Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine: Or, General And Complete Library.
This proposition then , which by some , lam aware , will be deemed Utopian , is , to draw together by the pure principles of our Order , a select number of Brethren from the Fraternity at large , who , properly impressed by the tenets of the profession , shall have courage to carry them into practice , and make them the unerring guide of their conduct through life . The moral and theological Virtues , I believe
, comprehend the whole view , and include the utmost aim of the Institution . Forearmed against the fear of ridicule , L declare my firm belief , that from the Lodges of Free Masons in London and it ' s environs , a very numerous and respectable selection mi ght * be made to give effect to so desirable a and I am pretty well assured that
purpose ; upon the principles before stated I could myself introduce , and with a cheerful promptitude , some persons from the yet uninitiated who would reflect a lustre on the Society . To be guided by Temperance in our commerce with the world ; to have Fortitude to resist temptation , and to check improper desires ; to let Prudence be the ruler of our actions , and to render to every
man his due without distinction ; in short , to subdue our passions , to have Faith and Hope in God , and Charity towards man , I consider as the objects of what is termed speculative Masonry . ( The operative branch of the system , ! leave to the discussion of those who , from their peculiar bias of mind , or connection with the arts , have made it more immediately their study . ) If these , then , really form the
ground-plan of our fabric , and were strictl y enforced by the practice of the Craft , the Masonic must surely be an inestimable Institution , To the " Illustrations" of a much-respected brother , I am indebted for the foretaste by which I was induced to solicit the bonds of union . In the pages of that work ,, I read ' with avidity the rudiments , and pursued in idea the perfection of Reli gion and Morality , But theory , without practice , though it may attract admiration , will never gain respect . To be honoured , in short to be useful , a
system must have the qualities of stability , of practicability , and-of effect . _ Now it is , perhaps , the strongest and most invincible objection with those who attempt to argue against Free Masonry , that to an institution so specious , and from which so much excellence mi ght ie expected to result , the members do not give by their general conduct the necessary support . Wonderful indeed would it be if the ministers of the gospel , or the advocates of any system
divine or human , could controvert this as a general proposition : but I am sufficiently happy in being able to affirm , that instances are very numerous indeed wherein Masonry operates with the happiest influence . Our Society , my brethren , can only acquire it ' s proper rank in the scale of human Institutions , by a general and faithful observance of it ' s own precepts ; and if this cannot be effected in it ' s corporate capacity , very much may be expected from the junction of well--disposed individuals , who shall be inclined by the constant tenor of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Magazine: Or, General And Complete Library.
This proposition then , which by some , lam aware , will be deemed Utopian , is , to draw together by the pure principles of our Order , a select number of Brethren from the Fraternity at large , who , properly impressed by the tenets of the profession , shall have courage to carry them into practice , and make them the unerring guide of their conduct through life . The moral and theological Virtues , I believe
, comprehend the whole view , and include the utmost aim of the Institution . Forearmed against the fear of ridicule , L declare my firm belief , that from the Lodges of Free Masons in London and it ' s environs , a very numerous and respectable selection mi ght * be made to give effect to so desirable a and I am pretty well assured that
purpose ; upon the principles before stated I could myself introduce , and with a cheerful promptitude , some persons from the yet uninitiated who would reflect a lustre on the Society . To be guided by Temperance in our commerce with the world ; to have Fortitude to resist temptation , and to check improper desires ; to let Prudence be the ruler of our actions , and to render to every
man his due without distinction ; in short , to subdue our passions , to have Faith and Hope in God , and Charity towards man , I consider as the objects of what is termed speculative Masonry . ( The operative branch of the system , ! leave to the discussion of those who , from their peculiar bias of mind , or connection with the arts , have made it more immediately their study . ) If these , then , really form the
ground-plan of our fabric , and were strictl y enforced by the practice of the Craft , the Masonic must surely be an inestimable Institution , To the " Illustrations" of a much-respected brother , I am indebted for the foretaste by which I was induced to solicit the bonds of union . In the pages of that work ,, I read ' with avidity the rudiments , and pursued in idea the perfection of Reli gion and Morality , But theory , without practice , though it may attract admiration , will never gain respect . To be honoured , in short to be useful , a
system must have the qualities of stability , of practicability , and-of effect . _ Now it is , perhaps , the strongest and most invincible objection with those who attempt to argue against Free Masonry , that to an institution so specious , and from which so much excellence mi ght ie expected to result , the members do not give by their general conduct the necessary support . Wonderful indeed would it be if the ministers of the gospel , or the advocates of any system
divine or human , could controvert this as a general proposition : but I am sufficiently happy in being able to affirm , that instances are very numerous indeed wherein Masonry operates with the happiest influence . Our Society , my brethren , can only acquire it ' s proper rank in the scale of human Institutions , by a general and faithful observance of it ' s own precepts ; and if this cannot be effected in it ' s corporate capacity , very much may be expected from the junction of well--disposed individuals , who shall be inclined by the constant tenor of