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Article THE CLAIM OF MASONRY TO BE A MORAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article THE CLAIM OF MASONRY TO BE A MORAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article DECEMBER. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Claim Of Masonry To Be A Moral And Social Institution.
THE CLAIM OF MASONRY TO BE A MORAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTION .
FROM THE "C ANADIAN MASONIC NEWS . " MASONEY has been well described by Arnold , to be " a moral society , instituted with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths , in the midst of the most innocent and social pleasures , founded on liberality , brotherly love , and charity . " With this object in view , the Masonic Lodge is made to
represent the Universe ; it reaches to Heaven its celestial canopy ; its length extends from East to West ; its breadth between North and South , thus typifying the universality of tho Institution . The Sun , the glory in the centre , is emblematic of the light of the Divine Creator ; the Star , the symbol of prudence ; tho seven stars indicate the regularity of our meetings , and initiation of candidates into our
ceremonies and mysteries ; the planetary border and the four tassels representing the cardinal virtues ; the beautiful flooring of the Lodge portraying the vicissitudes of life , in the material or moral prosperity or adversity of the Craft ; complete the first outline of tho religions , moral and typical embellishments of a Masonio Lodge .
A Masonio Lodge is founded on holy ground—that ground whereon Abraham , Moses , David and Solomon have consecrated it to tho Most High ; and been thus founded , wo open and close our Lodges in every degree with reverent invocations , and with solemn prayer to Him who declared to Abraham , that He would establish His holy name on Mount Moriah for ever . To him
likewise we dedicate and consecrate our Lodges , invoking , with the reverential awe which is due from the creature to his Creator , His aid in all our laudable undertakings , and imploring His protection in our labours , whether He be addressed as the Grand Architect of the Universe , the Grand Geometrician , or the Most High . It is an established and fundamental law , that no one can pass the Masonic
threshold , without previously declaring disinterested motives for so doing and desiring to participate in our privileges , and pledging himself that a favourable opinion entertained of tho Institution , a desire for knowledge , and a sincere wish to bo serviceable to his fellow-man , influences him in so doing . Neither can ho proceed further , until he has devoutly joined in prayer to the Great Architect
of the Universe , and expressed his full belief m a Divine Creator , the one true and ever-living God . With these pre-requisites , a solemn covenant to preserve our secrets and maintain our ancient landmarks and usages , neither of which affects his duty to his God or his country , is exacted of him , —an ancient custom , supported by the Holy Writings , wherein the propriety of secrecy receives even
the approbation of the wiso Solomon . He has thus pointed out to him tho volume of the Sacred Law , ever open in our assemblies , the Square and the Compasses , which are explained to him with all due solemnity . On tho first , he is solemnly enjoined to place his faith , and make it the rule and guide of his life ; on the second , to form his conduct with his fellows , and on the third , to keep his passions
within just and proper boundaries , not only with his brethren , but with the whole universal family of man . Subsequently to these , moral , solemn appeals are made to him on the divine attribute of charity—that charity which extends beyond tho grave , through the boundless realms of eternity , and under circumstances that cannot fail to leave an indelible impression on his mind , and incite him
to the exercise of that pre-eminently Masonic virtue , in its most expanded sense , whenever opportunity bo afforded him . Being thus charged , he is invested or clothed with the Masonic badge , the emblem of innocence , and the bond of friendship—rich in symbolic beauty , and more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Eoman Eagle , more honourable than the Star and Garter , or any
other Order that could be conferred upon him , at that , or any future period , when ho is exhorted in tho most felicitous language upon his duty to his God , his neighbour and himself ; his duty as a citizen as an individual and a brother , more especially the latter character as regards his secrecy , his fidelity , his obedience , and to omit no opportunity to extend the cultivation of his mind .
Proceeding onward , and again invoking the blessing of the Almighty , the hidden mysteries of science are explained in the second degree , and Geometry , under its comprehensive designation , as including all other arts and sciences , is presented for his stndy and contemplation . Again is prayer offered up in his behalf , when he is raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason , in which the
beautiful legend , embodying the resurrection and regeneration is depicted in sacred and impressive form . And we would here say that no one can witness the beautiful and sublime ceremonies of this degree , without having his thoughts raised to Heaven , without being filled with the most powerful emotions , and without his heart expanding with benevolence and fraternal feeling toward
the brethren united to him by the mystic tie . It is unnecessary for us to dwell upon all the tools and symbols of this degree , the guage , apportioning employment and duties ; the gavel , depicting the primitive state of man , and his enlightenment by education ; and of the trowel , the emblem of divino charity , uniting all by the cement of friendship , and fraternal regard . The square of moral
conduct , the level of moral equality before God and our brethren ; the plummet of justice ; the compasses , of the divine limits of good and evil ; the pillars of wisdom , strength and beauty ; the footstool of the Holy One , and his astral diadem—the meal steps of communication from the volume of Sacred Law to Heaven—the great parallels—the circle emblematizing eternity , and typical of the
Creator s mysterious origin and future duration , all these invest our ceremonies with surpassing interest and inspire us with sublimt emotions . To these , we must not omit to add the emblems of freedom , fervency and zeal , symbolized by chaik , charcoal and clay ; onr instructive tracing boards and beautiful ceremonial lectures . Our readers will at once perceive from the above , that the
The Claim Of Masonry To Be A Moral And Social Institution.
claim that Masonry is " a pecular system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , " is no flight of the imagination . And whether we trace it from Adam to Enoch , Noah , Shem , Abraham , Jacob , Joseph , Job , Moses and Aaron , in one epoch ; or from Joshua to Samuel , David and Solomon , in other epochs ; or pass in review the lives of the Scribes Ezra and Nehemiah , and of
the prophets down to the Christian era , tho same pure principle , more or less developed , of our ancient fraternity , are continually manifest to the diligent enquirer and searcher after truth . We therefore entreat those who have entered the portals of Freemasonry to employ their leisure time so that they may add an intellectual buttress , pinnacle , or copestone to the beautiful moral structure
of our society . It is in the power of all the brethren to give such direction to the Masonio labours as may dignify our profession , invest it with an enduring interest , enable it to become , in a great measure , the depository and teacher of the arts and sciences , and the bright exemplar of moral power and union throughout the civilized world .
December.
DECEMBER .
D ARK days are now proverbial , but this month E ngages higher thoughts of holier life ; C ommenting on the past , remembrance brings E ach deed performed , and duties left undone .
M ay next year ' s hope and promise bo fulfilled B eforc another rcck ' ning comes too late . E nablo us , 0 God , to do Thy Will , R epressing evil , and promoting good . M . A . BAINES , in Colbum ' s New Monthly .
THE FOUNDATION OF THE OKDEK O ? HOSPITALLERS , OK KNIGHTS OF ST . JOHN . —In tho year A . D . 1048 , some merchants from Amalfi obtained permission from tho Caliph to build a hospital at Jerusalem for the protection of pilgrims . A piece of ground near to tho site of tho Holy Sepulchre was assigned to them for this purpose , and a chapel and hospital were built there , the first being dedicated to St .
Mary , and the second to St . John the Almoner . During the siege of Jerusalem many of the sick and wounded Crusaders were brought into the hospital ; and , in gratitude for the benefits they received there , they determined to dedicate them lives to charitable acts , and to enter the Monastery of St . John . They assumed as a dress a black robe , with the figure of a white cross with eight points . Popo
Pascal II . bestowed many valuable privileges upon the order , and tho Poor Brothers of the Hospital of St . John became a wealthy community , famed throughout Europe . During the reign of Baldwin of Bourg , the third King of Jerusalem , the Hospitallers resumed the sword , binding themselves by a vow to draw it only against the enemies of Christ . The Order of St . John was then divided into the several
classes of knights , clergy , and serving brothers . The knights wero highest in rank , and commanded in battle or in the hospital ; the serving brothers filled the offices of esquires , or assisted the clergy in attendance upon the sick . The vows , which were taken by all , without distinction , included the duties of chastity , of obedience to the council , and of a renunciation individually of all worldly possessions . —From " Cassell's History of England , " for December .
A EEOION OP CONTRASTS . —It has been sarcastically , but perhaps not undeservedly , remarked , that the City of Westminster is , and has long been , the centre of dissipation of tho whole empire ; and such perhaps id may be , for the region to the north of Pall Mall has been , over since the institution of " clubs , " the head-quarters of luxury ; while a visit to the purlieus of Westminster proper—to tho
south of the Abbey and Victoria Street—would serve to convince the most incredulous that dissipation does not belong to the upper classes exclusively . Here , however , as in other parts of the great metropolis , recent years have witnessed vast improvements . The building of Victoria Street , and the demolition of old buildings for
the construction of the Metropolitan District Eailway , necessitated the removal of some of the worst neighbourhoods of Westminster . Still , in the district bordering on the river , the general aspect of the dwellings is to a great extent unchanged . —From Cassell ' s "Old and New London , " for December .
COUIITESY . —One word more about your " bluff and honest" people I wonder who manned those two words ! Cannot you have polite and honest , refined and honest , gentle and honest , courteous and honest , as well as bluff , or rough , and honest ? Yon have put the words , mark , in juxtaposition , but there is no real vital connection between them . It is as manifest as can be that honesty is one of the noblest
characteristics of a good man . Without that , all acquirements are but decorations on a tomb ; that is to say , they cover rottenness and corruption . For a dishonest man contravenes the first principles of peace and happiness in society . He degrades his nation , his family , and himself . A man may be dishonest in many ways , and when detected , he should be visited with the opprobrium of society—whether
he picks a pocket , swindles a company , steals a reputation , or simulates what he is not . But because a flower is to be right at the foot , is it to have no leaves , no flower , no fragrance ? and because a man is honest , is he to have none of the finishing virtues of humanity ? You must see how nonsensical such a position is . —From The Quiver , for December .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Claim Of Masonry To Be A Moral And Social Institution.
THE CLAIM OF MASONRY TO BE A MORAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTION .
FROM THE "C ANADIAN MASONIC NEWS . " MASONEY has been well described by Arnold , to be " a moral society , instituted with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths , in the midst of the most innocent and social pleasures , founded on liberality , brotherly love , and charity . " With this object in view , the Masonic Lodge is made to
represent the Universe ; it reaches to Heaven its celestial canopy ; its length extends from East to West ; its breadth between North and South , thus typifying the universality of tho Institution . The Sun , the glory in the centre , is emblematic of the light of the Divine Creator ; the Star , the symbol of prudence ; tho seven stars indicate the regularity of our meetings , and initiation of candidates into our
ceremonies and mysteries ; the planetary border and the four tassels representing the cardinal virtues ; the beautiful flooring of the Lodge portraying the vicissitudes of life , in the material or moral prosperity or adversity of the Craft ; complete the first outline of tho religions , moral and typical embellishments of a Masonio Lodge .
A Masonio Lodge is founded on holy ground—that ground whereon Abraham , Moses , David and Solomon have consecrated it to tho Most High ; and been thus founded , wo open and close our Lodges in every degree with reverent invocations , and with solemn prayer to Him who declared to Abraham , that He would establish His holy name on Mount Moriah for ever . To him
likewise we dedicate and consecrate our Lodges , invoking , with the reverential awe which is due from the creature to his Creator , His aid in all our laudable undertakings , and imploring His protection in our labours , whether He be addressed as the Grand Architect of the Universe , the Grand Geometrician , or the Most High . It is an established and fundamental law , that no one can pass the Masonic
threshold , without previously declaring disinterested motives for so doing and desiring to participate in our privileges , and pledging himself that a favourable opinion entertained of tho Institution , a desire for knowledge , and a sincere wish to bo serviceable to his fellow-man , influences him in so doing . Neither can ho proceed further , until he has devoutly joined in prayer to the Great Architect
of the Universe , and expressed his full belief m a Divine Creator , the one true and ever-living God . With these pre-requisites , a solemn covenant to preserve our secrets and maintain our ancient landmarks and usages , neither of which affects his duty to his God or his country , is exacted of him , —an ancient custom , supported by the Holy Writings , wherein the propriety of secrecy receives even
the approbation of the wiso Solomon . He has thus pointed out to him tho volume of the Sacred Law , ever open in our assemblies , the Square and the Compasses , which are explained to him with all due solemnity . On tho first , he is solemnly enjoined to place his faith , and make it the rule and guide of his life ; on the second , to form his conduct with his fellows , and on the third , to keep his passions
within just and proper boundaries , not only with his brethren , but with the whole universal family of man . Subsequently to these , moral , solemn appeals are made to him on the divine attribute of charity—that charity which extends beyond tho grave , through the boundless realms of eternity , and under circumstances that cannot fail to leave an indelible impression on his mind , and incite him
to the exercise of that pre-eminently Masonic virtue , in its most expanded sense , whenever opportunity bo afforded him . Being thus charged , he is invested or clothed with the Masonic badge , the emblem of innocence , and the bond of friendship—rich in symbolic beauty , and more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Eoman Eagle , more honourable than the Star and Garter , or any
other Order that could be conferred upon him , at that , or any future period , when ho is exhorted in tho most felicitous language upon his duty to his God , his neighbour and himself ; his duty as a citizen as an individual and a brother , more especially the latter character as regards his secrecy , his fidelity , his obedience , and to omit no opportunity to extend the cultivation of his mind .
Proceeding onward , and again invoking the blessing of the Almighty , the hidden mysteries of science are explained in the second degree , and Geometry , under its comprehensive designation , as including all other arts and sciences , is presented for his stndy and contemplation . Again is prayer offered up in his behalf , when he is raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason , in which the
beautiful legend , embodying the resurrection and regeneration is depicted in sacred and impressive form . And we would here say that no one can witness the beautiful and sublime ceremonies of this degree , without having his thoughts raised to Heaven , without being filled with the most powerful emotions , and without his heart expanding with benevolence and fraternal feeling toward
the brethren united to him by the mystic tie . It is unnecessary for us to dwell upon all the tools and symbols of this degree , the guage , apportioning employment and duties ; the gavel , depicting the primitive state of man , and his enlightenment by education ; and of the trowel , the emblem of divino charity , uniting all by the cement of friendship , and fraternal regard . The square of moral
conduct , the level of moral equality before God and our brethren ; the plummet of justice ; the compasses , of the divine limits of good and evil ; the pillars of wisdom , strength and beauty ; the footstool of the Holy One , and his astral diadem—the meal steps of communication from the volume of Sacred Law to Heaven—the great parallels—the circle emblematizing eternity , and typical of the
Creator s mysterious origin and future duration , all these invest our ceremonies with surpassing interest and inspire us with sublimt emotions . To these , we must not omit to add the emblems of freedom , fervency and zeal , symbolized by chaik , charcoal and clay ; onr instructive tracing boards and beautiful ceremonial lectures . Our readers will at once perceive from the above , that the
The Claim Of Masonry To Be A Moral And Social Institution.
claim that Masonry is " a pecular system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , " is no flight of the imagination . And whether we trace it from Adam to Enoch , Noah , Shem , Abraham , Jacob , Joseph , Job , Moses and Aaron , in one epoch ; or from Joshua to Samuel , David and Solomon , in other epochs ; or pass in review the lives of the Scribes Ezra and Nehemiah , and of
the prophets down to the Christian era , tho same pure principle , more or less developed , of our ancient fraternity , are continually manifest to the diligent enquirer and searcher after truth . We therefore entreat those who have entered the portals of Freemasonry to employ their leisure time so that they may add an intellectual buttress , pinnacle , or copestone to the beautiful moral structure
of our society . It is in the power of all the brethren to give such direction to the Masonio labours as may dignify our profession , invest it with an enduring interest , enable it to become , in a great measure , the depository and teacher of the arts and sciences , and the bright exemplar of moral power and union throughout the civilized world .
December.
DECEMBER .
D ARK days are now proverbial , but this month E ngages higher thoughts of holier life ; C ommenting on the past , remembrance brings E ach deed performed , and duties left undone .
M ay next year ' s hope and promise bo fulfilled B eforc another rcck ' ning comes too late . E nablo us , 0 God , to do Thy Will , R epressing evil , and promoting good . M . A . BAINES , in Colbum ' s New Monthly .
THE FOUNDATION OF THE OKDEK O ? HOSPITALLERS , OK KNIGHTS OF ST . JOHN . —In tho year A . D . 1048 , some merchants from Amalfi obtained permission from tho Caliph to build a hospital at Jerusalem for the protection of pilgrims . A piece of ground near to tho site of tho Holy Sepulchre was assigned to them for this purpose , and a chapel and hospital were built there , the first being dedicated to St .
Mary , and the second to St . John the Almoner . During the siege of Jerusalem many of the sick and wounded Crusaders were brought into the hospital ; and , in gratitude for the benefits they received there , they determined to dedicate them lives to charitable acts , and to enter the Monastery of St . John . They assumed as a dress a black robe , with the figure of a white cross with eight points . Popo
Pascal II . bestowed many valuable privileges upon the order , and tho Poor Brothers of the Hospital of St . John became a wealthy community , famed throughout Europe . During the reign of Baldwin of Bourg , the third King of Jerusalem , the Hospitallers resumed the sword , binding themselves by a vow to draw it only against the enemies of Christ . The Order of St . John was then divided into the several
classes of knights , clergy , and serving brothers . The knights wero highest in rank , and commanded in battle or in the hospital ; the serving brothers filled the offices of esquires , or assisted the clergy in attendance upon the sick . The vows , which were taken by all , without distinction , included the duties of chastity , of obedience to the council , and of a renunciation individually of all worldly possessions . —From " Cassell's History of England , " for December .
A EEOION OP CONTRASTS . —It has been sarcastically , but perhaps not undeservedly , remarked , that the City of Westminster is , and has long been , the centre of dissipation of tho whole empire ; and such perhaps id may be , for the region to the north of Pall Mall has been , over since the institution of " clubs , " the head-quarters of luxury ; while a visit to the purlieus of Westminster proper—to tho
south of the Abbey and Victoria Street—would serve to convince the most incredulous that dissipation does not belong to the upper classes exclusively . Here , however , as in other parts of the great metropolis , recent years have witnessed vast improvements . The building of Victoria Street , and the demolition of old buildings for
the construction of the Metropolitan District Eailway , necessitated the removal of some of the worst neighbourhoods of Westminster . Still , in the district bordering on the river , the general aspect of the dwellings is to a great extent unchanged . —From Cassell ' s "Old and New London , " for December .
COUIITESY . —One word more about your " bluff and honest" people I wonder who manned those two words ! Cannot you have polite and honest , refined and honest , gentle and honest , courteous and honest , as well as bluff , or rough , and honest ? Yon have put the words , mark , in juxtaposition , but there is no real vital connection between them . It is as manifest as can be that honesty is one of the noblest
characteristics of a good man . Without that , all acquirements are but decorations on a tomb ; that is to say , they cover rottenness and corruption . For a dishonest man contravenes the first principles of peace and happiness in society . He degrades his nation , his family , and himself . A man may be dishonest in many ways , and when detected , he should be visited with the opprobrium of society—whether
he picks a pocket , swindles a company , steals a reputation , or simulates what he is not . But because a flower is to be right at the foot , is it to have no leaves , no flower , no fragrance ? and because a man is honest , is he to have none of the finishing virtues of humanity ? You must see how nonsensical such a position is . —From The Quiver , for December .