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Article FREEMASONS' REPOSITORY. ← Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasons' Repository.
forth a pleasurable emotion in the Mason ' s breast , or add cue cubit to his stature . Wisdom and Prudence form no inconsiderable traits in the Masonic character . By wisdom the Mason 'is led to speak and act what is proper , and to employ the most effectual means for success . ' By prudence ' he is prevented from speaking or acting improperlyand
, consequently employs the safest means for not being brought into danger . ' The various views in which the virtue of silence is early and frequently exhibited , with all her beauties aud advantages , best elucidate to the Mason the excellence of wisdom and of prudence . Men of different countriesreliionspersuasionsand political opinionsform the
, g , , , circle of his acquaintance , and are the barriers and pledges to prevent the introduction of improper subjects in his intercourse with society . That laudable desire of information , which first directed his attention to this peculiar institution , ever increasing , soon evinces this , truth , that he who even visits a small proportion of his native country , as well as he who traverses the universein the pursuit of
, knowledge , must put in practice all his general principles of urbanity , politeness , civility , and respect—hear much and speak little . The general duties of the society , with regard to its members , will incline him to speak favourably , when justice and propriety re- .
quire it ; but when that cannot be done—to be silent . To know what is good and proper , and to have the power of calling forth every active exertion to enforce the practice , to feel what is improper , and to have the power of being passive , form no inconsiderable traits in the Masonic character . The general principles of urbanity , politeness , and respect , like all the principles of science and of nature , have the distinguishing
characteristic of being the same in all ages aiu { in all countries ; but the mode in which they are dressed is subject to continual variations . These observations may be more particularly elucidated by some further remarks upon the last of these principles , which happens to be not the least important to the Mason . The general idea of shewing respect , is by humbling ourselves ; but the manner is the
result of habit , In many countries , the mode is to bow , in some to kneel , in others to pull off the upper part of the dress , and in Exodus , c . iii . v . 5 , we have a singular instance recorded of shewing respect , by taking away the lower part of the dress : 'Put the shoes from off thy feet , for the ground whereon thou standest is holy . ' Here - I cannot forbear calling the reader ' s attention to the sublime descrip-r
tion given by Milton of the fallen angels entering Pandemonium , where they are made to shew their respect to their chiefs , by contracting their shapes , while those chiefs preserve their natural appearances .
' They but now who seem'd . In bigness to surpass earth's , giant sons , Now less than smallest dwarfs , in narrow room Throng numberless , like that pygmean race Beyond the Iudkpi mount , or fairy dyes ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasons' Repository.
forth a pleasurable emotion in the Mason ' s breast , or add cue cubit to his stature . Wisdom and Prudence form no inconsiderable traits in the Masonic character . By wisdom the Mason 'is led to speak and act what is proper , and to employ the most effectual means for success . ' By prudence ' he is prevented from speaking or acting improperlyand
, consequently employs the safest means for not being brought into danger . ' The various views in which the virtue of silence is early and frequently exhibited , with all her beauties aud advantages , best elucidate to the Mason the excellence of wisdom and of prudence . Men of different countriesreliionspersuasionsand political opinionsform the
, g , , , circle of his acquaintance , and are the barriers and pledges to prevent the introduction of improper subjects in his intercourse with society . That laudable desire of information , which first directed his attention to this peculiar institution , ever increasing , soon evinces this , truth , that he who even visits a small proportion of his native country , as well as he who traverses the universein the pursuit of
, knowledge , must put in practice all his general principles of urbanity , politeness , civility , and respect—hear much and speak little . The general duties of the society , with regard to its members , will incline him to speak favourably , when justice and propriety re- .
quire it ; but when that cannot be done—to be silent . To know what is good and proper , and to have the power of calling forth every active exertion to enforce the practice , to feel what is improper , and to have the power of being passive , form no inconsiderable traits in the Masonic character . The general principles of urbanity , politeness , and respect , like all the principles of science and of nature , have the distinguishing
characteristic of being the same in all ages aiu { in all countries ; but the mode in which they are dressed is subject to continual variations . These observations may be more particularly elucidated by some further remarks upon the last of these principles , which happens to be not the least important to the Mason . The general idea of shewing respect , is by humbling ourselves ; but the manner is the
result of habit , In many countries , the mode is to bow , in some to kneel , in others to pull off the upper part of the dress , and in Exodus , c . iii . v . 5 , we have a singular instance recorded of shewing respect , by taking away the lower part of the dress : 'Put the shoes from off thy feet , for the ground whereon thou standest is holy . ' Here - I cannot forbear calling the reader ' s attention to the sublime descrip-r
tion given by Milton of the fallen angels entering Pandemonium , where they are made to shew their respect to their chiefs , by contracting their shapes , while those chiefs preserve their natural appearances .
' They but now who seem'd . In bigness to surpass earth's , giant sons , Now less than smallest dwarfs , in narrow room Throng numberless , like that pygmean race Beyond the Iudkpi mount , or fairy dyes ,