-
Articles/Ads
Article THE HISTORICAL DEGREES; ← Page 2 of 15 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Historical Degrees;
esteemed in this country ; for the evidences on which they rest are of doubtful authority ; nor are these evidences essential to the wellbeing of Ereemasonry , because the system , is perfect without them , and they contain no typical references of any value either to improve the morals or amend the heart / ' We cannot in this matter entirely
agree with our reverend Brother , since we find that at this time the two degrees most practised , viz ., the Rose Croix and the Eadosh , are both well known and highly estimated ; and as to the evidences of the degrees we are about to describe , although the greater part are
certainly derived from sourcesL _ not entirely trustworthy , some few have as certain an origin as other traditions the authenticity of which we do riot dispute ; and in answer to Brother Oliver ' s last ^ quote a small portion of one of the lectures : —
" "What is the disposition of an Elect , Perfect , and Sublime Mason ?^ To keep his he ^ other evil passion ; to be always ready to communicate ftenefits ; and to have a . tongue 6 f good report . " "What kind of behaviour is recommended to you ?~ --The most profound respect and submission to authority .
" Why are all Masons considered to he on equality ? - ^ Because they are equally subgect to that ^ our Lodges by the Sacred and Ineffable N " ame > , and % the Equilateral Triangle . " The address which belongs to the Ineffable degrees , derived from Bro . Dalcho , is , as Brother Oliver himself allows , worthy of being
adopted in the symbolic degrees . The Craft Masons use it in a Royal Arch Chapter , and , slightly altered , it is adopted by the Mark Masters—¦ " Brethren , you are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue , to mix again with the world . Amidst its con ^
cerns and employments forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in the Lodge . Be , therefore , diligent , prudent , temperate , and discreet . Remember also , that around this altar you solemnly and repeatedly promised to befriend and relieve , with unhesitating cordiality , so far as shall lie in your power , every brother who shall need your assistance ; that you have promised to remind him , in the most tender manner , of his
failings , and aid his reformation . Vindicate his character when "wrongfully accused : suggest in his behalf the most candid , favourable , and palliating circumstances , when his conduct is justly
reprehended 5 that the world may observe how Masons love one another . These generous principles are to extend farther — every human being has a claim upon your kind offices ; so that we enjoin it upon you to do good unto all , while we recommend it more especially to the household of the faithful . By diligence in the duties of your
respective callings , by liberal benevolence , and diffusive charity , by constancy and fidelity in your friendships , by uniformly just , amiable , and virtuous deportment—discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honourable institution . Let it » ot be
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Historical Degrees;
esteemed in this country ; for the evidences on which they rest are of doubtful authority ; nor are these evidences essential to the wellbeing of Ereemasonry , because the system , is perfect without them , and they contain no typical references of any value either to improve the morals or amend the heart / ' We cannot in this matter entirely
agree with our reverend Brother , since we find that at this time the two degrees most practised , viz ., the Rose Croix and the Eadosh , are both well known and highly estimated ; and as to the evidences of the degrees we are about to describe , although the greater part are
certainly derived from sourcesL _ not entirely trustworthy , some few have as certain an origin as other traditions the authenticity of which we do riot dispute ; and in answer to Brother Oliver ' s last ^ quote a small portion of one of the lectures : —
" "What is the disposition of an Elect , Perfect , and Sublime Mason ?^ To keep his he ^ other evil passion ; to be always ready to communicate ftenefits ; and to have a . tongue 6 f good report . " "What kind of behaviour is recommended to you ?~ --The most profound respect and submission to authority .
" Why are all Masons considered to he on equality ? - ^ Because they are equally subgect to that ^ our Lodges by the Sacred and Ineffable N " ame > , and % the Equilateral Triangle . " The address which belongs to the Ineffable degrees , derived from Bro . Dalcho , is , as Brother Oliver himself allows , worthy of being
adopted in the symbolic degrees . The Craft Masons use it in a Royal Arch Chapter , and , slightly altered , it is adopted by the Mark Masters—¦ " Brethren , you are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue , to mix again with the world . Amidst its con ^
cerns and employments forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in the Lodge . Be , therefore , diligent , prudent , temperate , and discreet . Remember also , that around this altar you solemnly and repeatedly promised to befriend and relieve , with unhesitating cordiality , so far as shall lie in your power , every brother who shall need your assistance ; that you have promised to remind him , in the most tender manner , of his
failings , and aid his reformation . Vindicate his character when "wrongfully accused : suggest in his behalf the most candid , favourable , and palliating circumstances , when his conduct is justly
reprehended 5 that the world may observe how Masons love one another . These generous principles are to extend farther — every human being has a claim upon your kind offices ; so that we enjoin it upon you to do good unto all , while we recommend it more especially to the household of the faithful . By diligence in the duties of your
respective callings , by liberal benevolence , and diffusive charity , by constancy and fidelity in your friendships , by uniformly just , amiable , and virtuous deportment—discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honourable institution . Let it » ot be