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Article THE PRINCIPLES OF FREE MASONRY EXPLAINED. ← Page 5 of 15 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Principles Of Free Masonry Explained.
out considering very scrupulously whether they are consistent with public justice or not . Each ftate enters into the general welfare or misfortunes of its nei ghbours , only as it is likely to gain "B y their success , or suffer b y their calamity ; with its avowed enemies , it has hardly any fellow-feeling , rejoicing at their distresses , and vexed at their prosperity . Though this adjustment is so much discomposed among different
states , it is to be observed , that it acts with almost its full and natural force among the several orders of the same state , in promoting and securing the public welfare . There is one great interest in which they reckon themselves all equally concerned , and for the preservation of which their whole wisdom ancl power are exerted . But , while they provide for their own internal peaceand external securitytheir
self-, , love leads them to treat their neighbours with injustice , when their interest , supported by sufficient power , can be advanced by it . To this extravagant affection of every nation for itself , and to its consequent envy or contempt of every other , are to be ascribed all national jealousies and animosities , which occasion all those wars that spread hayeck over the face of the earth .
As the excess of self-love has divided mankind into different states , which pursue interests opposite to the happiness of one another , so it has divided each state into different parties and sedts , . whose contentions very much disturb its inward harmony and tranquillity . The prosperity of the nation , in both ecclesiastical and civil affairs , js , indeed , what they all profess to have at heart ; but their ideas of this
prosperity , and how it is to be obtained ) are extremely various and Contradictory . Each party and seft would coinpv . l all the rtst to manage these matters according to their views , and take their advice in every step of their public conduct ; and under pretence of serving the public , frequently hurt it , in order to gratify their pride , ambition , and their other selfish passions .
The same opposition of interests and sentiments , that so much hurts die administration of ecclesiastical and civil affairs , is observable too among the lesser societies and communities into which every state is subdivided , and with proportionable violence .
These oppositions exasperate-the one half of a nation against the other , and fill both with hatred , implacability , and revenge against each other ; and are as pernicious to their internal peace , as those of different nations are to the great and general concerns of the whole human race . Having now shewn you , nry brethren , that the evils which spring from society are caused by the violation of the adjustment which-Gop
gave to the human affeftions ; I proceed , in the third p lace , to suggest the most effeftual means by which these evils may be removed . The most effectij f il means by which these evils may be removed , are Christianity , and may I mention it without incurring the censure of true Christians , whom I would be unhappy to offend r—the means , I say , are Christianity , and that human institution whicli has been so deservedly praised , and so severely condemned , undec the name -of VOL . II . ' ¦ ' " B
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Principles Of Free Masonry Explained.
out considering very scrupulously whether they are consistent with public justice or not . Each ftate enters into the general welfare or misfortunes of its nei ghbours , only as it is likely to gain "B y their success , or suffer b y their calamity ; with its avowed enemies , it has hardly any fellow-feeling , rejoicing at their distresses , and vexed at their prosperity . Though this adjustment is so much discomposed among different
states , it is to be observed , that it acts with almost its full and natural force among the several orders of the same state , in promoting and securing the public welfare . There is one great interest in which they reckon themselves all equally concerned , and for the preservation of which their whole wisdom ancl power are exerted . But , while they provide for their own internal peaceand external securitytheir
self-, , love leads them to treat their neighbours with injustice , when their interest , supported by sufficient power , can be advanced by it . To this extravagant affection of every nation for itself , and to its consequent envy or contempt of every other , are to be ascribed all national jealousies and animosities , which occasion all those wars that spread hayeck over the face of the earth .
As the excess of self-love has divided mankind into different states , which pursue interests opposite to the happiness of one another , so it has divided each state into different parties and sedts , . whose contentions very much disturb its inward harmony and tranquillity . The prosperity of the nation , in both ecclesiastical and civil affairs , js , indeed , what they all profess to have at heart ; but their ideas of this
prosperity , and how it is to be obtained ) are extremely various and Contradictory . Each party and seft would coinpv . l all the rtst to manage these matters according to their views , and take their advice in every step of their public conduct ; and under pretence of serving the public , frequently hurt it , in order to gratify their pride , ambition , and their other selfish passions .
The same opposition of interests and sentiments , that so much hurts die administration of ecclesiastical and civil affairs , is observable too among the lesser societies and communities into which every state is subdivided , and with proportionable violence .
These oppositions exasperate-the one half of a nation against the other , and fill both with hatred , implacability , and revenge against each other ; and are as pernicious to their internal peace , as those of different nations are to the great and general concerns of the whole human race . Having now shewn you , nry brethren , that the evils which spring from society are caused by the violation of the adjustment which-Gop
gave to the human affeftions ; I proceed , in the third p lace , to suggest the most effeftual means by which these evils may be removed . The most effectij f il means by which these evils may be removed , are Christianity , and may I mention it without incurring the censure of true Christians , whom I would be unhappy to offend r—the means , I say , are Christianity , and that human institution whicli has been so deservedly praised , and so severely condemned , undec the name -of VOL . II . ' ¦ ' " B