-
Articles/Ads
Article THE FREEMASONS' REPOSITORY. ← Page 4 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Repository.
But to bring the detail nearer to our own time , it appears that this useful and elegant science was introduced from France into this kingdom in the time of king Athelstan , whose brother Edwin honoured the Masons with his peculiar esteem and protection , and obtained a charter in favour of the society . Richard the second , on ascending the throne of his grand-father , afforded , it seems , farther countenance to Masonry , which flourished
equally under king Henry IV . but during the minority of Henry VI . it met with considerable opposition from the Commons . Idle notions and unwarrantable suspicions were occasionally conceived of the practices of-the fraternity ; but they , conscious of their integrity , as well as of the utility of their institution , continued their assemblies , regardless of those unreasonable menaces which in time subsisted . In the beginning of the reign of James I . the art was considerably refined through the unparalleled skill of Inigo Jones , at which time many persons , eminent for their learning and integrity , were admitted ,
till the civil wars for a time prevented their frequent assemblies . Soon after the revolution the interests of the craft were greatly promoted by the royal favour and protection ; and under the patronage of ihe greatest and . wisest men of the nation , Masonry arrived at its meridian lustre , and from this period has been honoured by the membership ofthe principal nobility , and still continues the most publicspirited , as well as the most ancient society in the universe .
Thus much of Masonry considered as an art ; but it is no less evi ^ dent , from the earliest traces of history , that this institution tends as much to the improvement . of the mind in virtue as in science , the two grand ornaments of rational and intelligent beings . In undertaking to display at large the opinions , the maxims , and principles of the fraternity , I should be under a necessity of reciting particulars , which on the present occasion I am neither required , nor authorized to interfere with : suffice it , therefore , on that head to say thus much :
As far as relates to religious principles , a Mason pays a strict regard to the moral law , the grand rule of equity between man and man ; not offering to molest others for a difference of opinion with respect to particular modes of worship , provided they be good men and true , men of principle and integrity . In politics , ever ready to conform to the established laws ofthe community to which he belongs ; cautiously avoiding all appearance of combination against the peace and order of
government ; paying due reverence to magistrates , and behaving courteously toward ail men . The society , it is true , in its primeval state was composed of artificers , by whose wise and united endeavours , co-operating with the beneficial tendency of their laws and institutions , the noble art has been extensivelpropagated ; and indeedthe compleat restoration of
y , every thing truly great and elegant in architecture finally effected in these happy isles . Yet , notwithstanding , if in these later times the distinction of Free Masons , as a select body , seems chiefly maintained for the important
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Repository.
But to bring the detail nearer to our own time , it appears that this useful and elegant science was introduced from France into this kingdom in the time of king Athelstan , whose brother Edwin honoured the Masons with his peculiar esteem and protection , and obtained a charter in favour of the society . Richard the second , on ascending the throne of his grand-father , afforded , it seems , farther countenance to Masonry , which flourished
equally under king Henry IV . but during the minority of Henry VI . it met with considerable opposition from the Commons . Idle notions and unwarrantable suspicions were occasionally conceived of the practices of-the fraternity ; but they , conscious of their integrity , as well as of the utility of their institution , continued their assemblies , regardless of those unreasonable menaces which in time subsisted . In the beginning of the reign of James I . the art was considerably refined through the unparalleled skill of Inigo Jones , at which time many persons , eminent for their learning and integrity , were admitted ,
till the civil wars for a time prevented their frequent assemblies . Soon after the revolution the interests of the craft were greatly promoted by the royal favour and protection ; and under the patronage of ihe greatest and . wisest men of the nation , Masonry arrived at its meridian lustre , and from this period has been honoured by the membership ofthe principal nobility , and still continues the most publicspirited , as well as the most ancient society in the universe .
Thus much of Masonry considered as an art ; but it is no less evi ^ dent , from the earliest traces of history , that this institution tends as much to the improvement . of the mind in virtue as in science , the two grand ornaments of rational and intelligent beings . In undertaking to display at large the opinions , the maxims , and principles of the fraternity , I should be under a necessity of reciting particulars , which on the present occasion I am neither required , nor authorized to interfere with : suffice it , therefore , on that head to say thus much :
As far as relates to religious principles , a Mason pays a strict regard to the moral law , the grand rule of equity between man and man ; not offering to molest others for a difference of opinion with respect to particular modes of worship , provided they be good men and true , men of principle and integrity . In politics , ever ready to conform to the established laws ofthe community to which he belongs ; cautiously avoiding all appearance of combination against the peace and order of
government ; paying due reverence to magistrates , and behaving courteously toward ail men . The society , it is true , in its primeval state was composed of artificers , by whose wise and united endeavours , co-operating with the beneficial tendency of their laws and institutions , the noble art has been extensivelpropagated ; and indeedthe compleat restoration of
y , every thing truly great and elegant in architecture finally effected in these happy isles . Yet , notwithstanding , if in these later times the distinction of Free Masons , as a select body , seems chiefly maintained for the important