-
Articles/Ads
Article THE CRAFT DEGREES AND ROYAL ARCH. ← Page 7 of 7
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Craft Degrees And Royal Arch.
Tlie principles of Freemasonry are based upon truth — truth immutable , truth eternal ; and thus it is that those principles are capable of universal extension . Overlooking the narrow limits assigned by ordinary human minds—rejecting even the superstitious though highly-cherished traditions of races—we are taught to refer
back to the common patriarchal fount , and to adopt those broad and universal doctrines which , diving to the centre of all human belief , enables us to trace the common origin of the various religious systems , and to establish the great principles of universal faith . This , then , is the religion in which all men agree . It meets us at the threshold of the
Order ; it is the subject of the first charge in our Book of Constitutions . But to comprehend this fully requires a most profound knowledge of the subject . Nevertheless it is a view which can be obtained by calm , serious , and dispassionate consideration ; and it is the result which must unquestionably be arrived at , if the peculiar scheme of
teaching adoped in the ancient York rite is strictly followed out , and its system of symbolism completely understood . We thus perceive the moral tendencies of the system , and are enabled to see that , in pursuing these investigations , it is not the mere love of antiquity that is gratified , nor the simple observance of ancient ceremonials . The results to be obtained are of a higher and more exalted character , and adapted for practical application in every walk and rank of life .
These remarks are preparatory to a more particular survey of the Craft Degrees and Royal Arch ; the subject is one embracing many points and principles , but every step affords matter of abundant interest and the most gratifying research . END OF PART I .
voi , i . z
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Craft Degrees And Royal Arch.
Tlie principles of Freemasonry are based upon truth — truth immutable , truth eternal ; and thus it is that those principles are capable of universal extension . Overlooking the narrow limits assigned by ordinary human minds—rejecting even the superstitious though highly-cherished traditions of races—we are taught to refer
back to the common patriarchal fount , and to adopt those broad and universal doctrines which , diving to the centre of all human belief , enables us to trace the common origin of the various religious systems , and to establish the great principles of universal faith . This , then , is the religion in which all men agree . It meets us at the threshold of the
Order ; it is the subject of the first charge in our Book of Constitutions . But to comprehend this fully requires a most profound knowledge of the subject . Nevertheless it is a view which can be obtained by calm , serious , and dispassionate consideration ; and it is the result which must unquestionably be arrived at , if the peculiar scheme of
teaching adoped in the ancient York rite is strictly followed out , and its system of symbolism completely understood . We thus perceive the moral tendencies of the system , and are enabled to see that , in pursuing these investigations , it is not the mere love of antiquity that is gratified , nor the simple observance of ancient ceremonials . The results to be obtained are of a higher and more exalted character , and adapted for practical application in every walk and rank of life .
These remarks are preparatory to a more particular survey of the Craft Degrees and Royal Arch ; the subject is one embracing many points and principles , but every step affords matter of abundant interest and the most gratifying research . END OF PART I .
voi , i . z