-
Articles/Ads
Article REVIEW OF LITERATURE. ← Page 2 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Review Of Literature.
of his persevering assiduity—of the exercise of the rare talents with which the Almighty Architect of the Universe has blessed him—who has thus placed them at our disposal ? In their universal use we hope to see a grateful and most fruitful response . Our readers will readily understand the difficulty of making selections from a work like this . To do justice to either of " the Twelve Lectures , badequate quotationswould be to to ive idea
y , copy many pages ; gan of the whole , by such a process , would be impossible ; and we must , therefore , be satisfied with tracing a mere outline of the subject entertained , by reprinting a few passages from the corollary with which the work concludes .
" I have been desirous of infusing a taste for the pure Philosophy of Masonry , that it may superinduce the habitual practice of those blooming virtues which its authorized lectures so strongly recommend . " For this purpose I have defined and illustrated the three great divisions ofthe science , and traced their existence in every country of the ancient world . I have endeavoured to show that Light , as our ancient Brethren denominated Freemasonry , was a system of primitive devotion from to enli
, descending Heaven ghten and purify humanity ; and that the idolatrous mysteries , which were the Spurious Freemasonry of heathen nations , were derived from it . The third and fourth Lectures explain minutely the object , tendency , and result of all these three divisions ; and shew how they originated , and where they respectively flourished in all their glory , so as to constitute a distinct and influential feature in the civil government of all nationsHaving traced the
. sciences known before the flood , and in particular those of Astronomy , Geometry , and Architecture , which were practised under the idea , if not under the name , of Operative Masonry , by the professors of the Spurious branch of our science ;—having pointed out how the imitative systems degenerated from the pure principles of primitive Lux , till they substituted the solar and sideral worship for the simple rites enjoined by a common Creator , and the symbol itself was universally adored ;—
having produced some ancient land-marks of the true system which were preserved in the Spurious Freemasonry , and shewn how they had become perverted from their original design by allegory and mystification ; —having described this polluted institution to show that its influence was used for political purposes , to furnish the legislator and magistrate with unlimited power over the public mind , not only from the imposing splendour of its ceremonies , but from the severity of its penalties , and the nature of its doctrines have to
equivocal ;—I proceeded take a review of the symbolical system , which was of such essential service to the Spurious Freemasonry , as to constitute the chief essence of all its mysterious rites and doctrines . The most remarkable emblems were found in the Egyptian , the Pythagorean , and the Druidical mysteries ; and these have been copiously illustrated , in order to convey a general idea of the use and application of hieroglhics in the Gentile world "
yp . " The Seventh Lecture , therefore , embraces a comprehensive view of the origin and use of symbols , with the intention of pointing out their application alike to the true and the Spurious Freemasonry . Of this kind were the patriarchal , the Jewish , and the Christian types ; many of whicli have been incorporated into our system of Freemasonry , and constitute a most delightful relief from studies that require a greater portion of serious thought . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Review Of Literature.
of his persevering assiduity—of the exercise of the rare talents with which the Almighty Architect of the Universe has blessed him—who has thus placed them at our disposal ? In their universal use we hope to see a grateful and most fruitful response . Our readers will readily understand the difficulty of making selections from a work like this . To do justice to either of " the Twelve Lectures , badequate quotationswould be to to ive idea
y , copy many pages ; gan of the whole , by such a process , would be impossible ; and we must , therefore , be satisfied with tracing a mere outline of the subject entertained , by reprinting a few passages from the corollary with which the work concludes .
" I have been desirous of infusing a taste for the pure Philosophy of Masonry , that it may superinduce the habitual practice of those blooming virtues which its authorized lectures so strongly recommend . " For this purpose I have defined and illustrated the three great divisions ofthe science , and traced their existence in every country of the ancient world . I have endeavoured to show that Light , as our ancient Brethren denominated Freemasonry , was a system of primitive devotion from to enli
, descending Heaven ghten and purify humanity ; and that the idolatrous mysteries , which were the Spurious Freemasonry of heathen nations , were derived from it . The third and fourth Lectures explain minutely the object , tendency , and result of all these three divisions ; and shew how they originated , and where they respectively flourished in all their glory , so as to constitute a distinct and influential feature in the civil government of all nationsHaving traced the
. sciences known before the flood , and in particular those of Astronomy , Geometry , and Architecture , which were practised under the idea , if not under the name , of Operative Masonry , by the professors of the Spurious branch of our science ;—having pointed out how the imitative systems degenerated from the pure principles of primitive Lux , till they substituted the solar and sideral worship for the simple rites enjoined by a common Creator , and the symbol itself was universally adored ;—
having produced some ancient land-marks of the true system which were preserved in the Spurious Freemasonry , and shewn how they had become perverted from their original design by allegory and mystification ; —having described this polluted institution to show that its influence was used for political purposes , to furnish the legislator and magistrate with unlimited power over the public mind , not only from the imposing splendour of its ceremonies , but from the severity of its penalties , and the nature of its doctrines have to
equivocal ;—I proceeded take a review of the symbolical system , which was of such essential service to the Spurious Freemasonry , as to constitute the chief essence of all its mysterious rites and doctrines . The most remarkable emblems were found in the Egyptian , the Pythagorean , and the Druidical mysteries ; and these have been copiously illustrated , in order to convey a general idea of the use and application of hieroglhics in the Gentile world "
yp . " The Seventh Lecture , therefore , embraces a comprehensive view of the origin and use of symbols , with the intention of pointing out their application alike to the true and the Spurious Freemasonry . Of this kind were the patriarchal , the Jewish , and the Christian types ; many of whicli have been incorporated into our system of Freemasonry , and constitute a most delightful relief from studies that require a greater portion of serious thought . "