תמונות בעמוד
PDF
ePub

the passage be difficult, the farther we trace it the easier it will become.

Union and harmony constitute the essence of Free-masonry: while we enlist under that banner, the society must flourish, and private animosities give place to peace and good fellowship. Uniting in one design, let it be our aim to be happy ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others. Let us mark our superiority and distinction among men, by the sincerity of our profession as Masons; let us cultivate the moral virtues, and improve in all that is good and amiable; let the Genius of Masonry preside over our conduct, and under her sway let us perform our part with becoming dignity; let us preserve an elevation of understanding, a politeness of manner, and an evenness of temper; let our recreations be innocent, and pursued with moderation; and never let irregular indulgences lead to the subversion of our system, by impairing our faculties, or exposing our character to derision. In conformity to our precepts, as patterns worthy of imitation, let the respectability of our character be supported by the regularity of our conduct and the uniformity of our deportment; then, as citizens of the world, and friends to every clime, we shall be living examples of virtue and benevolence, equally zealous to merit, as to obtain, universal approbation.

BOOK II.

GENERAL REMARKS: INCLUDING AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE LECTURES; A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE ANCIENT CEREMONIES; AND THE CHARGES USED IN THE DIFFERENT DEGREES.

SECT. I.

General Remarks.

MASONRY is an art useful and extensive. In every art there is a mystery, which requires a progress of study and application before we can arrive at any degree of perfection. Without much instruction, and more exercise, no man can be skilful in any art; in like manner, without an assiduous application to the various subjects treated in the different lectures of Masonry, no person can be sufficiently acquainted with the true value of the institution.

From this remark it is not to be inferred, that those who labour under the disadvantage of a confined education, or whose sphere of life requires assiduous attention to business or useful employment, are to be discouraged in their endeavours to gain a knowledge of Masonry. To qualify an individual to enjoy the benefits of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all the intricate parts of the science: these are only intended for persons who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge the pursuit.

Some may be more able than others, some more eminent, some more useful; but all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the community; and our necessities, as well as our consciences, bind us to love one another. To persons, however, whose early years have been dedicated to literary pursuits, or whose circumstances and situation in life render them independent, the offices of the lodge ought principally to be restricted. The industrious tradesman proves himself a valuable member of society, and worthy of every honour that we can confer; but the nature of every man's profession will not admit of that leisure which is necessary to qualify him to become an expert Mason, so as to discharge the official duties of the lodge with propriety. And it must also be admitted, that those who accept offices and exercise authority in the lodge ought to be men of prudence and address, enjoying the advantages of a wellcultivated raind and retentive memory. All men are not blessed with the same powers and talents; all men, therefore, are not equally qualified to govern. He who wishes to teach, must submit to learn; and no one can be qualified to support the higher offices of the lodge, who has not previously discharged the duties of those which are subordinate. Experience is the best preceptor. Every man may rise by gradation, but merit and industry are the first steps to preferment. Masonry is wisely instituted for different ranks and degrees of men; and every brother, according to his station and ability, may be employed in the lodge, and class with his equal. Actuated by the best principles, no disquietude is found among the professors of Each class is happy in its particular association; and when all the classes meet in general convention, one plan regulates the whole: neither arrogance nor presumption appear on the one

the art.

hand, nor diffidence nor inability on the other; but every brother vies to excel in promoting that endearing happiness which constitutes the essence of civil society.

SECT. II.

The Ceremony of Opening and Closing the Lodge.

In all regular assemblies of men which are convened for wise and useful purposes, the commencement and conclusion of business is accompanied with some form. In every country of the world the practice prevails, and is deemed essential. From the most remote periods of antiquity it is traced, and the refined improvements of modern times have not abolished it.

Ceremonies, simply considered, are little more than visionary delusions; but their effects are sometimes important.-When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, and attract the attention to solemn rites by external forms, they are interesting objects. These purposes are effected when judicious ceremonies are regularly conducted and properly arranged. On this ground they have received the sanction of the wisest men in all ages, and consequently could not escape the notice of Masons. To begin well, is the most likely means to end well: and it is justly remarked, that when order and method are neglected at the beginning, they will be seldom found to take place at the end.

The ceremony of opening and closing the lodge with solemnity and decorum is therefore universally adopted among Masons; and though the mode in some meetings may vary, and in every Degree must vary, still an uniformity in the general practice prevails in the lodge; and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a little application will easily remove.

C

To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the peculiar study of all Masons, especially of those who have the honour to rule in our assemblies. To persons who are thus dignified, every eye is directed for regularity of conduct and behaviour; and, by their example, other brethren, less informed, may naturally expect to derive instruc

tion.

From a share in this ceremony no Mason is exempted; it is a general concern, in which all must assist. This is the first request of the Master, and the prelude to business. No sooner has it been signified, than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren rank according to their degrees. The intent of the meeting becomes the object of attention; and the mind is insensibly drawn from the indiscriminate subjects of conversation which are apt to intrude on our less serious

moments.

Our first care is directed to the external avenues of the lodge; and the officers, whose province it is to discharge that duty, execute the trust with fidelity. By certain mystic forms, of no recent date, it is intimated that we may safely proceed. To detect impostors among ourselves, an adherence to order in the character of Masons ensues, and the lodge is opened* or closed in solemn form.

* Charges and Regulations for the Conduct and Behaviour of Masons.

A rehearsal of the Ancient Charges properly succeeds the opening, and precedes the closing, of the lodge. This was the constantpractice of our ancient brethren, and ought never to be neglected in our regular assemblies. A recapitulation of our duty cannot be disagreeable to those who are acquainted with it; and to those to whom it is not known, should any such be, it must be highly proper to recommend it.

On the Management of the Craft in working.

[To be rehearsed at opening the Lodge.]

Masons employ themselves diligently in their sundry vocations,

« הקודםהמשך »