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Article MASONIC TEACHING—WHAT IT REALLY IS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY—AN ADVANCIVE SCIENCE. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
the- body governable , and tho mind will be relieved from the allurements of vice . Temperance teaches you to avoid excess , and the contraction of any vicious habits which might lead you to disgrace . In order to prevent this , cultivate prudence ; it is a firm snpport of the soul , the golden mean between rashness and cowardice , and will enable
yon to undergo any labour , pain , difficulty , or danger . Let this bo deeply impressed upon your breast , as a security against any attack that might be made to extort a secret . And bear in mind that all these matters require prudence , which should guide your actions according to the dictates of reason . It is that habit of mind
whereby men wisely judge , and determine upon whatever relates to their temporal and eternal welfare . Let this virtue be your distinguishing characteristic , not only for the regulation of your own conduct , but that you miy set a pious example to all around . Above all , be just , for justice is an enlightened perception of moral
right , and will teach you to render to every man his duo . It is the essence of both divine and human laws . Without the excercise of justice , universal confusion would ensue , and social intercourse no longer exist , and as justice in a great measure constitutes the really good man , ever bear in mind the excellent injunctions you have
received , —To be just and upright m all your dealings . Tbe first portion of my letter is nearing its close , and will be confined to a simple illustration of the distinguishing characteristics of every true Freemason ; they are virtue , honor , mercy , and should they be banished all other societies , they will be found exemplified by faithful Craftsmen .
It is recorded in History that tho Consul Marcellus erected two temples , to be dedicated to Virtue and Honor , and they wero so contiguous , that the only avenue to the Temple of Honor was through that of Virtue , thereby inculcating the elegant moral , that virtue is the only direct road to honor . Virtuo is the highest exercise and
improvement of reason , the integrity , harmony , and just balance of the affections , the health , strength and beauty of the soul . The perfec tion of virtue is to give reason full scope , to obey the dictates of conscience with alacrity , exercise the defensive faculties with fortitude , the public with justice , tho private with temperance , and the whole
of them with prudence , that is , in duo proportion to each other , with calm and diffusive benevolence ; to lovo and adore God with an unrivalled and disinterested affection , and acquiesce in divine dispensations with cheerful resignation . Every approach to this standard is a step towards perfection and happiness , whilo every deviation has a
tendency to vice and misery . Honor may bo considered the sooret links of virtue ' s claim . It is the most manly and diguified sentiment of the human mind , tho primeval standard of moral , social and obligatory acts , and the trne foundation of mutual faith and credit , by which the intercourse of men is carried
on with safety and pleasure . Honor differs from religion , still , the results are similar , the lines of action , though drawn from different parts , terminate in the same point . Religion embraces Virtue as it is enjoined by the laws of God : Honor , as it is graceful and ornamental to human nature . Religions
men fear , men of honor scorn an evil action ; the latter considering vice beneath them , the former as offensive to the Deity , the one unbecoming , the other strictly forbidden , thus what somo are prompted to by duty , conscience , or religion , others aro by honor . Men of true honour are not content with the literal discharge of
duty as citizens , they raise and dignify it to magnanimity , giving where they might refuse , and forgiving whero thoy might , with justice , resent , deeming it moro honourable to forgive than resent injury . Rest assured that the only path to the temple of true honour is by that of virtue . Always bear in mind that you have been clothed
with a badge more ancient and honourable than any other Order can boast ; this alone will set you above tho level of evil-minded men and prove that you have been brought out of darkness . Let your light
so shine beforo mon that they , seeing your good works , may emulate your example , and glorify the G . A . O . T . U . So much has been said of mercy , and in a thousand forms , that my pen is loth to tread ground so delectablo . Our immortal bard wrote : —
" The quality of mercy is not strain'd , It droppoth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath : It is twice bless'd , It blesseth him that gives , and him that takes : 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown ; His sceptre shows tho force of temporal power The attribute to awe and majesty , Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kin ^ s ,
But mercy is above this sceptred sway , It is enthroned in the hearts of kings : It is an attribute to God himself ; And earthly power doth then show likest God ' s , When mercy seasons justice . " To he continued .
Freemasonry—An Advancive Science.
FREEMASONRY—AN ADVANCIVE SCIENCE .
IT is strange how the language of ' common life will find its way into the recesses of Science the most abstruse . Custom , it is true , is the law of language , and every idiom is permissible , if not strictly proper , "Si volet usus , " as declared by the Augustan Poet . All which is permissible , and even proper , however , is not always agreeable to the laws of a pure taste ; and it would seem that certain
walks of Science , if not of Literature , itself a science , should be left in the undisturbed possession of their own vocabulary . But custom , as a law of language , is almost paramount , and the learned as well as the unlearned , tho doctors of soience as well as the unlettered labourers , the Masters in Israel equally with the bearers of burdens , all fall under its acknowledged sway , and speak even in
their own fields , " lit volet usus . Those reflections naturally arise out of a consideration of the subjeot indicated in the title of this article . The proclivity of man to evil is so much greater than his aptness for virtue , the progression downward is so rapid , the "facilis descensus" so plain and marked , while the effort to do good is so painful and slow , so great
the " opus" and " labor , " that the common mind , impressed with a firm conviction of its truth , will not believe but that all progression must needs be an advancement for evil . Thus , the phrases " Advancive age , " "fast youth , " and the like , are always used in this last and worse sense , and the thought of our people , so far ab least as it is to be found in their language , one of the outward signs of
that thought , would seem to ignore all advancement for good . It is to this cause we would impute the jealous honour entertained by some brethren , at the use of the word " Advancive in Freemasonry . " We think that this feeling arises from a misapprehension of the meaning of the word , and , with the hope of reconciling in some degree the variant opinions held on this subject , propose to
devote a short space to its consideration . It is to be remarked that the different opinions now held , are held with equal zeal , pertinacity and earnestness , and that brethren of the greatest intelligence , and the most undoubted integrity and devotion to Freemasonry , are to be found on either side of the question , —and while some would not have a word out of place from
what they have been taught as the Ancient Lectures , others would have , while they retain tho substance , anew and moro lively interest imparted to them , through tho greater copiousness of illustration and wealth of imagery , furnished in the enlarged materials of a more advanced , and advancive state of Art and Science . This argues , we own , most conclusively , the great power of Freemasonry
to attract and fix the regard of the intelligent and good , but at the same time it presents a case the most rare of want of agreement among debatants upon tho terms of the question discussed . As we believe herein lies the whole difficulty , and that , rightly understood , there is really no point of difference between them , but that Freemasonry here , as everywhere , is a unit , vast , complete—we shall
begin our enquiry by defining , if we may bo able , what is meant by stating that Freemasonry is an Advancive Science . Wo must premise that advancement is not innovation—that there is an advancement in good—in virtue—as well as in evil . Slower , it is true , scarcely perceptible at times , we , perforce , must allow—but still , blessed bo God , an advancement , unmistakeable , positive ,
suro . Aud here ifc does seem strange , that a science which was in early times denominated Lux , and whose initiates aro even now called " Sons of Light , " should be claimed within itself , to contain its own definitions , an abnegation of the principles of the advancement . But this is error . Tho whole scope and design of Speculative Masonry
is to produco advancement in morality and virtue . Her ritual , hei degrees , hor symbols all teach and encourage to the same . From tho first step , when Light first beams upon the sense of the initiate , throughout he is taught to ask for more light , and more is constantly given . And the same advancement is sedulously inculcated in our outward and moral [ life in the world . We are taught , in the
language of our lectures , that " We ought in youth , as Entered Approntices , industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge , the discharge of our respective duties to God , our neighbours and ourselves ; that so , in age as Master Masons , we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well-spent life , and die in the hopes of a glorious immortality "—thus pointing out tho natural
advancement of progression of goodness and virtue , to the final reward of the just . The ritual of the three symbolic degrees especially declares advancement . The candidate , in the first , is made to enter upon the arduous road of reform and moral improvement . A new code of social conduct is given to him , and his attention directed to the Great
Light whence are quarried all the moral truths of her teachings . In the second he is passed along the road of advancement , under the guidance of faithful conductors , until in the third he is raised to the full perceptions of his relations to God , his fellow-men and himselfthat Great light ever burning before him as the precious Heart of his maker , displayed in His love and mercy towards the sons of men . If
here is not advancement , what is advancement ? The same idea M . W . Bro . Scott , an American Masonic writer , of a high order of talent , in his " Analogy , " thus developes : " There are three steps and three degrees in Symbolical Masonry . Each step or degree is an advance towards light and knowledge . There is more revealed in the Fellow Craft ' s degree than in the degree of the Entered Apprentice ; and there is fullness of light and knowledge in
the degree of Master . " Even in the " Ancient Charges , " as we have them , an advancement in Masonry is acknowledged . For whereas it is said that " though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation , whatever it was , —yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion wherein all men agree , leaving their particular opinions to themselves , & c . —
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
the- body governable , and tho mind will be relieved from the allurements of vice . Temperance teaches you to avoid excess , and the contraction of any vicious habits which might lead you to disgrace . In order to prevent this , cultivate prudence ; it is a firm snpport of the soul , the golden mean between rashness and cowardice , and will enable
yon to undergo any labour , pain , difficulty , or danger . Let this bo deeply impressed upon your breast , as a security against any attack that might be made to extort a secret . And bear in mind that all these matters require prudence , which should guide your actions according to the dictates of reason . It is that habit of mind
whereby men wisely judge , and determine upon whatever relates to their temporal and eternal welfare . Let this virtue be your distinguishing characteristic , not only for the regulation of your own conduct , but that you miy set a pious example to all around . Above all , be just , for justice is an enlightened perception of moral
right , and will teach you to render to every man his duo . It is the essence of both divine and human laws . Without the excercise of justice , universal confusion would ensue , and social intercourse no longer exist , and as justice in a great measure constitutes the really good man , ever bear in mind the excellent injunctions you have
received , —To be just and upright m all your dealings . Tbe first portion of my letter is nearing its close , and will be confined to a simple illustration of the distinguishing characteristics of every true Freemason ; they are virtue , honor , mercy , and should they be banished all other societies , they will be found exemplified by faithful Craftsmen .
It is recorded in History that tho Consul Marcellus erected two temples , to be dedicated to Virtue and Honor , and they wero so contiguous , that the only avenue to the Temple of Honor was through that of Virtue , thereby inculcating the elegant moral , that virtue is the only direct road to honor . Virtuo is the highest exercise and
improvement of reason , the integrity , harmony , and just balance of the affections , the health , strength and beauty of the soul . The perfec tion of virtue is to give reason full scope , to obey the dictates of conscience with alacrity , exercise the defensive faculties with fortitude , the public with justice , tho private with temperance , and the whole
of them with prudence , that is , in duo proportion to each other , with calm and diffusive benevolence ; to lovo and adore God with an unrivalled and disinterested affection , and acquiesce in divine dispensations with cheerful resignation . Every approach to this standard is a step towards perfection and happiness , whilo every deviation has a
tendency to vice and misery . Honor may bo considered the sooret links of virtue ' s claim . It is the most manly and diguified sentiment of the human mind , tho primeval standard of moral , social and obligatory acts , and the trne foundation of mutual faith and credit , by which the intercourse of men is carried
on with safety and pleasure . Honor differs from religion , still , the results are similar , the lines of action , though drawn from different parts , terminate in the same point . Religion embraces Virtue as it is enjoined by the laws of God : Honor , as it is graceful and ornamental to human nature . Religions
men fear , men of honor scorn an evil action ; the latter considering vice beneath them , the former as offensive to the Deity , the one unbecoming , the other strictly forbidden , thus what somo are prompted to by duty , conscience , or religion , others aro by honor . Men of true honour are not content with the literal discharge of
duty as citizens , they raise and dignify it to magnanimity , giving where they might refuse , and forgiving whero thoy might , with justice , resent , deeming it moro honourable to forgive than resent injury . Rest assured that the only path to the temple of true honour is by that of virtue . Always bear in mind that you have been clothed
with a badge more ancient and honourable than any other Order can boast ; this alone will set you above tho level of evil-minded men and prove that you have been brought out of darkness . Let your light
so shine beforo mon that they , seeing your good works , may emulate your example , and glorify the G . A . O . T . U . So much has been said of mercy , and in a thousand forms , that my pen is loth to tread ground so delectablo . Our immortal bard wrote : —
" The quality of mercy is not strain'd , It droppoth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath : It is twice bless'd , It blesseth him that gives , and him that takes : 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown ; His sceptre shows tho force of temporal power The attribute to awe and majesty , Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kin ^ s ,
But mercy is above this sceptred sway , It is enthroned in the hearts of kings : It is an attribute to God himself ; And earthly power doth then show likest God ' s , When mercy seasons justice . " To he continued .
Freemasonry—An Advancive Science.
FREEMASONRY—AN ADVANCIVE SCIENCE .
IT is strange how the language of ' common life will find its way into the recesses of Science the most abstruse . Custom , it is true , is the law of language , and every idiom is permissible , if not strictly proper , "Si volet usus , " as declared by the Augustan Poet . All which is permissible , and even proper , however , is not always agreeable to the laws of a pure taste ; and it would seem that certain
walks of Science , if not of Literature , itself a science , should be left in the undisturbed possession of their own vocabulary . But custom , as a law of language , is almost paramount , and the learned as well as the unlearned , tho doctors of soience as well as the unlettered labourers , the Masters in Israel equally with the bearers of burdens , all fall under its acknowledged sway , and speak even in
their own fields , " lit volet usus . Those reflections naturally arise out of a consideration of the subjeot indicated in the title of this article . The proclivity of man to evil is so much greater than his aptness for virtue , the progression downward is so rapid , the "facilis descensus" so plain and marked , while the effort to do good is so painful and slow , so great
the " opus" and " labor , " that the common mind , impressed with a firm conviction of its truth , will not believe but that all progression must needs be an advancement for evil . Thus , the phrases " Advancive age , " "fast youth , " and the like , are always used in this last and worse sense , and the thought of our people , so far ab least as it is to be found in their language , one of the outward signs of
that thought , would seem to ignore all advancement for good . It is to this cause we would impute the jealous honour entertained by some brethren , at the use of the word " Advancive in Freemasonry . " We think that this feeling arises from a misapprehension of the meaning of the word , and , with the hope of reconciling in some degree the variant opinions held on this subject , propose to
devote a short space to its consideration . It is to be remarked that the different opinions now held , are held with equal zeal , pertinacity and earnestness , and that brethren of the greatest intelligence , and the most undoubted integrity and devotion to Freemasonry , are to be found on either side of the question , —and while some would not have a word out of place from
what they have been taught as the Ancient Lectures , others would have , while they retain tho substance , anew and moro lively interest imparted to them , through tho greater copiousness of illustration and wealth of imagery , furnished in the enlarged materials of a more advanced , and advancive state of Art and Science . This argues , we own , most conclusively , the great power of Freemasonry
to attract and fix the regard of the intelligent and good , but at the same time it presents a case the most rare of want of agreement among debatants upon tho terms of the question discussed . As we believe herein lies the whole difficulty , and that , rightly understood , there is really no point of difference between them , but that Freemasonry here , as everywhere , is a unit , vast , complete—we shall
begin our enquiry by defining , if we may bo able , what is meant by stating that Freemasonry is an Advancive Science . Wo must premise that advancement is not innovation—that there is an advancement in good—in virtue—as well as in evil . Slower , it is true , scarcely perceptible at times , we , perforce , must allow—but still , blessed bo God , an advancement , unmistakeable , positive ,
suro . Aud here ifc does seem strange , that a science which was in early times denominated Lux , and whose initiates aro even now called " Sons of Light , " should be claimed within itself , to contain its own definitions , an abnegation of the principles of the advancement . But this is error . Tho whole scope and design of Speculative Masonry
is to produco advancement in morality and virtue . Her ritual , hei degrees , hor symbols all teach and encourage to the same . From tho first step , when Light first beams upon the sense of the initiate , throughout he is taught to ask for more light , and more is constantly given . And the same advancement is sedulously inculcated in our outward and moral [ life in the world . We are taught , in the
language of our lectures , that " We ought in youth , as Entered Approntices , industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge , the discharge of our respective duties to God , our neighbours and ourselves ; that so , in age as Master Masons , we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well-spent life , and die in the hopes of a glorious immortality "—thus pointing out tho natural
advancement of progression of goodness and virtue , to the final reward of the just . The ritual of the three symbolic degrees especially declares advancement . The candidate , in the first , is made to enter upon the arduous road of reform and moral improvement . A new code of social conduct is given to him , and his attention directed to the Great
Light whence are quarried all the moral truths of her teachings . In the second he is passed along the road of advancement , under the guidance of faithful conductors , until in the third he is raised to the full perceptions of his relations to God , his fellow-men and himselfthat Great light ever burning before him as the precious Heart of his maker , displayed in His love and mercy towards the sons of men . If
here is not advancement , what is advancement ? The same idea M . W . Bro . Scott , an American Masonic writer , of a high order of talent , in his " Analogy , " thus developes : " There are three steps and three degrees in Symbolical Masonry . Each step or degree is an advance towards light and knowledge . There is more revealed in the Fellow Craft ' s degree than in the degree of the Entered Apprentice ; and there is fullness of light and knowledge in
the degree of Master . " Even in the " Ancient Charges , " as we have them , an advancement in Masonry is acknowledged . For whereas it is said that " though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation , whatever it was , —yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion wherein all men agree , leaving their particular opinions to themselves , & c . —