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Article SIGNS AND SYMBOLS.* ← Page 6 of 6
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Signs And Symbols.*
lative mason ' s jewel , it teaches morality and justice ; it shows the beauty of order and sobriety , and displays the advantages arising from a mutual communication of benefits . In a word , we are instructed by this instrument , to act upon the square with all mankind , by doing to others , as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us . The obvious use of the Compasses is for the formation of plans and designs from which all noble works of art are comp leted in their just ancl elegant prohave reference to
portions . In Masonry however they a something more than this . They admonish us to walk righteously and soberly amongst our brethren ; to avoid every degree of intemperance which may degrade the man into the brute , and to render every one his due , tribute to whom tribute is due , fear to whom fear , honour to whom honour . Lastly , the Twenty-four Inch Rule , whose apparent use is merely to measure lines and distances ; amongst Masons , refers more particularly to the twenty-four hours of the day , and points out the necessity of a regular distribution of Time , one portion of which must be applied to labour , another to rest and refreshment , and a third to
prayer and meditation . Thus that excellent monarch and Grand Master of Masons , Alfred the Great , made a regular and judicious appropriation of his hours , after he had vanquished all his enemies , and sat in peace on the throne of his hereditary dominions . It is indeed of primary consequence to ascertain the progress of time . Time does not appear to move . Look at the hour index of your watch . It stands still ; you cannot see the process by which time is divided ; and yet roundand is
hour after hour passes on ; the index still moves , as actually advancing as if it were visible to your eye . In like manner the Sun in the firmament measures days , and weeks , and months , and years ; and yet , how attentively soever it is observed , you have not the least visible perception of its course . It rises in the east , ancl you behold it in the purple morn ; it attains its meridian in the south , still imperceptiblto the human and know that half the day is
y eye , you gone . It moves majestically towards the end of its daily course , ancl when setting in the west , you perceive that you are another day nearer to that event which must ultimately close all your connections with this world , and introduce you to another where the division of time will cease , and an endless eternity be open to your view . Let this consideration be the spur and incentive to virtuous pursuits , that your admission into eternity may be glorious , and full of peace ancl joy unspeakable . "—
p . 236 . Our limits are scanty , and we regret that our notice of the work before us should necessarily terminate . But we hope enough has been said to induce every Brother who would be really a Mason , to purchase the volume ; ancl we can , in fraternal sincerity assure him , that his acquisition will be a jewel beyond all price . To our learned Brother , the Rev . Dr . Oliver , we unaffectedly offer the homage of and sincere respect for the labour he has
undergrateful taken—for the perseverance he has shown—for the spirit of intelligence , good will and true piety which , while they shed a lustre around his " Signs and Symbols , " teach the heart of the Mason to love — and the soul to praise aud to magnify Him who liveth in the heavens .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Signs And Symbols.*
lative mason ' s jewel , it teaches morality and justice ; it shows the beauty of order and sobriety , and displays the advantages arising from a mutual communication of benefits . In a word , we are instructed by this instrument , to act upon the square with all mankind , by doing to others , as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us . The obvious use of the Compasses is for the formation of plans and designs from which all noble works of art are comp leted in their just ancl elegant prohave reference to
portions . In Masonry however they a something more than this . They admonish us to walk righteously and soberly amongst our brethren ; to avoid every degree of intemperance which may degrade the man into the brute , and to render every one his due , tribute to whom tribute is due , fear to whom fear , honour to whom honour . Lastly , the Twenty-four Inch Rule , whose apparent use is merely to measure lines and distances ; amongst Masons , refers more particularly to the twenty-four hours of the day , and points out the necessity of a regular distribution of Time , one portion of which must be applied to labour , another to rest and refreshment , and a third to
prayer and meditation . Thus that excellent monarch and Grand Master of Masons , Alfred the Great , made a regular and judicious appropriation of his hours , after he had vanquished all his enemies , and sat in peace on the throne of his hereditary dominions . It is indeed of primary consequence to ascertain the progress of time . Time does not appear to move . Look at the hour index of your watch . It stands still ; you cannot see the process by which time is divided ; and yet roundand is
hour after hour passes on ; the index still moves , as actually advancing as if it were visible to your eye . In like manner the Sun in the firmament measures days , and weeks , and months , and years ; and yet , how attentively soever it is observed , you have not the least visible perception of its course . It rises in the east , ancl you behold it in the purple morn ; it attains its meridian in the south , still imperceptiblto the human and know that half the day is
y eye , you gone . It moves majestically towards the end of its daily course , ancl when setting in the west , you perceive that you are another day nearer to that event which must ultimately close all your connections with this world , and introduce you to another where the division of time will cease , and an endless eternity be open to your view . Let this consideration be the spur and incentive to virtuous pursuits , that your admission into eternity may be glorious , and full of peace ancl joy unspeakable . "—
p . 236 . Our limits are scanty , and we regret that our notice of the work before us should necessarily terminate . But we hope enough has been said to induce every Brother who would be really a Mason , to purchase the volume ; ancl we can , in fraternal sincerity assure him , that his acquisition will be a jewel beyond all price . To our learned Brother , the Rev . Dr . Oliver , we unaffectedly offer the homage of and sincere respect for the labour he has
undergrateful taken—for the perseverance he has shown—for the spirit of intelligence , good will and true piety which , while they shed a lustre around his " Signs and Symbols , " teach the heart of the Mason to love — and the soul to praise aud to magnify Him who liveth in the heavens .