Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
princes and nobles—the solace and comfort of the humble , the worthy , and the good . From a series of judicious improvements , in accordance with the spirit of the age , but without any alteration of the ancient landmarks , Freemasonry realizes the definition which legitimateldescribes its nature and object . It is indeed
y " the beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols , " which has marked its character and distinguished its progress in all ages of the world . The ceremonial has been reduced to its primitive chaste standard —interpolations have been lopped off—mildness and propriety of demeanour have been substituted for tests of
fortitude and courage , which were useless and unmeaning . Let a few more earthy particles , with which it is still encumbered , be removed , and , as the spirit of a man is liberated by death from the cumbersome tabernacle by which it is oppressed , so , when all the grosser elements of Freemasonry shall have evaporated , and become as clods of the valley , then shall
the Order be fully developed in all its beauty , and being practised according to the native purity of its institutes , will become a general blessing to mankind . And such a blessing it is in its pristine state . If it sow in the heart the good seed of Wisdom—if that seed be nourished and cherished by instruction , ancl thus be endowed with Strength to germinate and increase , — like the growth of a tulip , it will insensibly expand , till it blossom with a Beauty that will astonish the world . What indeed is it that elevates
the mind of man , ancl gives him peace and a quiet conscience ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that teaches him the three great moral duties ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that renders him more fit for the duties of society ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that strengthens the mind and enables it to rise superior to difficulties ? Freemasonry .
What is it that recommends and promotes the happiness of domestic life ? Freemasonry . What is it that yields true aud solid satisfaction at that dark and cheerless hour when adversity presses and friends look cold ? Still I say Freemasonry . That heavenly science which Newton eulogized , Wren practisedand Locke declared to be " the arcanum of
, all that is valuable to man . " That science which , in the language of a Roman orator , constitutes " the improvement of youth and the delight of old age—the ornament of prosperity , the refuge and solace of adversity ; , which pleases at home—is no incumbrance abroad ; —wliich lives with us ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
princes and nobles—the solace and comfort of the humble , the worthy , and the good . From a series of judicious improvements , in accordance with the spirit of the age , but without any alteration of the ancient landmarks , Freemasonry realizes the definition which legitimateldescribes its nature and object . It is indeed
y " the beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols , " which has marked its character and distinguished its progress in all ages of the world . The ceremonial has been reduced to its primitive chaste standard —interpolations have been lopped off—mildness and propriety of demeanour have been substituted for tests of
fortitude and courage , which were useless and unmeaning . Let a few more earthy particles , with which it is still encumbered , be removed , and , as the spirit of a man is liberated by death from the cumbersome tabernacle by which it is oppressed , so , when all the grosser elements of Freemasonry shall have evaporated , and become as clods of the valley , then shall
the Order be fully developed in all its beauty , and being practised according to the native purity of its institutes , will become a general blessing to mankind . And such a blessing it is in its pristine state . If it sow in the heart the good seed of Wisdom—if that seed be nourished and cherished by instruction , ancl thus be endowed with Strength to germinate and increase , — like the growth of a tulip , it will insensibly expand , till it blossom with a Beauty that will astonish the world . What indeed is it that elevates
the mind of man , ancl gives him peace and a quiet conscience ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that teaches him the three great moral duties ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that renders him more fit for the duties of society ? It is Freemasonry . What is it that strengthens the mind and enables it to rise superior to difficulties ? Freemasonry .
What is it that recommends and promotes the happiness of domestic life ? Freemasonry . What is it that yields true aud solid satisfaction at that dark and cheerless hour when adversity presses and friends look cold ? Still I say Freemasonry . That heavenly science which Newton eulogized , Wren practisedand Locke declared to be " the arcanum of
, all that is valuable to man . " That science which , in the language of a Roman orator , constitutes " the improvement of youth and the delight of old age—the ornament of prosperity , the refuge and solace of adversity ; , which pleases at home—is no incumbrance abroad ; —wliich lives with us ,