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On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
ON FREEMASONRY . EVIDENCES , DOCTRINES , AND TRADITIONS .
BY THE REV . & . OLIVER , D . D . ( No . 3 . ) THE construction of Speculative Masonry , as it is now practised , has been beautifully conceived ; and the arrangement embraces points which conduct the mind graduall
y to the uppermost step of the theological ladder , ancl leave it surrounded by a blaze of light and glory . The elements of Masonic morality are first propounded to the candidate at his initiation ; and when his mind is sufficiently enlightened to entitle him to the advantage of new communications , he is passed on to a view of our scientific pursuits , ancl
shewn the connection which exists between them and the moral lessons in which he has already shewn his proficiency . After a legitimate probation , as determined by the Constitutions of Masonry , and the by-laws of his Lodge , he descends into the bowels of the earth to search for Truth ; is raised to a state of intellectual superiority , which confers
actual distinction , and taught the wisdom which is derived from our history , tradition , and holy legend , to humanize the heart , and lead it to reflections which shew in strong colours the vanity of all human pursuits , the necessity of preparing for death and resurrection ; and while they inculcate his duties to Godexhort him punctually to observe
, the points of fellowship to his Brother , by assisting him in his distresses—supporting him in his virtuous undertakings — praying for his welfare — keeping inviolate his secretsand vindicating his reputation—as well in his absence as in his presence .
Here we find completed the true philosophy of Freemasonry . The Three Degrees blend doctrine , morality , and science , tradition and history , into a grand and beautiful system , which , if studied with attention , and practised with sincerity , will " inspire a holy confidence that the Lord of life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath
our feet , and lift our eyes to the bright morning star , whose rising brings peace ancl salvation to the faithful , ancl obedient to the holy Word of God . " vor .. vir . B ii
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
ON FREEMASONRY . EVIDENCES , DOCTRINES , AND TRADITIONS .
BY THE REV . & . OLIVER , D . D . ( No . 3 . ) THE construction of Speculative Masonry , as it is now practised , has been beautifully conceived ; and the arrangement embraces points which conduct the mind graduall
y to the uppermost step of the theological ladder , ancl leave it surrounded by a blaze of light and glory . The elements of Masonic morality are first propounded to the candidate at his initiation ; and when his mind is sufficiently enlightened to entitle him to the advantage of new communications , he is passed on to a view of our scientific pursuits , ancl
shewn the connection which exists between them and the moral lessons in which he has already shewn his proficiency . After a legitimate probation , as determined by the Constitutions of Masonry , and the by-laws of his Lodge , he descends into the bowels of the earth to search for Truth ; is raised to a state of intellectual superiority , which confers
actual distinction , and taught the wisdom which is derived from our history , tradition , and holy legend , to humanize the heart , and lead it to reflections which shew in strong colours the vanity of all human pursuits , the necessity of preparing for death and resurrection ; and while they inculcate his duties to Godexhort him punctually to observe
, the points of fellowship to his Brother , by assisting him in his distresses—supporting him in his virtuous undertakings — praying for his welfare — keeping inviolate his secretsand vindicating his reputation—as well in his absence as in his presence .
Here we find completed the true philosophy of Freemasonry . The Three Degrees blend doctrine , morality , and science , tradition and history , into a grand and beautiful system , which , if studied with attention , and practised with sincerity , will " inspire a holy confidence that the Lord of life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath
our feet , and lift our eyes to the bright morning star , whose rising brings peace ancl salvation to the faithful , ancl obedient to the holy Word of God . " vor .. vir . B ii