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General Remarks
SECTION I
BOOK II -
General Remarks:
including an Illustration of the Lectures
illustrations of masonry
william preston
Masonry is an art useful and extensive. In every art there is a
mystery, which requires a progress of study and application to arrive at any
degree of perfection. Without much instruction, and more exercise, no man can be
skillful in any art; in like manner, without an assiduous application to the
carious subjects treated in the different lectures of masonry, no person can be
sufficiently acquainted with its true value.
From this remark it must not be inferred, that person who labour
under the disadvantage of a confined education, or whose sphere of life requires
assiduous attention to business or useful employment, are to be discouraged in
the endeavours to gain a knowledge of masonry. To qualify an individual to enjoy
the benefits of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it is not
absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all the intricate parts
of the science. These are only intended for persons who may have leisure and
opportunity to indulge such pursuits.
Some men may be more able than others, some more eminent, some
more useful, but all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the
community; and our necessities, as well as our consciences, bind us to love one
another. To those, however, whose early years have been dedicated to literary
pursuits, or whose circumstances and situation in life render them independent,
the offices of a Lodge ought to be principally restricted. The industrious
tradesman proves himself a valuable member of society, and worthy of every
honour that we can confer; but the nature of every man's profession will not
admit of that leisure which is necessary to qualify him to become an expert
Mason, so as to discharge the official duties of a lodge with propriety. And it
must be admitted that those who accept offices and exercise authority in a
Lodge, ought to be men of superior prudence and genteel address, with all the
advantages of a tranquil, well cultivated mind, and retentive memory. All men
are not blessed with the same powers, nor have all men the same talents; all
men, therefore, are not equally qualified to govern. But he who wishes to teach,
must submit to learn; and no one is qualified to support the the higher offices
of a Lodge, until he has previously discharged the duties of those which are
subordinate, which require time and experience. All men may rise by graduation,
and merit and industry are the first steps to preferment. Masonry is widely
calculated to suit different ranks and degrees, as every one, according to his
station and ability, may be employed, and class with his equal in every station.
Founded upon the most, generous principles, no disquietude appears among
professor of the art; each class is happy in its particular association, and
when the whole meet in general convention, arrogance and presumption appear not
on the one hand, or diffidence and inability on the other; but all unite in the
same plan, to promote that endearing happiness which constitutes the essence of
civil society.
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