-
Articles/Ads
Article TO THE EDITOR. ← Page 3 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
Degrees ending in the Royal Arch and its subsidiary appendages ; but every other order which is in any way allied to Freemasonry , will be incidentally noticed , and its claims to credence briefly investigated . I am anxious that the Brethren should familiarly understand every point , part , and secret , connected with the Institution ; and though I am not ignorant of the responsibility which will naturally accompany an attempt to communicate this knowledgeyet I flatter myself that I shall be able
, to accomplish it with a conscientious regard to the terms of my O B , and at the same time , with such perspicuity as may render the explanation plain and intelligible to the Fraternity , while they continue an impenetrable mystery to those who have not had the advantage of initiation .
In the system , as it is practised in our Lodges , the connection between the several consecutive degrees is not accurately defined ; nor perhaps would it be possible , in practice , to establish a series of rites by which that connection could be distinctl y impressed upon the mind of a candidate during the ceremony of initiation . This important effect can onl y he . accomplished hy the subsequent explanations of a zealous and indefatigable Master ; and to do this effectually , he must depart from the
usual routine , or rather , he must amplify and illustrate the authorized lectures by the introduction of parallel facts , and explanatory observances , connected with the history and antiquities , manners and customs , laws and usages , of the country and period which may form the subject of disquisition . And there are many reasons that make such a course , under present circumstances , almost impracticable . The Master of a Lodge has generally other objects of pursuit to engage his
mind , and occupy his attention , which leave him little leisure to pursue the investigations necessary to accomplish so extensive an undertaking . The present work is intended to supply materials for accelerating these studies . No subject will be left untouched , doubts will be removed , and difficulties explained . The links of connection between the several degrees will be supplied ; and thus the Brethren will be furnished with a clue to direct their enquiries into the right
channel : and it may not be too much to anticipate that the path to Masonic knowledge will be thereby relieved , in a great measure , from the difficulties which obstruct the progress of scientific research into the mysteries of the Order .
I have taken the liberty , my dear Sir , of troubling you with this imperfect outline of my plan , in the hope of being favoured with your opinion of its utility . It is my intention to leave no point unexplained connected with the theory " of Jlasonry , which may be prudently committed to print ; while , " for obvious reasons , the practical part will be designedly omitted , because it may readily be learned in tyled Lodges , under the judicious direction of an experienced Master ,
whose peculiar duty it is to employ and instruct the Brethren in Masonry . ' Respecting the mode of publication , it has been suggested to me hy a friend accustomed to the details of business , that it ' s utility would he more extensively promulgated if it were issued in a form which might be generally accessible to tbe Craft . There are great numbers of Brethren who are anxious to " improve themselves in Masonry , " hut whose circumstances render it inconvenient to purchase an expensive volume . For general accommodation , therefore , it is recommended that the work be issued in monthly numbers , and quarterly
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
Degrees ending in the Royal Arch and its subsidiary appendages ; but every other order which is in any way allied to Freemasonry , will be incidentally noticed , and its claims to credence briefly investigated . I am anxious that the Brethren should familiarly understand every point , part , and secret , connected with the Institution ; and though I am not ignorant of the responsibility which will naturally accompany an attempt to communicate this knowledgeyet I flatter myself that I shall be able
, to accomplish it with a conscientious regard to the terms of my O B , and at the same time , with such perspicuity as may render the explanation plain and intelligible to the Fraternity , while they continue an impenetrable mystery to those who have not had the advantage of initiation .
In the system , as it is practised in our Lodges , the connection between the several consecutive degrees is not accurately defined ; nor perhaps would it be possible , in practice , to establish a series of rites by which that connection could be distinctl y impressed upon the mind of a candidate during the ceremony of initiation . This important effect can onl y he . accomplished hy the subsequent explanations of a zealous and indefatigable Master ; and to do this effectually , he must depart from the
usual routine , or rather , he must amplify and illustrate the authorized lectures by the introduction of parallel facts , and explanatory observances , connected with the history and antiquities , manners and customs , laws and usages , of the country and period which may form the subject of disquisition . And there are many reasons that make such a course , under present circumstances , almost impracticable . The Master of a Lodge has generally other objects of pursuit to engage his
mind , and occupy his attention , which leave him little leisure to pursue the investigations necessary to accomplish so extensive an undertaking . The present work is intended to supply materials for accelerating these studies . No subject will be left untouched , doubts will be removed , and difficulties explained . The links of connection between the several degrees will be supplied ; and thus the Brethren will be furnished with a clue to direct their enquiries into the right
channel : and it may not be too much to anticipate that the path to Masonic knowledge will be thereby relieved , in a great measure , from the difficulties which obstruct the progress of scientific research into the mysteries of the Order .
I have taken the liberty , my dear Sir , of troubling you with this imperfect outline of my plan , in the hope of being favoured with your opinion of its utility . It is my intention to leave no point unexplained connected with the theory " of Jlasonry , which may be prudently committed to print ; while , " for obvious reasons , the practical part will be designedly omitted , because it may readily be learned in tyled Lodges , under the judicious direction of an experienced Master ,
whose peculiar duty it is to employ and instruct the Brethren in Masonry . ' Respecting the mode of publication , it has been suggested to me hy a friend accustomed to the details of business , that it ' s utility would he more extensively promulgated if it were issued in a form which might be generally accessible to tbe Craft . There are great numbers of Brethren who are anxious to " improve themselves in Masonry , " hut whose circumstances render it inconvenient to purchase an expensive volume . For general accommodation , therefore , it is recommended that the work be issued in monthly numbers , and quarterly