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Article SKETCHES OF NOTABLE MASONIC WORKS. ← Page 6 of 6 Article CHIPS OF FOREIGN ASHLAR. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Sketches Of Notable Masonic Works.
thought necessary to maintain the harmony and well being of each particular organised body , aud upon the neglect of attendance of either Master or Fellow ( when duly summoned ) a severe censure was incurred , until he could prove unto the whole lodge that pure necessity was the motive of his absence . "
" It is heartily to be wished that the knowledge of geometry and architecture , together with the rest of the sciences were the only entertainment of our modern lodges . If so , what is often unhappily substituted in their places would not j >
revail as it does , neither ought a man to attain to any dignity in Masonry without first having a competent knowledge in the liberal arts , and I am sorry to say that so few of that stamp are to be met with iu the lodges of this great * metropolis ,
which defect is certainly owing ( as heretofore observed ) to the imprudent choice and introduction of their members , for every man formerly ( though perhaps of a good aud moral reputation ) was not admitted into the Craft , nor allowed to share the
benefits of our noble institution , unless he was endued with skill in Masonry , as he might thereby be able to improve the art either by plan or
workmanship , or had such an affluence of fortune as should enable him to employ , honour , and protect the Craftsmen . I would not be understood by this , to mean that no citizen or reputable tradesmen should receive any of our benefits , but on the
contrary am of opinion that they arc valuable members of the commonwealth , and in consequence would prove real ornaments ; but how ridiculous is it to see daily so many persons of low life introduced amongst us , aud when they are
admitted into the company of their betters by the assistance of Masonry , they too often act beyond their capacities , and ( if the expression may be allowed ) soon turn Mason mad , and under pretence of searching for knowledge , they fall into scenes of
gluttony or drunkenness , and thereby neglect their necessary occupations , and injure their families , which is not consistent with tho known
laws , Constitutions , and principles of all true brethren . " " The by-laws aud genera regulations of tho lodges iu this city are exceedingly well calculated
for good management of the Craft , but what avails the best contrived and most salutary laws if they are not put into form and properly executed ? To pass over indiscretions is in some measure granting a sanction or approbation of them ,
wherefore it highly concerns our worthy Master to let no crime remain unrebuked , but duly to admonish the offender , and if he repeats his transgression , to inflict such punishments as they and the brethren shall judge necessary . "
" Having now described the cause of the present decay of Freemasonry , together with some remarks , which I hope will be found useful to the brethren , I shall give them the following friendly admonitions , and then conclude . — "As the Craft hath subsisted from times
immemorial , and contains the most glorious precepts of morality and virtue , let not the malicious world have cause to blame us for any base or degenerate actions , but let us industriously pursue the unerring rule which the Almighty Architect hath given us ; let us be united in one sacred bond of love and
friendship , and , if there is contention amongst us , let it be in striving who can outdo each other in acts of religion , mercy , charity , and all other good offices . " " Let us all endeavour to deserve the following
true character : — " If nil the social virtues of the mind , If an extensive love to all mankind , If hospitable welcome to a guest , And speedy charity to the distressed , If duo regard to liberty and laws ,
Zeal for our King , and for our country ' s cause , If these are principles deserving fame , Let JIasons then enjoy the praise they claim . "
Chips Of Foreign Ashlar.
CHIPS OF FOREIGN ASHLAR .
BY J . A . H . No . 8—A DAY WITHBKOTIIEK FINDEL . Among the Masonic celebrities of the present day—English , French , German and Americanthere is one name which succeeding generations
will hold in pre-eminent honour—the name of the great historian of Freemasonry Bro . J . G . Findel of Leipzig . With readers of the FKEEHASONS MAGAZINE the name of Bro . Findel may truly be said to be " familiar iu their mouths as household
words" aud wherever the circle of the mystic tie has extended , the life aud labours of this excellent brother are known and appreciated . From Berlin to Leipzig is a long distance , but
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Sketches Of Notable Masonic Works.
thought necessary to maintain the harmony and well being of each particular organised body , aud upon the neglect of attendance of either Master or Fellow ( when duly summoned ) a severe censure was incurred , until he could prove unto the whole lodge that pure necessity was the motive of his absence . "
" It is heartily to be wished that the knowledge of geometry and architecture , together with the rest of the sciences were the only entertainment of our modern lodges . If so , what is often unhappily substituted in their places would not j >
revail as it does , neither ought a man to attain to any dignity in Masonry without first having a competent knowledge in the liberal arts , and I am sorry to say that so few of that stamp are to be met with iu the lodges of this great * metropolis ,
which defect is certainly owing ( as heretofore observed ) to the imprudent choice and introduction of their members , for every man formerly ( though perhaps of a good aud moral reputation ) was not admitted into the Craft , nor allowed to share the
benefits of our noble institution , unless he was endued with skill in Masonry , as he might thereby be able to improve the art either by plan or
workmanship , or had such an affluence of fortune as should enable him to employ , honour , and protect the Craftsmen . I would not be understood by this , to mean that no citizen or reputable tradesmen should receive any of our benefits , but on the
contrary am of opinion that they arc valuable members of the commonwealth , and in consequence would prove real ornaments ; but how ridiculous is it to see daily so many persons of low life introduced amongst us , aud when they are
admitted into the company of their betters by the assistance of Masonry , they too often act beyond their capacities , and ( if the expression may be allowed ) soon turn Mason mad , and under pretence of searching for knowledge , they fall into scenes of
gluttony or drunkenness , and thereby neglect their necessary occupations , and injure their families , which is not consistent with tho known
laws , Constitutions , and principles of all true brethren . " " The by-laws aud genera regulations of tho lodges iu this city are exceedingly well calculated
for good management of the Craft , but what avails the best contrived and most salutary laws if they are not put into form and properly executed ? To pass over indiscretions is in some measure granting a sanction or approbation of them ,
wherefore it highly concerns our worthy Master to let no crime remain unrebuked , but duly to admonish the offender , and if he repeats his transgression , to inflict such punishments as they and the brethren shall judge necessary . "
" Having now described the cause of the present decay of Freemasonry , together with some remarks , which I hope will be found useful to the brethren , I shall give them the following friendly admonitions , and then conclude . — "As the Craft hath subsisted from times
immemorial , and contains the most glorious precepts of morality and virtue , let not the malicious world have cause to blame us for any base or degenerate actions , but let us industriously pursue the unerring rule which the Almighty Architect hath given us ; let us be united in one sacred bond of love and
friendship , and , if there is contention amongst us , let it be in striving who can outdo each other in acts of religion , mercy , charity , and all other good offices . " " Let us all endeavour to deserve the following
true character : — " If nil the social virtues of the mind , If an extensive love to all mankind , If hospitable welcome to a guest , And speedy charity to the distressed , If duo regard to liberty and laws ,
Zeal for our King , and for our country ' s cause , If these are principles deserving fame , Let JIasons then enjoy the praise they claim . "
Chips Of Foreign Ashlar.
CHIPS OF FOREIGN ASHLAR .
BY J . A . H . No . 8—A DAY WITHBKOTIIEK FINDEL . Among the Masonic celebrities of the present day—English , French , German and Americanthere is one name which succeeding generations
will hold in pre-eminent honour—the name of the great historian of Freemasonry Bro . J . G . Findel of Leipzig . With readers of the FKEEHASONS MAGAZINE the name of Bro . Findel may truly be said to be " familiar iu their mouths as household
words" aud wherever the circle of the mystic tie has extended , the life aud labours of this excellent brother are known and appreciated . From Berlin to Leipzig is a long distance , but