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Article A VINDICATION OF MASONRY. ← Page 5 of 5
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A Vindication Of Masonry.
Wisdom seeks the secret shade , the lonely cell designed for contemplation ; there enthroned she sits , delivering her sacred oracles : there let us seek her , and pursue the real bliss ; for though the passage be difficult , the farther we trace it , the easier it will become . Geometry , that extensive art , we should particularly study , as the first and noblest of sciences . By geometry we may curiously trace naturethrough her various windingsto her most concealed recesses .
, , By it we may discover the power , the wisdom , and the goodness of the grand Artificer of the universe , and view with amazing delight the beautiful proportions which connect and grace this vast machine . By it we may discover how the planets move it ) their different orbits , and mathematicall y demonstrate their various revolutions . By it we may rationally account for the return of seasons , and the mixed
variety of scenes which they display to the discerning eye . Numberless worlds are around us , all framed by the same divine Artist , which roll through the vast expanse , and are all conducted by the same unerring laws of nature . How must we then improve ! With what grand ideas must such knowledge fill our minds ! And how worthy is it of tlie attention of all rational beings , especially of those who
profess themselves promoters of our grand institution ! It was a survey of nature , and the observation of its beautiful proportions , that first determined man to imitate the divine plan , and to study symmetry and order . This gave rise to societies , and birth to every useful art . The architect began to design , and the plans which he laid down , improved by experience and time , produced some of
those excellent works which will be the admiration offuture ages . I might here trace the history of the Craft , and shew that , ever since order began , or harmony displayed her charms , our order had a being ; but this is so well known , that a tedious discussion of incontrovertible facts might rather cloud the understanding , than open to our view a prospect which ignorance and barbarism can only veil . If we are unitedour society must flourish ; let us then promote
, the useful arts , and by that means mark our distinction and superiority ; let us cultivate the social virtues , and improve in all that is good and amiable ; let the Genius of Masonry preside , and under her so-i vereign sway let us endeavour to act with becoming dignity' . , Now , is Masonry so good , so valuable a science ? Does it tend to instruct the mind , and tame each unruly passion ? Does it expel
rancour , hatred , and envy ? Does it reconcile men of all reli gions and of all nations ? Is it an universal cement , binding its followers to charity , good-will , ' and secret friendship ? Is it calculated to promote the truest freedom ? Does it teach men to lead quiet lives ? In short , are its precepts a complete system of moral virtue ? Then , IIAIL thou glorious Craft , bright transcript of all that is amiable !—HAIL
, thou blest moral science , which so beautifully exemplifies virtue !— . Welcome , ye delightful mansions , where all enjoy the pleasures of a serene and tranquil life!—Welcome , ye blest retreats , where smiling Friendship ever blooms , and from her throne dispenses pleasure with ¦ Unbounded liberality !—Welcome , sacred habitations , where peace and innocence for ever dwell ! M .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Vindication Of Masonry.
Wisdom seeks the secret shade , the lonely cell designed for contemplation ; there enthroned she sits , delivering her sacred oracles : there let us seek her , and pursue the real bliss ; for though the passage be difficult , the farther we trace it , the easier it will become . Geometry , that extensive art , we should particularly study , as the first and noblest of sciences . By geometry we may curiously trace naturethrough her various windingsto her most concealed recesses .
, , By it we may discover the power , the wisdom , and the goodness of the grand Artificer of the universe , and view with amazing delight the beautiful proportions which connect and grace this vast machine . By it we may discover how the planets move it ) their different orbits , and mathematicall y demonstrate their various revolutions . By it we may rationally account for the return of seasons , and the mixed
variety of scenes which they display to the discerning eye . Numberless worlds are around us , all framed by the same divine Artist , which roll through the vast expanse , and are all conducted by the same unerring laws of nature . How must we then improve ! With what grand ideas must such knowledge fill our minds ! And how worthy is it of tlie attention of all rational beings , especially of those who
profess themselves promoters of our grand institution ! It was a survey of nature , and the observation of its beautiful proportions , that first determined man to imitate the divine plan , and to study symmetry and order . This gave rise to societies , and birth to every useful art . The architect began to design , and the plans which he laid down , improved by experience and time , produced some of
those excellent works which will be the admiration offuture ages . I might here trace the history of the Craft , and shew that , ever since order began , or harmony displayed her charms , our order had a being ; but this is so well known , that a tedious discussion of incontrovertible facts might rather cloud the understanding , than open to our view a prospect which ignorance and barbarism can only veil . If we are unitedour society must flourish ; let us then promote
, the useful arts , and by that means mark our distinction and superiority ; let us cultivate the social virtues , and improve in all that is good and amiable ; let the Genius of Masonry preside , and under her so-i vereign sway let us endeavour to act with becoming dignity' . , Now , is Masonry so good , so valuable a science ? Does it tend to instruct the mind , and tame each unruly passion ? Does it expel
rancour , hatred , and envy ? Does it reconcile men of all reli gions and of all nations ? Is it an universal cement , binding its followers to charity , good-will , ' and secret friendship ? Is it calculated to promote the truest freedom ? Does it teach men to lead quiet lives ? In short , are its precepts a complete system of moral virtue ? Then , IIAIL thou glorious Craft , bright transcript of all that is amiable !—HAIL
, thou blest moral science , which so beautifully exemplifies virtue !— . Welcome , ye delightful mansions , where all enjoy the pleasures of a serene and tranquil life!—Welcome , ye blest retreats , where smiling Friendship ever blooms , and from her throne dispenses pleasure with ¦ Unbounded liberality !—Welcome , sacred habitations , where peace and innocence for ever dwell ! M .