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Article ON THE STUDY OF MASONIC ANTIQUITIES. ← Page 3 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
thereby opened to the world a flood of information , which had long heen hidden in thc darkness of by-gone ages . It is not intended here to enter into a full consideration of thc various topics involved in the study of Masonic antiquities . Indeed , it may be asked , where is the intellect sufficiently powerful to fathom the depths , and embrace a full comprehension of the sublimities of speculative Freemasonry ? My present purpose is simply to offer such remarks upon
the antiquities of Masonry , as may , perhaps , in some slight degree he useful in directing Brethren desirous of entering into the investigation of a subject so highly interesting , ancl also tend to corroborate the views of those who have written upon the high antiquity and sacred character of our venerable institution . In pursuing such an investigation it is , however , necessary , in the first place , to endeavour to arrive at a correct idea as to the nature of
the term " Freemasonry , " and the sense in which , in speaking of thc institutions of antiquity , it is used , otherwise we may he apt to form very incorrect notions upon the subject . The term it is clear , amongst many writers , is not correctly understood , or at all events its extensive and general signification is not at all times borne in mind , otherwise wc should not have so many conjectures as to the real origin of Freemasonry . Some writers have considered Freemasonry as an institution of
comparativel y modern origin ; others have imagined that it originated in the middle ages ; some again profess to trace its commencement amongst the primitive Christians ; whilst others attempt to show that it was instituted by the Hebrews at the time of their Exodus . Several have supposed that it was first develoiied on the plains of Shinar , in order to
enable a chosen few , notwithstanding the confusion of tongues , to communicate together through the medium of its universal language . There are again others who contend for an origin even more remote , ancl trace the system through antediluvian ages . Such then is the great difference of opinion which exists as to the true origin of Freemasonry , ancl it must be admitted that unless the subject is viewed in a most comprehensive sense , plausible arguments may he adduced in favour of the views entertained by either party . But we
imagine that when the subject is thus regarded , all difficulties vanish , and we are enabled to trace back the true "light" to the earliest period . Let us , therefore , as a preliminary , but most important step in our researches , endeavour to form a correct idea as to the true meaning of the term " Freemasonry . " To do this effectually we must view the Order under its different phases : for it is not solelv as an operative
society , nor yet entirely as a speculative or spiritual institution , that Masonry presents itself to our notice at various periods . Sometimes it has , in fact , partaken more exclusively of the former character , and at other periods of the latter . The " true light" has , however , at all times remained essentially the same , although circumstances may at various eras have caused it at one period to burst forth with resplendant majesty , and at another to shine with subdued lustre . If it is imagined that those who contend for the great antiquity of
Freemasonry are endeavouring to prove , or indeed deem it essential for the purposes of their argument to show , that the institution as existing precisely at the present time has been handed down without deviation from immemorial ages , such an idea is entirely erroneous , and based , as has been before observed , upon an incorrect notion as to the true meaning of the term . Though , as has been remarked , Freemasonry has some-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
thereby opened to the world a flood of information , which had long heen hidden in thc darkness of by-gone ages . It is not intended here to enter into a full consideration of thc various topics involved in the study of Masonic antiquities . Indeed , it may be asked , where is the intellect sufficiently powerful to fathom the depths , and embrace a full comprehension of the sublimities of speculative Freemasonry ? My present purpose is simply to offer such remarks upon
the antiquities of Masonry , as may , perhaps , in some slight degree he useful in directing Brethren desirous of entering into the investigation of a subject so highly interesting , ancl also tend to corroborate the views of those who have written upon the high antiquity and sacred character of our venerable institution . In pursuing such an investigation it is , however , necessary , in the first place , to endeavour to arrive at a correct idea as to the nature of
the term " Freemasonry , " and the sense in which , in speaking of thc institutions of antiquity , it is used , otherwise we may he apt to form very incorrect notions upon the subject . The term it is clear , amongst many writers , is not correctly understood , or at all events its extensive and general signification is not at all times borne in mind , otherwise wc should not have so many conjectures as to the real origin of Freemasonry . Some writers have considered Freemasonry as an institution of
comparativel y modern origin ; others have imagined that it originated in the middle ages ; some again profess to trace its commencement amongst the primitive Christians ; whilst others attempt to show that it was instituted by the Hebrews at the time of their Exodus . Several have supposed that it was first develoiied on the plains of Shinar , in order to
enable a chosen few , notwithstanding the confusion of tongues , to communicate together through the medium of its universal language . There are again others who contend for an origin even more remote , ancl trace the system through antediluvian ages . Such then is the great difference of opinion which exists as to the true origin of Freemasonry , ancl it must be admitted that unless the subject is viewed in a most comprehensive sense , plausible arguments may he adduced in favour of the views entertained by either party . But we
imagine that when the subject is thus regarded , all difficulties vanish , and we are enabled to trace back the true "light" to the earliest period . Let us , therefore , as a preliminary , but most important step in our researches , endeavour to form a correct idea as to the true meaning of the term " Freemasonry . " To do this effectually we must view the Order under its different phases : for it is not solelv as an operative
society , nor yet entirely as a speculative or spiritual institution , that Masonry presents itself to our notice at various periods . Sometimes it has , in fact , partaken more exclusively of the former character , and at other periods of the latter . The " true light" has , however , at all times remained essentially the same , although circumstances may at various eras have caused it at one period to burst forth with resplendant majesty , and at another to shine with subdued lustre . If it is imagined that those who contend for the great antiquity of
Freemasonry are endeavouring to prove , or indeed deem it essential for the purposes of their argument to show , that the institution as existing precisely at the present time has been handed down without deviation from immemorial ages , such an idea is entirely erroneous , and based , as has been before observed , upon an incorrect notion as to the true meaning of the term . Though , as has been remarked , Freemasonry has some-