Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
rerlged ; and when we consider that different associations of mechanics were necessary for carrying on and completing those extensive structure ' s ; that operative Masonry was among the first specimens of human ingenuity ; and that some means ~ were necessary for rest , mental cultivation and amusement ,- we may readily conceive that the tools and implements of that important occupation , like other metaphors * of the ancientsor like " Navigation spiritualised f" in later
, times , might be allegorically | : applied to level unnecessary distinctions ; to square the rude and uncultivated manners of men ; and to confine their passions within the compass of morality and good fellowship .
Numerous are the traditions to shew that the principles of our institution are coeval with the wants of men ; but the occurrence ' s of the early ages are so involved in fable and obscurity , as to elude the most curious researches § ; we therefore pass to that memorable era when the wise King Solomon , at the head of an hundred and eighty three thousand three hundred Craftsmen and labourers , was enabled by an admirable display of his sagacity and perseverance , not only to
designate their respective merits and employments ; but , by a judicious enaction of Bye-Laws , and an impartial appointment of Officers to administer them , to establish that undissembled love and friendship by which this illustrious band of Brothers were , for a period of seven years , so happily united and distinguished . Here every member was taught , " to keep a tongue of good report , maintain secrecy , and practise charity . "
It appears by the chronological tables , that the solemn dedication ofthe Temple was a thousand and four years previous to the birth of Christ ; and if it be true that the ceremonies and privileges of the Fraternity were originally confined to operative Masons ,. and their associates in practical Architecture | j , it is equally certain that they were now communicated to the free-born and accepted ; that they were patronized by the wise and learned ; and were liberally extended to every good man and true < ff . " Confined to no climate , language , religion , or government , " they have continued through the successive
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
rerlged ; and when we consider that different associations of mechanics were necessary for carrying on and completing those extensive structure ' s ; that operative Masonry was among the first specimens of human ingenuity ; and that some means ~ were necessary for rest , mental cultivation and amusement ,- we may readily conceive that the tools and implements of that important occupation , like other metaphors * of the ancientsor like " Navigation spiritualised f" in later
, times , might be allegorically | : applied to level unnecessary distinctions ; to square the rude and uncultivated manners of men ; and to confine their passions within the compass of morality and good fellowship .
Numerous are the traditions to shew that the principles of our institution are coeval with the wants of men ; but the occurrence ' s of the early ages are so involved in fable and obscurity , as to elude the most curious researches § ; we therefore pass to that memorable era when the wise King Solomon , at the head of an hundred and eighty three thousand three hundred Craftsmen and labourers , was enabled by an admirable display of his sagacity and perseverance , not only to
designate their respective merits and employments ; but , by a judicious enaction of Bye-Laws , and an impartial appointment of Officers to administer them , to establish that undissembled love and friendship by which this illustrious band of Brothers were , for a period of seven years , so happily united and distinguished . Here every member was taught , " to keep a tongue of good report , maintain secrecy , and practise charity . "
It appears by the chronological tables , that the solemn dedication ofthe Temple was a thousand and four years previous to the birth of Christ ; and if it be true that the ceremonies and privileges of the Fraternity were originally confined to operative Masons ,. and their associates in practical Architecture | j , it is equally certain that they were now communicated to the free-born and accepted ; that they were patronized by the wise and learned ; and were liberally extended to every good man and true < ff . " Confined to no climate , language , religion , or government , " they have continued through the successive