Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
claims to credence on the accuracy with which they have been transmitted through a series of years , along with thc formula ! cf Freemasonry . Many of the latter class are little known amongst the Fraternity of the present day ; because thinking Brethren
have been inclined to reject , from the system , such legendary notices as cannot be borne out clearl y ancl unquestionabl y by tangible evidence . The truth or falsehood of these doubtful narrations being equivocal , has been thought of sufficient wei ght to exclude them from the official Lectures which are periodically delivered in our Lod leaving the
ges , curious Brother at liberty to indulge his taste for metaphysical investigations , by endeavouring to account for the introduction of a few historical facts , which the more sedate Mason would perhaps be inclined to consider useless and unprofitable .
As , however , I have publicly intimated an intention of considering the TRADITIONS , as well as the Evidences and Doctrines of the Order , it will be expected that I redeem my p ledge by , at least , a brief exposition of our traditional legends and observances . At my first initiation into Masonry , many years ago , I had the advantage of
communication with a few old Masons , b y whom these traditions were held in very high esteem . They recited them with pleasure—they dwelt on them with animation—they defended their orthodoxy with enthusiasm . And , in truth , the philosophy of Masonry was , at that time , so imperfectly understood , that the Order was indebted for some of its " interest
to the existence of these legends ; and they consequentl y became matters of intense curiosity with newl y initiated Brethren , in the absence of hi gher and more ennobling subjects of disquisition — the details of science , and the history and antiquities of the Craft .
It is well known to Brethren who lived in those times , and remember the practices which were considered indispensable to Freemasonry , that the science , as it is now regulated , presents a new and improved appearance . It has undergone the filtering process . It has been purified of much of its heavy and lumbering machinery . I'he coarser
particles are removed—the pure spirit remains . If we recur to the several ceremonies of the consecutive degrees , as they were worked by a former generation , we have reason to congratulate ourselves on the great and beneficial reforms which have made Freemasonry what it is—the pride and boast of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
claims to credence on the accuracy with which they have been transmitted through a series of years , along with thc formula ! cf Freemasonry . Many of the latter class are little known amongst the Fraternity of the present day ; because thinking Brethren
have been inclined to reject , from the system , such legendary notices as cannot be borne out clearl y ancl unquestionabl y by tangible evidence . The truth or falsehood of these doubtful narrations being equivocal , has been thought of sufficient wei ght to exclude them from the official Lectures which are periodically delivered in our Lod leaving the
ges , curious Brother at liberty to indulge his taste for metaphysical investigations , by endeavouring to account for the introduction of a few historical facts , which the more sedate Mason would perhaps be inclined to consider useless and unprofitable .
As , however , I have publicly intimated an intention of considering the TRADITIONS , as well as the Evidences and Doctrines of the Order , it will be expected that I redeem my p ledge by , at least , a brief exposition of our traditional legends and observances . At my first initiation into Masonry , many years ago , I had the advantage of
communication with a few old Masons , b y whom these traditions were held in very high esteem . They recited them with pleasure—they dwelt on them with animation—they defended their orthodoxy with enthusiasm . And , in truth , the philosophy of Masonry was , at that time , so imperfectly understood , that the Order was indebted for some of its " interest
to the existence of these legends ; and they consequentl y became matters of intense curiosity with newl y initiated Brethren , in the absence of hi gher and more ennobling subjects of disquisition — the details of science , and the history and antiquities of the Craft .
It is well known to Brethren who lived in those times , and remember the practices which were considered indispensable to Freemasonry , that the science , as it is now regulated , presents a new and improved appearance . It has undergone the filtering process . It has been purified of much of its heavy and lumbering machinery . I'he coarser
particles are removed—the pure spirit remains . If we recur to the several ceremonies of the consecutive degrees , as they were worked by a former generation , we have reason to congratulate ourselves on the great and beneficial reforms which have made Freemasonry what it is—the pride and boast of