illustrations of masonry by william preston - Lodge Prudentia

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Illustrations of Masonry – by William Prestonyou are never to violate, by using unbecoming language, in derogation of the name of God,or toward the corruption of good manners: neither are you to enter into any dispute aboutreligion or politics; or behave irreverently, while the lodge is engaged in what is seriousand important.] On every occasion you are to pay a proper deference and respect to theMaster and presiding officers, and diligently apply to the work of Masonry, that you maysooner become a proficient therein, as well for your own credit, as the honour of thecompany with whom you associate.Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings be earnestly solicited, yournecessary employments are not to be neglected on that account: neither are you to sufferyour zeal for Masonry to exceed the bounds of discretion, or lead you into argument withpersons who may ridicule our system; but extend your pity toward those who may be aptthrough ignorance to contemn, what they never had an opportunity to comprehend. All thatis required for your general observance is, that you study the liberal arts at leisure, tracescience in the works of eminent masters, and improve in the disquisitions of the system, bythe conversation of well-informed brethren, who will be equally ready to give, as you canbe to receive, instruction.Finally; Adhere to the constitutions, and support the privileges which are to distinguishyou as a Mason above the rest of the community, and mark your consequence among theFraternity. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of beinginitiated into the Order, be particularly attentive not to recommend him, unless you areconvinced he will conform to our rules; that the value of Masonry may be enhanced by thedifficulty of the purchase; the honour and reputation of the institution established on thefirmest basis; and the world at large convinced of its benign influence.[From the attention you have paid to the recital of the duties of the Order, we are led tohope that you will form a proper estimate of the value of Free-masonry, and imprint onyour mind the dictates of truth, honour, and justice.]This section usually closes with the following EULOGIUM:Masonry comprehends within its circle every branch of useful knowledge and learning,and stamps an indelible mark of pre-eminence on its genuine professors, which neitherchance, power, nor fortune, can bestow. When its rules are strictly observed, it is a surefoundation of tranquillity amid the various disappointments of life; a friend that will notdeceive, but will comfort and assist, in prosperity and adversity; a blessing, that willremain with all time, circumstances, and places; and to which recourse may be had, whenother earthly comforts sink in disregard.Masonry gives real and intrinsic excellence to man, and renders him fit for the duties ofsociety. It strengthens the mind against the storms of life, paves the way to peace, andpromotes domestic happiness. It meliorates the temper, and improves the understanding; itis company in solitude, and gives vivacity, variety, and energy to social conversation. Inyouth, it governs the passions, and employs usefully our most active faculties; and in age,when sickness, imbecility, and disease, have benumbed the corporeal frame, and renderedthe union of soul and body almost intolerable, it yields an ample fund of comfort andsatisfaction.Page 34 of 248
Illustrations of Masonry – by William PrestonThese are its general advantages; to enumerate them separately, would be an endlesslabour: it may be sufficient to observe, that he who cultivates this science, and actsagreeably to the character of a Mason, has within himself the spring and support of everysocial virtue; a subject of contemplation, that enlarges the mind, and expands all itspowers; a theme that is inexhaustible, ever new, and always interesting.THE FOURTH SECTION.The Fourth Section rationally accounts for the origin of our hieroglyphical instruction, andpoints out the advantages which accompany a faithful observance of our duty; it illustrates,at the same time, certain particulars, our ignorance of which might lead us into error; andwhich, as Masons, we are indispensably bound to know. To make daily progress in the Art,is a constant duty, and expressly required by our general laws. What end can be morenoble, than the pursuit of virtue? what motive more alluring, than the practice of justice? orwhat instruction more beneficial, than an accurate elucidation of symbols which tend toimprove and embellish the mind? Every thing that strikes the eye more immediatelyengages the attention, and imprints on the memory serious and solemn truths. Masons havetherefore universally adopted the plan of inculcating the tenets of their order by typicalfigures and allegorical emblems, to prevent their mysteries from descending within thefamiliar reach of inattentive and unprepared novices, from whom they might not receivedue veneration.The usages and customs of Masons have ever corresponded with those of the ancientEgyptians; to which they bear a near affinity. Those philosophers, unwilling to expose theirmysteries to vulgar eyes, concealed their particular tenets and principles of polity andphilosophy under hieroglyphical figures; and expressed their notions of government bysigns and symbols, which they communicated to their Magi alone, who were bound byoath never to reveal them. Pythagoras seems to have established his system on a similarplan; and many Orders of a more recent date have copied the example. Masonry, however,is not only the most ancient, but the most moral Institution that ever subsisted; as everycharacter, figure, emblem, depicted in the lodge, has a moral tendency, and tends toinculcate the practice of virtue.THE FIFTH SECTION.The Fifth Section explains the nature and principles of our constitution, and teaches us todischarge with propriety the duties of the different departments which we are appointed tosustain in the government of the lodge. Here, too, our ornaments are displayed, and ourjewels and furniture specified; while a proper attention is paid to our antient and venerablepatrons.To explain the subjects treated in this Section, and assist the industrious Mason to acquirethem, we can only recommend a punctual attendance on the duties of the lodge, and adiligent application to the lessons which are there inculcated.Page 35 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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