How to progress in Freemasonry.
Perseverance by William Preston
Summary:
Freemasonry is progressive
and divided into degrees to give men knowledge. In the 1700’s that knowledge
could be the liberal arts or more esoteric thinking. Preston says some lessons
may seem unimportant, but he encourages you to be disciplined. He suggests
that, although perfection in this knowledge may seem insurmountable, we should
apply what we learn to our daily lives. It is this trial and error that we will
come to value the lessons we are taught.[SM1]
MASONRY
is a progressive science, and is divided into different classes, or Degrees,
for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According
to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proportion
to our talents, we attain to a lesser or greater degree of perfection. Masonry
includes almost every branch of polite learning under the veil of its
mysteries, which comprehend a regular system of virtue and science. Many of its
illustrations may appear unimportant to the confined genius; but the man of
more enlarged faculties will consider them in the highest degree useful and
interesting. To please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, the
institution is well suited; and in the investigation of its latent doctrines,
the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal satisfaction and
delight.
To
exhaust the various subjects of which Masonry treats, would transcend the
powers of the brightest genius: still, however, nearer approaches to perfection
may be made; and the man of wisdom will not check the progress of his
abilities, though the task he attempts may, at first, seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application will remove each difficulty
as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures will open to his view, and
instruction of the noblest kind attend his researches. In the diligent pursuit
of knowledge, great discoveries are made; and the intellectual faculties are wisely
employed in promoting the glory of God and the good of mankind.
Such
is the tendency of all the illustrations in Masonry. Reverence for the deity
and gratitude for the blessings of heaven are inculcated in every degree. This
is the plan of our system, and the result of our inquiries. The First Degree
being intended to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the
noblest principles which can adorn the human mind; the Second Degree extends
the plan, and comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Practice and
theory are united, to qualify the industrious Mason to share the pleasures
which an advancement in the Art necessarily affords. Listening with attention
to the opinions of experienced men on important subjects, the mind of the
Craftsman is gradually familiarized to useful instruction, and he is soon
enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions
of life. From this system proceeds a rational amusement. While the mental
powers are fully employed, the judgment is properly exercised: a spirit of
emulation prevails; and every brother vies, who shall most excel in promoting
the design of the Institution.
--William Preston,
Illustrations of Masonry (Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Co., 1867),
37
Commentary:
You’ve got to stick with it. Preston
wrote this in the early 18th century. Although the wording is formal
and verbose, the message is still true today. “Perseverance and application
will remove each difficulty as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures
will open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attend his research.”
The benefits of being a Freemason are not realized by having gone through a
degree. They are only realized by learning the lessons and then applying them
daily until you are proficient in their teachings.
