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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Imposturess
MMONIC IMPOSTIJEES
: Amcwg the extraordinary features in the history of Masohry on the continent ^ various times oil the ereduli ^ the higher knowledge accepted channela ^ have become moral truths inculcated in symto naturally for ^ yet to be attained and an eagerness to acquire these is apt to
overstep the boui ^ itself supply the place of secular education , and of a regular course of study--though it will confirm the humbler stude ^ principles of ethics and their practiee- ^ there is a temptation believe that some short cut may be made to the highest branclies of knowledge otherwise than hy hard study and the practice of virtue ; and the Mason who gets into this state is the ready made prey of
the charlatan—of the man as weak it may be in knowledge as himself , but of greater conceit and greater presumption , So too , symbolic illustration , valuable in its degree , in its excess passes to the verge of mysticism and Cabbalisin , of which we find too much evidence in the disquisitions of Masons no otherwise learned than in the handling of books , on the due value of which they are incompetent to pass a judgment . The basis of all true advancement in Masonry is
patient study and constant practice ; by such means have its members reached the furthest heights Sf philosophy , helped it is true by their brethren and leaders , but most dependent on their own work . A right direction , a judicious counsel , will greatly forward him who is travelling on the way , it wall save him from losing time on roundabout roads or in a wrong track ; but it will not help Mm who
is standing still . Knowledge cannot be given to him who does not learn , nor virtue to him who does not practise ; but it is a pleasing delusion to think that within the highest mysteries of Masonry this can be done , and that the idle , the uninstructed , the mere wisher of
good who lacks the strength of mind to do it , the victim of a strong wish and a weak will , can at length reach some Chapter , on entering the door of which the seal of Solomon shall be delivered to him as to the true genii sitting around . Little thinks he that the word or the sign which opens for him the hall of the genii , Avhere he sees many thrones vacant whereon he may seat himself , will make no genius of tOL . IVl" 8 K
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Imposturess
MMONIC IMPOSTIJEES
: Amcwg the extraordinary features in the history of Masohry on the continent ^ various times oil the ereduli ^ the higher knowledge accepted channela ^ have become moral truths inculcated in symto naturally for ^ yet to be attained and an eagerness to acquire these is apt to
overstep the boui ^ itself supply the place of secular education , and of a regular course of study--though it will confirm the humbler stude ^ principles of ethics and their practiee- ^ there is a temptation believe that some short cut may be made to the highest branclies of knowledge otherwise than hy hard study and the practice of virtue ; and the Mason who gets into this state is the ready made prey of
the charlatan—of the man as weak it may be in knowledge as himself , but of greater conceit and greater presumption , So too , symbolic illustration , valuable in its degree , in its excess passes to the verge of mysticism and Cabbalisin , of which we find too much evidence in the disquisitions of Masons no otherwise learned than in the handling of books , on the due value of which they are incompetent to pass a judgment . The basis of all true advancement in Masonry is
patient study and constant practice ; by such means have its members reached the furthest heights Sf philosophy , helped it is true by their brethren and leaders , but most dependent on their own work . A right direction , a judicious counsel , will greatly forward him who is travelling on the way , it wall save him from losing time on roundabout roads or in a wrong track ; but it will not help Mm who
is standing still . Knowledge cannot be given to him who does not learn , nor virtue to him who does not practise ; but it is a pleasing delusion to think that within the highest mysteries of Masonry this can be done , and that the idle , the uninstructed , the mere wisher of
good who lacks the strength of mind to do it , the victim of a strong wish and a weak will , can at length reach some Chapter , on entering the door of which the seal of Solomon shall be delivered to him as to the true genii sitting around . Little thinks he that the word or the sign which opens for him the hall of the genii , Avhere he sees many thrones vacant whereon he may seat himself , will make no genius of tOL . IVl" 8 K