Section. 3 - Origin of Masonry, and its general advantages.
From the commencement of the world, we may trace the foundation of Masonry.
Ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms, our Order has
had a being. During many ages, and in many different countries, it has
flourished. No art, no science preceded it. In the dark periods of antiquity,
when literature was in a low state, and the rude manners of our forefathers
withheld from them that knowledge we now so amply share, Masonry diffused
its influence. This science unveiled, arts arose, civilization took place,
and the progress of knowledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom
of ignorance and barbarism. Government being settled, authority was given
to laws, and the assemblies of the fraternity acquired the patronage of the
great and the good, while the tenets of the profession diffused unbounded
utility.
Abstracting from the pure pleasures which arise from friendship so widely
constituted as that which subsists among masons, and which is scarcely possible
that any circumstance or occurrence can erase, masonry is a science confined
to no particular country but extends over the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever
arts flourish, there it flourishes too. Add to this, that by secret and
inviolable signs, carefully preserved among the fraternity, it becomes an
universal language. Hence many advantages are gained. The distant Chinese,
the wild Arab, the American savage, will embrace a brother Briton; and will
know, that beside the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger
obligation to induce him to kind and friendly offices. The spirit of the
fulminating priest will be tamed; and a moral brother, though of a different
persuasion, engage his esteem; for mutual toleration in religious opinions
is one of the most distinguishing and most valuable characteristics of the
Craft. As all religions teach morality, if a brother be found to act the
part of a truly honest man, his private speculative opinions are left to
God and himself. Thus, through the influence of Masonry, which is reconcilable
to the best policy, all those disputes which embitter life, and sour the
tempers of men are avoided; while the common good, the general object, is
zealously pursed.
From this view of our system, its utility is sufficiently obvious. The universal
principles of the art unite, in one indissoluble bond of affection, men of
the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of the most
contradictory opinions; hence in every nation a Mason may find a friend,
and in every climate a home.
Such is the nature of the institution, that in a Lodge, union is cemented
by sincere attachment, and pleasure reciprocally communicated in the cheerful
observances of every obliging office. Virtue, the grand object in view, luminous
as the meridian sun, shines resurgent on the mind, enlivens the heart, and
heightens cool approbation into warm sympathy and cordial attention.