-
Articles/Ads
Article THE FREEMASONS' REPOSITORY. ← Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Repository.
Society contains within its circle , among others , two descriptions of men , objects of particular notice : the industrious majority , and the jri-Ki who are possessed of leisure and talents . In the one consists its strength , in the other its wisdom . From their united endeavours , each moving within its sphere , result harmon 3 ' , order , and unanimity . ' By the condescension of the latter toward the advancement of the formerthey interestedly unite in one universal planand
, , thereby promote benevolence , which is the beginning and end of Masonry . To incroach upon the privileges of that institution is far distant from my intention ; I hold it in too high estimation , and am too well convinced of the propriety and exigency of the means , which are calculated to attain its end . The principles and the practice of the art ,- when viewed in simplicity and in truth , are the most
liberal , and least mysterious—the most easy of access , and least difficult of attainment . But turn the glass , and magnify the objects , how unnatural ! The Masonic reader will readity pardon the introduction of the following excellent observations of a German writer , which have appeared to me not inapplicable to the present subject . Your otfyer .
readers , Mr . Editor , I cannot indulge by laj'ing open to their view the arcana of Masonry , so as to give them an additional power of gratification ; but as men , and members of society , in a high state of civilization and improvement , I trust they must feel the force and acknowledge the excellence of the writer .
' The man of riches and of quality ought to apply himself to' study , and endeavour to penetrate as far as possible into the secrets of nature , and the truths of philosophy ; into the principles cf our duty , and the end of our being ; to enrich his memoty with the wisdom of antiquity , and note down every thing remarkable in his own age . In a word , to be occupied in preparing his mind , by the acquisition of a multiplicity of scienceseither for a life of reflection or of activity . To
, communicate the result of his inquiries in a language intelligible to the bulk of the people , remembering that the labour of the hatids engages so closely their time , as must entirety preclude them from the labours of the bead . It is in expectation of this , and of other good offices , and not merely for the sake of his wealth , that the plebeians labour to render him comfortable ; and by supplying him with the
necessaries and conveniences of life , procure him that leisure which he could not otherwise enjo 3 . But were he to conduct or to express himself in a maimer which they do not understand , and attempt to display what of consequence could afford them neither instruction nor amusement , he would deserve but little , that they should toil in his behalf . '
It is pride , prejudice , and the selfish passions and affections , which divide and disunite men in society , pervert the blessings and destroy the beneficial effects of rank and distinction . The discerning Mason must know , that if rank and distinclion had never existed , one of the first grand principles of Masonry , that of enforcing the practice
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Repository.
Society contains within its circle , among others , two descriptions of men , objects of particular notice : the industrious majority , and the jri-Ki who are possessed of leisure and talents . In the one consists its strength , in the other its wisdom . From their united endeavours , each moving within its sphere , result harmon 3 ' , order , and unanimity . ' By the condescension of the latter toward the advancement of the formerthey interestedly unite in one universal planand
, , thereby promote benevolence , which is the beginning and end of Masonry . To incroach upon the privileges of that institution is far distant from my intention ; I hold it in too high estimation , and am too well convinced of the propriety and exigency of the means , which are calculated to attain its end . The principles and the practice of the art ,- when viewed in simplicity and in truth , are the most
liberal , and least mysterious—the most easy of access , and least difficult of attainment . But turn the glass , and magnify the objects , how unnatural ! The Masonic reader will readity pardon the introduction of the following excellent observations of a German writer , which have appeared to me not inapplicable to the present subject . Your otfyer .
readers , Mr . Editor , I cannot indulge by laj'ing open to their view the arcana of Masonry , so as to give them an additional power of gratification ; but as men , and members of society , in a high state of civilization and improvement , I trust they must feel the force and acknowledge the excellence of the writer .
' The man of riches and of quality ought to apply himself to' study , and endeavour to penetrate as far as possible into the secrets of nature , and the truths of philosophy ; into the principles cf our duty , and the end of our being ; to enrich his memoty with the wisdom of antiquity , and note down every thing remarkable in his own age . In a word , to be occupied in preparing his mind , by the acquisition of a multiplicity of scienceseither for a life of reflection or of activity . To
, communicate the result of his inquiries in a language intelligible to the bulk of the people , remembering that the labour of the hatids engages so closely their time , as must entirety preclude them from the labours of the bead . It is in expectation of this , and of other good offices , and not merely for the sake of his wealth , that the plebeians labour to render him comfortable ; and by supplying him with the
necessaries and conveniences of life , procure him that leisure which he could not otherwise enjo 3 . But were he to conduct or to express himself in a maimer which they do not understand , and attempt to display what of consequence could afford them neither instruction nor amusement , he would deserve but little , that they should toil in his behalf . '
It is pride , prejudice , and the selfish passions and affections , which divide and disunite men in society , pervert the blessings and destroy the beneficial effects of rank and distinction . The discerning Mason must know , that if rank and distinclion had never existed , one of the first grand principles of Masonry , that of enforcing the practice