Extempore
Sonnet to Masonry
By Dr. Perfect - 4th Nov, 1704
HAIL, mystic Science! seraph maid!
Imperial beam of light!
In robes of sacred Truth array’d,
Morality’s delight.
O give me Wisdom to design,
And Strength to execute;
In native Beauty e’er be mine
Benevolence, thy fruit.
Unfullied pearl! of precious worth,
Most grateful to my soul,
The social Virtues owe their birth
To thy unmatch’d controul.
Celestial Spark, inspir’d by thee,
We pierce yon starry Arch on wings of Piety.
Reflection:
Extempore Sonnet beautifully encapsulates the moral and spiritual aspirations of Freemasonry. Through its allegorical imagery, the poem celebrates the Craft as a guiding light of truth, wisdom, and morality. The invocation of Freemasonry as a "mystic science" and "seraph maid" elevates it to a celestial force, linking its teachings to divine wisdom. The "imperial beam of light" represents the illumination gained through initiation, a central Masonic pursuit.
The triadic virtues of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty—pillars of Masonic philosophy—feature prominently in the sonnet. Wisdom designs noble deeds, Strength provides the fortitude to carry them out, and Beauty ensures they are harmonious and just. Benevolence, described as the "fruit" of these virtues, reflects the Craft’s emphasis on charity and brotherly love, foundational to Masonic ethics.
The "unfullied pearl" symbolizes spiritual purity and the incorruptible treasure of enlightenment, echoing the parable of the "pearl of great price." The "celestial spark" speaks to the divine essence within every individual, a Hermetic reflection of humanity’s connection to the Great Architect. Finally, the aspiration to "pierce yon starry arch" through "wings of piety" represents the Mason’s ultimate goal: spiritual ascension and unity with the divine.
This sonnet invites us to reflect deeply on their path of self-discovery, moral growth, and spiritual enlightenment. It inspires us to live as embodiments of the virtues extolled, reminding us that Freemasonry is both a journey and a way of life—a beacon of light amidst the darkness.
