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Article PEEEMASONET ILLTJSTEATED. ← Page 7 of 10 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Peeemasonet Illtjsteated.
to the profoundest secrets or highest honours of the fraternity till by time he has learned secrecy and morality . In our own times , the vast progress and general diffusion of Masonry throughout the habitable globe cannot Ibut be satisfactory to every one interested in the cause of humanity and the happiness of his species . At present , as in every former age over which it hath spread its principles , Masonry constitutes the affectionate and indissoluble alliance which unites in Warm cordiality man to man . It
forms the most liberal and extensive connections . No private prepossession , nor national predilection ; no civil policy , nor ecclesiastical tyranny ; no party spirit , nor dissocial passion , is suffered to prevent the engagement , or interfere with the free exercise of that brotherly love , relief r fmdi fidelity , which it never fails to produce . It has for ages been lamented that petty distinctions and partial
considerations , irrational prejudices and contracted sentiments , should so much obstruct the free intercourse of / mankind . Masonry breaks down these barriers . In its solemn assembly , around its social altar , meet the inhabitants of different countries with benignant looks of este ^ n , and sentiiiients of unfeigned friendship . Around distant lands it casts philanthrophy ' s connecting zone , and binds together in
the same sympathies the whole family on earth . Blending their resources in a common stock , and forming a community of interests , Freemasonry makes the prosperity of each individual the object of the whole ; the prosperity of the whole the object of each . ' How nearly does this approach the patriarchal life , and the state of the primitive Christians , who ) vere " of one heart and soul ; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own , but they had all things in common . " Were such the unanimity , love , equality , generosity , and disinterestedness
of professing Christians now , Fve ' einasonry would be less necessary than it is for the welfare of man . One of the most frequent objections urged against Freemasonry is the profound secrecy observed upon certain parts of the institution . To have secrets is not peculiar to . Freemasonry : every trade , every art , and every occupation has its secrets , not to bo communicated hut to such as have become proficient in the science connected with them , nor then but with proper caution and restriction ; and often
under the guard of heavy penalties . Charters of incorporation are granted by civil governments for their greater security , and patents for their encouragement . Nay , every government , every statesman , and every individual , has secrets which arc concealed with prudent care , and confided only to the trusty and the true .
We [ hrcemasonsj only claim a like indulgence , —that ot conducting ourselves by our own rules , and of admitting to a participation of our secrets and privileges such as choose to apply for them on our own terms . So far from wishing to deprive any one of the light we enjoy , we sincerely wish all the race of men were qualified to receive it ; and if so , our doors would never be shut against them , but our Lodge , our hearts and souls , would be open to their reception .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Peeemasonet Illtjsteated.
to the profoundest secrets or highest honours of the fraternity till by time he has learned secrecy and morality . In our own times , the vast progress and general diffusion of Masonry throughout the habitable globe cannot Ibut be satisfactory to every one interested in the cause of humanity and the happiness of his species . At present , as in every former age over which it hath spread its principles , Masonry constitutes the affectionate and indissoluble alliance which unites in Warm cordiality man to man . It
forms the most liberal and extensive connections . No private prepossession , nor national predilection ; no civil policy , nor ecclesiastical tyranny ; no party spirit , nor dissocial passion , is suffered to prevent the engagement , or interfere with the free exercise of that brotherly love , relief r fmdi fidelity , which it never fails to produce . It has for ages been lamented that petty distinctions and partial
considerations , irrational prejudices and contracted sentiments , should so much obstruct the free intercourse of / mankind . Masonry breaks down these barriers . In its solemn assembly , around its social altar , meet the inhabitants of different countries with benignant looks of este ^ n , and sentiiiients of unfeigned friendship . Around distant lands it casts philanthrophy ' s connecting zone , and binds together in
the same sympathies the whole family on earth . Blending their resources in a common stock , and forming a community of interests , Freemasonry makes the prosperity of each individual the object of the whole ; the prosperity of the whole the object of each . ' How nearly does this approach the patriarchal life , and the state of the primitive Christians , who ) vere " of one heart and soul ; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own , but they had all things in common . " Were such the unanimity , love , equality , generosity , and disinterestedness
of professing Christians now , Fve ' einasonry would be less necessary than it is for the welfare of man . One of the most frequent objections urged against Freemasonry is the profound secrecy observed upon certain parts of the institution . To have secrets is not peculiar to . Freemasonry : every trade , every art , and every occupation has its secrets , not to bo communicated hut to such as have become proficient in the science connected with them , nor then but with proper caution and restriction ; and often
under the guard of heavy penalties . Charters of incorporation are granted by civil governments for their greater security , and patents for their encouragement . Nay , every government , every statesman , and every individual , has secrets which arc concealed with prudent care , and confided only to the trusty and the true .
We [ hrcemasonsj only claim a like indulgence , —that ot conducting ourselves by our own rules , and of admitting to a participation of our secrets and privileges such as choose to apply for them on our own terms . So far from wishing to deprive any one of the light we enjoy , we sincerely wish all the race of men were qualified to receive it ; and if so , our doors would never be shut against them , but our Lodge , our hearts and souls , would be open to their reception .