WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
by M.W. Bro. Holmes
The Craftsman 1866
The science of Freemasonry is peculiar in its character, and
we care not at what age a candidate may become an initiate,
nor how large or how small his mental attainments may be,
there is still opened to his physical and mental vision,
through the influence of the mysteries of our craft, a new and
fascinating view of historic and legendary lore, and a fruitful
theme for thought and investigation. In theology, so far as
the word is applied to religious bodies, there are certain fixed
dogmas which are accepted in each as governing principles,
and investigation and doubt as to their correctness are
prohibited by inflexible rules, and faith is made the solely
legalized basis of belief. It is assumed that the wisdom of
ages has settled upon the existence of certain facts,
including the minute as well as those of a general character,
which it would be rank heresy to question.
This language
applies to every sect, to a greater or lesser extent, and
although the code of morass of each presents but little of
dissimilarity to the others, still they all differ widely as to
forms, ceremonies and observances, and still more widely
as to the character and attributes - and to some extent as to
the unwritten laws - of that great being whom we reverently
and truly call the Great Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry, on the contrary, is a unit, and although a
theocracy, leaves no room for doubts, differences of opinion,
or speculations on the questions referred to, but still does
not prohibit either; for mysteries and rites which are jealously
guarded against the touch of analysis and the probe of
thought, are liable to be looked upon with doubt, if not
suspicion. It is so broad and catholic in its views that men of
all religious sects and opinions, except the atheist, can
sacrifice at a common altar, follow world-widely accepted
forms and ceremonies, and although meeting as distantly
apart as the poles, never differ as to the attributes and
behests of deity.
While these things can be done, and they
are our boast and pride, the newly received brother is placed
under no restrictions of thought, but is told to break down all
barriers which ignorance, superstition or priest craft of any sect, may have
erected against the attainment of knowledge, and to press on in search of light.
Hence there is placed before the young Masonic student a new field of history
and previously unknown series of traditions, extending away beyond the medieval
ages and back into dimness and obscurity which are but partially lighted up by
the ancient historians. He finds his path in study illuminated by the delightful works of Oliver and Preston, in which are gathered
and happily preserved from the destructive hand of Time
many mementoes of our ancient craft, the authenticity of
which is sustained by the Sacred Writings. We have said
that Freemasonry was a science: it has also been aptly
called a "system of morality taught by symbols." Its moral
teachings are all known; but as a science, like that of
astronomy, it can still be studied with profit and delight. To
this study it is the duty of every craftsman to yield his
thoughts. More flowers than thorns will be found on the
paths which lead to knowledge, and the results of his labors
are for the common good. Every science of importance in all
countries has its recognized organ, through which the
delving student into mysteries speaks to the world and to his
fellows of the jewels which he has patiently toiled to find, and
has at last exultingly brought to light; jewels which are set in
the brilliant crown that Science and Art unite to place upon
the brow of Knowledge.
These are things that make the true
greatness of nations more than war or conquest, and the
name of Galileo is thus made to outlive that of the sovereign
pontiff who condemned him to a prison cell; that of Newton
to be bright on the pages of history when the name of the
monarch under whom he was born shall have faded; that of
Herschell will be venerated so long as the beautiful science
of the stars shall have a worshipper, and when the name of
Prussia's present first minister shall be forgotten or dimly
seen from the far off future, that of Humboldt will still be his
country's pride and the glory of science. .
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