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 . < J . OLIVER , D . B . ( No . 4 . ) _ THE science of Freemasonry affords such ample scope for
disquisition , and the subjects which it embraces are so diversified and replete with interest , that we do not wonder at the enthusiasm which young and ardent Brethren display when engaged in the acquisition of Masonic knowledge . And this constitutes a sufficient reason why instruction should be freely dispensed bexperienced masters of the
y work . Down to a very recent period , the most valuable secrets of Masonry—its science and its philosophy—were comparatively but little known . The means of obtaining information were circumscribed within a very narrow compass , and the Brethren of the eighteenth century were necessarily satisfied with the meagre outline of investigations
which appeared beyond their reach . The labour of attaining knowledge was reputed to exceed its actual value , and therefore little desire existed for information beyond the routine business of an ordinary Lodge meeting . It is hoped that the intelligence of the present age will throw a new light on the pursuits of the Craft , and that its beauties will be eagerly sought , from a conviction of their intrinsic excellence .
The Doctrines of the First Degree of Masonry having been illustrated , we will now pass on to the Second Degree , where subjects of contemplation are found which may awaken a love of science and philosophy , with their application to mental improvement and spiritual illumination . The ' sublime and beautiful are here illustratedand iC
Wis-, dom reacheth from one end to another mightily ; and sweetly doth she order all things , for she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God , and a lover of his works . " * The subjects embraced in this degree , however ,
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 . < J . OLIVER , D . B . ( No . 4 . ) _ THE science of Freemasonry affords such ample scope for
disquisition , and the subjects which it embraces are so diversified and replete with interest , that we do not wonder at the enthusiasm which young and ardent Brethren display when engaged in the acquisition of Masonic knowledge . And this constitutes a sufficient reason why instruction should be freely dispensed bexperienced masters of the
y work . Down to a very recent period , the most valuable secrets of Masonry—its science and its philosophy—were comparatively but little known . The means of obtaining information were circumscribed within a very narrow compass , and the Brethren of the eighteenth century were necessarily satisfied with the meagre outline of investigations
which appeared beyond their reach . The labour of attaining knowledge was reputed to exceed its actual value , and therefore little desire existed for information beyond the routine business of an ordinary Lodge meeting . It is hoped that the intelligence of the present age will throw a new light on the pursuits of the Craft , and that its beauties will be eagerly sought , from a conviction of their intrinsic excellence .
The Doctrines of the First Degree of Masonry having been illustrated , we will now pass on to the Second Degree , where subjects of contemplation are found which may awaken a love of science and philosophy , with their application to mental improvement and spiritual illumination . The ' sublime and beautiful are here illustratedand iC
Wis-, dom reacheth from one end to another mightily ; and sweetly doth she order all things , for she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God , and a lover of his works . " * The subjects embraced in this degree , however ,