Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, And Cabinet Of Universal Literature.
I now draw near to the point at which I aim . That you have zeal for the promotion of the influence of Masonry ( and therein of the best code of piety and morality , truly considered , that ever was inspired by heaven , or conceived by man ) I am well convinced ; that from the attention you have paid to the investigation of various points of the institution , you are well qualified to assist materially in the illusother ob
tration of its excellent tenets , I also know : but you have - jects of more essential necessity ; your family have claims which , ' though your native goodness of " heart acknowledges , and your professional talents are competent to satisfy , I -should fear might , by a too sedulous pursuit of masonic distinction and fame , be hereafter less attended to . and reflections
I will not conceal that I-have frequent uneasy on what may be the consequence of your increasing ( or indeed of your not discontinuing some of ) your " engagements of the nature alluded to . The calls upon your purse must be frequent , yet those you may supply ; but the time drawn from business never can be redeemed . Tour time , however , and the money actually disbursed by yoursel f in that
these meetings , are among the least of the ill consequences result;—the proverb , though ancient , is not the less true , that " when the cat is away , the mice will play , " and it is in the neglect among your dependents , who will naturally take advantage of the absence of him whose interest it is ( and whose only care it ought to be ) to them loyedthat vou must look to discover the most
banekeep emp , ful effects of the conduct from which I am endeavouring to dissuade As you are a zealous , active , and intelligent member ot our antieiit and respectable fraternity , I would also have you a prudent one There is a degree beyond which zeal becomes madness ; and . I am strongly inclined to depict it .
Thus then : when a man becomes a Mason , he sees , if he be a sensual man , the pleasures of the table to indulge his appetite , and the splendor of decoration to gratify his sig ht ; if , on the other hand , he be a thinking man , he enters an ample field for contemplation , he receives the lesson of morality and of virtue , and is taught , by an easy and pleasant process , to diffuse its blessings among mankind ; if bhis conduct
he be a good man , he will illustrate the precept y own in life . But . mark ! to do this , it is not necessary that he should ' enroll his name among the members of I know not how many lodges and chapters , to shine a Z in one , a R . W . M . a P . M . a S . W . a J . W . a T . and heaven knows what in others : distinction , to be sure , is flattering , but it can only have charms for weak minds . Is your of to fellow
knowledge increased , or your power doing good your - creatures enlarged , in a just ratio with the number of offices you fill , or the number of societies to which you belong ? Are not the sage tenets and maxims transmitted to us from our ancestors , by oral tradition , all comprehended in one regular series of doctrines , made memorable by the ancient simplicity of their style , universally prevalent , and adapted alike to the minds of all nations and suets ?
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, And Cabinet Of Universal Literature.
I now draw near to the point at which I aim . That you have zeal for the promotion of the influence of Masonry ( and therein of the best code of piety and morality , truly considered , that ever was inspired by heaven , or conceived by man ) I am well convinced ; that from the attention you have paid to the investigation of various points of the institution , you are well qualified to assist materially in the illusother ob
tration of its excellent tenets , I also know : but you have - jects of more essential necessity ; your family have claims which , ' though your native goodness of " heart acknowledges , and your professional talents are competent to satisfy , I -should fear might , by a too sedulous pursuit of masonic distinction and fame , be hereafter less attended to . and reflections
I will not conceal that I-have frequent uneasy on what may be the consequence of your increasing ( or indeed of your not discontinuing some of ) your " engagements of the nature alluded to . The calls upon your purse must be frequent , yet those you may supply ; but the time drawn from business never can be redeemed . Tour time , however , and the money actually disbursed by yoursel f in that
these meetings , are among the least of the ill consequences result;—the proverb , though ancient , is not the less true , that " when the cat is away , the mice will play , " and it is in the neglect among your dependents , who will naturally take advantage of the absence of him whose interest it is ( and whose only care it ought to be ) to them loyedthat vou must look to discover the most
banekeep emp , ful effects of the conduct from which I am endeavouring to dissuade As you are a zealous , active , and intelligent member ot our antieiit and respectable fraternity , I would also have you a prudent one There is a degree beyond which zeal becomes madness ; and . I am strongly inclined to depict it .
Thus then : when a man becomes a Mason , he sees , if he be a sensual man , the pleasures of the table to indulge his appetite , and the splendor of decoration to gratify his sig ht ; if , on the other hand , he be a thinking man , he enters an ample field for contemplation , he receives the lesson of morality and of virtue , and is taught , by an easy and pleasant process , to diffuse its blessings among mankind ; if bhis conduct
he be a good man , he will illustrate the precept y own in life . But . mark ! to do this , it is not necessary that he should ' enroll his name among the members of I know not how many lodges and chapters , to shine a Z in one , a R . W . M . a P . M . a S . W . a J . W . a T . and heaven knows what in others : distinction , to be sure , is flattering , but it can only have charms for weak minds . Is your of to fellow
knowledge increased , or your power doing good your - creatures enlarged , in a just ratio with the number of offices you fill , or the number of societies to which you belong ? Are not the sage tenets and maxims transmitted to us from our ancestors , by oral tradition , all comprehended in one regular series of doctrines , made memorable by the ancient simplicity of their style , universally prevalent , and adapted alike to the minds of all nations and suets ?