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Article THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION ELECTIONS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY MASONRY? Page 1 of 1 Article WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY MASONRY? Page 1 of 1 Article A CANDIDATE FOR- LIGHT Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Benevolent Institution Elections.
fortune . We refer to Bro . Edward Dorling , No . 44 on the list , and Bro . John Secra , No . 55 . The first named enjoys the distinction of having the longest Masonic record among the long list of candidates , he having paid , without a break , for upwards of 49 years , from 1841 to June 1890 , and for a considerable portion of this period he was a member of two Lodges , in both of whinh wo
. o- ~» ~ - " ' - know he was active in supporting and urging others to support the Masonic Institutions . Personally he has served as Steward on behalf of the three Institutions , and has qualified as Life Governor of the Fund for the benefits of which he is now a candidate . Brother Secra has not had so long an association with Freemasonry , he only having been
initiated in 1871 , but during that period has displayed considerable zeal in the good cause , as evidenced ' by the fact that he is a Life Governor of the Benevolent Institution and also of the Boys' School . He dates his troubles from the time of his eyesight failing , and but for that sore affliction we are convinced Bro . Secra would not now be seeking the support of his Brother Masons . Bather , indeed , would he be doing
Ins share towards providing for the wants of others . There may be many eases equally deserving with these two , but our friends will believe us when we say we know these to be truly genuine . If any support is accorded either of these brethren as a result of our remarks we shall be gratified , and , as far as lies in our power , hope we may be able to repay the brethren who have listened to our appeal on behalf of these two worthy Craftsmen .
What Do We Understand By Masonry?
WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY MASONRY ?
THE necessity for the existence of the Masonic Fraternity may be found in the multiplicity of religions and the diversity of ideas regarding God , or a great first cause of all things . Evon in the most enlightened countries of the world , ideas and opinions concerning the
beginning and the ending , the Alpha and Omega of matter and life , are as various almost as is individuality . Men unite themselves into churches and sects , and induce as many to subscribe to their belief as possible , and yet how meagre are the number in each one as compared with the
sum total of the inhabitants of the world . As a sample , view the numerous bodies composed of believers in Christianity and notice what a small fraction of the race is
in each . Even the Church of Rome , by far the largest , and supposed to contain fully one-half of the Christians in the world , is not Catholic . It is simply a sect or parcel of the whole . But when we add all the different Christian sects
and denominations together , the Mohammedan far exceeds them in number . Place Christians and Mohammedans in one lot , and the followers of Budha will many times outnumber them . Indeed , it is estimated that the idolatrous nations of the earth compose from two-thirds to threefourths of the human race .
Mankind have ever been prompt to promulgate a " creed " of some kind . In the earlier stages of the world the creeds were extremely simple . As one organisation broke away from an older one , more or less was added to
the creed , until in course of time they became very elaborate and confusing . Take for examample . the creeds of Christianity . The beloved disciple laid down a creed thus : " Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God . " Agrain : "
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God . " This seems to have been the creed adopted by the apostles , for we find that the eunuch repeated it before baptism , "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God . " That was all that was required
at that time . Something like one hundred and fifteen years after , it had been elaborated into Avhat has since been known as the " Apostles' creed . " In the third century
it was expanded into the " Nicene creed , " and so we have from time to time enlargements of creeds according to the ideas of different men and different times all the way down to the Westminster confession of faith , and various others
What Do We Understand By Masonry?
too numerous to mention . And thus through tho centuries , from Christ to the present time , divisions have taken place till the sects aro as numerous as tho leaves of the forest , and union and unity are not to be found in Christendom , No intelligent Mason will assert that Masonry is religion , but
all will agree that Masonry is the handmaid of religion , and as such may exert an influence in uniting the people of the world in one grand crusade against ignorance ,
bigotry and intolerance , and thus , like the guide-board or pilot-fish , show religious sectarians tho way to consolidate their efforts in doing good and preparing the way for the peaceful reign of tho Son of Man on tho earth .
Hence it has chosen tho simplest creed known to man , a belief only in God . Let mankind believe as they will on all other questions , only believe in God and they are subjects of fraternity and can be utilized for tbo amelioration of the sufferings and sorrows of onr race .
The lines of religious thought aro evidently drawing nearer each other and seem verging to a focus , whether from the influence of Masonry , the handmaid , or not , and mankind are surely drawing nearer and more near to each other .
And when that glorious time shall come that men think alike on the great questions that involve tho future of tho race , swords shall be beaton into plow shares and spoars into pruning hooks , neither shall they loam war any more . Then shall bo the Millennium , and tho glorious Messianic
reign of the prince of peace . Then will Masonry havo accomplished its mission , and will give placo to the pure doctrines of the blessed Emanuel and joy aud gladness employ every tongue and fill every heart . But what do
wo understand by Masonry ? Is it simply the ritual ? A form of words which a parrot may learn ? Verily a ritual is necessary , but it is only the shell or covering . The intelligent Mason will search deeper for the meat , or kernel , " brotherly love , relief and truth . "
The walls of the beautiful Masonic fraternity temple aro complete , the windows glazed ; every column , mullion , muntifoil and architrave in its place , and the building exhibits all the perfections of a pure architecture , and to the eye of the beholder is " a thing of beauty and a joy for
ever . " Bnt if there be nothing utilitarian within , no floors , partitions , rooms and offices with their light , heating and water apparatus , it is but the shell , the ritual , and is as empty as it is hollow . How necessary then that the neophyte , on his entrance into the fraternity should be
taught to discriminate between the apparent and the real and should not have all his time and attention given to the non-essentials of the institution . How necessary that those brethren of riper age direct their thoughts within and satisfy themselves that it is the internal and not alone
the external that fits a man for a position in the great Masonic army , and enables him to strike trenchant blows for truth and justice . Thus all should strivo with one
accord to give their attention to both external and internal qualifications that our structure may exhibit perfect symmetry in ail its parts and prove a fit temple for tho habitation of the Grand Architect of the Universe . —The American Mason .
A Candidate For- Light
A CANDIDATE FOR- LIGHT
A CANDIDATE for Freemasonry is a candidate for light , and in Masonic parlance when he is made a Mason , that is receives the Entered Apprentico degree , he is brought to light . But just as one star differs from another star in glory in
the firmament of heaven , and as the moon is brighter than a star , and the sun brighter than the moon , so the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason ' s degree in turn shed more
moral , intellectual and Masonic light upon the candidate . Observe he is still a candidate , through all of these degrees , a candidate for more light , more Masonic light .
Does he cease to be a candidate for light when he has been raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason , or exalted to the supreme degree of the Royal Arch ? If ho
does , he misapprehends the character of Freemasonry , and its ability as a light bearer , as a central sun , to continue to shed more and more light upon him as long as he is connected with the Masonic Fraternity .
In every Lodge meeting Masonic light is shed upon every member present . This is the advantage that comes to the punctual and diligent attendant at tbe meetings of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Benevolent Institution Elections.
fortune . We refer to Bro . Edward Dorling , No . 44 on the list , and Bro . John Secra , No . 55 . The first named enjoys the distinction of having the longest Masonic record among the long list of candidates , he having paid , without a break , for upwards of 49 years , from 1841 to June 1890 , and for a considerable portion of this period he was a member of two Lodges , in both of whinh wo
. o- ~» ~ - " ' - know he was active in supporting and urging others to support the Masonic Institutions . Personally he has served as Steward on behalf of the three Institutions , and has qualified as Life Governor of the Fund for the benefits of which he is now a candidate . Brother Secra has not had so long an association with Freemasonry , he only having been
initiated in 1871 , but during that period has displayed considerable zeal in the good cause , as evidenced ' by the fact that he is a Life Governor of the Benevolent Institution and also of the Boys' School . He dates his troubles from the time of his eyesight failing , and but for that sore affliction we are convinced Bro . Secra would not now be seeking the support of his Brother Masons . Bather , indeed , would he be doing
Ins share towards providing for the wants of others . There may be many eases equally deserving with these two , but our friends will believe us when we say we know these to be truly genuine . If any support is accorded either of these brethren as a result of our remarks we shall be gratified , and , as far as lies in our power , hope we may be able to repay the brethren who have listened to our appeal on behalf of these two worthy Craftsmen .
What Do We Understand By Masonry?
WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY MASONRY ?
THE necessity for the existence of the Masonic Fraternity may be found in the multiplicity of religions and the diversity of ideas regarding God , or a great first cause of all things . Evon in the most enlightened countries of the world , ideas and opinions concerning the
beginning and the ending , the Alpha and Omega of matter and life , are as various almost as is individuality . Men unite themselves into churches and sects , and induce as many to subscribe to their belief as possible , and yet how meagre are the number in each one as compared with the
sum total of the inhabitants of the world . As a sample , view the numerous bodies composed of believers in Christianity and notice what a small fraction of the race is
in each . Even the Church of Rome , by far the largest , and supposed to contain fully one-half of the Christians in the world , is not Catholic . It is simply a sect or parcel of the whole . But when we add all the different Christian sects
and denominations together , the Mohammedan far exceeds them in number . Place Christians and Mohammedans in one lot , and the followers of Budha will many times outnumber them . Indeed , it is estimated that the idolatrous nations of the earth compose from two-thirds to threefourths of the human race .
Mankind have ever been prompt to promulgate a " creed " of some kind . In the earlier stages of the world the creeds were extremely simple . As one organisation broke away from an older one , more or less was added to
the creed , until in course of time they became very elaborate and confusing . Take for examample . the creeds of Christianity . The beloved disciple laid down a creed thus : " Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God . " Agrain : "
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God . " This seems to have been the creed adopted by the apostles , for we find that the eunuch repeated it before baptism , "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God . " That was all that was required
at that time . Something like one hundred and fifteen years after , it had been elaborated into Avhat has since been known as the " Apostles' creed . " In the third century
it was expanded into the " Nicene creed , " and so we have from time to time enlargements of creeds according to the ideas of different men and different times all the way down to the Westminster confession of faith , and various others
What Do We Understand By Masonry?
too numerous to mention . And thus through tho centuries , from Christ to the present time , divisions have taken place till the sects aro as numerous as tho leaves of the forest , and union and unity are not to be found in Christendom , No intelligent Mason will assert that Masonry is religion , but
all will agree that Masonry is the handmaid of religion , and as such may exert an influence in uniting the people of the world in one grand crusade against ignorance ,
bigotry and intolerance , and thus , like the guide-board or pilot-fish , show religious sectarians tho way to consolidate their efforts in doing good and preparing the way for the peaceful reign of tho Son of Man on tho earth .
Hence it has chosen tho simplest creed known to man , a belief only in God . Let mankind believe as they will on all other questions , only believe in God and they are subjects of fraternity and can be utilized for tbo amelioration of the sufferings and sorrows of onr race .
The lines of religious thought aro evidently drawing nearer each other and seem verging to a focus , whether from the influence of Masonry , the handmaid , or not , and mankind are surely drawing nearer and more near to each other .
And when that glorious time shall come that men think alike on the great questions that involve tho future of tho race , swords shall be beaton into plow shares and spoars into pruning hooks , neither shall they loam war any more . Then shall bo the Millennium , and tho glorious Messianic
reign of the prince of peace . Then will Masonry havo accomplished its mission , and will give placo to the pure doctrines of the blessed Emanuel and joy aud gladness employ every tongue and fill every heart . But what do
wo understand by Masonry ? Is it simply the ritual ? A form of words which a parrot may learn ? Verily a ritual is necessary , but it is only the shell or covering . The intelligent Mason will search deeper for the meat , or kernel , " brotherly love , relief and truth . "
The walls of the beautiful Masonic fraternity temple aro complete , the windows glazed ; every column , mullion , muntifoil and architrave in its place , and the building exhibits all the perfections of a pure architecture , and to the eye of the beholder is " a thing of beauty and a joy for
ever . " Bnt if there be nothing utilitarian within , no floors , partitions , rooms and offices with their light , heating and water apparatus , it is but the shell , the ritual , and is as empty as it is hollow . How necessary then that the neophyte , on his entrance into the fraternity should be
taught to discriminate between the apparent and the real and should not have all his time and attention given to the non-essentials of the institution . How necessary that those brethren of riper age direct their thoughts within and satisfy themselves that it is the internal and not alone
the external that fits a man for a position in the great Masonic army , and enables him to strike trenchant blows for truth and justice . Thus all should strivo with one
accord to give their attention to both external and internal qualifications that our structure may exhibit perfect symmetry in ail its parts and prove a fit temple for tho habitation of the Grand Architect of the Universe . —The American Mason .
A Candidate For- Light
A CANDIDATE FOR- LIGHT
A CANDIDATE for Freemasonry is a candidate for light , and in Masonic parlance when he is made a Mason , that is receives the Entered Apprentico degree , he is brought to light . But just as one star differs from another star in glory in
the firmament of heaven , and as the moon is brighter than a star , and the sun brighter than the moon , so the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason ' s degree in turn shed more
moral , intellectual and Masonic light upon the candidate . Observe he is still a candidate , through all of these degrees , a candidate for more light , more Masonic light .
Does he cease to be a candidate for light when he has been raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason , or exalted to the supreme degree of the Royal Arch ? If ho
does , he misapprehends the character of Freemasonry , and its ability as a light bearer , as a central sun , to continue to shed more and more light upon him as long as he is connected with the Masonic Fraternity .
In every Lodge meeting Masonic light is shed upon every member present . This is the advantage that comes to the punctual and diligent attendant at tbe meetings of