Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
the ship-wrecked mariner , and the hel pless exile on a foreign shore , have reason to glory in fraternal affection ; while the disconsolate widow and her distressed orphans are cherished by Masons' bounty . Such is the nature of the Masonic Institution , and such are the advantages resulting from its establishment ; it must therefore surely be no trifling acquisition to any government or state , to have under its bod
jurisdiction a y of men who are not onl y loyal and true subjects , but the patrons of science and the friends of mankind . The best institutions , it is true , may be subject to corruption , and the most strenuous supporters of right may err ; but in favour of Masonry it may be averred , that it countenances an error in no individual . Whatever tends to subvert order , or foment discord , is shunnedwhile the
, genuine aim of the true Mason is to be happy , and to diffuse happiness . Hence in every countiy they endeavour to strengthen . the springs of government by purifying the motives and animating the zeal of those who govern , to promote the virtues which exalt a nation , by rendering its inhabitants good subjects and true patriots , and by confirming all the respectable bonds and obligations of civil society . Such are the principles they inculcate , and surely these are * very incompatible with the measures which brought about the French revolution .
Had the example of Masons , or the influence of their tenets , a proper weight in the scale of government , we should not so frequently witness scenes of dissension and discord . It is to be regretted that the efforts of the wisest men and of the most illustrious princes have been unable to extinguish that unhappy spirit of fanaticism , of whose deplorable effects a nei ghbouring country has exhibited so striking
a picture . - But let it ever be impressed on the mind , that without religion there can be no tie ; that it is the natural tendency of infidelity and licentiousness to dissolve the most sacred obli gations , to remove the most powerful motives to virtue , and , by corruptinothe principles of individuals , to poison the sources of public order and public prosperity . Such are the evils incident to the most
judicious measures when carried to excess ; it is our duty , therefore , to beware of sowing the seeds of discord in any country , and excitinojealousies for which there are no real foundation . ° The misconduct of a few individuals can never operate to the extinction of a laudable Institution : while Freemasonry , therefore , is conducted on its pure and genuine princilesin ite of all its
p , sp oppo nents , it will be found the best corrector of misguided zeal and unrestrained licentiousness , as well as the strongest support of every well regulated government . A P . M . of the LODGE OF ANTIQUITY .
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
the ship-wrecked mariner , and the hel pless exile on a foreign shore , have reason to glory in fraternal affection ; while the disconsolate widow and her distressed orphans are cherished by Masons' bounty . Such is the nature of the Masonic Institution , and such are the advantages resulting from its establishment ; it must therefore surely be no trifling acquisition to any government or state , to have under its bod
jurisdiction a y of men who are not onl y loyal and true subjects , but the patrons of science and the friends of mankind . The best institutions , it is true , may be subject to corruption , and the most strenuous supporters of right may err ; but in favour of Masonry it may be averred , that it countenances an error in no individual . Whatever tends to subvert order , or foment discord , is shunnedwhile the
, genuine aim of the true Mason is to be happy , and to diffuse happiness . Hence in every countiy they endeavour to strengthen . the springs of government by purifying the motives and animating the zeal of those who govern , to promote the virtues which exalt a nation , by rendering its inhabitants good subjects and true patriots , and by confirming all the respectable bonds and obligations of civil society . Such are the principles they inculcate , and surely these are * very incompatible with the measures which brought about the French revolution .
Had the example of Masons , or the influence of their tenets , a proper weight in the scale of government , we should not so frequently witness scenes of dissension and discord . It is to be regretted that the efforts of the wisest men and of the most illustrious princes have been unable to extinguish that unhappy spirit of fanaticism , of whose deplorable effects a nei ghbouring country has exhibited so striking
a picture . - But let it ever be impressed on the mind , that without religion there can be no tie ; that it is the natural tendency of infidelity and licentiousness to dissolve the most sacred obli gations , to remove the most powerful motives to virtue , and , by corruptinothe principles of individuals , to poison the sources of public order and public prosperity . Such are the evils incident to the most
judicious measures when carried to excess ; it is our duty , therefore , to beware of sowing the seeds of discord in any country , and excitinojealousies for which there are no real foundation . ° The misconduct of a few individuals can never operate to the extinction of a laudable Institution : while Freemasonry , therefore , is conducted on its pure and genuine princilesin ite of all its
p , sp oppo nents , it will be found the best corrector of misguided zeal and unrestrained licentiousness , as well as the strongest support of every well regulated government . A P . M . of the LODGE OF ANTIQUITY .
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