and careless of , or indifferent to , the wants of others , has been so marked and decisive , that it has caused others to inquire into and to seek after a knoAvlege of a system which , whilst it refines the intellect , also expands the judgment , and elevates the man , wherever it is rightly used according to those strict rules and commandments which " have been
taught by the forefathers unto the children . " From these observations , not a few may be induced to think that we would argue that Freemasonry , being so useful and regenerating in its influences , may supersede religion itself . Far be it from our purpose to do so . We
attribute no such honour to any scheme of earthly invention . We repudiate with abhorrence the bare idea of any such purpose . We should shrink from all contact with any system which would attempt to subvert that one sublime scheme , which the Great Architect of the Universe
has planned , perfected , and revealed . We look upon Freemasonry as the handmaid of reli gion . And we say it fearlessly , and in defiance of the accusation to the contrary of any man , whoever he may be , who does not even remember the obligation he OIACC took , —if ever he took