Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Holiday Season.
countenance—AVO hope this display of classic knowledge , and tho use of inverted commas will not bo set clown as an excess of vanity on our part . What is the good of having road tlio Latin classics unless we occasionall y air in public the knowledge we havo gained ? However , as we have
just now observed , a wet and snnlcss holiday is rather dull , and wc hope therefore , we shall he soon enjoying ourselves under tlie best possible conditions of wind and weather . Wo hope too that our worthy friends , whether thoy journov north , south , east , or west , will not only obtain the rest
they need from the cares and responsibilities of business , but -will find themselves invigorated by the fresh air and the abundant exercise . One little piece of advice we venture to offer , and wo have had considerable experience in holiday-making in various countries . People must not
run away with tho idea that much benefit is derived from long and frequent journeys by rail . What hardworking people stand most in need of is , rest and change of scene , but the former especially ; and tho man who lies on his back in some field basking in tho sunshine acts far more sensiblv
than he who rises betimes of a morning-, rushes off to the nearest station , and takes train some hundred miles and back , feeds incontinently , has a passing breath of fresh air , and then returns homo lato , quite Worn out by tho exertions he has put forth in order to mako himself believe he
has been enjoying himself . It is , of course , something to catch a momentary glimpse of tho green fields , as tho train is whirled along to its destination , but something more than this is needed in order thoroughly to renovate the system , and enable us once again to resume our duties
successfully . But the chief purpose we had in view in writing about the holiday season has yet to be achieved . Our remarks have been general in their character up to the present point , nor have Ave dono much else than suggest that all of
us are beginning to want a respite from labour . Just now , moreover , our Lodges are busying themselves about their annual excursions , and are probably planning where they shall go , what they shall do , and what it will cost them . On the first two points it is unnecessary AVO should offer any
advice . Within easy reach of London , and it matters not in what direction one goes , there aro delightful spots where a pleasant day may be spent . There is the river for those who like a sail , or a run to Gravesencl , Sheerness , Southend , & c . Kew and Richmond and the neighbourhood
are reached in comparatively a feAV minutes . In fact , no matter which way Ave turn , we need have no difficulty in finding a place to onjoy ourselves in each and every of the home counties . Nor is it difficult to fix upon the character of the recreation ; bat a more important point is to
determine what shall bo the cost of the day ' s excursion . We do not believe in niggardliness in connection with pleasuring . Far better is ifc to remain at home , if as regards cost it is considered unwise or inexpedient to leave a small margin for unforeseen circumstances . At the same time ,
as travelling is now so cheap , there is no earthly reason why a day ' s " outing" should be made so hot that brethren of moderate means must decline to participate in the enjoyment . By all means let those who have plenty and to spare spend freely ; but all are nofc born millionaires , and
tho expenses of a clay ' s excursion should bo regulated to suit the pecuniary possibilities of the many , not those of the wealthy . With a good many people , the outlay of five pounds for a single excursion is matter for serious consideration ; yet there are not a few of our
summer fetes Avhere a brother accompanied by ( sayJ his wife and daughters would find very little left of the sum we have named at the journey ' s end . There might also be some excuse for the costlier programme if ifc secured a greater degree of pleasure , but it is well known that some
of the most delightful trips are at the same time the most inexpensive . Nothing , for instance , can possibly be more enjoyable than a land or water pic-nic , yet there is no reason why ifc need cost more than a good family dinner ,
apart , of course , from the expenses of travel . Fresh air in a picturesque locality , and a liberal supply of creature comforts , are the chief constituents of a good " outin ^ , " and these , Avith railway or carnage fares , need not involve very serious expenditure .
We commend these remarks to the notice of our brethren jusfc at this time , as most of them arc doubtless looking forward to a little pleasurable recreation during the coming summer .
The Antiquity Of Laying Corner Stones With Religious And Mystical Ceremonies.
THE ANTIQUITY OF LAYING CORNER STONES WITH RELIGIOUS AND MYSTICAL CEREMONIES .
By R . W . CHARLES LEVI WOODBURY . RKPEiyrni ruoAt TitR LhiEit . u . FRKKMASOX .
r PROPOSE to lecture on tho Antiquity of tho laying of corner stones for public buildings with religions and mystical ceremonies . In doing this , I shrill chiefly call yonr attention to lato discoveries and hnnslntinns from Egyptian and Assyrian Inscriptions which havo evaded the ravages of timo for several thousands of years , and whoso recent- translation by scholars has let in a light on the distant past of the Masonio Craft as extraordinary as it is interesting to all Masonic students .
These records , carved in stone , or burnt into terra-cotta cylinders , are still extant , and living witnesses of the facts they state , and may not bo denied . Yon know that tho Grand Lodges of Freemasonry , certainly for tho past century and a half , have been in the habit of laying tho corner stones of edifices of a public , religions , or benevolent character with peculiar ceremonies . Tho history of this usage has
not , that I am aware of , been hitherto explored ; bufc I shall lay before you evidence of the antiquity of that usage , of undoubted authenticity as far as it goes . Properly viewed , theso new facts seem to mo important in tho history of Masonry , whether considered as an art or as an association of men . For tho Masonic student to weigh well what the stones have spoken , a few facts shonld be borne in mind .
1 st . Wo are to compare onr usages , forms , aud knowledge , with thoso in vogno among the Pharaohs , —not theirs with ours . 2 nd . That the Master Mason of antiquity was tho Architect and Draftsman in Architecture , combining these with his other practical functions , until after A . D . 1550 , when Palladio began to sot the example of separating the functions of Architect from thoso of a Master Mason .
Whilst the Freemasons were roaming through Europe Cathedral building , never permanently resident anywhere , they were able to preserve their liberty , independence and class organization , because the highest and the lowest in brains , wealth and skill clung together and made common cause against tho assaults of feudal arrogance and monarchical cupidity . It is generally conceded that men of brains ,
priests , nobles and kings were attracted to and admitted within thoir Lodges . In no other way than by the aid of snch protection and fellowship can yon account for the long and successful fight they maintained in England against the statutes prohibiting their annual assemblies and general chapters , their oaths , and agreements of initiation . It was only when further violation was mado felony , and
modifications had enabled masters to avoid the statute of wages by contracting in gross , or by tho piece , that the local laws appear to have controlled theso strong organizations ; and traditions made it probable that this control was rather in enforcing greater secrecy than in actual suppression . Bnt when thoso who aspired to master tho highest branches of the
arts of Architecture , exulting in the art-halo of the Renaissance , threw off their connection with the practical grades , disowned their fellowship in the Craft , and deriding the old Gothic art , devoted themselves to the Palladian , the unbalanced craft seemed likely to fall into obscurity . The public rapidly forgot that tho old glories of the art were tho master mason's work , and lost sight of the noble and
intellectual distinctions which had separated the Frankmason from tho art and calling of the Avail builder and the bricklayer . A few lingering Lodges of Freemasonry continued through the seventeenth century in England and Scotland , admitting gentlemen , artists , and other citizens to their fellowship , dimly preserving the traditions of their moro glorious past , until in the time of Wren
occurred that revival of Lodge Freemasonry with whoso history vro are all familiar . Knowing practical Masonry only as it exists in its last metamorphosis , a respectable number of our students have questioned whether this revival was an attempt to embody and preserve fading traditions of tho craft , and its former organization , or whether its cherished traditions wero tho invention of some enthusiasts . No
man has a right to deny tho truth of history because ho is ignorant . It is a Masonic duty to seek light as to Landmarks , that AVO may live up to them . I ask intelligent and bright Masons like you , when my story is told , to judge of the tenacity with which traditions and usages will cling in tho memory and habits of a Craft descending thousands of years nntil all recollection of their origin is lost in oblivion .
LIGHT ritoAr THE STONES . —Very recently this age has learned how far into tho past can be traced the usage of laying corner stones with important ceremonies , and the mystic reverence popularly attached to them . The allusions in the Bible to the laying of corner stones aro nofc tinfreqnont , and in the New Testament Christ is symbolized as the corner stone .
Job is held by scholars to be tho oldest book of the Bible , and there AVO read that the Lord answered Job out of the Avhirlwind , asking , " Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ?" and bid him to declare , if he had understanding , " who laid the corner stone thereof , when the morning stars sung together and all the sons of God shouted for joy ? " ( King James version . ) These sublime words simply paraphrase the mystic reverence which
in the adjacent civilized states of that time hnng around tho ceremonial of the laying of tho corner stone . Masonic art began earlier in Egypt than in any country Avhose records aro preserved to ns ; thero the oldest specimens of Masonic art yet known to mon aro still extant ; on these ancient edifices Craftsmen have carved those hieroglyphics , which students agreo are the beginning , the infancy of the art of writing . The earliest of these inscriptions are more than forty centuries old , and for the pasfc fif-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Holiday Season.
countenance—AVO hope this display of classic knowledge , and tho use of inverted commas will not bo set clown as an excess of vanity on our part . What is the good of having road tlio Latin classics unless we occasionall y air in public the knowledge we havo gained ? However , as we have
just now observed , a wet and snnlcss holiday is rather dull , and wc hope therefore , we shall he soon enjoying ourselves under tlie best possible conditions of wind and weather . Wo hope too that our worthy friends , whether thoy journov north , south , east , or west , will not only obtain the rest
they need from the cares and responsibilities of business , but -will find themselves invigorated by the fresh air and the abundant exercise . One little piece of advice we venture to offer , and wo have had considerable experience in holiday-making in various countries . People must not
run away with tho idea that much benefit is derived from long and frequent journeys by rail . What hardworking people stand most in need of is , rest and change of scene , but the former especially ; and tho man who lies on his back in some field basking in tho sunshine acts far more sensiblv
than he who rises betimes of a morning-, rushes off to the nearest station , and takes train some hundred miles and back , feeds incontinently , has a passing breath of fresh air , and then returns homo lato , quite Worn out by tho exertions he has put forth in order to mako himself believe he
has been enjoying himself . It is , of course , something to catch a momentary glimpse of tho green fields , as tho train is whirled along to its destination , but something more than this is needed in order thoroughly to renovate the system , and enable us once again to resume our duties
successfully . But the chief purpose we had in view in writing about the holiday season has yet to be achieved . Our remarks have been general in their character up to the present point , nor have Ave dono much else than suggest that all of
us are beginning to want a respite from labour . Just now , moreover , our Lodges are busying themselves about their annual excursions , and are probably planning where they shall go , what they shall do , and what it will cost them . On the first two points it is unnecessary AVO should offer any
advice . Within easy reach of London , and it matters not in what direction one goes , there aro delightful spots where a pleasant day may be spent . There is the river for those who like a sail , or a run to Gravesencl , Sheerness , Southend , & c . Kew and Richmond and the neighbourhood
are reached in comparatively a feAV minutes . In fact , no matter which way Ave turn , we need have no difficulty in finding a place to onjoy ourselves in each and every of the home counties . Nor is it difficult to fix upon the character of the recreation ; bat a more important point is to
determine what shall bo the cost of the day ' s excursion . We do not believe in niggardliness in connection with pleasuring . Far better is ifc to remain at home , if as regards cost it is considered unwise or inexpedient to leave a small margin for unforeseen circumstances . At the same time ,
as travelling is now so cheap , there is no earthly reason why a day ' s " outing" should be made so hot that brethren of moderate means must decline to participate in the enjoyment . By all means let those who have plenty and to spare spend freely ; but all are nofc born millionaires , and
tho expenses of a clay ' s excursion should bo regulated to suit the pecuniary possibilities of the many , not those of the wealthy . With a good many people , the outlay of five pounds for a single excursion is matter for serious consideration ; yet there are not a few of our
summer fetes Avhere a brother accompanied by ( sayJ his wife and daughters would find very little left of the sum we have named at the journey ' s end . There might also be some excuse for the costlier programme if ifc secured a greater degree of pleasure , but it is well known that some
of the most delightful trips are at the same time the most inexpensive . Nothing , for instance , can possibly be more enjoyable than a land or water pic-nic , yet there is no reason why ifc need cost more than a good family dinner ,
apart , of course , from the expenses of travel . Fresh air in a picturesque locality , and a liberal supply of creature comforts , are the chief constituents of a good " outin ^ , " and these , Avith railway or carnage fares , need not involve very serious expenditure .
We commend these remarks to the notice of our brethren jusfc at this time , as most of them arc doubtless looking forward to a little pleasurable recreation during the coming summer .
The Antiquity Of Laying Corner Stones With Religious And Mystical Ceremonies.
THE ANTIQUITY OF LAYING CORNER STONES WITH RELIGIOUS AND MYSTICAL CEREMONIES .
By R . W . CHARLES LEVI WOODBURY . RKPEiyrni ruoAt TitR LhiEit . u . FRKKMASOX .
r PROPOSE to lecture on tho Antiquity of tho laying of corner stones for public buildings with religions and mystical ceremonies . In doing this , I shrill chiefly call yonr attention to lato discoveries and hnnslntinns from Egyptian and Assyrian Inscriptions which havo evaded the ravages of timo for several thousands of years , and whoso recent- translation by scholars has let in a light on the distant past of the Masonio Craft as extraordinary as it is interesting to all Masonic students .
These records , carved in stone , or burnt into terra-cotta cylinders , are still extant , and living witnesses of the facts they state , and may not bo denied . Yon know that tho Grand Lodges of Freemasonry , certainly for tho past century and a half , have been in the habit of laying tho corner stones of edifices of a public , religions , or benevolent character with peculiar ceremonies . Tho history of this usage has
not , that I am aware of , been hitherto explored ; bufc I shall lay before you evidence of the antiquity of that usage , of undoubted authenticity as far as it goes . Properly viewed , theso new facts seem to mo important in tho history of Masonry , whether considered as an art or as an association of men . For tho Masonic student to weigh well what the stones have spoken , a few facts shonld be borne in mind .
1 st . Wo are to compare onr usages , forms , aud knowledge , with thoso in vogno among the Pharaohs , —not theirs with ours . 2 nd . That the Master Mason of antiquity was tho Architect and Draftsman in Architecture , combining these with his other practical functions , until after A . D . 1550 , when Palladio began to sot the example of separating the functions of Architect from thoso of a Master Mason .
Whilst the Freemasons were roaming through Europe Cathedral building , never permanently resident anywhere , they were able to preserve their liberty , independence and class organization , because the highest and the lowest in brains , wealth and skill clung together and made common cause against tho assaults of feudal arrogance and monarchical cupidity . It is generally conceded that men of brains ,
priests , nobles and kings were attracted to and admitted within thoir Lodges . In no other way than by the aid of snch protection and fellowship can yon account for the long and successful fight they maintained in England against the statutes prohibiting their annual assemblies and general chapters , their oaths , and agreements of initiation . It was only when further violation was mado felony , and
modifications had enabled masters to avoid the statute of wages by contracting in gross , or by tho piece , that the local laws appear to have controlled theso strong organizations ; and traditions made it probable that this control was rather in enforcing greater secrecy than in actual suppression . Bnt when thoso who aspired to master tho highest branches of the
arts of Architecture , exulting in the art-halo of the Renaissance , threw off their connection with the practical grades , disowned their fellowship in the Craft , and deriding the old Gothic art , devoted themselves to the Palladian , the unbalanced craft seemed likely to fall into obscurity . The public rapidly forgot that tho old glories of the art were tho master mason's work , and lost sight of the noble and
intellectual distinctions which had separated the Frankmason from tho art and calling of the Avail builder and the bricklayer . A few lingering Lodges of Freemasonry continued through the seventeenth century in England and Scotland , admitting gentlemen , artists , and other citizens to their fellowship , dimly preserving the traditions of their moro glorious past , until in the time of Wren
occurred that revival of Lodge Freemasonry with whoso history vro are all familiar . Knowing practical Masonry only as it exists in its last metamorphosis , a respectable number of our students have questioned whether this revival was an attempt to embody and preserve fading traditions of tho craft , and its former organization , or whether its cherished traditions wero tho invention of some enthusiasts . No
man has a right to deny tho truth of history because ho is ignorant . It is a Masonic duty to seek light as to Landmarks , that AVO may live up to them . I ask intelligent and bright Masons like you , when my story is told , to judge of the tenacity with which traditions and usages will cling in tho memory and habits of a Craft descending thousands of years nntil all recollection of their origin is lost in oblivion .
LIGHT ritoAr THE STONES . —Very recently this age has learned how far into tho past can be traced the usage of laying corner stones with important ceremonies , and the mystic reverence popularly attached to them . The allusions in the Bible to the laying of corner stones aro nofc tinfreqnont , and in the New Testament Christ is symbolized as the corner stone .
Job is held by scholars to be tho oldest book of the Bible , and there AVO read that the Lord answered Job out of the Avhirlwind , asking , " Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ?" and bid him to declare , if he had understanding , " who laid the corner stone thereof , when the morning stars sung together and all the sons of God shouted for joy ? " ( King James version . ) These sublime words simply paraphrase the mystic reverence which
in the adjacent civilized states of that time hnng around tho ceremonial of the laying of tho corner stone . Masonic art began earlier in Egypt than in any country Avhose records aro preserved to ns ; thero the oldest specimens of Masonic art yet known to mon aro still extant ; on these ancient edifices Craftsmen have carved those hieroglyphics , which students agreo are the beginning , the infancy of the art of writing . The earliest of these inscriptions are more than forty centuries old , and for the pasfc fif-