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Article ON THE STUDY OF MASONIC ANTIQUITIES. Page 1 of 6 →
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On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
ON THE STUDY OF MASONIC ANTIQUITIES .
BY BRO . THOMAS PRYER , OP THE OAK LODGE . CHAPTER II . INTRINSIC EVIDENCE OP THE ANTIQUITY OP FREEMASONRY — ITS SPIRITUAL ORIGIN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES—THEIR CONNECTION WITH THE SYSTEM . IN the previous Chapter I have endeavoured to shew the Masonic
student , that as a preliminary step in his researches , he must take a most comprehensive view of the term " Freemasonry , " in order that lies may be directed into a proper course of study , and his investigation pursued to a full elucidation of a subject so deeply interesting . This is indeed most essential , and I trust that in the former observations I have rendered myself sufficiently intelligible . The subject is one of a somewhat complicated nature , —much comparison and reflection are
necessary , —and the study must be pursued in a true spirit of Masonic perseverance . On a further consideration of the subject , the view previously taken appears to be supported by the intrinsic evidence which is afforded b y the internal structure of our institution . It must be clearly apparent from its very nature that it is not a system of modern origin , and when we regard the various objects which it embraces , it is equally manifest that no new Institution could possibly be substituted , sufficiently comprehensive to embrace with distinctness all its manifold purposes . Let us here pause for a moment to consider these purposes still further .
What are they ? To promote the feelings of universal brotherhood and impress the doctrines of human equality and mutual dependency , without interfering with any of those social or political distinctions which are essential to the stability and well-being of society—to lead to the true knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe—to teach a reverence for his most Holy name , and thereby minister to the cause ol true religion without interference with the tenets , doctrines , or prejudices of any particular religious sect—to promote the practice of virtue and encourage all intellectual investigations , and particularly to impress the stamp of morality and religion upon every department of scienceso that , parh KpipT . tif . f . truth mnv nnt nnlv he vender . ., nv . nl . thlp fnr
human purposes , but made to furnish additional proof of the WISDOM , POWER , ancl GOODNESS , of the GREAT CREATOR . Now , if we minutely consider the means by which these ends are sought to be accomplished , I think it will be readily admitted that it would be scarcely possible at the present day to establish an Institution having so wide and luminous a range . The world has witnessed at various periods many societies instituted
for particular purposes , bearing externally some resemblance to our Fraternity . But what were their purposes ? The maintenance of some political principle—the propagation of some peculiar religious tenet—or probably the diffusion of irreligion or error . And where are those societies now ? Wanting the true quickening vor ,. iv . v
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
ON THE STUDY OF MASONIC ANTIQUITIES .
BY BRO . THOMAS PRYER , OP THE OAK LODGE . CHAPTER II . INTRINSIC EVIDENCE OP THE ANTIQUITY OP FREEMASONRY — ITS SPIRITUAL ORIGIN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES—THEIR CONNECTION WITH THE SYSTEM . IN the previous Chapter I have endeavoured to shew the Masonic
student , that as a preliminary step in his researches , he must take a most comprehensive view of the term " Freemasonry , " in order that lies may be directed into a proper course of study , and his investigation pursued to a full elucidation of a subject so deeply interesting . This is indeed most essential , and I trust that in the former observations I have rendered myself sufficiently intelligible . The subject is one of a somewhat complicated nature , —much comparison and reflection are
necessary , —and the study must be pursued in a true spirit of Masonic perseverance . On a further consideration of the subject , the view previously taken appears to be supported by the intrinsic evidence which is afforded b y the internal structure of our institution . It must be clearly apparent from its very nature that it is not a system of modern origin , and when we regard the various objects which it embraces , it is equally manifest that no new Institution could possibly be substituted , sufficiently comprehensive to embrace with distinctness all its manifold purposes . Let us here pause for a moment to consider these purposes still further .
What are they ? To promote the feelings of universal brotherhood and impress the doctrines of human equality and mutual dependency , without interfering with any of those social or political distinctions which are essential to the stability and well-being of society—to lead to the true knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe—to teach a reverence for his most Holy name , and thereby minister to the cause ol true religion without interference with the tenets , doctrines , or prejudices of any particular religious sect—to promote the practice of virtue and encourage all intellectual investigations , and particularly to impress the stamp of morality and religion upon every department of scienceso that , parh KpipT . tif . f . truth mnv nnt nnlv he vender . ., nv . nl . thlp fnr
human purposes , but made to furnish additional proof of the WISDOM , POWER , ancl GOODNESS , of the GREAT CREATOR . Now , if we minutely consider the means by which these ends are sought to be accomplished , I think it will be readily admitted that it would be scarcely possible at the present day to establish an Institution having so wide and luminous a range . The world has witnessed at various periods many societies instituted
for particular purposes , bearing externally some resemblance to our Fraternity . But what were their purposes ? The maintenance of some political principle—the propagation of some peculiar religious tenet—or probably the diffusion of irreligion or error . And where are those societies now ? Wanting the true quickening vor ,. iv . v