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that by Preemasonry schools are provided , where sound instruction is given ; and thus , instead of numbers of our fellow-creatures being cast upon the wide world , without the blessings of education by which to direct their course , they are trained to become useful mem * bers of that society wherein a bountiful Providence may place them .
These are some of the instances of charity wherewith Preemasonry abounds , and if time were permitted , doubtless numberless others , though perhaps not holding so prominent a position as those I have named , but all in their respective degrees conferring good in their circumscribed spheres , might be adduced to prove that the cultivation
of this virtue is one of the principal objects and aims of our Institution ; and to establish this , I need only mention the minor charities connected with the various Lodges that are so universally distributed throughout the length and breadth of the land . I feel , however , that I have sufficiently dwelt upon this head , and I will therefore proceed with another .
Besides the beauties I have already pointed out , there exist in the science of Preemasonry many others , in the exercise of which mankind are held together in the bonds of friendship ; and amongst these brotherly love abounds , by which natures the most opposite , and opinions diametrically opposed , find a place where their dissimilarities are united and their asperities forgotten . "Within our walls no
discordant jarrings are heard ; and though the minds of men outside are distracted by the heavings to and fro of factions attempting to uproot each other ; though despots may rule with a rod of iron ; though religious enthusiasm may cause men to doubt and hesitate ; though the priest may fulminate his anathemas ; and though discord may
enter into every house , and divide those united by the ties of kindred and relationship;—though all these have arisen in their turns , yet within our sacred walls the still peaceful voice of Masonry is heard , beyond and above the contending elements of strife ; still preaching her doctrines of brotherly love , relief , and truth ; and still exhorting her children to cultivate Paith , Hope , and Charity .
Preemasonry , however , stops not here ; and in order that its ramifications may extend themselves in every country and in every clime , care is taken that two of the greatest causes which stir up and rouse the angry passions of men are excluded ; and not only are all
discussions upon religious and political subjects most carefully forbidden , but Preemasons , in whatever country they may happen to be , are taught to submit themselves to the ruling power of the particular state wherein they may for the time being be living , and to conform and act in accordance with the laws of that country ; and hence it is ,
that though for a time it may be , and has been , found necessary to suspend from holding their meetings , most other secret societies , yet Preemasons have generally formed an exception ; or should it have happened , by reason of the convulsive throes of nations , that one arbitrary rule should apply to all secret societies whatever , yet with the first dawn of returning order has Masonry been permitted to resume her peaceful course .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Untitled Article
that by Preemasonry schools are provided , where sound instruction is given ; and thus , instead of numbers of our fellow-creatures being cast upon the wide world , without the blessings of education by which to direct their course , they are trained to become useful mem * bers of that society wherein a bountiful Providence may place them .
These are some of the instances of charity wherewith Preemasonry abounds , and if time were permitted , doubtless numberless others , though perhaps not holding so prominent a position as those I have named , but all in their respective degrees conferring good in their circumscribed spheres , might be adduced to prove that the cultivation
of this virtue is one of the principal objects and aims of our Institution ; and to establish this , I need only mention the minor charities connected with the various Lodges that are so universally distributed throughout the length and breadth of the land . I feel , however , that I have sufficiently dwelt upon this head , and I will therefore proceed with another .
Besides the beauties I have already pointed out , there exist in the science of Preemasonry many others , in the exercise of which mankind are held together in the bonds of friendship ; and amongst these brotherly love abounds , by which natures the most opposite , and opinions diametrically opposed , find a place where their dissimilarities are united and their asperities forgotten . "Within our walls no
discordant jarrings are heard ; and though the minds of men outside are distracted by the heavings to and fro of factions attempting to uproot each other ; though despots may rule with a rod of iron ; though religious enthusiasm may cause men to doubt and hesitate ; though the priest may fulminate his anathemas ; and though discord may
enter into every house , and divide those united by the ties of kindred and relationship;—though all these have arisen in their turns , yet within our sacred walls the still peaceful voice of Masonry is heard , beyond and above the contending elements of strife ; still preaching her doctrines of brotherly love , relief , and truth ; and still exhorting her children to cultivate Paith , Hope , and Charity .
Preemasonry , however , stops not here ; and in order that its ramifications may extend themselves in every country and in every clime , care is taken that two of the greatest causes which stir up and rouse the angry passions of men are excluded ; and not only are all
discussions upon religious and political subjects most carefully forbidden , but Preemasons , in whatever country they may happen to be , are taught to submit themselves to the ruling power of the particular state wherein they may for the time being be living , and to conform and act in accordance with the laws of that country ; and hence it is ,
that though for a time it may be , and has been , found necessary to suspend from holding their meetings , most other secret societies , yet Preemasons have generally formed an exception ; or should it have happened , by reason of the convulsive throes of nations , that one arbitrary rule should apply to all secret societies whatever , yet with the first dawn of returning order has Masonry been permitted to resume her peaceful course .