Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Description Of A Design For A Masonic Trophy To The Grand Master.
The vase might receive flowers , which are at once a classical decoration , peculiarly appropriate to the figure of Psyche , and would contribute to give a constant daily interest to the Trophy . It will be readily seen that the fundamental motive of the design was of a general and comprehensive nature ; and that what was peculiar therein was susceptible of variation , and might he readily adapted to the local circumstances of analogous object or by striking out all that
any was local ancl temporary , and substituting what should be of a general character , the design ivould become simply a Masonic Trophy , wherein the end and intention of Freemasonry might be expressed by a beautiful allegory which would he fully understood by the faithful Mason ; and further illustrated by select portions of its history . If this idea were duly carried out , the Trophy would possess an historicalintellectualand moral characterancl miht becorne an appropriate
, , , g ornament for the Lodge Room , useful in illustrating the objects of Freemasonry , and interesting as much from the mind expressed as from the graceful forms exhibited . It is well known to all diligent Masons , that morality constitutes a principal part of the Masonic system , - ancl that the principles of morality are taught by them in a scientific manner , and not as matters of speculationThe princiles of morality rest on experienceon facts which
. p , cannot be disputed , and which are capable of mathematical demonstration . The language of morality is the language of God . It is clear , it is perspicuous , it cannot be misinterpreted or misunderstood , it has no confusion of dialects , it requires no interpreters , it speaks to the hearts of all created beings , ancl it will remain the universal language of nature , while those eternal princip les remain which hold the universe together .
Freemasonry speaks in this universal language to all its children , wheresoever dispersed over the habitable globe , and however diversified by countries , tongues , or religions ; it combines all that the good men of all ages , creeds , and climates have agreed in ; ancl eschews every thing that is capable of exciting discord or difference . The views of the Mason thus necessarily become extended beyond particular institutions , whether of a civil or relig ious nature ; and are led to the grand source of all . be said to he the of
The leading feature of the Trophy may progress the human character towards perfection . The cardinal virtues necessarily occupy the base ; and upon such a basis the heart and mind will easily be led to acquire and cherish those kindly feelings which the classic moralists of ancient Greece expressed by the figures of the Graces , ancl who are described as the Sisters of Harmony or Cupid . They were called Charities , signifying joy , pleasure , good offices , gratitude ; young , ins
because they conferred the most attractive charms of beauty ; virg , to denote modesty ancl purity of manners ; they were linked together , as cords of love should bind us together ; and danced in an eternal circle , as acts of kindness should ever move . The christian graces , Faith , Hope , and Charity may truly be said to express the same sentiments . Ancl it will not be disputed that he who possesses these graces , in the most le sensehas fulfilled the Law and the Prophets ; and
amp , m ay j ustly be said to hear the impression of the divine image of the great Author of our heing ; ancl is , as far as our limited faculties enable us to judge , fitted for divine enjoyment . That state of existence is veiled from ' mortal eyes , nor can the form of the disembodied spirit , or its mode of existence , be properly the subject of pictorial representation except by allegory . The figure of Psyche is therefore adopted for this purpose . Psyche is described by the classic and philosophic Greeks as
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Description Of A Design For A Masonic Trophy To The Grand Master.
The vase might receive flowers , which are at once a classical decoration , peculiarly appropriate to the figure of Psyche , and would contribute to give a constant daily interest to the Trophy . It will be readily seen that the fundamental motive of the design was of a general and comprehensive nature ; and that what was peculiar therein was susceptible of variation , and might he readily adapted to the local circumstances of analogous object or by striking out all that
any was local ancl temporary , and substituting what should be of a general character , the design ivould become simply a Masonic Trophy , wherein the end and intention of Freemasonry might be expressed by a beautiful allegory which would he fully understood by the faithful Mason ; and further illustrated by select portions of its history . If this idea were duly carried out , the Trophy would possess an historicalintellectualand moral characterancl miht becorne an appropriate
, , , g ornament for the Lodge Room , useful in illustrating the objects of Freemasonry , and interesting as much from the mind expressed as from the graceful forms exhibited . It is well known to all diligent Masons , that morality constitutes a principal part of the Masonic system , - ancl that the principles of morality are taught by them in a scientific manner , and not as matters of speculationThe princiles of morality rest on experienceon facts which
. p , cannot be disputed , and which are capable of mathematical demonstration . The language of morality is the language of God . It is clear , it is perspicuous , it cannot be misinterpreted or misunderstood , it has no confusion of dialects , it requires no interpreters , it speaks to the hearts of all created beings , ancl it will remain the universal language of nature , while those eternal princip les remain which hold the universe together .
Freemasonry speaks in this universal language to all its children , wheresoever dispersed over the habitable globe , and however diversified by countries , tongues , or religions ; it combines all that the good men of all ages , creeds , and climates have agreed in ; ancl eschews every thing that is capable of exciting discord or difference . The views of the Mason thus necessarily become extended beyond particular institutions , whether of a civil or relig ious nature ; and are led to the grand source of all . be said to he the of
The leading feature of the Trophy may progress the human character towards perfection . The cardinal virtues necessarily occupy the base ; and upon such a basis the heart and mind will easily be led to acquire and cherish those kindly feelings which the classic moralists of ancient Greece expressed by the figures of the Graces , ancl who are described as the Sisters of Harmony or Cupid . They were called Charities , signifying joy , pleasure , good offices , gratitude ; young , ins
because they conferred the most attractive charms of beauty ; virg , to denote modesty ancl purity of manners ; they were linked together , as cords of love should bind us together ; and danced in an eternal circle , as acts of kindness should ever move . The christian graces , Faith , Hope , and Charity may truly be said to express the same sentiments . Ancl it will not be disputed that he who possesses these graces , in the most le sensehas fulfilled the Law and the Prophets ; and
amp , m ay j ustly be said to hear the impression of the divine image of the great Author of our heing ; ancl is , as far as our limited faculties enable us to judge , fitted for divine enjoyment . That state of existence is veiled from ' mortal eyes , nor can the form of the disembodied spirit , or its mode of existence , be properly the subject of pictorial representation except by allegory . The figure of Psyche is therefore adopted for this purpose . Psyche is described by the classic and philosophic Greeks as