Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
" The social affections in man , " says an eminent philosopher *} " are the principal source of his happiness ; and the operation ofthern , as directed by his wants and other circumstances , forms his connection in society . " First in the scale of beings are our kindred and friends ; next our . neighbours and countrymen ; then the nations with whom we are in political or commercial alliance ; and , lastly , the great family of mankind . In proportion to the remoteness of these objects the
affections are less powerful ; but they are particularly directed to those who discover a likeness to ourselves in their dispositions and habits . Our connection with each other is formed by a similarity of sentiments and practices ; and we are influenced by the operation of mutual benefits , to strengthen and enlarge it . Hence the various institutions for diffusing personal happiness , and alleviating the calamities of life .
In tracing the Masonic history it is usual to mention the genera ] principles of Geometry , and to describe those ancient specimens of Architecture which have astonished the world . By Josephus we are told of the erection of two pillars f to preserve the earliest discoveries in science ; and we read in the inspired writings of the spacious ark by which our pious and enterprising progenitors escaped the
universal deluge ; ofthe stupendous' Tower of Babel ; of the famous sepulchres of antiquity ; and of that magnificent edifice spoken of on Mount Ploreb , and executed at Jerusalem , by the King of Israel . Nor is onr admiration lessened when , in the perusal of profane history , we discover the most surprising efforts of genius for an improvement of the liberal and mechanic arts % ; and for the progress of that knowledand hwhich calculated to
ge philosopy were so happily dispel " the gloom of ignorance and barbarism . " It has frequently been asked , how these things are connected with Freemasonry , and the want of rational information has occasioned many illiberal observations and uncandid criticisms ; for it is sometimes easier to censure than to enquire . That an active principle of invention is implanted in human nature , for the wisest and most benevolent purposes , is universally acknow-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
" The social affections in man , " says an eminent philosopher *} " are the principal source of his happiness ; and the operation ofthern , as directed by his wants and other circumstances , forms his connection in society . " First in the scale of beings are our kindred and friends ; next our . neighbours and countrymen ; then the nations with whom we are in political or commercial alliance ; and , lastly , the great family of mankind . In proportion to the remoteness of these objects the
affections are less powerful ; but they are particularly directed to those who discover a likeness to ourselves in their dispositions and habits . Our connection with each other is formed by a similarity of sentiments and practices ; and we are influenced by the operation of mutual benefits , to strengthen and enlarge it . Hence the various institutions for diffusing personal happiness , and alleviating the calamities of life .
In tracing the Masonic history it is usual to mention the genera ] principles of Geometry , and to describe those ancient specimens of Architecture which have astonished the world . By Josephus we are told of the erection of two pillars f to preserve the earliest discoveries in science ; and we read in the inspired writings of the spacious ark by which our pious and enterprising progenitors escaped the
universal deluge ; ofthe stupendous' Tower of Babel ; of the famous sepulchres of antiquity ; and of that magnificent edifice spoken of on Mount Ploreb , and executed at Jerusalem , by the King of Israel . Nor is onr admiration lessened when , in the perusal of profane history , we discover the most surprising efforts of genius for an improvement of the liberal and mechanic arts % ; and for the progress of that knowledand hwhich calculated to
ge philosopy were so happily dispel " the gloom of ignorance and barbarism . " It has frequently been asked , how these things are connected with Freemasonry , and the want of rational information has occasioned many illiberal observations and uncandid criticisms ; for it is sometimes easier to censure than to enquire . That an active principle of invention is implanted in human nature , for the wisest and most benevolent purposes , is universally acknow-