-
Articles/Ads
Article ON THE STUDY OF MASONIC ANTIQUITIES. ← Page 2 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
spirit and bond of union possessed by our Order , they have vanished from existence , whilst our fraternity subsists in all its pristine purity , and is diffusing its beneficent influence throughout every portion of the habitable globe . It is quite clear , then , that the system of Freemasonry could not have been formed and perfected after the manner of ordinary societies ( directed as they invariably are to one particular object , ) and it is further abundantly manifest that the specific means by which its
purposes are accomplished must , from their very nature , have had an origin most remote . It is thus , then , I call in aid the intrinsic evidence which I think our Institution affords in corroboration of the views taken in the former Chapter ; and I am the more particularly anxious upon this point , because , even to the Initiated Brother , the true purposes of our Order are not at first sight clearly perceptible . The beautiful spirit of
Brotherhood is indeed at once felt and its influence immediatel y acknowledged , but the other great purposes to which 1 have alluded are only gradually developed , and cannot be fully appreciated without much study and deep reflection . In tracing out this course it will be seen that a consideration of the various purposes and objects of Freemasonry , affords the most ample
scope for the exercise of the highest powers of the intellect . The whole material Universe is brought within the range of Thought—all created beings , from the highest to the lowest , afford a constant theme for reflection , and shew the Glory of their maker—whilst the contemplation of the moral virtues sheds a mild and softened halo round the mind , which thus becomes truly impressed with the idea of the beautiful—an idea holy , and pure , and spiritual , which invests all created things with
its own bright images—sees order , perfection , and harmony , in every work of Nature—gives rise to thoughts too eloquent for words , and wraps the soul in silent adoration . These speculations naturally lead us to the next step in our enquiries —namely , the true origin of Freemasonry . Having divined its purposes and become imbued with its spirit , we would naturally endeavour to trace the source of that abiding principle , which for so many ages has
refreshed the world , and is equally blended so mysteriously with all that is pure and noble in the mind of man , and sublime and symmetrical in tlie works of nature . The learned Preston says , — " From the commencement of the world we may trace the foundation of Masonry . Ever since symmetry began and harmony displayed her charms , our Order has had a being . " This is precisely the view at which we shall arrive , if the subject be considered in the manner previously pointed out . —
" When first the golden morn aloft With maiden breezes whispering soft , Sprung from thc East with rosy wing , To kiss the heavenly first born * Spring ; JKHOVAH then from hallowed earth Gave Masonry immortal birth . " Masonii : Ode . The true spirit of Masonry then , considered in its most exalted character , will thus be shewn to be an emanation from that Divine
Essence whose attribute is ' LOVE , " and from whence arose that order which is visible in the celestial spheres , and that harmony which every where pervades creation . No metaphysical speculations are necessary to support this view , for , admitting Freemasonry in its highest character
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Study Of Masonic Antiquities.
spirit and bond of union possessed by our Order , they have vanished from existence , whilst our fraternity subsists in all its pristine purity , and is diffusing its beneficent influence throughout every portion of the habitable globe . It is quite clear , then , that the system of Freemasonry could not have been formed and perfected after the manner of ordinary societies ( directed as they invariably are to one particular object , ) and it is further abundantly manifest that the specific means by which its
purposes are accomplished must , from their very nature , have had an origin most remote . It is thus , then , I call in aid the intrinsic evidence which I think our Institution affords in corroboration of the views taken in the former Chapter ; and I am the more particularly anxious upon this point , because , even to the Initiated Brother , the true purposes of our Order are not at first sight clearly perceptible . The beautiful spirit of
Brotherhood is indeed at once felt and its influence immediatel y acknowledged , but the other great purposes to which 1 have alluded are only gradually developed , and cannot be fully appreciated without much study and deep reflection . In tracing out this course it will be seen that a consideration of the various purposes and objects of Freemasonry , affords the most ample
scope for the exercise of the highest powers of the intellect . The whole material Universe is brought within the range of Thought—all created beings , from the highest to the lowest , afford a constant theme for reflection , and shew the Glory of their maker—whilst the contemplation of the moral virtues sheds a mild and softened halo round the mind , which thus becomes truly impressed with the idea of the beautiful—an idea holy , and pure , and spiritual , which invests all created things with
its own bright images—sees order , perfection , and harmony , in every work of Nature—gives rise to thoughts too eloquent for words , and wraps the soul in silent adoration . These speculations naturally lead us to the next step in our enquiries —namely , the true origin of Freemasonry . Having divined its purposes and become imbued with its spirit , we would naturally endeavour to trace the source of that abiding principle , which for so many ages has
refreshed the world , and is equally blended so mysteriously with all that is pure and noble in the mind of man , and sublime and symmetrical in tlie works of nature . The learned Preston says , — " From the commencement of the world we may trace the foundation of Masonry . Ever since symmetry began and harmony displayed her charms , our Order has had a being . " This is precisely the view at which we shall arrive , if the subject be considered in the manner previously pointed out . —
" When first the golden morn aloft With maiden breezes whispering soft , Sprung from thc East with rosy wing , To kiss the heavenly first born * Spring ; JKHOVAH then from hallowed earth Gave Masonry immortal birth . " Masonii : Ode . The true spirit of Masonry then , considered in its most exalted character , will thus be shewn to be an emanation from that Divine
Essence whose attribute is ' LOVE , " and from whence arose that order which is visible in the celestial spheres , and that harmony which every where pervades creation . No metaphysical speculations are necessary to support this view , for , admitting Freemasonry in its highest character