The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

IV
DEDICATION.
Lodge is founded upon an insecure basis if it rejects from
its illustrations the philosophy, and contents itself with
the technicalities of the science ; like one possessing the
keys of a rich casket of splendid jewels, which he has
not the curiosity to open, that their rarity or value may
be correctly estimated.
It is well known that in our Lectures, much scope is
afforded for amplification both in science and morals ;
cannot then be a futile expectation, while knowledge is
making such a rapid progress in the present age of free
inquiry, that by the judicious rule and masterly elucidations
of our legitimate governors, our Lodges will main-
tain their proper character of schools of virtue and dis-
pensers of the liberal arts.
Imbued with these sentiments, it affords me no incon-
siderable degree of pleasure to associate your name with
these Lectures, assured as I am that it will recommend
them to the notice of the fraternity.
Wolverhampton,
Dec. 7th, 1840.
I have the honour to be, my dear Sir,
Your faithful servant and Brother,
GEORGE OLIVER, D. D.
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