Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. The Spurious Freemasonry Of Ancient Times.
espoinage which gave the hierophant a fearful power over individuals ; inasmuch as the secrets and transactions of every family were at his command . They were not merely tolerated and protected by the state ; but their observance was enjoined upon the people , as an act of duty and patriotism ; and the slightest omission was visited with great
severity by the civil magistrate . Thus instead of being a blessing to the community at large , like the true Freemasonry which we possess , they were a resistless engine to crush both physical and mental liberty ; and they maintained their ascendency by the most slavish of all motives—fear . It was not enough that they were considered to be institutions of
terror ; the sting must be extensively and acutely felt ; and hence their laws were written in blood , that the influence might be pre-eminent , and the impression durable . "Look at that picture , and look at this . " View the Freemasonry of heaven . The solemn reflections arising out of even the elementary Degree of our Science , are the most sublime and comprehensive that can occupy the attention or affect the heart . They elevate the soul from nature
up to its Divme author ; and inculcate , " glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace , good will towards men . " If Brotherly Love or Charity be the first and greatest of human virtues—and that it is , we have the testimony of a writer inspired from above—then are the illustrations of this Degree worthy of the highest commendation—for
Charity is the essence of the System . Whether we consider the form and extent of the Lodge—boundless as the universe ; interminable as eternity , —or the three grand Pillars by which it is supported—symbolical of the universe , that sublime Temple of the deity whom we serve;—whether we contemplate its ground or covering ; or view the Ornaments ,
Furniture , and Jewels arranged in their beautiful orderwe may be tempted to exclaim , in the pathetic language of Balaam when he saw " Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes ;—how goodly are thy tents , O Jacob , and thy tabernacles , O Israel ! " Here all is peace , harmony , and Brotherllove . The lessons of virtue and the pursuits of
y science are pleasingly blended ; and every disquisition of Freemasonry affords its powerful aid towards producing human happiness ; the glory of God , and the benefit of man .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. The Spurious Freemasonry Of Ancient Times.
espoinage which gave the hierophant a fearful power over individuals ; inasmuch as the secrets and transactions of every family were at his command . They were not merely tolerated and protected by the state ; but their observance was enjoined upon the people , as an act of duty and patriotism ; and the slightest omission was visited with great
severity by the civil magistrate . Thus instead of being a blessing to the community at large , like the true Freemasonry which we possess , they were a resistless engine to crush both physical and mental liberty ; and they maintained their ascendency by the most slavish of all motives—fear . It was not enough that they were considered to be institutions of
terror ; the sting must be extensively and acutely felt ; and hence their laws were written in blood , that the influence might be pre-eminent , and the impression durable . "Look at that picture , and look at this . " View the Freemasonry of heaven . The solemn reflections arising out of even the elementary Degree of our Science , are the most sublime and comprehensive that can occupy the attention or affect the heart . They elevate the soul from nature
up to its Divme author ; and inculcate , " glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace , good will towards men . " If Brotherly Love or Charity be the first and greatest of human virtues—and that it is , we have the testimony of a writer inspired from above—then are the illustrations of this Degree worthy of the highest commendation—for
Charity is the essence of the System . Whether we consider the form and extent of the Lodge—boundless as the universe ; interminable as eternity , —or the three grand Pillars by which it is supported—symbolical of the universe , that sublime Temple of the deity whom we serve;—whether we contemplate its ground or covering ; or view the Ornaments ,
Furniture , and Jewels arranged in their beautiful orderwe may be tempted to exclaim , in the pathetic language of Balaam when he saw " Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes ;—how goodly are thy tents , O Jacob , and thy tabernacles , O Israel ! " Here all is peace , harmony , and Brotherllove . The lessons of virtue and the pursuits of
y science are pleasingly blended ; and every disquisition of Freemasonry affords its powerful aid towards producing human happiness ; the glory of God , and the benefit of man .