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Reflections on the
symmetry and proportion in the works of Nature, and on the harmony and affection
among the various species of beings
SECTION I
BOOK I - The Excellency of Masonry Displayed
illustrations of masonry
william preston
Whoever attentively observes the objects which surround him, will find
abundant reason to admire the works of Nature, and to adore the Being who
directs such astonishing operations: he will be convinced, that infinite wisdom
could alone design, and infinite power finish, such amazing works.
Were a man placed in a beautiful garden, would not his mind be affected with
exquisite delight on a calm survey of its rich collection? Would not the groves,
the grottoes, the artful wilds, the flowery parterres, the opening vistas, the
lofty cascades, the winding streams, the whole variegated scene, awaken his
sensibility; and inspire his soul with the most exalted ideas? When he observed
the delicate order, the nice symmetry, and the beautiful disposition of every
part, seemingly complete in itself, yet reflecting new beauties on the other,
and all contributing to make one perfect whole, would not his mind be agitated
with the most bewitching sensations; and would not the view of the delightful
scene naturally lead him to admire and venerate the happy genius who contrived
it?
If the productions of art so forcibly impress the mind with admiration, with
how much greater astonishment and reverence, with how much greater astonishment
and reverence must we behold the operations of Nature, which presents to view
unbounded scenes of utility and delight, in which divine wisdom is mort
strikingly conspicuous? These scenes are indeed too expanded for the narrow
capacity of man to comprehend; yet whoever contemplates the general system, form
the uniformity of the plan must naturally be directed to the original source,
the supreme governor of the world, the one perfect and unsullied beauty!
Beside all the pleasing prospects that everywhere surround us, and with which
our senses are every moment gratified; beside the symmetry. good order, and
proportion, which appear in all the works of creation, something further
attracts the reflecting mind, and draws its attention nearer to the Divinity -
the universal harmony and affection among the different species of beings of
every rank and denomination. These are the cements of the rational world, and by
these alone it subsists. When they cease, nature must be dissolved, and man, the
image of his Maker and the chief of his works, be overwhelmed in the general
chaos.
In the whole order of beings, for the seraph which adores and burns, down to
the meanest insect, all, according to their rank in the scale of existence,
have, more or less, implanted in them, the principle of association with others
of the same species. Even the most inconsiderable animals are formed into
different ranks and societies, for mutual benefit and protection. Need we name
the careful ant, or the industrious bee; insects which the wisest of men has
recommended as patterns of unwearied industry and prudent foresight? When we
extend our ideas, we shall find, that the innate principle of friendship
increases in proportion to the extension of our intellectual faculties; and the
only criterion by which a judgement can be formed respecting the superiority of
one part of the animal creation above the other, is by observing the degrees of
kindness and good-natured in which it excels.
Such are the general principles which pervade the whole system of creation;
who forcibly then must such lessons predominate in our assemblies, where
civilisation and virtue are most zealously cherished, under the sanction of
science and the arts?
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