illustrations of masonry by william preston - Lodge Prudentia

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Illustrations of Masonry – by William PrestonSECTION V.THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FRATERNITY.The mode of government observed by the Fraternity will give the best idea of the natureand design of the Masonic institution.Three classes are established among Masons, under different appellations. The privilegesof each class are distinct; and particular means are adopted to preserve those privileges tothe just and meritorious. Honour and probity are recommendations to the first class; inwhich the practice of virtue is enforced, and the duties of morality are inculcated; while themind is prepared for a regular progress in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. —Diligence, assiduity, and application, are qualifications for the second class; in which isgiven an accurate elucidation of science, both in theory and practice. Here human reason iscultivated, by a due exertion of the intellectual powers and faculties; nice and difficulttheories are explained; new discoveries are produced, and those already known beautifullyembellished. — The third class is restricted to a selected few, whom truth and fidelity havedistinguished, whom years and experience have improved, and whom merit and abilitieshave entitled to, preferment. With them the ancient landmarks of the Order are preserved;and from them we learn the necessary instructive lessons which dignify the art, and qualifythe professors to illustrate its excellence and utility.Such is the established plan of the Masonic system. By this judicious arrangement, truefriendship is cultivated among different ranks of men, hospitality promoted, industryrewarded, and ingenuity encouraged.Page 18 of 248
Illustrations of Masonry – by William PrestonSECTION VI.THE SECRETS OF MASONRY OUGHT NOT TO BE PUBLICLY EXPOSEDReasons why, and the Importance of those Secrets demonstrated.If the secrets of Masonry are replete with such advantage to mankind, it may be asked, whyare they not divulged for the general good? To this it may be answered, — Were theprivileges of Masonry to be indiscriminately dispensed, the purposes of the institutionwould not only be subverted, but our secrets, being familiar, like other important matters,would lose their value, and sink into disregard.It is a weakness in human nature, that men are generally more charmed with novelty thanwith the intrinsic value of things. Innumerable testimonies might be adduced to confirmthis truth. Do we not find that the most wonderful operations of the Divine Artificer,however beautiful, magnificent, and useful, are overlooked, because common and familiar?The sun rises and sets, the sea flows and reflows, rivers glide along their channels, treesand plants vegetate, men and beasts act; yet these being perpetually open to view, passunnoticed. The most astonishing productions of Nature, on the same account, escapeobservation, and excite no emotion, either in admiration of the great Cause, or of gratitudefor the blessing conferred. Even Virtue herself is not exempted from this unhappy bias inthe human frame. Novelty influences all our actions and determinations. What is new, ordifficult in the acquisition, however trifling or insignificant, readily captivates theimagination, and ensures a temporary admiration; while what is familiar, or easily attained,however noble or eminent, is sure to be disregarded by the giddy and the unthinking.Did the essence of Masonry consist in the knowledge of particular secrets, or peculiarforms, it might be alleged that our amusements were trifling and superficial. But this is notthe case; they are only the keys to our treasure, and, having their use, are preserved: while,from the recollection of the lessons which they inculcate, the well-informed Mason derivesinstruction: he draws them to a near inspection, views them through a proper medium,adverts to the circumstances which gave them rise, and dwells upon the tenets they convey.Finding them replete with useful information, he prizes them as sacred; and, beingconvinced of their propriety, estimates their value by their utility.Many are deluded by the vague supposition that our mysteries are merely nominal; that thepractices established amongst us are frivolous; and that our ceremonies may be adopted orwaived at pleasure. On this false basis we find too many of the brethren hurrying throughall the degrees of the Order, without adverting to the propriety of one step they pursue, orpossessing a single qualification to entitle them to advancement. Passing through the usualformalities, they consider themselves entitled to rank as masters of the art, solicit andaccept offices, and even assume the government of the lodge, equally unacquainted withthe rules of the institution that they pretend to support, or the nature of the trust which theyare bound to perform. The consequence is obvious; anarchy and confusion ensue, and thesubstance is lost in the shadow. — Hence men who are eminent for ability, rank, andfortune frequently view the honours of Masonry with indifference; and, when theirpatronage is solicited, either accept offices with reluctance, or reject them with disdain.Page 19 of 248
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TranslationIllustrations of Masonry
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Abash'd hoarse jarring atoms heard,
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No lowen, no lowen our secrets can
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All climates are their native home,
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Antiquity's prideWe have on our sid
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Sweet Friendship tooHer smiles with
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SONG XXX.Illustrations of Masonry -
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for less than seaven years. And tha
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who first took down the examination
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other angels, to the number of thre
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That when the Master and Wardens me
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it cannot derogate from the honour
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16th October 1646.' In another plac
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It is a question that will admit of
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EUROPAMHONORES OCCUPAVERATNOMEN LAT
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cxxiiThe particulars of this part o
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