CHAPTER IV.

Coincidence of Masonic Principles with Di- vine Revelation.
AFTER what has been said, in rela- tion to some of the leading principles em- braced in the Masonic system, it may not be improper briefly to show their coinci- dence with Divine Revelation. The Scrip- tures of the Old and New Testament, are now received and acknowledged, by all Christian nations, to be given by Divine Inspiration. Hence, all Christendom quote the authority of this book in all matters of religious faith and practice. To this alsa we appeal as a standard for the correct- ness and sanctity of our principles.
Masonic faith acknowledges the holy Bible to be the word of God, that it waa written by persons Divinely inspired, an4 reveals the whole duty of mail. Let u* therefore candidly compare the Masonic system with that standard of truth.
That sacred volume clearly reveals the existence of one Supreme Eternal God* The Masonic system is first opened to the view of every member, by a solemn ac- knowledgment o f this fundamental truth. The Bible exhibits the nature, character and perfections of God as essentially and
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 47
infinitely excellent, and himself as a being in vshotn all our holy affections should ul- timately centre. Masonry, in the strong- est and most impressive language, incul- cates the same interesting truths. The Scriptures enjoin supreme love to God, and universal benevolence to all mankind. These are the first duties impressed on the, heart of a Mason. Inspiration urges the exercise of brotherly love, and a due re- gard to the well-being of our neighbour. Masonry considers the whole human fami- ly as brethren, and imperiously enjoins mutual and reciprocal friendship and af- fection.
The holy Bible enforces a strict adhe- rence to truth, as a Divine attribute. This is a distinguishing tenet in the Masonic sys- tem, and impressed on the mind by all the authority of the institution. The Word of God requires a conscientious and scru- pulous observance of justice in every re- lation. Masonry adopts this principle as a criterion of moral rectitude. The Sa- cred Writings enforce a religious attention to the Sabbath, as a day of holy rest. Ma- sonry is equally emphatic in all her com- mands and injunctions, to keep that day holy. The Word of God enjoins submis- sion and obedience to the powers that be, *s ordained of God. Masonry lays simi-
48 SPECULATIVE MASOXRY.
Iar commands on all her members, ar
enforces them by constant admonitions.-
The Scriptures teach us, in general tenr
all the duties of charit\, to feed the hu
gry and clothe the naked, to visit the w
do» and fatherless, and keep ourselves u
spotted from the woild. Masonry dwel
upon these subjects in every degree, at
la) s her members under solemn obligatio
to exercise Christian charity and benev
l^nce, and never to violate the laws of cto
tity. The Word of God teaches us
love our enemies, and render good for ev
Masonry will feed a brother, though a p«
sonal enemy, even at the point of a swoi
should his necessities absolutely require
and uniformly exhorts to overcome e
with good. Inspiration commands us
live peaceably with all men, and purs
our lawful avocations with diligent apj
cation. The nature of the Masonic In*
tution accords with those principles, a
enjoins similar commands in numerc
ways. The Scriptures of truth, in eve
part, hold forth such duties, in gene
terms, as are incumbent on moral beii
in every situation of life. Masonry i
system, which, in this particular, convc
every station and condition of life int«
subject ol useful instruction.
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 49
By the Oracles of Truth we are also for- bidden to indulge in anger and resentment, profanity, rioting and intemperance, false- hood and slander, hatred, malice and re- venge, and every vice which corrupts the human heart, disturbs good society, or in any respect is repugnant to a sober and vir- tuous life. Masonry interdicts every vice, lays her restraints, prohibitions and com- mands on every member, and enforces obe- dience by the authority of her discipline. The Scriptures, in a word, require a strict obedience to the whole moral law. This law is summarily interwoven with every part of the Masonic system.
Such are some of the more general prin- ciples and duties contained in the Scrip- tures of truth : — the same are fundamental in the system of Masonry.
For the truth of these sentiments, and the correctness of their statement, an ap- peal is made to every Mason, who under- stands the system, and every just memori- al of the order, both ancient and modern.
It hence appears, that the same system of faith, and the same practical duties taught by Revelation, are contained in, and re- quired by, the Masonic Institution. If, therefore, the former be justly entitled to the approbation of mankind, from the na- ture and excellence of its principles, the
5
50 SPECULATIVE MASOSRT.
latter must be. If the former is wisely cal cuiated to alleviate human misery and pro mote the happiness of man, so must th latter be. As the former accords with til nature and fitness of things, so does the lai ter. If the Christian system displays tti glory of the moral Governor of the im verse, and constrains us to admire and lov his character, so also does the Masonic.
It is, therefore, believed, in view of tbes considerations, every unprejudiced min will draw a favourable conclusion of oil system. Surely it cannot be otherwise These are the genuine principles of Ms sonry, and every member is solemn I. bound to believe them in his heart, an practice them in his life. **