A VINDICATION OF MASONRY
by Bro. Charles Leslie
From "The
Spirit of Masonry" - 1843
If a man were placed in a beautiful
garden, would not his mind, on a calm survey of its rich
collections, be affected with the most exquisite delight? The
groves, the grottoes, the artful wilds, the flowery
parterres, the opening vistas, the lofty cascades, the
winding streams, the whole variegated scene would awaken his
sensibility, and inspire his soul with the most exalted
ideas. When he observed the delicate order, the nice symmetry,
and beautiful disposition of every part, which, though seemingly
complete in itself, yet reflected surprising and new beauties
on each other, so that nothing could be wanting to make one
beautiful whole, with what bewitching sensations would his mind be
agitated! A view of this delightful scene would naturally
lead him to admire and venerate the happy genius of him who
contrived it. If the productions of art can so forcibly
impress the human mind with surprise and admiration, with how
much greater astonishment, and with what more profound reverence,
must we behold the objects of nature, which, on every hand,
present to our view unbounded scenes of pleasure and delight,
in which divinity and wisdom are alike conspicuous? The
scenes which she displays are indeed too expanded for the
narrow capacity of man; yet it is easy. from the uniformity
of the whole, to comprehend what may lead to the true source
of happiness, the grand Author of existence, the
supreme Governor of the world, the One perfect and unsullied
beauty! Besides all the gaieties and pleasing prospects which
every where surround us, and with which our senses are every
moment gratified; besides the symmetry, good order,
and proportion that appear in the whole works of the creation,
there is something farther that affects the reflecting mind,
and draws its attention nearer to the Divinity; the
universal harmony and affection which subsist throughout the
different species of beings of every rank and denomination.
These are the sure cement of the rational world, and by
these alone the rational world subsists. Could we think that it
was possible for them to be dissolved, nature too, and man,
the chief work of God, would soon return to chaos,
and universal ruin ensue. If we look around us, we shall
find that, in the whole order of beings, from the seraph
that adores and burns, down to the most inconsiderable insect, -
all, according to their proportion in the scale of existence,
have, more or less, implanted in them by wise nature the
principle of uniting with others of the same species with
themselves. Do we not observe some of even the most
inconsiderable animals formed into different ranks
and societies, for the benefit and protection of each other? Need
I name the careful ant, or industrious bee? - insects which
the wisest of men has recommended as a pattern of unwearied
industry and prudent foresight. If we raise our ideas higher,
we shall find that this innate principle of friendship arises
in proportion as the objects seem to advance nearer to the degree
of rational. There can be no better way of judging of the
superiority of one part of the animal creation above
the other, than by observing what degrees of kindness and seeming
good-nature they enjoy. However, I shall here pause, and
refer the discussion of this disquisition to some
more refined genius, of superior parts and abilities. To
confine my subject to the rational species, let us think and
meditate on those benevolent dispositions and good-temper of
soul, which indulgent nature has so kindly bestowed upon us.
As human nature rises in the scale of things, so do the social
affections likewise rise. Do we not feel in our breasts a strong
propensity to friendship? Enjoy wenot a pleasure when it is
firm and cemented, and feel we not a pain when it deadens
or declines? What sweetens life, but friendship? - what relieves
care, but friendship? - what alleviates pain, or makes sorrow
smile, but friendship? - sacred, holy friendship! The
progress of friendship is not confined to the narrow circle of
private connections, but is universal, and extends to every
branch of the human race. Though its influence is unbounded,
yet it exerts itself more or less vehemently as the objects it
favours are nearer or more remote. Hence springs true
patriotism, which fires the soul with the most generous
flame, creates the best and most disinterested virtue, and
inspires that public spirit and heroic ardour which enables
us to support a good cause, and risk our lives in
its defence. This commendable virtue crowns the lover of
his country with unfading laurels, gives alustre to all his
actions, and consecrates his name to latest ages. The warrior's
glory may consist in murder, and the rude ravage of the
desolating sword; but the blood of thousands will not stain
the hands of his country's friend. His virtues are open, and of
the noblest kind. Conscious integrity supports him against the
arm of power; and should hebleed by a tyrant's hands, he
gloriously dies a martyr in the cause of liberty, and leaves
to posterity an everlasting monument of the greatness of his
soul. Should I name the first Brutus, the self-devoted Decii,
or the self-condemned but unconquerable Cato? Friendship not
only appears divine when employed in preserving the liberties of
our country, but shines with equal splendour in the more tranquil
hours of life. Before it rises into the noble flame of
patriotism, aiming destruction at the heads of tyrants.
thundering for liberty, and courting dangers in a good cause, we
shall see it calm and moderate, burning with an even glow,
improving the soft hours of peace, and heightening the
relish for virtue. Hence it is that contracts are formed,
societies are instituted, and the vacant hours of life are
cheerfully employed in agreeable company and social
conversation. It is thus we may trace from reason and the
nature of things, the wise ends and designs of the sacred
institution of Masonry; which not only cultivates and improves a
real and undisguised friendship among men, but teaches them
the more important duties of society. Vain, then, is each
idle surmise against this sacred art, which our enemies
may either meanly cherish in their own bosoms, or ignorantly
promulgate to the uninstructed world. By decrying Masonry,
they derogate from human nature itself, and from that
good order and wise constitution of things, which the Almighty
Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind,
and has established as the basis of the moral system, which,
by a secret but attractive force, disposes the human heart to
every social virtue. Can friendship or social delights be the
object of reproach? Can that wisdom which hoary Time has
sanctified be the object of ridicule? How mean, how
contemptible must those men appear, who vainly pretend to
censure or contemn what they cannot comprehend! The generous
heart will pity ignorance so aspiring and insolent. I shall
now proceed, and consider in what shape Masonry is of universal
utility to mankind, how it is reconcilable to the best
policy, why it deserves the general esteem, and why all men
are bound to promote it. Abstracting from the pure pleasures
which arise from a friendship so wisely constituted, and
which it is scarce possible that any circumstance or occurrence can
erase, let us consider that Masonry is a science confined to
no particular country, but diffused over the whole
terrestrial globe. Wherever arts flourish, there it flourishes too.
Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully
preserved among ourselves throughout the world, Masonry
becomes an universal language. By this means many advantages are
gained: men of all religions and of all nations are united.
The distant Chinese, the wild Arab, or the American savage,
will embrace a brother Briton; and he will know that, besides
the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger obligation
to engage him to kind and friendly actions. The spirit of the
fulminating priest will be tamed, and a moral brother, though
of a different persuasion, engage his esteem. Thus all those
disputes which embitter life and sour the tempers of men are
avoided; and every face is clad in smiles, while the common
good of all, the generous design of the craft, is zealously
pursued. Is it not, then, evident that Masonry is an
universal advantage to mankind? for sure, unless discord and
harmony be the same, it must be so. Is it not likewise
reconcileable to the best policy? for it prevents the heat of
passion, and those partial animosities which different
interests too often create. Masonry teaches us to be faithful to
our king, and true to our country; to avoid turbulent
measures, and to submit with reverence to the decisions of
legislative power. It is surely, then, no mean advantage, no
trifling acquisition to any community or state, to have under
its power and jurisdiction a body of men who are
loyal subjects, patrons of science, and friends to
mankind. Does not Masonry, therefore, of itself command the
highest regard? Does it not claim the greatest esteem? Does
it not merit the most extensive patronage? Without doubt. If
all that is good and amiable, if all that is useful to mankind or
society, be deserving a man's attention, Masonry claims it in
the highest degree. What beautiful ideas does it inspire? how
does it open and enlarge the mind? and how abundant a source of
satisfaction does it afford? Does it not recommend universal
benevolence, and every virtue which can endear one man to
another? and is it not particularly adapted to give the mind the
most disinterested, the most generous notions? An
uniformity of opinion, not only useful in exigencies, but pleasing
in familiar life, universally prevails among Masons,
strengthens all the ties of their friendship, and equally
promotes love and esteem. Masons are brethren, and amongst brothers
there exist no invidious distinctions. A king is reminded
that, although a crown adorns his head, and a sceptre his
hand, yet the blood in his veins is derived from the common
parent of mankind, and is no better than that of the meanest
of his subjects. Men in inferior stations are taught to love
their superiors, when they see them divested of their grandeur,
and condescending to trace the paths of wisdom, and follow
virtue, assisted by those of a rank beneath them. Virtue is
true nobility, and wisdom is the channel by which it is
directed and conveyed. Wisdom and virtue, therefore, are the
great characteristics of Masons. Masonry inculcates
universal love and benevolence, and disposes the heart to
particular acts of goodness. A Mason, possessed of this amiable,
this god-like disposition, is shocked at misery under every
form or appearance. His pity is not only excited, but he
is prompted, as far as is consistent with the rules of prudence,
to alleviate the pain of the sufferer, and cheerfully to
contribute to his relief. For this end our funds are raised,
and our charities established on the firmest foundation. When a
brother is in distress, what heart does not ache? When he is
hungry, do we not convey him food? Do we not clothe him when
he is naked? Do we not fly to his relief when he is in trouble?
Thus we evince the propriety of the title we assume, axed
demonstrate to the world that the term brother among Masons
is not merely nominal. If these acts are not sufficient to
recommend so great and generous a plan, such a wise and good
society, happy in themselves, and equally happy in the possession
of every social virtue, nothing which is truly good can
prevail. The man who resists arguments drawn from such topics
must be callous to every noble principle, and lost to all sense
of honour. Nevertheless, though the fairest and the best
ideas may be thus imprinted in the mind, there are brethren
who, careless of their own reputation, disregard the instructive
lessons of our noble science, and, by yielding to vice and
intemperance, not only disgrace themselves, but reflect
dishonour upon Masonry in general. It is this
unfortunate circumstance which has given rise to those severe
and unjust reflections, which the prejudiced part of mankind
have so liberally bestowed upon us. But let these
apostate brethren know, and let it be proclaimed to the world at
large, that they are unworthy of their trust, and that,
whatever name or designation they assume, they are in reality
no Masons. It is as possible for a mouse to remove a mountain, or
a man to calm the boisterous ocean, as it is for a principled
Mason to commit a dishonourable action. Masonry consists in
virtuous improvement, in cheerful and innocent pastime, and not
in lewd debauchery or unguarded excess. But, though
unhappy brethren thus transgress, no wise man will draw any
argument from thence against the society, or urge it as an
objection against the institution. If the wicked lives of men
were admitted as an argument against the religion which they
profess, Christianity itself, with all its divine beauties,
would be exposed to censure. Let us therefore endeavour
strenuously to support the dignity of our characters, and,
byre forming the abuses which have crept in among us, display
Masonry in its primitive lustre, and convince mankind that
the source from which it flows is truly divine. It is
this conduct which can alone retrieve the ancient glory of the
craft. Our generous and good actions must distinguish our
title to the privileges of Masonry, and the regularity of our
behaviour display their influence and utility. Thus the world will
admire our sanctity of manners, and effectually reconcile our
uniform conduct with the incomparable tenets we profess to
admire. As our order is founded upon harmony, and subsists by
regularity and proportion, so our passions ought to be
properly restrained, and be ever subservient to the dictates of
right reason. As the delicate pleasures of friendship harmonise
our minds, and exclude rancour, malice, and ill-nature, so we
ought to live like brethren bound by the same tie,
always cultivating fraternal affection, and reconciling ourselves
to the practice of those duties, which are the basis on which
the structure we erect. must be supported. By improving
our minds in the principles of morality and virtue, we enlarge
our understandings, and more effectually answer the great
ends of our existence. Such as violate our laws, or
infringe on good order, we mark with a peculiar odium; and, if
our mild endeavours to reform their. lives should not answer
the good purposes intended, we expel them our assemblies as
unfit members of society. This is the practice which should
universally prevail among Masons. Our outward conduct being
directed by our inward principles, we should be equally careful
to avoid censure and reproach. Useful knowledge ought to be the
great object of our desire; for the ways of wisdom are
beautiful, and lead to pleasure. We ought to search into nature,
as the advantages accruing from so agreeable a study will amply
compensate our unwearied assiduity. Knowledge must be
attained by degrees, and is not every where to be
found. Wisdom seeks the secret shade, the lonely cell designed
for contemplation; there enthroned she sits, delivering her
sacred oracles ; there let us seek her, and pursue the
real bliss; for, though the passage be difficult, the farther we
trace it the easier it will become. Geometry, that
extensive art, we should particularly study as the first and
noblest of sciences. By geometry we may curiously trace
nature, through her various windings, to her most concealed
recesses. By it we may discover the power, the wisdom, and
the goodness of the grand Artificer of the universe, and view,
with amazing delight, the beautiful proportions which connect
and grace this vast machine. By it we may discover how the
planets move in their different orbs, and mathematically
demonstrate their various revolutions. By it we may
rationally account for the return of seasons, and the mixed
variety of scenes which they display to the discerning eye.
Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by the same
Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are
all conducted by the same unerring laws of nature. How must we then
improve! with what grand ideas must such knowledge fill our
minds! and how worthy is it of the attention of all rational
beings, especially of those who profess themselves promoters
of our grand institution. It was a survey of nature, and
the observation of its beautiful proportions, that
first determined man to imitate the divine plan, and to study
symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and birth to
every useful art. The architect began to design, and the
plans which he laid down, improved by experience and time,
produced some of those excellent works which will be the
admiration of future aged I might here trace the history of
the craft, and show that, ever since order began, or harmony
displayed her charms, our order had a being; but this is so
well known, that a tedious discussion of incontrovertible
facts might rather cloud the understanding, than open to our view
a prospect which ignorance and barbarism can only
veil. If we are united, our society must flourish; let us
then promote the useful arts, and, by that means, mark our
distinction and superiority; let us cultivate the social
virtues, and improve in all that is good and amiable; let the
Genius of Masonry preside, and, under her sovereign sway, let
us endeavour to act with becoming dignity. Now, is Masonry so
good, so valuable a science? Does it tend to instruct the mind,
and tame each unruly passion? Does it expel rancour, hatred, and
envy? Does it reconcile men of all religions, and of all
nations? Is it an universal cement, binding its followers
to charity, good-will, and secret friendship? Is it calculated to
promote the truest freedom? Does it teach men to lead quiet
lives? In short, are its precepts a complete system of moral
virtue? Then hail, thou glorious craft, bright transcript of all
that is amiable! Hail, thou blest moral science, which so
beautifully exemplifies virtue! Welcome, ye
delightful mansions, where all enjoy the pleasures of a serene
and tranquil life! Welcome, ye blest retreats, where smiling
friendship ever blooms, and, from her throne, dispenses
pleasure with unbounded liberality! Welcome, sacred habitations,
where peace and innocence forever dwell ! back to top
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