Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Connection Between Freemasonry And Religion.
is expected to make . a daily progress in the art , extending his researches deeper and deeper into the hidden mysteries of nature ancl science ; and by so doing the more clear and definite will become our conception of the grandest of Masonic truths
—the contemplation of the future state . But how is this result to be accomplished ? by what magic is the mind to reach that clearness of perception which a Mason ' s heart should be guided by ? Masonry teaches us this ! that magic is true
religion ; but this is a state of happy thought and confidence which is not be attained by a superficial study of our mysteries ; the thorough and complete mastery of any subject can be only the fruit of reflection , demanding time and perseverance ;
how much then a subject of such intricate and deep reflection as the connection of Masonry and Religion , or in plain words , our duty to God and our neighbour ; this cannot be reached by any power of cramming , Masonry cannot yield up its
deepest mysteries to a transient endeavour to unravel them . The subject of your research must gradually and slowly develope itself from the surface to the centre of the soul , adjusting itself gradually to the conditions of our inner being .
It must be worked by the process of thought ; and thus by degrees the essential will disengage itself from the circumstantial ; the important from the trivial : the husks from the shell , and difficulties surveyed from new points of view will
disappear , and this important subject stand out before the mental eye , in its just proportions and exact outline ; and the most profound doctrine of . Masonry unfolded and brought into the light of consciousness ; by a reflective study in this way ,
the depth and volume of Masonic knowledge will prove its utility to us , by assisting us to appreciate the lasting benefits it holds out ; thus the Free and Accepted Mason , by the judicious exercise of his reason and judgment , can discover , in his science a clear corroboration of the truth of
his religion . " Examine its spiritual doctrines / 5 says Oliver , " and you will be at no loss to discover how they all correspond with those of Christianity equally with the historical facts which have been
considered of sufficient importance to constitute the Sacred Landmarks of tho Order , pointing to the appearance of a Saviour in the world to atone for human transgression /' Such a fact in itself , brethren , sheds a lustre on Freemasonry , and increases its value in the
estimation of every Christian brother . Let us briefly glance at some of the definitions of Masonry handed down to us by our Masonic lights as to what it is . 1 st . The end , the moral and purport of
Masonry is to subdue our passions , and control our wills , to make a daily progress in a laudable arc , and to promote morality , charity , good fellowship , good nature , and humanity . 2 nd . Masonry is a science confined to no
particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . 3 rd . Masonry is the grand and universal science which includes all others , but having a more immediate reference to those branches which teach us a knowledge of ourselves and our duty
to others . 4 th . Freemasonry was instituted to spread the blessings of morality and science amongst all ranks and descriptions of men . Thus we perceive the universality of our art , in
this respect , like Christianity , which is also cosmopolitan ; unlike other institutions founded by man ' s devices ancl intended to embrace all , but proving their own spuriousness by the necessary localisation of their tenets as Hindooism , Buddism ,
Mahomedantsm , which could not conveniently extend their creeds , beyond the limits of the countries in which they were first started , and you know how short they come of the perfection of a true and complete morality . The lectures of Masonry abound in subjects bearing a direct reference to religion .
Look through the ceremonies handed down to us , and you see at once a line of thought either based upon religion or connected with it , in some way or other . ij [ . The first step a novice takes in entering our
Order is to declare publicly his belief in an omnipresent God , that he trusts in Him , and looks to Him for comfort , support , and protection . 2 nd . He is exhorted to persevere in the study of the V . O . T . S . L . ancl to practice the three great duties of morality , one of which is our duty to God .
3 rd . He is told that our grand work is sanctified by the Three Great Offerings , which in themselves are plainly typical of a greater offering—1 st . The vision of Jacob and the offering of oil . 2 nd . The offering of Isaac .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Connection Between Freemasonry And Religion.
is expected to make . a daily progress in the art , extending his researches deeper and deeper into the hidden mysteries of nature ancl science ; and by so doing the more clear and definite will become our conception of the grandest of Masonic truths
—the contemplation of the future state . But how is this result to be accomplished ? by what magic is the mind to reach that clearness of perception which a Mason ' s heart should be guided by ? Masonry teaches us this ! that magic is true
religion ; but this is a state of happy thought and confidence which is not be attained by a superficial study of our mysteries ; the thorough and complete mastery of any subject can be only the fruit of reflection , demanding time and perseverance ;
how much then a subject of such intricate and deep reflection as the connection of Masonry and Religion , or in plain words , our duty to God and our neighbour ; this cannot be reached by any power of cramming , Masonry cannot yield up its
deepest mysteries to a transient endeavour to unravel them . The subject of your research must gradually and slowly develope itself from the surface to the centre of the soul , adjusting itself gradually to the conditions of our inner being .
It must be worked by the process of thought ; and thus by degrees the essential will disengage itself from the circumstantial ; the important from the trivial : the husks from the shell , and difficulties surveyed from new points of view will
disappear , and this important subject stand out before the mental eye , in its just proportions and exact outline ; and the most profound doctrine of . Masonry unfolded and brought into the light of consciousness ; by a reflective study in this way ,
the depth and volume of Masonic knowledge will prove its utility to us , by assisting us to appreciate the lasting benefits it holds out ; thus the Free and Accepted Mason , by the judicious exercise of his reason and judgment , can discover , in his science a clear corroboration of the truth of
his religion . " Examine its spiritual doctrines / 5 says Oliver , " and you will be at no loss to discover how they all correspond with those of Christianity equally with the historical facts which have been
considered of sufficient importance to constitute the Sacred Landmarks of tho Order , pointing to the appearance of a Saviour in the world to atone for human transgression /' Such a fact in itself , brethren , sheds a lustre on Freemasonry , and increases its value in the
estimation of every Christian brother . Let us briefly glance at some of the definitions of Masonry handed down to us by our Masonic lights as to what it is . 1 st . The end , the moral and purport of
Masonry is to subdue our passions , and control our wills , to make a daily progress in a laudable arc , and to promote morality , charity , good fellowship , good nature , and humanity . 2 nd . Masonry is a science confined to no
particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . 3 rd . Masonry is the grand and universal science which includes all others , but having a more immediate reference to those branches which teach us a knowledge of ourselves and our duty
to others . 4 th . Freemasonry was instituted to spread the blessings of morality and science amongst all ranks and descriptions of men . Thus we perceive the universality of our art , in
this respect , like Christianity , which is also cosmopolitan ; unlike other institutions founded by man ' s devices ancl intended to embrace all , but proving their own spuriousness by the necessary localisation of their tenets as Hindooism , Buddism ,
Mahomedantsm , which could not conveniently extend their creeds , beyond the limits of the countries in which they were first started , and you know how short they come of the perfection of a true and complete morality . The lectures of Masonry abound in subjects bearing a direct reference to religion .
Look through the ceremonies handed down to us , and you see at once a line of thought either based upon religion or connected with it , in some way or other . ij [ . The first step a novice takes in entering our
Order is to declare publicly his belief in an omnipresent God , that he trusts in Him , and looks to Him for comfort , support , and protection . 2 nd . He is exhorted to persevere in the study of the V . O . T . S . L . ancl to practice the three great duties of morality , one of which is our duty to God .
3 rd . He is told that our grand work is sanctified by the Three Great Offerings , which in themselves are plainly typical of a greater offering—1 st . The vision of Jacob and the offering of oil . 2 nd . The offering of Isaac .