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Article ON FREEMASONRY. ← Page 5 of 6 →
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On Freemasonry.
those who interpret our noble science in a more restricted sense , entertain a lower estimate of its merits , and a more confined idea of its usefulness , than it deserves . Our Transatlantic Brethren hold the opinion of its peculiar adaptation to Christianity . The Rev . Salem Town says , that " the principles of speculative Freemasonry have the same coeternal and unshaken foundation , contain and inculcate in substance the same truth and propose the same ultimate end , as the doctrines of Christianity
taught by divine revelation . " Similar testimonies to the same fact might be quoted from other American writers if necessary . But we will proceed with our argument . Balaam ' s remarkable history and prophecy are indubitable proofs , that even amongst the idolatrous nations the knowledge of the true God was not wholly lost in that age of the world ; and the glimmering that remained of expected salvation through a promised Mediator , plainly indicates that it was a doctrine which had
been fully understood by their forefathers . Balaam , as is recorded in one of the degrees of Masonry , plainly prophesied of his appearance as the star of Jacob , and that the time should be when the sceptre had departed from Judah . This prediction was spread throughout the heathen world , and preserved in all their spurious systems . Our Grand Master David , whose anxiety to build a temple for the service of the Most High , is so honourably recorded in Freemasonry , was possessed of the same faith , and worshipped God through the mediation of Jesus Christ . The prophetical part of his writings is so clear
and express , that their application to the Great Architect of the Universe has never been doubted or mistaken . Isaiah believed in the same divine Being , and prophesied of his birth , life , death , resurrection , ancl ascension . Micah placed his hopes of salvation on the same basis ; and foretold not only the birth of Christ , but also the very place of his nativity . Zachariah worshipped him as " a Branch , " which is thought by the rabbinical writers to be an allusion to a very ancient symbol , called the tree of the sephirothor divine splendours . Jeremiah rejoiced in the midst
, of his affliction in the prospect of Christ , the anointed of the Lord , taking away , by suffering , the sins of man . While Malachi , impressed with the fear of Gocl , looked forward for redemption to the period when the SUN of Righteousness shall arise with healing on his wings . jSimeon rejoiced to see him , and declared that he should die in peace , since he hacl lived to behold the fulfilment of prophecy , in the salvation prepared before the face of the people ; a light to lighten the Gentiles , and the
glory of Israel . These predictions were not the result of any reasoning process ; for " prophecy came not in old time by the will of man , but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ;" 22 which testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ , and the glory that should follow . Ancl this Holy Spirit , which thus communicated with Moses and the prophets , was no other than the Lord Jehovah , the Day spring , Blazing Star , or Grand Architect of the Universe , called in the Teutonic system of Masonry , the White Stone , with the new name ; ' the Stone of Fire ; the Stone with seven eyes ; and the Rock in the wilderness
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry.
those who interpret our noble science in a more restricted sense , entertain a lower estimate of its merits , and a more confined idea of its usefulness , than it deserves . Our Transatlantic Brethren hold the opinion of its peculiar adaptation to Christianity . The Rev . Salem Town says , that " the principles of speculative Freemasonry have the same coeternal and unshaken foundation , contain and inculcate in substance the same truth and propose the same ultimate end , as the doctrines of Christianity
taught by divine revelation . " Similar testimonies to the same fact might be quoted from other American writers if necessary . But we will proceed with our argument . Balaam ' s remarkable history and prophecy are indubitable proofs , that even amongst the idolatrous nations the knowledge of the true God was not wholly lost in that age of the world ; and the glimmering that remained of expected salvation through a promised Mediator , plainly indicates that it was a doctrine which had
been fully understood by their forefathers . Balaam , as is recorded in one of the degrees of Masonry , plainly prophesied of his appearance as the star of Jacob , and that the time should be when the sceptre had departed from Judah . This prediction was spread throughout the heathen world , and preserved in all their spurious systems . Our Grand Master David , whose anxiety to build a temple for the service of the Most High , is so honourably recorded in Freemasonry , was possessed of the same faith , and worshipped God through the mediation of Jesus Christ . The prophetical part of his writings is so clear
and express , that their application to the Great Architect of the Universe has never been doubted or mistaken . Isaiah believed in the same divine Being , and prophesied of his birth , life , death , resurrection , ancl ascension . Micah placed his hopes of salvation on the same basis ; and foretold not only the birth of Christ , but also the very place of his nativity . Zachariah worshipped him as " a Branch , " which is thought by the rabbinical writers to be an allusion to a very ancient symbol , called the tree of the sephirothor divine splendours . Jeremiah rejoiced in the midst
, of his affliction in the prospect of Christ , the anointed of the Lord , taking away , by suffering , the sins of man . While Malachi , impressed with the fear of Gocl , looked forward for redemption to the period when the SUN of Righteousness shall arise with healing on his wings . jSimeon rejoiced to see him , and declared that he should die in peace , since he hacl lived to behold the fulfilment of prophecy , in the salvation prepared before the face of the people ; a light to lighten the Gentiles , and the
glory of Israel . These predictions were not the result of any reasoning process ; for " prophecy came not in old time by the will of man , but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ;" 22 which testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ , and the glory that should follow . Ancl this Holy Spirit , which thus communicated with Moses and the prophets , was no other than the Lord Jehovah , the Day spring , Blazing Star , or Grand Architect of the Universe , called in the Teutonic system of Masonry , the White Stone , with the new name ; ' the Stone of Fire ; the Stone with seven eyes ; and the Rock in the wilderness