Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ode
ODE
C OMPOSED FOR THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OP TIKI COMBERMERE LODGE OF UNION , No . 295 , 5 TII OCTOBER 1893 , BT BRO . CHAS . F . FOKSIIAW , LL . D .
I SING a Noble Science , wide proclaimed—An Ancient Art which ne ' er can bo defamed ; My pen is bold , yet bolder is my theme , Long it has reigned , and will long reign supreme : And should the world at this my choice demur ,
Or on my lines would cast some slighting slur—Still would the ardour for my theme increase ; And still shonld I Conduct my ode in Peace Begun in Order—Closed in Harmony What snbieot better than Freemasonry ?
Mnemosyne come nigh me whilst I write ! AU dark , despairing spirits put to flight ! Let my weak mnse npmount on wings of fire , Oh ! let my fingers string the mollow-lyre ! ^ I would reveal in word 3 that ne ' er can die
The sacred beauties of The Mystic Tie ! The glorious teachings of our Secret Art —• The lasting joys they to the Crafc impart—The Love the Truth their blessings inculcate To all who pass through the Masonio gate !
No better time than now to tell its praise ! No better hour to deck it o ' er with bays ! For Lo ! with pride , time-honoured Combermere Attains to-day its Centenary Year ! Unstained , unsullied , all its records are ! Unditnmed the lustre of its shininsr star !
Brethren , we love the Craft—we love its joys —• Our minds are happy when our Art EmployB ; And we of famed , historic Macclesfield To none the palm for trnfl allegiance yield ! Still wo will keep the Tongue of Good Report For all who to onr anoient Lodge resort j
Relying ever on the sure support Of One on High in whom we put onr trust Who will be , is , and ever has been Just ! Who , when in dangor , hears onr feeble cry And watches o ' er ns with a kindly 9 ye Imparting to us , if we havo belief Tho glories of celestial Relief !
Urania , goddess of Eternal Light ! Guide thou my pen o ' er all thy waya aright ! Descend and flood rue with tby living fuo With glowing thoughts my longing brain inspire ! Impart to mo a ? oft refreshing shower
Ot that sweet essence from thy heavenly bower ! Givo mo ono sip of that enchanted wiuo Which mokes man sing a melody dHne ! My them 9 ia woithy so divine a dransbt I fain would sing tho Virtues of tho Craft !
virtues pronounced by Heaven s High Ruler gold ! Virtues beloved by all our Brotherhood ! Virtues Masonio , radiant , rich and rare "Admired , esteemed , by Brethren of tho Square ! Virtues in which true Masons lovo to revel
Whene er their labours place them on tho Level ! Vi-tues so pregnant with ne ' er ending po / rors That vice , — defetfted and degrudod—cowers Before the force of thoir o ' erwhelming might Sinking to realms of everlasting night !
Wisdom and Strength and Beauty shine serene O ' er all the ways of oar sublime dee mesne ! Wisdom will guide in nil we undertake Then lot ns never her safe paths forsake !
She will contrive , mark out and plan our lives And free us from the bondage of earth ' s gyves ! Strength will support when cast down and forlorn And Beauty shines our pathways to adorn !
Founded on Love , Relief and Mighty Truth Our Ancient Art has everlasting youth ; Tbe mind from sordid things it ever raises , And so I fain would sing its joyous praises : I fain to Masons would its charm 3 extol
For it ennobling , elevates tbe soul . For ages has our banner been unfurled Has waved , and will wave , over all the world ! No rashness must its ample folds retard—Avoiding Fear , its flutterings wo must guard :
Our Three Grand Principles with pride we hail—They ne ' er have failed and they will never fail ! Brotherly Love with richest gifts is fraught By it we are ennobled , for we ' re taught That we are one—however high or low
May be our station in the world below ; That rich or poor have one blest parent God ! Created by Him from one common sod ! This Love Unites , Supports , Protects and Aids And proves a shield whon earthly woe invades !
Reliof provides us with a bond that never Owned , nor will own , a power its tie to sever ; With all misfortane it will sympathise Compassion sparkleth in its tender eyes ; When trouble comes and causes bitter grief
Ode
Down-steppeth Charity , and glad Relief Withdraws the bolt and opena wide the door And Peace and Happineas again restore I Theu oometh Truth—an attribute divine ! That in true Mason's hearts must ever shine—Hypocrisy , deceit , are pat to shame At bnfc the mention of its holy name !
When opening Lodge bow vividly it shines ; Flashing triumphant 'mid onr Words aud Signs ; When Secrets are Looked np 'tis glitt'ring still Beaming with brightness like some crystal rill ! Truth is allied to Faith—twin gifts are they Helping ns e'er to drive life ' s throes away ; Let us hold fast to Truth our deeds will then Make us beloved by all our fellow-men !
Scorning all wrong among the Brotherhood—E'er promulgating deeds that tend to good ; Steadfast and true in all our ways and works , Remembering Right wherein no danger lurks : This the Foundation is of our blest Creed , The Copestone , the Cement , the Building whole , By which we rear in that all-hallowed mead A habitation for the Deathless Soul !
B ! o 3 t Faith and Hope , combined with Charity Will aye increase cur perfeot Harmony ! We live and walk by faith , sincere and true—It ia our chief support—the mind's renew ! The fonnfc of Justice , bond of amity Most glorious emblem of Freemasonry !
Leading us on to endless joy and rest Until we reach those mansions of the blest Where with our great all-powerfnl Arohiteofc We dwell with all his ohosen and oleot ! Hope is tho sure , safe anchor of the soul—Steadfast and firm , earth's best and brightest goal ;
Onr just endeavours it doth animate—Our wasted frames helps to resuscitate—Urging us " Onward " with its voice of cheer Bidding us toil and ever persevere ! And Charity—that pearl-like spotless gem Fit to adorn an angels diadem !
Worthy it is of heavenly reverence Blest badge my Brethren of Benevolence ! Feeble my voice grows when I speak her grace Halting ray muse when I her charms would trace ; Bnt if for ink sweet dewdrops I could use My pen might then her gladsome gifts diffuse !
No Hate , no Malice , e ' er can find a rest Within the haven of her gentle breast—Rovonge nor envy seek a refuge thero All , all is chaste , and Oh ! surpassing fair ! Masonic deeds aro well beloved by man For Charity e ' er marches in thoir van !
Heaven s approbation follows in her train She rules the world , yet gentle is her reigu j And like her sister Mercy she is pure Her throne and sceptre shall for aye endure ; Eim who receives , like him who gives she blesses And showers on each her tenderest oaresses !
Our ways are Free—yot stately and Eiiperb Nought can tbeir splendours dim their grandeur curb ; Yet must we Gavel down all vain display Letting onr Rites Inform , Instruct and Sway ! Iu all our doings lit us be upright—No gloom to dull—no blast to pnt to flight
The choicest blessing of Material Light . Light whoS 8 glad beams shine out with full-flsimed ray Light whose sweet emblems lure the heart away L'ght whose bright lustre nothing can withdraw The Light—The Volume of the Sacred Law ! So let each Brother lowly bow the head
For love of the Great Architect who spread Through this grand volume glorious recompense ; And let each heart beat with true reverence , For we can read within its sacred page 3 The records and the deeds of bygone ages ; Taking to heart the truths therein foretold
Woi th more thau all Golconda s caves of gold ! No freak of fancy here its garland weaves ; Masonio buds are scattered o ' er its leaves—Masonic gems within its portals lie All , all is good—for ' tis from Him on Hi gh The first , Great Builder in whose name wo meet Whene ' er we seqk our Lodge ' s safe retreat !
Yet , though the Holy tome all good imparts , Let us forget not all those Liberal Arts , And daily—for their study oft beguilos Devote a time to their improving wiles ! Grammar and Rhetorio are no subjects vain , Sweet Music aye doth charm aud entertain ;
Arithmetic and Logic—Arts profound Eularge the mind with teachings linn and sound ; And once our Royal Art , Freemasonry Was known to all men aa Geometry ! Its Emblems , Signs and Symbols are displayed Wherever man his vast research bath made , — Onr venerable CraEt without its aid
Would savour much of senseless masquerade , But thanks to Eaclid and the world ' s great men Geometry unfoldeth to our inner keu
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ode
ODE
C OMPOSED FOR THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OP TIKI COMBERMERE LODGE OF UNION , No . 295 , 5 TII OCTOBER 1893 , BT BRO . CHAS . F . FOKSIIAW , LL . D .
I SING a Noble Science , wide proclaimed—An Ancient Art which ne ' er can bo defamed ; My pen is bold , yet bolder is my theme , Long it has reigned , and will long reign supreme : And should the world at this my choice demur ,
Or on my lines would cast some slighting slur—Still would the ardour for my theme increase ; And still shonld I Conduct my ode in Peace Begun in Order—Closed in Harmony What snbieot better than Freemasonry ?
Mnemosyne come nigh me whilst I write ! AU dark , despairing spirits put to flight ! Let my weak mnse npmount on wings of fire , Oh ! let my fingers string the mollow-lyre ! ^ I would reveal in word 3 that ne ' er can die
The sacred beauties of The Mystic Tie ! The glorious teachings of our Secret Art —• The lasting joys they to the Crafc impart—The Love the Truth their blessings inculcate To all who pass through the Masonio gate !
No better time than now to tell its praise ! No better hour to deck it o ' er with bays ! For Lo ! with pride , time-honoured Combermere Attains to-day its Centenary Year ! Unstained , unsullied , all its records are ! Unditnmed the lustre of its shininsr star !
Brethren , we love the Craft—we love its joys —• Our minds are happy when our Art EmployB ; And we of famed , historic Macclesfield To none the palm for trnfl allegiance yield ! Still wo will keep the Tongue of Good Report For all who to onr anoient Lodge resort j
Relying ever on the sure support Of One on High in whom we put onr trust Who will be , is , and ever has been Just ! Who , when in dangor , hears onr feeble cry And watches o ' er ns with a kindly 9 ye Imparting to us , if we havo belief Tho glories of celestial Relief !
Urania , goddess of Eternal Light ! Guide thou my pen o ' er all thy waya aright ! Descend and flood rue with tby living fuo With glowing thoughts my longing brain inspire ! Impart to mo a ? oft refreshing shower
Ot that sweet essence from thy heavenly bower ! Givo mo ono sip of that enchanted wiuo Which mokes man sing a melody dHne ! My them 9 ia woithy so divine a dransbt I fain would sing tho Virtues of tho Craft !
virtues pronounced by Heaven s High Ruler gold ! Virtues beloved by all our Brotherhood ! Virtues Masonio , radiant , rich and rare "Admired , esteemed , by Brethren of tho Square ! Virtues in which true Masons lovo to revel
Whene er their labours place them on tho Level ! Vi-tues so pregnant with ne ' er ending po / rors That vice , — defetfted and degrudod—cowers Before the force of thoir o ' erwhelming might Sinking to realms of everlasting night !
Wisdom and Strength and Beauty shine serene O ' er all the ways of oar sublime dee mesne ! Wisdom will guide in nil we undertake Then lot ns never her safe paths forsake !
She will contrive , mark out and plan our lives And free us from the bondage of earth ' s gyves ! Strength will support when cast down and forlorn And Beauty shines our pathways to adorn !
Founded on Love , Relief and Mighty Truth Our Ancient Art has everlasting youth ; Tbe mind from sordid things it ever raises , And so I fain would sing its joyous praises : I fain to Masons would its charm 3 extol
For it ennobling , elevates tbe soul . For ages has our banner been unfurled Has waved , and will wave , over all the world ! No rashness must its ample folds retard—Avoiding Fear , its flutterings wo must guard :
Our Three Grand Principles with pride we hail—They ne ' er have failed and they will never fail ! Brotherly Love with richest gifts is fraught By it we are ennobled , for we ' re taught That we are one—however high or low
May be our station in the world below ; That rich or poor have one blest parent God ! Created by Him from one common sod ! This Love Unites , Supports , Protects and Aids And proves a shield whon earthly woe invades !
Reliof provides us with a bond that never Owned , nor will own , a power its tie to sever ; With all misfortane it will sympathise Compassion sparkleth in its tender eyes ; When trouble comes and causes bitter grief
Ode
Down-steppeth Charity , and glad Relief Withdraws the bolt and opena wide the door And Peace and Happineas again restore I Theu oometh Truth—an attribute divine ! That in true Mason's hearts must ever shine—Hypocrisy , deceit , are pat to shame At bnfc the mention of its holy name !
When opening Lodge bow vividly it shines ; Flashing triumphant 'mid onr Words aud Signs ; When Secrets are Looked np 'tis glitt'ring still Beaming with brightness like some crystal rill ! Truth is allied to Faith—twin gifts are they Helping ns e'er to drive life ' s throes away ; Let us hold fast to Truth our deeds will then Make us beloved by all our fellow-men !
Scorning all wrong among the Brotherhood—E'er promulgating deeds that tend to good ; Steadfast and true in all our ways and works , Remembering Right wherein no danger lurks : This the Foundation is of our blest Creed , The Copestone , the Cement , the Building whole , By which we rear in that all-hallowed mead A habitation for the Deathless Soul !
B ! o 3 t Faith and Hope , combined with Charity Will aye increase cur perfeot Harmony ! We live and walk by faith , sincere and true—It ia our chief support—the mind's renew ! The fonnfc of Justice , bond of amity Most glorious emblem of Freemasonry !
Leading us on to endless joy and rest Until we reach those mansions of the blest Where with our great all-powerfnl Arohiteofc We dwell with all his ohosen and oleot ! Hope is tho sure , safe anchor of the soul—Steadfast and firm , earth's best and brightest goal ;
Onr just endeavours it doth animate—Our wasted frames helps to resuscitate—Urging us " Onward " with its voice of cheer Bidding us toil and ever persevere ! And Charity—that pearl-like spotless gem Fit to adorn an angels diadem !
Worthy it is of heavenly reverence Blest badge my Brethren of Benevolence ! Feeble my voice grows when I speak her grace Halting ray muse when I her charms would trace ; Bnt if for ink sweet dewdrops I could use My pen might then her gladsome gifts diffuse !
No Hate , no Malice , e ' er can find a rest Within the haven of her gentle breast—Rovonge nor envy seek a refuge thero All , all is chaste , and Oh ! surpassing fair ! Masonic deeds aro well beloved by man For Charity e ' er marches in thoir van !
Heaven s approbation follows in her train She rules the world , yet gentle is her reigu j And like her sister Mercy she is pure Her throne and sceptre shall for aye endure ; Eim who receives , like him who gives she blesses And showers on each her tenderest oaresses !
Our ways are Free—yot stately and Eiiperb Nought can tbeir splendours dim their grandeur curb ; Yet must we Gavel down all vain display Letting onr Rites Inform , Instruct and Sway ! Iu all our doings lit us be upright—No gloom to dull—no blast to pnt to flight
The choicest blessing of Material Light . Light whoS 8 glad beams shine out with full-flsimed ray Light whose sweet emblems lure the heart away L'ght whose bright lustre nothing can withdraw The Light—The Volume of the Sacred Law ! So let each Brother lowly bow the head
For love of the Great Architect who spread Through this grand volume glorious recompense ; And let each heart beat with true reverence , For we can read within its sacred page 3 The records and the deeds of bygone ages ; Taking to heart the truths therein foretold
Woi th more thau all Golconda s caves of gold ! No freak of fancy here its garland weaves ; Masonio buds are scattered o ' er its leaves—Masonic gems within its portals lie All , all is good—for ' tis from Him on Hi gh The first , Great Builder in whose name wo meet Whene ' er we seqk our Lodge ' s safe retreat !
Yet , though the Holy tome all good imparts , Let us forget not all those Liberal Arts , And daily—for their study oft beguilos Devote a time to their improving wiles ! Grammar and Rhetorio are no subjects vain , Sweet Music aye doth charm aud entertain ;
Arithmetic and Logic—Arts profound Eularge the mind with teachings linn and sound ; And once our Royal Art , Freemasonry Was known to all men aa Geometry ! Its Emblems , Signs and Symbols are displayed Wherever man his vast research bath made , — Onr venerable CraEt without its aid
Would savour much of senseless masquerade , But thanks to Eaclid and the world ' s great men Geometry unfoldeth to our inner keu