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introduction
illustrations of masonry
william preston
Whoever, attentively considers the nature and tendency of the masonic
institution, must readily perceive its general utility. (Mr
Arnold, in his Dutch Dictionary, under the word Freemasonry, says, that it is "A
Moral Order, instituted by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy, design of
recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths, in the midst of the most
innocent and social pleasures, founded on liberality, brotherly live and
charity.") From an anxious desire to display its value, I have been
induced to offer the following sheets to the Public. Many reasons might have
with-held me from the attempt; my inexperience as a writer, my attention to the
duties of a labourious profession, and the many abler hands who have treated the
subject before me; yet, under all these disadvantages, the persuasion of
friends, added to a warm zeal in the cause, have stimulated me to risk my
reputation on the fate of my performance.
When I first had the honour to be elected Master of a lodge, I thought it
proper to inform myself fully of the general rules of the Society, that I might
be able to fulfill my own duty, and officially enforce a due obedience in
others. The methods which I adopted with this view, excited in some of
superficial knowledge, an absolute dislike of what they considered as
innovations; and in other, who were better informed, a jealousy of pre-eminence
which the principles of Masonry ought to have checked. Notwithstanding these
discouragements, however, I persevered in my intention of supporting the dignity
of the Society, and discharging with fidelity the trust reposed in me.
As condour and integrity, uninfluenced by interest and favour, will ever
support a good cause, many of my opponents (pardon the expression) began to
discover their error, and not only applauded, but cheerfully concurred in the
execution of my measures; while others, of less liberality, tacitly approved of
what their former declared opinions forbad then publicly to adopt.
This success exceeding my most sanguine wishes, I was encouraged to examine
with more attention the contents of our various lectures. The rude and imperfect
state in which I found them, the variety of modes established in our lodges, and
the difficulties which I encountered in my researches, rather discouraged me
first attempt; preserving, however, in the design, I continued, I continued the
pursuit; and assisted by a few friends, who had carefully preserved what
ignorance and degeneracy had rejected as unintelligible and absurd, I diligently
sought for, and at length happily acquired, some ancient and venerable landmarks
of the Order.
Fully determined to pursue the design of the effecting a general reformation,
and fortunate in the acquisition of the friends which I had made, I continued my
industry till I had prevailed on a sufficient number to join in an attempt to
correct the irregularities which had crept into our assemblies, and to exemplify
the beauty and utility of the masonic system.
We commenced our plan by enforcing the value of the ancient charges and
regulations of the Order, which inattention had suffered to sink into oblivion,
and we established those charges as the basis of our work. To imprint on the
memory of a faithful discharge of our duty, we reduced the more material parts
of our system into practice; and to encourage others in promoting the plan, we
observed a general rule of reading one or more of these charges at every regular
meeting, and of elucidating such passages as seemed obscure. The useful hints
afforded by these means enabled us gradually to improve our plan, till we at
last succeeded in bringing into a connected form the sections which now compose
the three lectures of Masonry.
The progress daily made by our system pointed out the necessity of obtaining
the sanction of our patrons; hence several brethren of acknowledged honour and
integrity united in an application to eh most respectable members of the Society
for countenance and protection and so far happily succeeded, as not only to
obtain the wished for sanction, but to secure the promise of future support,
Since that time the plan has been universally admitted as the basis of our Moral
Lectures; and to that circumstance the present publication owes its success.
Having thus ventured to appear in vindication of the ceremonies, and in
support of the privileges, of Masonry, I shall be happy to be considered a
feeble instrument in promoting its propriety. If I am honoured with a
continuance of the approbation of my brethren, and succeed in giving the world a
favourable idea of the institution, I shall have attained the full completion of
my wish; and if my hopes are frustrated, I shall still indulge the not
unpleasant reflection, of having exerted my best endeavours in a good cause.
January 18, 1788
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