Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

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In demonstrating that such is the result of the grand mysteries
of the craft, it will not be the want, bat the multiplicity
of proofs, that will embarrass us. These alone would
fill a large volume, and we wish to comprise them in this
i chapter. The reader will at least dispense with the emblems,
oaths, ceremonies, and trials, which are peculiar to
each of these higher degrees. To show their last object,
and to develope their doctrine, is the essential point, and
what we shall always have in view. We shall begin by general
observation^, which will enable the reader to follow
these mysteries more accurately, according as they are explained.
" Notwithstanding that in the first degrees of Masonry
every thing appears to partake of puerile inventions, they,
nevertheless, contain many things which the sect have
thrown out, merely to observe the impression which they
made on the young adepts, and to judge from thence to
what lengths they may be led.
" 1st. It declares the grand object it has in view, to be at
one time the raising of temples to virtue, and the excavating
dungeons for vice; at another, to bring the adepts to
light, and deliver them from the darkness with which the
profane are encompassed, and by the profane are understood
the remainder of the universe. This promise is contained
in the first Catechism of the craft, and none will
deny it Nevertheless, this promise alone sufficiently indicates
that the craft acknowledge a morality, and teach a
doctrine which brands Christ and his Gospel with error and
darkness.
" 2d. The masonic and Christian era do not coincide.
* The use made of Masonry to disseminate the doctrines whose practical
results were mournfully exhibited in the French rewtation, justify this
extraordinary language, as applied, at that day, to the leaders of French
Masonry.