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The Letter And The Spirit.
THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT .
A discourse delicered in St . James' Church , Vancouver , before the Grand Lodt / e of Pritish Columbia , by the Bight Pec . Pro . A . W . Sillitoe , D . IK , Lord Bishop of New Westminster , Grand Chaplain .
The Letter killeth but tho Spirit giveth lifo . —2 Coi . iii . G . I TRUST , brethren , that I may not bo deemed impertinent if I venture to break away , this morning , from a lino of thought which has almost become consecrated b y long use on these occasions , viz ., the historical view of
Masonry , and devote my time , and ask your attention to the consideration of the practical teaching of Masonry ; the beauty of its precepts , and the nobility of its purpose , and the influence which these ought to exert upon the lives of
Masons , when due diligence is applied to tho study of them . This , it appears to mo , will bo move profitable to us than a dissertation on tho antiquity of Masonry , about which wo are all of ns agreed . We are fttmiliar with its
claim in this respect , and we aro not concerned with those who doubt it ; but not the antiquity of the world itself would lend lustre to any Institution , irrespective of its teaching and practice , and the consideration of these
therefore , will be both more instructive , and more interest . ing , as well to yourselves , brethren , as to others who hear me . Not that I will be guilty of tho presumption of supposing that with regard to tho moral precepts of Masonry
I can teach anything to thoso who aro so much more competent to bo my teachers , or that I can throw new h ' glit upon , or add new force to thoso sublime lectures wherein its beauties are gradually uufolded to the inquiring mind
but a truth is often emphasised by being presented in a new aspect , and I can , at least , point out the practical application to tho personal life , without which the truth , however bsautifully portrayed , or perfectly illustrated , fails in the
accomplishment of the Will of its Divine Author . For Masonry is excellent , not only , and even not so much , in its conception , or in its plan , as in its effects . It was the completed Temple that excited the woudor and admiration
of our ancient brethren , and it is the perfect and upright man , true to his Maker , truo to himself , and true to his brother , who demonstrates in his daily life the truth of those principles which constituto the foundation stones of
thc progressive teaching of onr art . For it is not enough that no atheist , or wantonly irreligious man can find a place amongst ns ; nor is it enough that the doctrine of the resurrection to a future life is embodied in thc
landmarks of our Order . Something more than this is necessary . Wo want tho superstructure as well as tho foundation ; we want tho pinnacle as well as the cornerstone . And my anxious desire to-day is to impress upon you
all the solemn obligation that is laid upon each of us by the true spirit of Masonry of making daily progress with the spiritual temple of the heart , the moral edification of a perfect man . Not a mere progress of degrees , or of offices , as if
these could in themselves supply a deficiency of honour or dignity iu the older of them , but a progress of the inner man in knowledge and virtue , the gradual subjugation of every evil thought and unruly passion , the preparation of tho heart as a fit dwelling place for the All Holy God .
Let me take now three several points , and , briefly noticing what Masonry teaches with regard to them , examine the practical application of its teachings to our lives . And , first , the teaching of Masonry as regards the
Holy Name , and the word of God . At the very threshold of their Masonic career are our candidates taught that the blessing and protection of the Almighty are necessary to the successful prosecution of every work . And acting
upon this principle , and believing that where two or three are gathered together in His name , He will be in the midst of them , we make our supplications , and offer to Him our thanksgivings for the light and knowledge-He
vouchsafes to us . And so inestimably do we regard the Sacred Name , that it is with the utmost caution and the most profound reverence that we approach the utterance of it , veiling it , indeed , in its most sacred form , till , after many
a probation and trial , a brother has been found worthy to be entrusted with it . With equal regard and reverence do we esteem the Word of God . So that no Lodge of
Masons is complete without the sacred volume , and we apply to it the highest title we possess in the description of the place it occupies in the science of Masonry . It is the first thing upon which the eye of the newly initiated
The Letter And The Spirit.
rests , and it is the last thing to which the attention of tho brethren is directed wiitn they vest from their labours . Brethren nothing can bo more true , nothing can be more profitable than this teaching . But then my duty is to ask yon , as brother Masons , not , do you accept this teaching
outwardly , because I know you do , but do you act upon it ? Do you carry away this teachiug in your hearts , as you are intended to do , aud apply it , as a rule , to every action of your life ? Is God in all your thoughts ? Is Ho so set always before you that there is nothing your
hand findeth to do but what His blessing shines upon you , His sustaining arm strengthens you ? I am speaking of your secular life , not your religious lifo ; and I ask you , do you , in every new enterprise , or in the pursuance of every old one , in every fresh undertaking , do you
acknowledge Him as the only Giver of blessing , the only Author of success , without whom nothing is strong , nothing is holy ? Do you so live in his presence , that without an effort , as it were by vevy instinct , youv heart and miudarelif ted upseven times a day in acknowledgment of His Sovereignty , and
iu recognition of His care ? This indeed is to walk with Him , " and to walk with Him is to walk securely , to fear no evil , and to have tbe assurance of success . But this hourly uplifting of the heart to God , this delight in His presence is a matter of cultivation ; and it is not of natural
growth , but of spiritual . It is the result of an intimate acquaintance with God as He reveals Himself in His word ; and it is by making that word a " light unto our feet , aud a lantern unto our paths , " that we learn the pleasure of serving Him , aud the joy that flows eternally from His love .
Every Mason , therefore who would be true to his profession is bound to be a diligent student of the Holy Book ; not satisfied with merely gazing on it as it occupies its conspicuous position of honour in tho midst of the Lodge , but truly making it the handbook of his daily life , learning
therein the beginning of wisdom , which is the fear of God , not a servile or con science-stricken fear , but a holy , reverential awe , such as is due from a creature to his
Creator , from a son to the Almighty Father of all , and learning so to fashion his life according to its precepts , that , when the time of eternal refreshment arrives , be may receive his share of the inheritance of " Just men made
perfect . " My second point is the teaching of Masonry in regard to brotherly love ; and about this , thank God , there is but little to say , inasmuch as , whatever may be our failings and shortcomings in other respects , love is the predominating character of Masonic life , whether we view it in the calm
serenity of the Lodge , or in its relation to wovthy distressed brethren without . 1 know nothing that so truly emphasises the good that still remains in our fallen and corrupt nature as the mutual forbearance , the patient tolerance , and the harmony that distinguish meetings of
the Fraternity , even on occasions when there is room for wide divergence of opinion . The very atmosphere of the Lodge seems laden with good-will , and it is as if the Spirit of peace and of love made this His special dwelling place . A part of this is due , no doubt , to the solemn dedication of
our halls in tbe name of the Most High , and to tho honour of His glory ; but I believe that in greater measure it is due to the spirit of Masonry itself ; to those cords of love which bind us together more firmly than could any material bands , and which , if they only prevailed
more generally , would make " wars to cease in all the world , and break the bow , and snap the spear asunder , " and bring in the reign of peace and purity aud love . This reign , dear brethren , you and I may not live to see , though I for my part do not deem it very far distant ;
bat , at least , it is our duty each to do his part , according to his vocation and ministry , to prepare the way for the Prince of peace , and the accomplishment of God ' s greatdesign in the ultimate unity of creation . And to this end we need do no more than stedfastly and faithfully carry
out the precepts of our Order . Our obligations as Masons extend to all mankind . We are in an especial manner , no doubt , bound to our brdbivn in the Craft , but all others aro our brethren beside ? . Love is an infinite thing , and it is beyond our power , as it is beyond our prerogative , to
limit it ; for , if we limit if , it ceases to be . And , therefore , the love wherewith we love our brethren of the mystic family must be ready to include all men alike ,
and to exert itself on their behalf freely and ungrudgingly even as the love of God is bountifully poured out upou ourselves . My third point concerns the teaching of Masonry re-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Letter And The Spirit.
THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT .
A discourse delicered in St . James' Church , Vancouver , before the Grand Lodt / e of Pritish Columbia , by the Bight Pec . Pro . A . W . Sillitoe , D . IK , Lord Bishop of New Westminster , Grand Chaplain .
The Letter killeth but tho Spirit giveth lifo . —2 Coi . iii . G . I TRUST , brethren , that I may not bo deemed impertinent if I venture to break away , this morning , from a lino of thought which has almost become consecrated b y long use on these occasions , viz ., the historical view of
Masonry , and devote my time , and ask your attention to the consideration of the practical teaching of Masonry ; the beauty of its precepts , and the nobility of its purpose , and the influence which these ought to exert upon the lives of
Masons , when due diligence is applied to tho study of them . This , it appears to mo , will bo move profitable to us than a dissertation on tho antiquity of Masonry , about which wo are all of ns agreed . We are fttmiliar with its
claim in this respect , and we aro not concerned with those who doubt it ; but not the antiquity of the world itself would lend lustre to any Institution , irrespective of its teaching and practice , and the consideration of these
therefore , will be both more instructive , and more interest . ing , as well to yourselves , brethren , as to others who hear me . Not that I will be guilty of tho presumption of supposing that with regard to tho moral precepts of Masonry
I can teach anything to thoso who aro so much more competent to bo my teachers , or that I can throw new h ' glit upon , or add new force to thoso sublime lectures wherein its beauties are gradually uufolded to the inquiring mind
but a truth is often emphasised by being presented in a new aspect , and I can , at least , point out the practical application to tho personal life , without which the truth , however bsautifully portrayed , or perfectly illustrated , fails in the
accomplishment of the Will of its Divine Author . For Masonry is excellent , not only , and even not so much , in its conception , or in its plan , as in its effects . It was the completed Temple that excited the woudor and admiration
of our ancient brethren , and it is the perfect and upright man , true to his Maker , truo to himself , and true to his brother , who demonstrates in his daily life the truth of those principles which constituto the foundation stones of
thc progressive teaching of onr art . For it is not enough that no atheist , or wantonly irreligious man can find a place amongst ns ; nor is it enough that the doctrine of the resurrection to a future life is embodied in thc
landmarks of our Order . Something more than this is necessary . Wo want tho superstructure as well as tho foundation ; we want tho pinnacle as well as the cornerstone . And my anxious desire to-day is to impress upon you
all the solemn obligation that is laid upon each of us by the true spirit of Masonry of making daily progress with the spiritual temple of the heart , the moral edification of a perfect man . Not a mere progress of degrees , or of offices , as if
these could in themselves supply a deficiency of honour or dignity iu the older of them , but a progress of the inner man in knowledge and virtue , the gradual subjugation of every evil thought and unruly passion , the preparation of tho heart as a fit dwelling place for the All Holy God .
Let me take now three several points , and , briefly noticing what Masonry teaches with regard to them , examine the practical application of its teachings to our lives . And , first , the teaching of Masonry as regards the
Holy Name , and the word of God . At the very threshold of their Masonic career are our candidates taught that the blessing and protection of the Almighty are necessary to the successful prosecution of every work . And acting
upon this principle , and believing that where two or three are gathered together in His name , He will be in the midst of them , we make our supplications , and offer to Him our thanksgivings for the light and knowledge-He
vouchsafes to us . And so inestimably do we regard the Sacred Name , that it is with the utmost caution and the most profound reverence that we approach the utterance of it , veiling it , indeed , in its most sacred form , till , after many
a probation and trial , a brother has been found worthy to be entrusted with it . With equal regard and reverence do we esteem the Word of God . So that no Lodge of
Masons is complete without the sacred volume , and we apply to it the highest title we possess in the description of the place it occupies in the science of Masonry . It is the first thing upon which the eye of the newly initiated
The Letter And The Spirit.
rests , and it is the last thing to which the attention of tho brethren is directed wiitn they vest from their labours . Brethren nothing can bo more true , nothing can be more profitable than this teaching . But then my duty is to ask yon , as brother Masons , not , do you accept this teaching
outwardly , because I know you do , but do you act upon it ? Do you carry away this teachiug in your hearts , as you are intended to do , aud apply it , as a rule , to every action of your life ? Is God in all your thoughts ? Is Ho so set always before you that there is nothing your
hand findeth to do but what His blessing shines upon you , His sustaining arm strengthens you ? I am speaking of your secular life , not your religious lifo ; and I ask you , do you , in every new enterprise , or in the pursuance of every old one , in every fresh undertaking , do you
acknowledge Him as the only Giver of blessing , the only Author of success , without whom nothing is strong , nothing is holy ? Do you so live in his presence , that without an effort , as it were by vevy instinct , youv heart and miudarelif ted upseven times a day in acknowledgment of His Sovereignty , and
iu recognition of His care ? This indeed is to walk with Him , " and to walk with Him is to walk securely , to fear no evil , and to have tbe assurance of success . But this hourly uplifting of the heart to God , this delight in His presence is a matter of cultivation ; and it is not of natural
growth , but of spiritual . It is the result of an intimate acquaintance with God as He reveals Himself in His word ; and it is by making that word a " light unto our feet , aud a lantern unto our paths , " that we learn the pleasure of serving Him , aud the joy that flows eternally from His love .
Every Mason , therefore who would be true to his profession is bound to be a diligent student of the Holy Book ; not satisfied with merely gazing on it as it occupies its conspicuous position of honour in tho midst of the Lodge , but truly making it the handbook of his daily life , learning
therein the beginning of wisdom , which is the fear of God , not a servile or con science-stricken fear , but a holy , reverential awe , such as is due from a creature to his
Creator , from a son to the Almighty Father of all , and learning so to fashion his life according to its precepts , that , when the time of eternal refreshment arrives , be may receive his share of the inheritance of " Just men made
perfect . " My second point is the teaching of Masonry in regard to brotherly love ; and about this , thank God , there is but little to say , inasmuch as , whatever may be our failings and shortcomings in other respects , love is the predominating character of Masonic life , whether we view it in the calm
serenity of the Lodge , or in its relation to wovthy distressed brethren without . 1 know nothing that so truly emphasises the good that still remains in our fallen and corrupt nature as the mutual forbearance , the patient tolerance , and the harmony that distinguish meetings of
the Fraternity , even on occasions when there is room for wide divergence of opinion . The very atmosphere of the Lodge seems laden with good-will , and it is as if the Spirit of peace and of love made this His special dwelling place . A part of this is due , no doubt , to the solemn dedication of
our halls in tbe name of the Most High , and to tho honour of His glory ; but I believe that in greater measure it is due to the spirit of Masonry itself ; to those cords of love which bind us together more firmly than could any material bands , and which , if they only prevailed
more generally , would make " wars to cease in all the world , and break the bow , and snap the spear asunder , " and bring in the reign of peace and purity aud love . This reign , dear brethren , you and I may not live to see , though I for my part do not deem it very far distant ;
bat , at least , it is our duty each to do his part , according to his vocation and ministry , to prepare the way for the Prince of peace , and the accomplishment of God ' s greatdesign in the ultimate unity of creation . And to this end we need do no more than stedfastly and faithfully carry
out the precepts of our Order . Our obligations as Masons extend to all mankind . We are in an especial manner , no doubt , bound to our brdbivn in the Craft , but all others aro our brethren beside ? . Love is an infinite thing , and it is beyond our power , as it is beyond our prerogative , to
limit it ; for , if we limit if , it ceases to be . And , therefore , the love wherewith we love our brethren of the mystic family must be ready to include all men alike ,
and to exert itself on their behalf freely and ungrudgingly even as the love of God is bountifully poured out upou ourselves . My third point concerns the teaching of Masonry re-