CHAPTER VI.

dtrn Fret-Masonry, Speculative and Re- ligious.
MODERN Masonry is not opera- ), ljut speculative and religious. "By culative Masonry we learn to subdue passions, act upon the square, keep a gue of good report, maintain secrecy, I practice charity." " It leads the con- lplative mind, to view* with wonder and rriration, the stupendous works of crea- i, and inspires the most exalted ideas of. perfections of the divine Creator." speculative Masonry, according topre- t acceptation, has an ultimate reference that spiritual building erected by vir- in the heart, and summarily implies arrangement and perfection of those y and sublime principles by which the 1 is fitted for a meet temple of God in 'orld of immortality. In this point of w every enlightened Mason understands t excellent system of Masonic virtues ich adorns the man, and displays the >erior excellencies of a benevolent *rt. Such is the only proper and sig- icant meaning, which accords with the Session, and such the only one justly iwn from the true nature of the Institu-
60 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
tion under its present form. The superi excellence of Masonic precepts great! consists in that lively display of truth t which deep and lasting impressions ai made on the heart. Little, therefore, nei be said under this head. If what has bee exhibited, in relation to belief and princ pie, as embraced in the body of the sy tern, be true ; if the duties of a Masc: are what have been stated, something of serious nature must be attached to the Ii stitution. And we again appeal to ever enlightened Mason on the globe for th truth and correctness of the above pos tions.
There are men of eminent piety, mee and humble Christians, who greatly d light in Masonic instructions. There ar men who minister before the sacred alta who conscientiously approve and admir this system of moral virtues. There ar multitudes who possess ar\ honest heart, correct taste, a sound underst ending, an an inflexible attachment to truth, who b practice and profession support the dign ty f and evidence the worth of this Institi tion. Some few there are who speak wil indifference and act with coldness; bi such, most surely, are ignorant of the tri Masonic principles. It is confidently b lieved no man well instructed in Free-M
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 61
sonry, and possessing a correct taste, can avoid being pleased with its moral beau- ties. Notwithstanding the system may be abused, and its principles perverted by men of corrupt hearts and licentious con- duct; notwithstanding individual members may bring odium on the Masonic name by an irreligious life ; and notwithstanding some Lodges may improperly neglect dis- cipline and duty, by suffering disorderly members to pass with impunity, yet these defects do not subvert the fundamental principles of the system, or in any impor- tant sense alter the real nature of the In- stitution. The same interesting truths are retained, and the same duties continue solemnly binding, and must be thus con- sidered, as long as virtue shall retain its amiable nature, and religion and morality n ece ssa riiy promote the happiness of man- kind.