Our Trestleboard.

OUR TRESTLEBOARD .

AMONG the ancient landmarks of the Craft is the Trestleboard , one of the most important of * ha " Three Immovable Jewels " of a Lodge . We are taught in the explanation thereof that it was used by our ancient Grand Mister Hiram to draw his designs upon , . and from the

intricate and artistic patterns thereon was built that mighty fabric that immortalised the name of the wise King of Israel . At a certain stage of the proceedings that characterised the

erection of this magnificent edifice , the fact that the Trestleboard contained no designs upon its surface threw the workmen into confusion , and seriously delayed the completion of the temple .

There is a very important lesson in this , a lesson that applies to our every-day life . Each one of us is erecting a temple , a temple within ourselves , the magnificence of which far exceeds the temple of old , and in its construction are

passed many lives . We come and go , and in each life we beautify or mar the same , just as our plan is made . We build according to the designs we draw upon our trestleboard . If we are skilled architects , familiar with the design that shall create a temple fit for the abiding place of the

Divinity that enshrines us all , then we build understandingly , knowing what is required of us . If we are careless or unheeding draughtsmen , indifferent as to how our temple is to be reared ; without circumspection or regard to the proper construction , then our designs upon the Trestleboard will be faulty and incorrect , and we shall build a house that will totter

and perish , and in its fall destroy others . Moreover , we set an example for less informed members of the Craft to imitate us , and cover their Trestleboards with incorrect and misleading designs . Did it ever occur to you that your acts and thoughts are

an incentive for others to copy ? Are you aware that every deed , every thought , is a portion of the pattern you trace on your Trestleboard , and will have a prominent place in the building of your temple ? These are pertinent and important questions , and will bear much contemplation . Reflect well

ere you transmit any mark or character to be copied into imperishable records by the Craftsmen employed in rearing the temple of which you are the supreme grand architect .

See that every line and curve contains that idea of symmetry that shall perpetuate the god-like structure you have in charge . Be virtually the architect of your own destiny . You must build as you plan , you must plan as you think .

In this temple we are fashioning are employed many Craftsmen . These may be likened to the various impulses that , come to us in an ordinary span of life . Some of them are high and noble , like the finished workmen of the old temple ; some of them indifferent and careless , caring onlfor the

y task set before them , and indifferent as to whether their portion of the work shall beautify and adorn , or mar and disfigure . The mind corresponds with the Trestleboard . If the Master Architect is in touch with the true motive of the structure he is responsible for , he will see that the

trestleboard is ever carved with the noblest designs , the highest conception of his divinity . Nothing of a debasing or degrading influence will be permitted to trail its corrupting presence over the fair surface of his building plan . All will be in harmonious detail , in full accord with naturein perfect

, agreement with the most lofty type of spiritual and soulful ideals . The appearance of one imperfect detail will sully and deteriorate , and if carried into execution , and by the hands of an unskillful Craftsman is placed in position as part of the building , the entire contour of the whole is marred .

In after lives this piece of work will confront him , and he will recognise his " mark , " and he must atone for permitting such a piece of work to pass the " square " of the overseers

Silently and noiselessly the work goes on , growing into symmetrical proportions , or taking on discordant and disturbing elements totally unfit for the indwelling of the soul , just as the working plan is drawn .

Should not we as Masons , perfectly conversant with the plans that made the temple at Jerusalem the pride and wonder of the world , draw such designs on our trestleboards that shall create a structure creditable to ourselves an le for others

examp to imitate , a standing monument of worth for all humanity to emulate ? We build not for ourselves alone , we build for our brother man , for all . We live so muc { j in each other ; we are in truth a portion of the whole

Our Trestleboard.

for everything we do , every design we build upon , affects the whole race , and our pattern will be copied , our design be applied to the finishing of other temples . Therefore , if we place nothing but perfect tracings for others to fashion from , we are indeed masters in architecture , builders for humanity ,

and are rearing an edifice that shall become perfect , enduring throughout the ages to come , an imperishable temple fashioned from the trestleboard of right acts , brotherly deeds , pure thoughts , and compassion for all that lives . Long and weary is the task , many lives come and go , yet the draughtsman ever plans , and the work goes on .

Brethren of the Compasses and Square ! Let your tracings be characterised with soul knowledge , born from past experiences . Let the failures of the past serve to intensify

the plans of to-day , that experience may add new lustre to the lives you are daily making upon your trestleboard , so that your good example may be followed , and humanity be blessed for your efforts . — " American Tyler . "

From the earliest dawn of history man has ever been a sociable being , imbued with social tastes and habits , animated by a desire tor better and higher conditions that naturally attract him towards his fellow man in fraternal relations . Thus secret societies have existed in various forms in all

ages . While we trace the birth of our Royal Craft to the bunding of the first temple , its genesis , in fact , dates back into the dim vista of the past , where recorded history blends into legend and allegory . Our Fraternity , rich in its traditions , has survived through all the ages , adapting itself

to the ever-changing conditions of society , growing in strength and numbers and extending its circle or moral influence in every direction , and will continue to flourish and

fulfil its mission , if the same care is exercised in the future as in the past in the selection of the material for this spiritual temple that we are engaged in building . —Wm . F . Cleveland , Iowa .

* * * The beauties of Freemasonry are not found in the ritual , however forcibly this may be rendered , nor yet are they seen in the ceremony of initiation , however impressive this may be , but they are to be found and most strikingly illustrated

in the fruits which spring from the practical workings of the great principles of Freemasonry in the human heart , where results are deeds of charity and good works . When we would behold the works of Freemasonry we must look for them in the fruits which are brought forth in the lives

of those who profess to be governed in all that they do by its great principles . The influence of these principles upon the individual is just the beginning , for this power must widen and extend , and hence we are led to consider the effects which the principles of Freemasonry have upon others . —J . S . Cobb , Mississippi .

* * * You will remember , my Brothers , that at one time there was woven throughout the length of every rope in the royal navy in England a single scarlet fibre , no part of which could be removed without destroying the entire cable . Such ,

it seems to me , is the relation which every Lodge bears to Freemasonry . They are not . passive , inert fibres , but active , full of life and vitality , forming a cord of great

beauty and usefulness . Every kindly word , every charitable deed , strengthens and quickens it ; every harsh expression , every ignoble act , weakens and debases it . —C . C . Hutchinson , Massachusetts .

* * * Masonry is a Fraternity pre-eminently founded upon the recognition and observance of law , order , peace and harmony . It is to-day a condition and not a theory . Its extension

and usefulness are dependent upon its inculcation and practice of all those principles of the Fraternity which tend to unify hearts , build homes and keep the hearthstone warm . —W . D . Henderson , Tennessee .

We are opposed to any solicitation whatever , from the Entered Apprentice to the Kni ght Templar , or thirty-third degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite . It never did anv

good , has often been injurious , and will ever create trouble . Good Masons and true are never obtained in any other way than of their own free will and accord . —Ernest Le Neve Foster , Colorado .