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Article WHAT IS MASONRY? Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Is Masonry?
WHAT IS MASONRY ?
FROM THE Keystone . AN eminent English barrister and Member of Parliament , who was also a Provincial Grand Master of Masons , once said that if Freemasonry bo not scientific it is nothing . Wo agree with tho spirit of his remark , bnt not at all with tho letter . He stated one truth , in an exaggerated form , bnt not tho whole truth . It is impossible to boil down into a brief verbal phrase the whole purpose and function
of Freemasonry , so as to define them in a single sentence . Ours is a Royal Art , richly endowed of old , and through all tho ages since deriving a constantly increasing heritage of intellectual wealth . From tradition we learn that the wisdom of Solomon founded the Craft ; tho architects of Europe and the East preserved its form and substance ; and the revivalists of tho early part of the last century , finding it had
been gradually assuming a speculative as well as an operative form , superseded the latter by the former , and made tho Craft what we find ifc to-day . Ifc is apparent then that Freemasonry is a growth , a development ; that it was not born in a day , nor reared in a generation , nor matured in a century—bub is the heir of tho ages , and now has moro noble and glorious purposes than it ever had before . With
this ancient and noble lineage , with the royal purpose of tho Fraternity to developo tho higher nature of its members , and make them morally and mentally wealthier , and socially happier , it need not surprise any ono if it be impossible to state in a single sentence the object of Freemasonry . We will devote several sentences to an attempt to state , in as few words as possible , our view of this important
subject . Freemasonry is a social and convivial Order . Ifc gathers into the closest fraternal intercourse thoso who are qualified by nature aud education for admittance into its Lodges . It spreads before them refreshment that strengthens tho inner man , and developes the finest
social and healthiest convivial propensities . The Lodge is the Mason ' s home , where he meets with brethren only , sitting with them around both the Tressel Board and the Banquet Board—where heart beats to heart and hand clasp 3 hand . In this union there is Strength , for the Mystic Tie is Love . This is one statement of what the Craft is and does .
Freemasonry is a moral Order . It builds no longer perishable edifices of stone , but living spiritual temples . Man is immortal , and it is upon man it labours . And it works with proper tools . All of the Craftsmen ' s implements aro symbolical—every one teaching its lesson . Twenty-four inch gnage and common gavel , plumb , level , and square , trowel and compasses—all adorn a moral and point a
tale , all lead to reflection npon the lower nature in man , which is to bo subjected , and the higher nature which is to be made supreme . Faith in God and belief in the immortality of tho soul are the first and last lessons of Freemasonry . Freemasonry is an intellectual Order . It stores tho ' mind with knowledge ready phrased for the memory , where if it once find
lodgment it will never depart . Tho work of Masonry is a fruit of perennial growth and bloom , through time into eternity . Those who are made Masons in heart , and whoso careers aro redolent with the charities of life , whose minds expand under tho culture which the Craft affords in the great hereafter when wo shall rise to a higher sphere of existence will be prepared to advance from ono stage of
intellectual growth to another . But the work , proper , of Masonry , docs not ombody all of its culture . It was this thought , doubtless , that prompted the words of the English Provincial Grand Master that we quoted at the beginning of this article—that Freemasonry is nothing if not scientific . We agree with him so far as to unequivocally assert , that no matter how well the work of Masonry is done ,
more needs to be done , or after all the work is not well clone . Sign and symbol require other and fuller explanation than those regularly given at tho Altar , The truths of Masonry need to be illustrated , amply and forcibly illustrated . This is tho province of tho ancillary lecture . The records of every Lodge and Grand Lodge prove that , at certain epochs , Masters and Grand Masters have performed ' their
duties in this regard , but thoy need to havo their memories jogged continually respecting them , for they are too readily overlooked or forgotton . By means of the lecture , Freemasonry may become truly scientific , for there is scarcely any learning that may not be made tributary to the elucidation of the origin , history , and
symbolism of the Craft . The brethren need it for their true understanding of the underlying principles of their Order , as well as for the adornment of their minds . It is well to exemplify tho work , and thus secure its uniformity , but it is better still , after having exemplified it , to illustrate it with force of reason and fertility of imagination .
THE INVENTION ot' GrarowDER . —That Roger Bacon knew , invented , and mnde the discovery of gunpowder i 3 beyond all question , as he tells us that " thunder and lightning may " JP pi educed by art ; for that sulphur , nitre , and charcoal , which , when ^ parate , have no sensible effect , when mixed together in duo proportion , aud closel y compressed and fired , yield a loud report . " A move exact and precise
description of gunpowder cannot be given in words ; yet fifty-six years after tho time of Bacon , the discovery was assigned to Berthold Schwartz , an Augustinian , who resided at Friburg , in Bris ^ an , twenty-sis miles south of Strasbnrg . This monk , snyn Sainte Foir , having put a composition of sulphur and saltprae in a mortar , it took fire and blew off the stone which covered it with great violence , which led the chemist to think it might be used with great
advantage in attacking fortified places . Ho accordingly added to it a quantity of charcoal , to render it more apt to take lire and to continue it . Thus , adds our author , the French were long in possession of this terrible secret , but it was left to the "ferocious temper" of the English to make use of it (!) , as they did with such signal success at the battle of Cressy , thus awkwardly admitting that the English were in possession of the secretjdso . —From " Biographical Sketches " in the" Technical Educator" for February ,
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
THE late mail via , San Francisco , brings ns one or two items of interest regarding Freemasonry in the far off , but rising colony of New Zealand . On the 10 th of January a new Lodge , under the Scotch Constitution , was opened at Onehnnga , a village some four miles from tho city of Auckland . There was a largo master of brethren under the English , Scotch and Irish Constitutions , from
Auckland . The dispensation from the District Grand Master afc D ' unedin was read by Bro . Marshall , acting Prov . Grand Secretary , and the ceremony of installation was most ably performed by Bro . M . S . Leers P . M ., Sec . of the Prince of Wales Lodge , No . 1338 , E . C . Bro . Leers is ono of tho most active and zealous Masons in that part
of the colony , and is always ready to give advice and assistance when properly called upon . Bro . Niccol is the first W . M . of tho new Lodge , which is called the Manukan Lodge . Wo may add that had there been an English District Grand Master for the Province of Auckland the warrant wonld undoubtedly have been applied for under the
English Constitution . The question of tho appointment of a District Grand Master and formation of a District Grand Lodge in Aucklaud is still on the tapis
and the feeling of the oldest and most experienced brethren is entirely in favour of tbe appointment to that office of Mr . G . S . Graham , who was nominated at a meeting of Masters and Wardens of Lodges held some little time since . Wo have no doubt that Mr . Graham would
do honour to tho choice , but much regret the fact that Sir George Grey , one of the leading men in that part of the world , and a former governor of the Colony , should havo declined to accept the office . It is not to tho interest of Freemasonry in that part of the world that tho brothren should be broken up by division under tho several
Constitutions , and we confess that we should very much like to see a movement set on foot for a New Zealand Constitution . Such a system would much simplify matters , and would obviate the misunderstandings which occasionally arise in consequonco of the different privileges exercised nnder the English , Irish and Scotch Constitutions ,
The brethren of the Southern Star Lodge of Freo and Accepted Masons celebrated the festival of St . John the Evangelist on Monday ^ the 27 th Dec . last , at high noon , when the Worshipful Installing Officer , Bro . W . B . Sealy , installed Bro . J . C . Montray into the chair of tho Lodge as W . M . for tho ensuing year . Tho ritual aud ceremony were very effective , and tho admonition , the charges and address of the
Installing Officer wero very impressive . The Master then invested his officers , and the Lodge adjourned until Wednesday evening , the 2 Dth Jan , when the Craft-in-general assembled to a banquet , excellently provided at the Masonic Hall , by host Tregea . The nsnal loyal , patriotic , and Masonic toasts wero drunk ; as also the health of tho retiring W . M ., tho W . M . elect , the Sister Lodges of the district ,
certain highly esteemed brethren , & c , and tho evening s entertainment was heightened by good music . Wo are assured that the position of the Lodgo at this time is highly favorable , and a prosperous and harmonious year is confidently looked forward to by tho Brethren . Tho Wardens for the year are Bros . Dr . L . G . Booro and W Holmes . —Nelson Daily Times .
HOLIOIVAV ' . ' OtsTjtKirr AJTD Pir , r , s . — "Multitudes , suffering under a complication of disorders , might obtain relief through those healing ami purifying remedies , which should he employed without a day ' s delay . When the weather is variable and cold , and inttuenzas are prevalou ' r ., this Ointment , well rubbed upon the throat and chest , gives the greatest case , and checks all tendency to
inflammation iu the lungs and other organs . The Pills assist the curative power of the Ointment , inasmuch as thoy purify tho blood , and so quicken its circulation , that congestion is rendered almost impossible . Hollo way ' s treatment deals most successfully , too , with that very troublesome , and often tortious , ailment , indigestion—which is the bane of thousands , from over-work and fast living , in tho present day .
Ad00702
" A suitable gift from a Master to Ids Lodge " NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH , PRICE 8 s 6 cl EACH , THE FREEEMASON'SCHMSCLE , VOLUMES I . and II . Sent , Carriage Paid , to any address in the United Kingdom , on receipt of Cheque or P . 0 . 0 . London : —W . W . MORGAN , 67 B . irbican , E . C . Cloth Gases for Binding can be had from t \ uj OSijes , prico Is 6 d each . "
Ar00703
Agents , from whom Copies can always be her ? . : — Messrs . CURTICE aud Co ., 12 Catherine Street , Strand . Mr . T . DKISCOLL , S 7 Farringdon Street . Mr . G . W . JORDAN , 169 Strand . Messrs . MARSHALL and SONS , 125 Fleet Street , E . C , Mr . M . J . I ' AKKIXSO . V , 11-1 . Gosvvoll lload , E . C . Mr . H . SIMPSON , 7 lied Lion Court , E . C . Messrs . SMITH and SONS , 183 Strand . Messrs . SPENCER and Co ., 23 A Great Queen Street , W . C . Messrs . STEEL and JOXVES , 4 Spring Gardens , Charing Cross , Mr . G . VICKERS , Angel Court , 172 Straud . Mr . H . YiCKF . ns , 317 Strand ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Is Masonry?
WHAT IS MASONRY ?
FROM THE Keystone . AN eminent English barrister and Member of Parliament , who was also a Provincial Grand Master of Masons , once said that if Freemasonry bo not scientific it is nothing . Wo agree with tho spirit of his remark , bnt not at all with tho letter . He stated one truth , in an exaggerated form , bnt not tho whole truth . It is impossible to boil down into a brief verbal phrase the whole purpose and function
of Freemasonry , so as to define them in a single sentence . Ours is a Royal Art , richly endowed of old , and through all tho ages since deriving a constantly increasing heritage of intellectual wealth . From tradition we learn that the wisdom of Solomon founded the Craft ; tho architects of Europe and the East preserved its form and substance ; and the revivalists of tho early part of the last century , finding it had
been gradually assuming a speculative as well as an operative form , superseded the latter by the former , and made tho Craft what we find ifc to-day . Ifc is apparent then that Freemasonry is a growth , a development ; that it was not born in a day , nor reared in a generation , nor matured in a century—bub is the heir of tho ages , and now has moro noble and glorious purposes than it ever had before . With
this ancient and noble lineage , with the royal purpose of tho Fraternity to developo tho higher nature of its members , and make them morally and mentally wealthier , and socially happier , it need not surprise any ono if it be impossible to state in a single sentence the object of Freemasonry . We will devote several sentences to an attempt to state , in as few words as possible , our view of this important
subject . Freemasonry is a social and convivial Order . Ifc gathers into the closest fraternal intercourse thoso who are qualified by nature aud education for admittance into its Lodges . It spreads before them refreshment that strengthens tho inner man , and developes the finest
social and healthiest convivial propensities . The Lodge is the Mason ' s home , where he meets with brethren only , sitting with them around both the Tressel Board and the Banquet Board—where heart beats to heart and hand clasp 3 hand . In this union there is Strength , for the Mystic Tie is Love . This is one statement of what the Craft is and does .
Freemasonry is a moral Order . It builds no longer perishable edifices of stone , but living spiritual temples . Man is immortal , and it is upon man it labours . And it works with proper tools . All of the Craftsmen ' s implements aro symbolical—every one teaching its lesson . Twenty-four inch gnage and common gavel , plumb , level , and square , trowel and compasses—all adorn a moral and point a
tale , all lead to reflection npon the lower nature in man , which is to bo subjected , and the higher nature which is to be made supreme . Faith in God and belief in the immortality of tho soul are the first and last lessons of Freemasonry . Freemasonry is an intellectual Order . It stores tho ' mind with knowledge ready phrased for the memory , where if it once find
lodgment it will never depart . Tho work of Masonry is a fruit of perennial growth and bloom , through time into eternity . Those who are made Masons in heart , and whoso careers aro redolent with the charities of life , whose minds expand under tho culture which the Craft affords in the great hereafter when wo shall rise to a higher sphere of existence will be prepared to advance from ono stage of
intellectual growth to another . But the work , proper , of Masonry , docs not ombody all of its culture . It was this thought , doubtless , that prompted the words of the English Provincial Grand Master that we quoted at the beginning of this article—that Freemasonry is nothing if not scientific . We agree with him so far as to unequivocally assert , that no matter how well the work of Masonry is done ,
more needs to be done , or after all the work is not well clone . Sign and symbol require other and fuller explanation than those regularly given at tho Altar , The truths of Masonry need to be illustrated , amply and forcibly illustrated . This is tho province of tho ancillary lecture . The records of every Lodge and Grand Lodge prove that , at certain epochs , Masters and Grand Masters have performed ' their
duties in this regard , but thoy need to havo their memories jogged continually respecting them , for they are too readily overlooked or forgotton . By means of the lecture , Freemasonry may become truly scientific , for there is scarcely any learning that may not be made tributary to the elucidation of the origin , history , and
symbolism of the Craft . The brethren need it for their true understanding of the underlying principles of their Order , as well as for the adornment of their minds . It is well to exemplify tho work , and thus secure its uniformity , but it is better still , after having exemplified it , to illustrate it with force of reason and fertility of imagination .
THE INVENTION ot' GrarowDER . —That Roger Bacon knew , invented , and mnde the discovery of gunpowder i 3 beyond all question , as he tells us that " thunder and lightning may " JP pi educed by art ; for that sulphur , nitre , and charcoal , which , when ^ parate , have no sensible effect , when mixed together in duo proportion , aud closel y compressed and fired , yield a loud report . " A move exact and precise
description of gunpowder cannot be given in words ; yet fifty-six years after tho time of Bacon , the discovery was assigned to Berthold Schwartz , an Augustinian , who resided at Friburg , in Bris ^ an , twenty-sis miles south of Strasbnrg . This monk , snyn Sainte Foir , having put a composition of sulphur and saltprae in a mortar , it took fire and blew off the stone which covered it with great violence , which led the chemist to think it might be used with great
advantage in attacking fortified places . Ho accordingly added to it a quantity of charcoal , to render it more apt to take lire and to continue it . Thus , adds our author , the French were long in possession of this terrible secret , but it was left to the "ferocious temper" of the English to make use of it (!) , as they did with such signal success at the battle of Cressy , thus awkwardly admitting that the English were in possession of the secretjdso . —From " Biographical Sketches " in the" Technical Educator" for February ,
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
THE late mail via , San Francisco , brings ns one or two items of interest regarding Freemasonry in the far off , but rising colony of New Zealand . On the 10 th of January a new Lodge , under the Scotch Constitution , was opened at Onehnnga , a village some four miles from tho city of Auckland . There was a largo master of brethren under the English , Scotch and Irish Constitutions , from
Auckland . The dispensation from the District Grand Master afc D ' unedin was read by Bro . Marshall , acting Prov . Grand Secretary , and the ceremony of installation was most ably performed by Bro . M . S . Leers P . M ., Sec . of the Prince of Wales Lodge , No . 1338 , E . C . Bro . Leers is ono of tho most active and zealous Masons in that part
of the colony , and is always ready to give advice and assistance when properly called upon . Bro . Niccol is the first W . M . of tho new Lodge , which is called the Manukan Lodge . Wo may add that had there been an English District Grand Master for the Province of Auckland the warrant wonld undoubtedly have been applied for under the
English Constitution . The question of tho appointment of a District Grand Master and formation of a District Grand Lodge in Aucklaud is still on the tapis
and the feeling of the oldest and most experienced brethren is entirely in favour of tbe appointment to that office of Mr . G . S . Graham , who was nominated at a meeting of Masters and Wardens of Lodges held some little time since . Wo have no doubt that Mr . Graham would
do honour to tho choice , but much regret the fact that Sir George Grey , one of the leading men in that part of the world , and a former governor of the Colony , should havo declined to accept the office . It is not to tho interest of Freemasonry in that part of the world that tho brothren should be broken up by division under tho several
Constitutions , and we confess that we should very much like to see a movement set on foot for a New Zealand Constitution . Such a system would much simplify matters , and would obviate the misunderstandings which occasionally arise in consequonco of the different privileges exercised nnder the English , Irish and Scotch Constitutions ,
The brethren of the Southern Star Lodge of Freo and Accepted Masons celebrated the festival of St . John the Evangelist on Monday ^ the 27 th Dec . last , at high noon , when the Worshipful Installing Officer , Bro . W . B . Sealy , installed Bro . J . C . Montray into the chair of tho Lodge as W . M . for tho ensuing year . Tho ritual aud ceremony were very effective , and tho admonition , the charges and address of the
Installing Officer wero very impressive . The Master then invested his officers , and the Lodge adjourned until Wednesday evening , the 2 Dth Jan , when the Craft-in-general assembled to a banquet , excellently provided at the Masonic Hall , by host Tregea . The nsnal loyal , patriotic , and Masonic toasts wero drunk ; as also the health of tho retiring W . M ., tho W . M . elect , the Sister Lodges of the district ,
certain highly esteemed brethren , & c , and tho evening s entertainment was heightened by good music . Wo are assured that the position of the Lodgo at this time is highly favorable , and a prosperous and harmonious year is confidently looked forward to by tho Brethren . Tho Wardens for the year are Bros . Dr . L . G . Booro and W Holmes . —Nelson Daily Times .
HOLIOIVAV ' . ' OtsTjtKirr AJTD Pir , r , s . — "Multitudes , suffering under a complication of disorders , might obtain relief through those healing ami purifying remedies , which should he employed without a day ' s delay . When the weather is variable and cold , and inttuenzas are prevalou ' r ., this Ointment , well rubbed upon the throat and chest , gives the greatest case , and checks all tendency to
inflammation iu the lungs and other organs . The Pills assist the curative power of the Ointment , inasmuch as thoy purify tho blood , and so quicken its circulation , that congestion is rendered almost impossible . Hollo way ' s treatment deals most successfully , too , with that very troublesome , and often tortious , ailment , indigestion—which is the bane of thousands , from over-work and fast living , in tho present day .
Ad00702
" A suitable gift from a Master to Ids Lodge " NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH , PRICE 8 s 6 cl EACH , THE FREEEMASON'SCHMSCLE , VOLUMES I . and II . Sent , Carriage Paid , to any address in the United Kingdom , on receipt of Cheque or P . 0 . 0 . London : —W . W . MORGAN , 67 B . irbican , E . C . Cloth Gases for Binding can be had from t \ uj OSijes , prico Is 6 d each . "
Ar00703
Agents , from whom Copies can always be her ? . : — Messrs . CURTICE aud Co ., 12 Catherine Street , Strand . Mr . T . DKISCOLL , S 7 Farringdon Street . Mr . G . W . JORDAN , 169 Strand . Messrs . MARSHALL and SONS , 125 Fleet Street , E . C , Mr . M . J . I ' AKKIXSO . V , 11-1 . Gosvvoll lload , E . C . Mr . H . SIMPSON , 7 lied Lion Court , E . C . Messrs . SMITH and SONS , 183 Strand . Messrs . SPENCER and Co ., 23 A Great Queen Street , W . C . Messrs . STEEL and JOXVES , 4 Spring Gardens , Charing Cross , Mr . G . VICKERS , Angel Court , 172 Straud . Mr . H . YiCKF . ns , 317 Strand ,