THE SANCTION OBTAINED FOR THE FIRST EDITION. WHEREAS brother WILLIAM HUTCHINSON has compiled a book, entitled, "The Spirit of Masonry," and has requested our sanction for the publication thereof; we having perused the said book, and finding it will be of use to this Society, do recommend the same. PETRE, G. M. ROWLAND HOLT, D. G. M. ADDRESS TO THE ANCIENT AND HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF Free and Accepted Masons. Brethren, THE following LECTURES were composed for the use of the Barnard Castle Lodge of Concord, over which I presided for several successive years. Explanatory notes are given to support my positions, or exemplify the principles of the work. THESE Lectures, it is hoped, may serve to detect the wretched artifices used by wicked men to impose upon the world; and may also excite in you the due exercise of those moral works which our profession enjoins. FROM the nature of our Society and its laws, it is difficult to write on the subject of Masonry.-We are not allowed that explicit language any other topic would [vi] admit of.-The moral intention of the work must plead for what is couched in allegory, or comprehended in that ресиliarity of language our mysteries prescribe. To this edition many valuable Lectures, observations, and proofs are added. I HAVE been induced to give this edition to the press, for the purpose of relieving the family of a worthy but indigent brother, by the whole profits of the subscription and sale; and doubt not, that the motive to the present publication will procure it the attention of the brethren of this excellent institution. THE AUTHOR. |