Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
and a Franklin * , are in the happy enjoyment of the celestial temple , we have for our imitation the pious and heroic example of a beloved WASHINGTON , who is not less distinguished for his private virtues , than for that wisdom , prudence , perseverance , and unwearied attention to the arduous duties of his exalted station , which has often been . celebrated in strains of the most persuasive
. eloquence . f But who can count the stars of heaven ? " Who speak their influence on this lower world ?" The objections commonly made to Freemasonry are , that the Brethren pretend to certain secrets which , if really useful , should be communicated to the world ; that their acts of beneficence and charity
are confined to their own members ; and that females are denied the honours and privileges of the society-. Of the secrets of Masonry we can only remark that they relate to the particular ceremonies of the Lodge , and are the means by . which the institution is rendered useful to travellers f in foreign countries ; and that there are many other societies who possess secrets for their immediate benefit .
It is true that , by our Masonic connection , we are enjoined to assist each other in times of adversity ; to keep the counsel of our Brethren ^ so far as the good of the community will allow ; and to afford our mutual aid in periods of impending danger . But by the performance of these duties we are by no means discharged from the common obligations of affection and charity to our fellow-creatures ; and we have often been told that " the main pillar of Masonry is the love of
mankind . " With respect to the fair sex it may be observed , that as the Institution originated from one of the most laborious occupations , its metaphors and ceremonies are by no means adapted to their dispositions and habits . We not onl y disclaim the idea of their being unqualified to keep our secrets , but we are taught to protect and defend
them , and we believe that their ingenuity and influence would increase the usefulness of many societies to which by universal custom they are not admitted .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine, Or General And Complete Library.
and a Franklin * , are in the happy enjoyment of the celestial temple , we have for our imitation the pious and heroic example of a beloved WASHINGTON , who is not less distinguished for his private virtues , than for that wisdom , prudence , perseverance , and unwearied attention to the arduous duties of his exalted station , which has often been . celebrated in strains of the most persuasive
. eloquence . f But who can count the stars of heaven ? " Who speak their influence on this lower world ?" The objections commonly made to Freemasonry are , that the Brethren pretend to certain secrets which , if really useful , should be communicated to the world ; that their acts of beneficence and charity
are confined to their own members ; and that females are denied the honours and privileges of the society-. Of the secrets of Masonry we can only remark that they relate to the particular ceremonies of the Lodge , and are the means by . which the institution is rendered useful to travellers f in foreign countries ; and that there are many other societies who possess secrets for their immediate benefit .
It is true that , by our Masonic connection , we are enjoined to assist each other in times of adversity ; to keep the counsel of our Brethren ^ so far as the good of the community will allow ; and to afford our mutual aid in periods of impending danger . But by the performance of these duties we are by no means discharged from the common obligations of affection and charity to our fellow-creatures ; and we have often been told that " the main pillar of Masonry is the love of
mankind . " With respect to the fair sex it may be observed , that as the Institution originated from one of the most laborious occupations , its metaphors and ceremonies are by no means adapted to their dispositions and habits . We not onl y disclaim the idea of their being unqualified to keep our secrets , but we are taught to protect and defend
them , and we believe that their ingenuity and influence would increase the usefulness of many societies to which by universal custom they are not admitted .