Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
preserved . This valuable paper gives a very satisfactory account of the Masonic Institution , and has been reprinted in almost every publication on the subject of Freemasonry since its firstappearance . Had this correspondent consulted this original document , he would have had no occasion to have increased his suspicions , or to have troubled the public with his observations . To pi-event the evil howeverwhich may arise from
consequences , , the virulence of the poison his letter is intended to spread , I shall , for the satisfaction of the public and to remove any groundless cause of alarm against the Masons , state the nature of the Masonic Institution , and the employment of the Fraternity in their various classes . I shall " then specify the charges they are bound to support , and endeavour to shewthat neither the tenets of the Ordernor the
prin-, , ciples of the Brethren , are compatible with the measures which have so recently convulsed the French nation . According to the genuine Masonic System as universally established , the Fraternity are divided into three classes , of which the privileges of each are distinct . The first-class is composed of worthy menselected from the community at large on account of their
ac-, knowledged probity and honour , for the purpose of promoting moral and social virtue . In this class the duties of morality are taught , and the art of uniting for a time men of opposite tenets in one theme , the glory of God and the good of man . The second class is selected from such members of the first class as have , by perseverance and
diligence , merited the good opinion of their Brethren , and who , by the proper application of their talents , have established their claim to preferment . In this class , science and philosophy are explored , and every exertion made to embellish and adorn society , by the culture of learning aiid the improvement of useful art . The third class is composed of members selected from the second class for eminent talentsexemplary conductor distinguished rank . Among , this class
, , the whole system of antient lore is preserved , and the improvement of the understanding enriched , by correct reason , sound judgment , and sage experience . From such an arrangement what beneficial effects may not be derived ? To submit to the powers that be , to obey the laws which yield protectionto conform to the government under which they liveto
, , be attached to their native soil and Sovereign , to encourage industry , to reward merit , and to practise universal benevolence , are the fundamental tenets of Masons : peace on earth and good-will to man are their study , while the cultivators and promoters of that study are marked as- patterns worthy of imitation and regards Friends to Church arid State in every regular governmenttheir tenets
inter-, fere with no particular faith , but are alike friendly to all . Suiting themselves to circumstances and situation , their Lodges are an asylum to the friendless and unprotected of every age and nation . As citizens of the world , with them religious antipathy and local prejudices cease to operate , while to them every nation affords a friend , and every climate a home . Hence the unfortunate captive in war ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
preserved . This valuable paper gives a very satisfactory account of the Masonic Institution , and has been reprinted in almost every publication on the subject of Freemasonry since its firstappearance . Had this correspondent consulted this original document , he would have had no occasion to have increased his suspicions , or to have troubled the public with his observations . To pi-event the evil howeverwhich may arise from
consequences , , the virulence of the poison his letter is intended to spread , I shall , for the satisfaction of the public and to remove any groundless cause of alarm against the Masons , state the nature of the Masonic Institution , and the employment of the Fraternity in their various classes . I shall " then specify the charges they are bound to support , and endeavour to shewthat neither the tenets of the Ordernor the
prin-, , ciples of the Brethren , are compatible with the measures which have so recently convulsed the French nation . According to the genuine Masonic System as universally established , the Fraternity are divided into three classes , of which the privileges of each are distinct . The first-class is composed of worthy menselected from the community at large on account of their
ac-, knowledged probity and honour , for the purpose of promoting moral and social virtue . In this class the duties of morality are taught , and the art of uniting for a time men of opposite tenets in one theme , the glory of God and the good of man . The second class is selected from such members of the first class as have , by perseverance and
diligence , merited the good opinion of their Brethren , and who , by the proper application of their talents , have established their claim to preferment . In this class , science and philosophy are explored , and every exertion made to embellish and adorn society , by the culture of learning aiid the improvement of useful art . The third class is composed of members selected from the second class for eminent talentsexemplary conductor distinguished rank . Among , this class
, , the whole system of antient lore is preserved , and the improvement of the understanding enriched , by correct reason , sound judgment , and sage experience . From such an arrangement what beneficial effects may not be derived ? To submit to the powers that be , to obey the laws which yield protectionto conform to the government under which they liveto
, , be attached to their native soil and Sovereign , to encourage industry , to reward merit , and to practise universal benevolence , are the fundamental tenets of Masons : peace on earth and good-will to man are their study , while the cultivators and promoters of that study are marked as- patterns worthy of imitation and regards Friends to Church arid State in every regular governmenttheir tenets
inter-, fere with no particular faith , but are alike friendly to all . Suiting themselves to circumstances and situation , their Lodges are an asylum to the friendless and unprotected of every age and nation . As citizens of the world , with them religious antipathy and local prejudices cease to operate , while to them every nation affords a friend , and every climate a home . Hence the unfortunate captive in war ,