illustrations of masonry by william preston - Lodge Prudentia

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Illustrations of Masonry – by William Preston'Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen,[ v ] that, unbiased byfriends against your own inclination, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freelyand voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry?' — I do.'Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen, that you are solelyprompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry, by a favourable opinion conceived of theinstitution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellowcreatures?'— I do.'Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen, that you willcheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Order?' — I do.The Candidate is then proposed in open lodge, as follows:'R.W. Master, and Brethren,At the request of Mr. A.B. [mentioning his profession and residence] I propose him inform as a proper Candidate for the mysteries of Masonry; I recommend him, as worthy toshare the privileges of the Fraternity; and, in consequence of a Declaration of hisintentions, voluntarily made and properly attested, I believe he will strictly conform to therules of the Order.'The Candidate is ordered to be prepared for Initiation.A Prayer used at Initiation.Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention! andgrant that this Candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service, andbecome a true and faithful Brother among us! Endue him with a competency of thy divinewisdom; that, by the secrets of this Art, he may be the better enabled to display thebeauties of godliness, to the honour of thy holy Name! Amen.Note: It is a duty incumbent on the Master of the lodge, before the ceremony of initiationtakes place, to inform the Candidate of the purpose and design of the institution; to explainthe nature of his solemn engagements; and, in a manner peculiar to Masons, to require hischeerful acquiescence to the tenets of the Order.THE THIRD SECTION.The Third Section, by the reciprocal communication of our marks of distinction, proves theregularity of our initiation; and inculcates those necessary and instructive duties whichdignify our character in the double capacity of Men and Masons.We cannot better illustrate this Section, than by inserting the following:CHARGE AT INITIATION INTO THE FIRST DEGREE.[ VI ]BROTHER, [As you are now introduced into the first principles of our Order, it is my dutyto congratulate you, on being accepted a Member of an ancient and honourable Society;ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in everyparticular, so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No institution wasever raised on a better principle, or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellentPage 32 of 248
Illustrations of Masonry – by William Prestonrules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated on every person when he isinitiated into our mysteries. Monarchs in all ages have been encouragers and promoters ofthe Art, and have never deemed it derogatory from their dignities, to level themselves withthe brethren, to extend their privileges, and to patronise their assemblies.]As a Mason, you are to study the moral law, as it is contained in the sacred code;[ vii ] toconsider it as the unerring standard of truth and justice and to regulate your life and actionsby its divine precepts.The three great moral duties, to God, your neighbour, and yourself, you are strictly toobserve: — To God, by holding his name in awe and veneration; viewing him as the chiefgood, imploring his aid in laudable pursuits, and supplicating his protection on well-meantendeavours: — To your neighbour, by acting upon the square, and, considering himequally entitled with yourself to share the blessings of Providence, rendering unto himthose favours, which in a similar situation you would expect to receive from him: — Andto yourself, by not abusing the bounties of Providence, impairing the faculties byirregularity, or debasing the profession by intemperance.In the state, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your sovereign, and just toyour country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit tolegal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government under which you live;yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection, and never forgetting theattachment you owe to the place of your nativity, or the allegiance due to the sovereign orprotectors of that spot.[In your outward demeanour you are to avoid censure or reproach; and beware of all whomay artfully endeavour to insinuate themselves into your esteem with a view to betray yourvirtuous resolutions, or make you swerve from the principles of the institution. Let notinterest, favour, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of adishonourable action; but let your conduct be uniform, and your deportment suitable to thedignity of the profession.]Above all, practice benevolence and charity; for these virtues have distinguished Masonsin every age and country. [The inconceivable pleasure of contributing toward the relief ofour fellow-creatures, is truly experienced by persons of a humane disposition; who arenaturally excited, by sympathy, to extend their aid in alleviation of the miseries of others.This encourages the generous Mason to distribute his bounty with cheerfulness; bysupposing himself in the situation of an unhappy sufferer, he listens to the tale of woe withattention, bewails misfortune, and speedily relieves distress.]The Constitutions of the Order are next to engage your attention. [These consist of twopoints, oral and written communication. The former comprehends the mysteries of the Art,and are only to be acquired by practice and experience in the lodge; the latter includes thehistory of genuine Masonry, the lives and characters of its patrons, and the ancient chargesand general regulations of the Craft.]A punctual attendance on the duties of the Order we earnestly enjoin, more especially inthat assembly where your name is enrolled as a member. [There, and in all regularmeetings of the fraternity, you are to behave with order and decorum, that harmony may bepreserved, and the business of Masonry properly conducted. The rules of good-breedingPage 33 of 248
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TranslationIllustrations of Masonry
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Abash'd hoarse jarring atoms heard,
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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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it cannot derogate from the honour
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16th October 1646.' In another plac
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EUROPAMHONORES OCCUPAVERATNOMEN LAT
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cxxiiThe particulars of this part o
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