illustrations of masonry by william preston - Lodge Prudentia

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Illustrations of Masonry – by William PrestonBOOK II - AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE LECTURESGeneral Remarks: Including An Illustration Of The Lectures; A Particular Description OfThe Ancient Ceremonies; And The Charges Used In The Different Degrees.SECTION I.GENERAL REMARKS.MASONRY is an art useful and extensive. In every art there is a mystery which requires aprogress of study and application before we can arrive at any degree of perfection. Withoutmuch 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 ofMasonry, 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 aconfined education, or whose sphere of life requires assiduous attention to business oruseful employments, are to be discouraged in their endeavours to gain a knowledge ofMasonry. To qualify an individual to enjoy the benefits of the society at large, or to partakeof its privileges, it is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all theintricate parts of the science. These are only intended for persons who may have leisureand opportunity to indulge the pursuit.Some may be more able than others, some more eminent, some more useful; but all in theirdifferent spheres, may prove advantageous to the community; and our necessities, as wellas our consciences, bind us to love one another. To persons, however, whose early yearshave been dedicated to literary pursuits, or whose circumstances and situation in life renderthem independent, the offices of the lodge ought principally to be restricted. Theindustrious tradesman proves himself a valuable member of society, and worthy of everyhonour that we can confer; but the nature of every man's profession will not admit of thatleisure which is necessary to qualify him to become an expert Mason, so as to dischargethe official duties of the lodge with propriety. And it must also be admitted, that those whoaccept offices and exercise authority in the lodge, ought to be men of prudence andaddress, enjoying the advantages of a well-cultivated mind and retentive memory. All menare not blessed with the same powers and talents; all men, therefore, are not equallyqualified to govern. He who wishes to teach, must submit to learn; and no one can bequalified to support the higher offices of the lodge who has not previously discharged theduties of those which are subordinate. Experience is the best preceptor. Every man mayrise by gradation, but merit and industry are the first steps to preferment. Masonry iswisely instituted for different ranks and degrees of men; and every brother, according tohis station and ability, may be employed in the lodge, and class with his equal. Actuated bythe best principles, no disquietude is found among the professors of the art. Each class ishappy in its particular association; and when all the classes meet in general convention,one plan regulates the whole; neither arrogance nor presumption appears on the one hand,nor diffidence nor inability on the other; every brother vies to excel in promoting thatendearing happiness which constitutes the essence of civil society.Page 26 of 248
Illustrations of Masonry – by William PrestonSECTION II.CEREMONY OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.In all regular assemblies of men which are convened for wise and useful purposes, thecommencement and conclusion of business is accompanied with some form. In everycountry of the world the practice prevails, and is deemed essential. From the most remoteperiods of antiquity it is traced, and the refined improvements of modern times have notabolished it.Ceremonies, simply considered, are little more than visionary delusions; but their effectsare sometimes important. — When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, andattract the attention to solemn rites by external forms, they are interesting objects. Thesepurposes are effected when judicious ceremonies are regularly conducted and properlyarranged. On this ground they have received the sanction of the wisest men in all ages, andconsequently could not escape the notice of Masons. To begin well, is the most likelymeans to end well; and it is justly remarked, that when order and method are neglected atthe 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 thereforeuniversally adopted among Masons; and though the mode in some meetings may vary, andin every Degree must vary, still a uniformity in the general practice prevails in the lodge;and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a littleapplication will easily remove.To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the peculiar study of every Mason,especially of those who have the honour to rule in our assemblies. To persons who are thusdignified, every eye is directed for regularity of conduct and behaviour; and by theirexample, other brethren, less informed, may naturally expect to derive instruction.From a share in this ceremony no Mason is exempted; it is a general concern, in which allmust assist. This is the first request of the Master and the prelude to business. No soonerhas it been signified, than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren rankaccording to their degrees. The intent of the meeting becomes the object of attention; andthe mind is insensibly drawn from the indiscriminate subjects of conversation which areapt to intrude on our less serious moments.Our first care is directed to the external avenues of the lodge, and the proper officers,whose province it is to discharge that duty, execute the trust with fidelity. By certainmystic forms, of no recent date, it is intimated that we may safely proceed. To detectimpostors among ourselves, an adherence to order in the character of Masons ensues, andthe lodge is opened or closed in solemn form.At opening the lodge, two purposes are effected: the Master is reminded of the dignity ofhis character, and the brethren of the homage and veneration due to him in their sundrystations. These are not the only advantages resulting from a due observance of theceremony; a reverential awe for the Deity is inculcated, and the eye is fixed on that objectfrom whose radiant beams alone light can be derived. Hence, in this ceremony, we aretaught to adore God, and supplicate his protection on our well-meant endeavours. ThePage 27 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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