Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 edition. Excerpt: ...help is needed, to help with the liberal hand, and, when we cannot do so, to help with a loving heart, in the contribution of an honest sympathy. occurred in writing, the Hebrews used another name, and for the sublime Ye-ho-wah used the less awful Adonai. That amiable philosopher, Robert Boyle, never mentioned one of the designations of the Deity that he did not lift his hat, if he had been covered, or pause solemnly, if bare-headed. Masons surely will not lose sight of this precept, which is so honouring to their Maker, and so becoming to themselves: --"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." This, then, Brethren, is the first great moral of Masonry. Read and study your Bible. Approach your conscience, intellect, and heart to its hallowing influences. Let no flickering taper of earth be palmed upon you for its steady light. Should men hold up the rushlight of their own conceits to illume your journey heavenwards, say to them, as Diogenes said to Alexander, "Get out of my light!" Let down your whole soul to the depth of its mysteries. In the noble independency of thought which it breeds and fosters, journey to its farthest boundaries; examine into its sublimest speculations; expatiate amidst its most glorious revelations; dare the boldest flights; dig into its unvisited mines of golden truth; constantly read, prayerfully study, and perseveringly practise its inestimable contents. Masonry adopts, as its text of Ethics, the Scripture's own comprehensive abridgment of its contents--Love to God and love to man. The stereotyped code of Masonic moral principles is an apposite comment on the text. That exposition reveals the fact that the true Mason is no blasphemer. If ever you hear dishonor done to the...