-
Articles/Ads
Article FREEMASONS' REPOSITORY. ← Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasons' Repository.
and in all countries , cannot be disinterestedly contemplated , or considered to have received their energy and existence from impressions or principles inimical and unfriendly to the interests or good government of any sect , establishment , or society whatever . Should my attempt , Mr . Editor , meet with your approbation , I pro-• pose , through the medium of your monthly miscellany , to pourtray
such distinguishing features of the Masonic Character , as my observations and abilities have enabled me to notice and discriminate . The infallibility of human nature reminds me to be cautious in professing to exhibit those features otherwise than as they have appeared to myself . And though avocations unconnected with the habits of literary composition may occasion many defects in the manner of my
communications ; yet , I trust , that tbe matter of them will not be found totally deficient in point of novelty or utility . I have ever considered the three leading objects of this institution , as tending to regulate and fix our tempers upon a proper basis , to exercise and call forth into action our noblest powers and faculties of enjoymentand to form and improve an excellent taste . Various are the
, modes in which these objects , may , in certain degrees , be attained , but that which best and most comprehensively answers the end , certainly is the most desirable . I Avill not presume to assert in what degree of excellence the Masonic system ought to be ranked , or even
to dispute Avhether by the means of system these ends may be best effected . Facts and opinions are intended to be the measure of my observations and reflections . The system adopted amongst Masons appears to me exceedingly natural , and well calculated to answer its end : for , what subject can be more edifying and usefull y instructing than tbe study of Nature in ALL her -works , and of man in societ y ? The idea of the three
degrees appears to me natural , Avhen Ave consider the simplicity of the age in which it Avas formed , alluding , amongst other things in nature , to the appearance of the sun in three supposed particular periods of its diurnal progress—rising , meridian , and setting ; and in society , to the three stages of the life of mm—youth , manhood , and old age .
It is easily reconcilable to our'ideas , in this advanced stage of civilization and improvement , and to be accounted for , why the sun and the life of man should be classed together . The fiery ancl glaring appearance of the rising sun has a striking analogy to man ' s first stage , when his passions are in their highest vigour and the most ungovernable : the bri ghtness and powerful influence of the meridian ° sun to
the state of manhood , when he appears in his utmost splendour , and his faculties in their hi ghest degree of perfection : and the setting sun to the close of a temperate and serene old age , after a regular and well spent life .
. The impressions which are formed upon the attentive Mason in these three degrees are equally as striking—The complexion of the > fi . rst degree being characterised by an agreeable and sympathetic gaiety and chearfulness ; of the second degree , by seriousness ; and of the third , ( for the want . of a more apposite expression , I must claim the indulgence of my readers in representing it by the nearest which occurs to me)— ' II pensoroso /
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasons' Repository.
and in all countries , cannot be disinterestedly contemplated , or considered to have received their energy and existence from impressions or principles inimical and unfriendly to the interests or good government of any sect , establishment , or society whatever . Should my attempt , Mr . Editor , meet with your approbation , I pro-• pose , through the medium of your monthly miscellany , to pourtray
such distinguishing features of the Masonic Character , as my observations and abilities have enabled me to notice and discriminate . The infallibility of human nature reminds me to be cautious in professing to exhibit those features otherwise than as they have appeared to myself . And though avocations unconnected with the habits of literary composition may occasion many defects in the manner of my
communications ; yet , I trust , that tbe matter of them will not be found totally deficient in point of novelty or utility . I have ever considered the three leading objects of this institution , as tending to regulate and fix our tempers upon a proper basis , to exercise and call forth into action our noblest powers and faculties of enjoymentand to form and improve an excellent taste . Various are the
, modes in which these objects , may , in certain degrees , be attained , but that which best and most comprehensively answers the end , certainly is the most desirable . I Avill not presume to assert in what degree of excellence the Masonic system ought to be ranked , or even
to dispute Avhether by the means of system these ends may be best effected . Facts and opinions are intended to be the measure of my observations and reflections . The system adopted amongst Masons appears to me exceedingly natural , and well calculated to answer its end : for , what subject can be more edifying and usefull y instructing than tbe study of Nature in ALL her -works , and of man in societ y ? The idea of the three
degrees appears to me natural , Avhen Ave consider the simplicity of the age in which it Avas formed , alluding , amongst other things in nature , to the appearance of the sun in three supposed particular periods of its diurnal progress—rising , meridian , and setting ; and in society , to the three stages of the life of mm—youth , manhood , and old age .
It is easily reconcilable to our'ideas , in this advanced stage of civilization and improvement , and to be accounted for , why the sun and the life of man should be classed together . The fiery ancl glaring appearance of the rising sun has a striking analogy to man ' s first stage , when his passions are in their highest vigour and the most ungovernable : the bri ghtness and powerful influence of the meridian ° sun to
the state of manhood , when he appears in his utmost splendour , and his faculties in their hi ghest degree of perfection : and the setting sun to the close of a temperate and serene old age , after a regular and well spent life .
. The impressions which are formed upon the attentive Mason in these three degrees are equally as striking—The complexion of the > fi . rst degree being characterised by an agreeable and sympathetic gaiety and chearfulness ; of the second degree , by seriousness ; and of the third , ( for the want . of a more apposite expression , I must claim the indulgence of my readers in representing it by the nearest which occurs to me)— ' II pensoroso /