Origin Of Masonry, And Its General Advantages.

ORIGIN OF MASONRY , AND ITS GENERAL ADVANTAGES .

From the commencement of the Avorld , we may trace the foundation of Masonry . Ever since sjmrmetry began , and harmony disp layed her charms , our Order has had a being . During many ages , and in many different countries , it has flourished . No

art , no science preceded it . In the dark periods of antiquity , Avhen literature Avas in a IOAV state , and tho rude manners of our forefathers Avithheld from them that knowledge AVO IIOAV SO amply share , Masonry diffused its influence . This science

unveiled , arts arose , civilization took place , and tho progress of knoAvledgo and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of ignorance and barbarism . Government being settled , authority Avas given to laAvs , and the assemblies of the fraternity acquired the patronage af the great and the

good , Avbile the tenets of the profession diffused unbounded utility . Abstracting from the pure pleasures which arise from , friendship so wisely constituted as that Avhich subsists among Masons , and Avhich it is scarcely possible

that any circumstance or occurrence can erase , Masonry is a science confined to no particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . "Wherever arts flourish , there it flourishes too . Add to thisthat by secret ancl inviolable si

, gns , carefully preserved among the fraternit y , it becomes a universal language . Hence many advantages are gained ; the distant Chinese , the wild Arab , ancl the American savage , Avill embrace a brother Briton , and will know that beside the common ties of

humanity , there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and friendly offices . The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed , ancl a moral brother , though of a diil ' erent persuasion , engage his esteem , for mutual toleration hi

religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft . As all religions teach morality , if a brother be found to act the part of a truly honest man , his private speculative opinions are left to God and himself . Thus , through the influence of which is

Masonry , reconcilable to the best policy , all those disputes winch embitter life and sour the tempers ot - men are avoided , Avhile the common good , the general object , is zealously pursued .

Origin Of Masonry, And Its General Advantages.

From this AdeAV of our system , its utility must be sufficiently obAdous . The universal principles of tho art unite in one indissoluble bond of affection men of the most opposite tenets , of the most distant countriesand of the most contradictory

, opinions , so that in every nation a Mason Avill find a friend , ancl in every climate a home . Such is the nature of our institution , that in the lodge union is cemented by sincere attachment , ancl pleasure is

reciprocally communicated in the cheerful observance of every obliging office . Yirfcne , the grand object in vieAv , luminous as the meridian sun , shines refulgent on the mind , enlivens the heart , ancl heightens cool approbation into Avarm sympathy and cor- dial attention .

Song.

SONG .

ARTICLE II .

( Fane . Rule , Britannia . ) Ere God the Universe began , In one rude chaos- matter lay , And wild disorder over ran , Nor knew of light one glimmering ray ; AVhile in darkness , o'er the whole Confusion reigned without control .

Then God arose , His thunders hurl'd , And bade the elements arise ; In air He hung the pendant world , And o ' er it spread the azure skies ; Stars in circles caus'd to run , And in the centre fix . 1 the sun . Then man He call'U . forth out of dust ,

And forni'd him with a living soul ; All things committed to his trust , And made him ruler of the whole ; But , ungrateful unto Heaven , The rebel was from Eden driven . From thence proceeded all our woes Ijfor could mankind one comfort cheer ,

Until Freemasonry arose , And formed another Eden here ; 'Tis only on Masonic ground , Pleasure with innocence is found .

Tis here the purest fountains flow , Here nought corrupt ( . an eater in ; Here trees of knowledge stately grow , Whose fruit we taste , exempt from sin ; In friendship sweet we still abound , While guardian angels hover round . MASONRY—SPERATIVE AXD SPECULATIVE .

The etymological derivation of the Avords •' mason" and ' ¦ ' masonry" has at different times offered considerable scope to those interested in the art in exercising their ingenuity . Hutchinson offers the conjecture