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Article REVIEW OF LITERATURE. ← Page 3 of 6 →
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Review Of Literature.
u The eighth Lecture records the interesting fact , that Speculative and < ) pcrativo Masonry , thus marked by broad and distinctive characteristics , made gradual approaches towards each other , as the time drew nigh for the erection of that gorgeous Temple in honour of the true God , wliich was destined to eclipse , in riches and glory , all the buildings which the pride or vanity of man should induce him to consecrate to deities of his own invention . "
" The events whicli occurred during the progress of this structure , are of such importance to our science—embracing a wide range of ritual observances , and conducing to the enforcement of Masonic discipline by precept and example—that I have thought it necessary to devote an especial Lecture to their consideration . The mass of valuable matter which lay before me—the curious documents—the interesting traditions —the significant ritesand the historical associations of that periodso
, , important to the Free and Accepted Mason—were of such vast moment , as to demand an extended illustration ; although the suppression of many facts , which could not consistently be submitted to the public eye , was considered indispensable . I have , however , endeavoured to concentrate the principal Masonic traditions which have reached our times , respecting the events and traditions of that remarkable epoch ; and have recorded in the ninth Lecturesome circumstances which are
, known only to few ; and which the well-instructed Mason alone will be able to trace through the veil which I have thought it necessary to throw over them . " " The three concluding Lectures are intended to display the beauties of Freemasonry as it is now practised ; and I flatter myself that the industrious Brother will find there a treasure which will be worthy of his
consideration . The forms and ceremonies of the Order are exemplified and defended ; nor have their moral and symbolical reference been overlooked . " " It has ever been my opinion that the philosophy of Masonry is not sufficiently attended to in the generality of our Lodges . And this is not , I am persuaded , owing to remissness or want of talent , but on account of the absence of some adequate and absorbing stimulus . It wouldin my opinionhave constituted a most rational and engaging
, , employment , if , added to the routine Lectures , competent Brethren , giving due notice , with the approbation of the chair , were to undertake to illustrate and explain in a familiar manner certain points in our history , doctrines , or discipline , on which the authorized Lectures are silent . It is for want of some such arrangement that so many Brethren remain ignorant of the true design of the Order ; and of many events , connected with its earlhistory ; without a competent knowledge oi
y which , a false estimate is made , and the institution pronounced to he useless in the promotion of any worthy or valuable end . " " How often do we hear Masons , many years after their initiation , desire information on subjects , which , under the system I recommend , even a tyro would be capable of furnishing . Brethren high in rank and office , are often unacquainted with the elementary principles of the science ; and instead of teaching othersacknowledge with regret that
, they have themselves much to learn . If a spirit of emulation were once fairly excited in a Lodge of Masons , the most gratifying results would soon appear . A desire to excel would not remain without its fruits . And the Brethren would soon be impressed with the idea that it is by the love and cultivation of the philosophy of Freemasonry alone that vor .. vrr . 3 a
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Review Of Literature.
u The eighth Lecture records the interesting fact , that Speculative and < ) pcrativo Masonry , thus marked by broad and distinctive characteristics , made gradual approaches towards each other , as the time drew nigh for the erection of that gorgeous Temple in honour of the true God , wliich was destined to eclipse , in riches and glory , all the buildings which the pride or vanity of man should induce him to consecrate to deities of his own invention . "
" The events whicli occurred during the progress of this structure , are of such importance to our science—embracing a wide range of ritual observances , and conducing to the enforcement of Masonic discipline by precept and example—that I have thought it necessary to devote an especial Lecture to their consideration . The mass of valuable matter which lay before me—the curious documents—the interesting traditions —the significant ritesand the historical associations of that periodso
, , important to the Free and Accepted Mason—were of such vast moment , as to demand an extended illustration ; although the suppression of many facts , which could not consistently be submitted to the public eye , was considered indispensable . I have , however , endeavoured to concentrate the principal Masonic traditions which have reached our times , respecting the events and traditions of that remarkable epoch ; and have recorded in the ninth Lecturesome circumstances which are
, known only to few ; and which the well-instructed Mason alone will be able to trace through the veil which I have thought it necessary to throw over them . " " The three concluding Lectures are intended to display the beauties of Freemasonry as it is now practised ; and I flatter myself that the industrious Brother will find there a treasure which will be worthy of his
consideration . The forms and ceremonies of the Order are exemplified and defended ; nor have their moral and symbolical reference been overlooked . " " It has ever been my opinion that the philosophy of Masonry is not sufficiently attended to in the generality of our Lodges . And this is not , I am persuaded , owing to remissness or want of talent , but on account of the absence of some adequate and absorbing stimulus . It wouldin my opinionhave constituted a most rational and engaging
, , employment , if , added to the routine Lectures , competent Brethren , giving due notice , with the approbation of the chair , were to undertake to illustrate and explain in a familiar manner certain points in our history , doctrines , or discipline , on which the authorized Lectures are silent . It is for want of some such arrangement that so many Brethren remain ignorant of the true design of the Order ; and of many events , connected with its earlhistory ; without a competent knowledge oi
y which , a false estimate is made , and the institution pronounced to he useless in the promotion of any worthy or valuable end . " " How often do we hear Masons , many years after their initiation , desire information on subjects , which , under the system I recommend , even a tyro would be capable of furnishing . Brethren high in rank and office , are often unacquainted with the elementary principles of the science ; and instead of teaching othersacknowledge with regret that
, they have themselves much to learn . If a spirit of emulation were once fairly excited in a Lodge of Masons , the most gratifying results would soon appear . A desire to excel would not remain without its fruits . And the Brethren would soon be impressed with the idea that it is by the love and cultivation of the philosophy of Freemasonry alone that vor .. vrr . 3 a