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Article PHILOSOPHY OF MASONRY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PHILOSOPHY OF MASONRY. Page 2 of 2
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Philosophy Of Masonry.
excrescences of our innate imperfection smoothed away by attrition and intercourse with fellow men . The life of the sailor is capable of beautiful expression in symbolism . He is launched upon the sea of life , uncertain
whether at the last he shall reach a port where the sun shall shine , and birds will sing , and flowers bloom , or whether in a dark and stormy night of evil he may be wrecked by the unfriendly sea on cruel rocks . But he has
his conscience for a rudder , he may have the Bible for his compass , the help of friends and kindly words to aid him as breezes fill the sails , and , above all , the light that his Maker gives him , like the north star , by whose constant and unchanging ray he steers his course .
Neither is Masonry a moral hospital to which men flee for cure . It ia not a refuge for moral wrecks wherein to endeavour to regain lost character . Ifc does not invite reprobates to retrieve lost opportunities and regain
respectability . It offers no attraction of this nature , nor does it ask the allegiance of its members iu beneficent endeavours to gather figs from thistles . So we see by this logic that we are not to judge of the beauites and benefits of
Freemasonry by its antiquity , its vitality , its membership , its charitable usefulness , its secret power , its histrionic or literary nature , the charm of its symbolic structure , nor as an asylum for the morally diseased . Its effectual influence on the social architecture of the
world truly commands our admiration ; bub to determine its entitlement to our regard , and to analyze the reasons for the devotion of its adherents , we may find far more pleasing and conclusive arguments for its perpetuation , and of its power
for the accomplishment of great good , in contemplating its moral characteristics . In this field of investigation we find five salient features—two that challenge our admiration , as tending to establish the solidity of its foundation , and . the axiomatic truths of its logic , and three
which demonstrate its abundant usefulness to men . First . The fundamental scheme of Masonry is completed . Its principles , lessons , customs and landmarks are wholly established . Unlike any other human Institution , to ifc there is nothing to add , from it nothing can be taken .
" Ifc stands upon the ancient ways . " All theories , sciences and doctrines of philosophy in the run of tbe centuries are subject to continual and ever varying change , save this . There are many religions , and but one Masonry . There
are many methods and codes of civil law , and but one Masonry . There are many medical and physical systems of science , and but one of Masonry . Surely there must be consistency in the theory and plan of an institution so long unaltered , and now unalterable in its general plan .
Second . The truths which it announces are undeniable ; the argumentation of Freemasonry is unanswerable ; no hypothetical course of reasoning is presented for discussion ; its propositions are beyond the pale of debate . The
insistment that there is an Omnipotent and Omniscient Creator and Ruler of all things , that man is the creature of His hand , that man is mortal , that all men are by nature equal , thafc the interests of all men are mutual , that man ' s
happiness involves the happiness of his fellow men , that the highest happiness comes from proper living and thinking , and that man is largely the arbiter of his own greatest
possibilities for personal happiness and the elevation of his kind , are truths not to be denied save by the fool who "hath said in his heart there is no GOD . "
Third . Masonry is an active and positive instrumentality for the establishment of friendships . Heaven grants no greater earthly blessing than that of true friendship . With man constituted as he is , receptive , responsive , and
intense in . sentiments and passions , his life wonld not be worth the living without the friendship of others of his kind . Freemasons the world over can bear witness that there is no more facile medium for the cultivation of
friendships than the intercourse that Masonry affords , and within the walls of the homes of the Craft , brothers of no common blood become brothers indeed , whose affection and confidence are never broken , save by the scythe of time , to be renewed , we fondly hope , and as our faith inspires , in fche
thoughts , the beautiful illustrations , the inspiring hopes , and the solemn words of warning and advice , to which expression is given in the workings of a Masonic Lodge
coneternal presence of the Father of us all . Fourth . The direct influence of Freemasonry in its teachings and associations is unquestionably ennobling and elevating . This influence is positive , and like all waves of influence , we know not how far its concentric rings may ultimately carry the effect that radiates from the pure
Philosophy Of Masonry.
sistently conducted . Ifc may be boldly asserted thafc he is unworthy of the Craffc , unfit for the society of the besfc of his fellow creatures , unworthy of the confidence of honest men , who has not realised the ennobling , restraining , mollifying influence .- * of Masonic intercourse and practice .
Fifth . Ancl mosfc important , Masonry teaches man , without tbe formulation of a religious creed , and the exaction of adherence to the stipulations of certain dogmatic principles , that God , his Creator , is his Father and
Protector , in whom his unbounded faith may be placed , who will deal with him according to his merits , and who will reward him for purity of heart , uprightness of life aud devotion to pious principles . From the facfc that there is a
God , that nature demonstrates the indestructibility of matter , that like causes like , that violation of physical law causes physical suffering , that virtue is its own reward , and that this life is not complete in its own sphere , the only
hypothesis in Masonry—faith in a future life—is made reasonable and acceptable ; and the brother of ordinary con ception of mind is led to confidently believe that God cares
for all tbe creatures of His hand , thafc the soul of man is nofc to be obliterated in the destruction of the material world , and thafc in another life will be righted and equalized the apparent inconsistencies aud incongrnitities of this .
In the mountains of Switzerland the clouds often resfc athwart the snowy peaks , so thafc one knows nofc where the towering apexes end nor where the ethereal begins ; and ifc seems as if one might climb on and up through the fleecy
banks , upward even into the very gate of heaven . On tho ocean , in the gorgeousness of a refulgent sunset , tho blue of the ocean and the azure of the sky are often so blended , commingled and overshot by the golden beams of the
retiring sun , that no dividing line may be distinguished , and it seems as if one might sail on ancl off directly into a realm of glory , like that which we may believe heaven itself to be . Likewise in Masonry , pure , undefiled and undebascd ,
we find ifc so interwoven with divine philosophy , in such close contact with religious faith and practice , that we may nofc demonstrate where the earthly ends and the heavenly
begins . Thus clearly and sauistactonly may be demonstrated the actual practical value of the teachings and influences of Freemasonry .
The case is proven , and tho verdict will bo safe in the judgment of intelligent minds . Then let the brotherhood be united , true ancl faithful , ancl Masonry shall endure . May the Father prosper it for all in ifc that is pure and
noble . May weak and stumbling man continue to find help and guidance , encouragement and hope , in its purifying influences , its impressive lessons , its precious friendships , and in the faith ifc inspires in the Divine Being and a life hereafter .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence took place on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall , London . Bro . James Brefcfc acted as President , wifch Bros . C . A .
Cottebrnne P . G . P . and W . Hopekirk G . P . supporting him . The first business was the confirmation of the recommendations made at the last meeting . The brethren then proceeded with the new list , which embraced fche names of forty-one
applicants . They were relieved with a total of £ 990 , composed of two recommendations to Grand Lodge of £ 50 each ; nine recommendations to the Grand Master of £ 40
each , and thirteen of £ 30 ; four grants of £ 20 each , five of £ 10 , and two of £ 5 . Four cases were deferred , one of the petitioners had died since his petition was seufc in , ancl one case was not entertained .
The W . M . and Officers of Concord Lodge , No . 1135 , Ilfracombe , intend presenting to Brother Samuel Jones , of Exeter , who was tho founder of the Lodge , and has acted as installing master for 20 years , a handsome silver
salver , on the occasion of the next annual meeting , which will take place on Monday . He will than , for the 21 st time , act in the capacity of installing officer , and instal as W . M . Bro . Sfc . Paul P . M . P . Z . The salver is inscribed in the centre as follows : —
" Presented to W . Brother Samuel Jones P . P . J . G . W ., by tbo W . Master , Pasfc Masters and Officora of the Concord Lodge , No . 1135 , as a slight recognition of bis valnablf * services as a founder of the Lodge , and installing master for 21 consecutive years . Ilfracombe , 25 th Jnne 1888 . "
Bro . W . J . Hughan has kindly consented to give a Masonic Lecture at Sunderland , on Tuesday , 17 fch July , in the Masonic Hall , Park Terrace .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Philosophy Of Masonry.
excrescences of our innate imperfection smoothed away by attrition and intercourse with fellow men . The life of the sailor is capable of beautiful expression in symbolism . He is launched upon the sea of life , uncertain
whether at the last he shall reach a port where the sun shall shine , and birds will sing , and flowers bloom , or whether in a dark and stormy night of evil he may be wrecked by the unfriendly sea on cruel rocks . But he has
his conscience for a rudder , he may have the Bible for his compass , the help of friends and kindly words to aid him as breezes fill the sails , and , above all , the light that his Maker gives him , like the north star , by whose constant and unchanging ray he steers his course .
Neither is Masonry a moral hospital to which men flee for cure . It ia not a refuge for moral wrecks wherein to endeavour to regain lost character . Ifc does not invite reprobates to retrieve lost opportunities and regain
respectability . It offers no attraction of this nature , nor does it ask the allegiance of its members iu beneficent endeavours to gather figs from thistles . So we see by this logic that we are not to judge of the beauites and benefits of
Freemasonry by its antiquity , its vitality , its membership , its charitable usefulness , its secret power , its histrionic or literary nature , the charm of its symbolic structure , nor as an asylum for the morally diseased . Its effectual influence on the social architecture of the
world truly commands our admiration ; bub to determine its entitlement to our regard , and to analyze the reasons for the devotion of its adherents , we may find far more pleasing and conclusive arguments for its perpetuation , and of its power
for the accomplishment of great good , in contemplating its moral characteristics . In this field of investigation we find five salient features—two that challenge our admiration , as tending to establish the solidity of its foundation , and . the axiomatic truths of its logic , and three
which demonstrate its abundant usefulness to men . First . The fundamental scheme of Masonry is completed . Its principles , lessons , customs and landmarks are wholly established . Unlike any other human Institution , to ifc there is nothing to add , from it nothing can be taken .
" Ifc stands upon the ancient ways . " All theories , sciences and doctrines of philosophy in the run of tbe centuries are subject to continual and ever varying change , save this . There are many religions , and but one Masonry . There
are many methods and codes of civil law , and but one Masonry . There are many medical and physical systems of science , and but one of Masonry . Surely there must be consistency in the theory and plan of an institution so long unaltered , and now unalterable in its general plan .
Second . The truths which it announces are undeniable ; the argumentation of Freemasonry is unanswerable ; no hypothetical course of reasoning is presented for discussion ; its propositions are beyond the pale of debate . The
insistment that there is an Omnipotent and Omniscient Creator and Ruler of all things , that man is the creature of His hand , that man is mortal , that all men are by nature equal , thafc the interests of all men are mutual , that man ' s
happiness involves the happiness of his fellow men , that the highest happiness comes from proper living and thinking , and that man is largely the arbiter of his own greatest
possibilities for personal happiness and the elevation of his kind , are truths not to be denied save by the fool who "hath said in his heart there is no GOD . "
Third . Masonry is an active and positive instrumentality for the establishment of friendships . Heaven grants no greater earthly blessing than that of true friendship . With man constituted as he is , receptive , responsive , and
intense in . sentiments and passions , his life wonld not be worth the living without the friendship of others of his kind . Freemasons the world over can bear witness that there is no more facile medium for the cultivation of
friendships than the intercourse that Masonry affords , and within the walls of the homes of the Craft , brothers of no common blood become brothers indeed , whose affection and confidence are never broken , save by the scythe of time , to be renewed , we fondly hope , and as our faith inspires , in fche
thoughts , the beautiful illustrations , the inspiring hopes , and the solemn words of warning and advice , to which expression is given in the workings of a Masonic Lodge
coneternal presence of the Father of us all . Fourth . The direct influence of Freemasonry in its teachings and associations is unquestionably ennobling and elevating . This influence is positive , and like all waves of influence , we know not how far its concentric rings may ultimately carry the effect that radiates from the pure
Philosophy Of Masonry.
sistently conducted . Ifc may be boldly asserted thafc he is unworthy of the Craffc , unfit for the society of the besfc of his fellow creatures , unworthy of the confidence of honest men , who has not realised the ennobling , restraining , mollifying influence .- * of Masonic intercourse and practice .
Fifth . Ancl mosfc important , Masonry teaches man , without tbe formulation of a religious creed , and the exaction of adherence to the stipulations of certain dogmatic principles , that God , his Creator , is his Father and
Protector , in whom his unbounded faith may be placed , who will deal with him according to his merits , and who will reward him for purity of heart , uprightness of life aud devotion to pious principles . From the facfc that there is a
God , that nature demonstrates the indestructibility of matter , that like causes like , that violation of physical law causes physical suffering , that virtue is its own reward , and that this life is not complete in its own sphere , the only
hypothesis in Masonry—faith in a future life—is made reasonable and acceptable ; and the brother of ordinary con ception of mind is led to confidently believe that God cares
for all tbe creatures of His hand , thafc the soul of man is nofc to be obliterated in the destruction of the material world , and thafc in another life will be righted and equalized the apparent inconsistencies aud incongrnitities of this .
In the mountains of Switzerland the clouds often resfc athwart the snowy peaks , so thafc one knows nofc where the towering apexes end nor where the ethereal begins ; and ifc seems as if one might climb on and up through the fleecy
banks , upward even into the very gate of heaven . On tho ocean , in the gorgeousness of a refulgent sunset , tho blue of the ocean and the azure of the sky are often so blended , commingled and overshot by the golden beams of the
retiring sun , that no dividing line may be distinguished , and it seems as if one might sail on ancl off directly into a realm of glory , like that which we may believe heaven itself to be . Likewise in Masonry , pure , undefiled and undebascd ,
we find ifc so interwoven with divine philosophy , in such close contact with religious faith and practice , that we may nofc demonstrate where the earthly ends and the heavenly
begins . Thus clearly and sauistactonly may be demonstrated the actual practical value of the teachings and influences of Freemasonry .
The case is proven , and tho verdict will bo safe in the judgment of intelligent minds . Then let the brotherhood be united , true ancl faithful , ancl Masonry shall endure . May the Father prosper it for all in ifc that is pure and
noble . May weak and stumbling man continue to find help and guidance , encouragement and hope , in its purifying influences , its impressive lessons , its precious friendships , and in the faith ifc inspires in the Divine Being and a life hereafter .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence took place on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall , London . Bro . James Brefcfc acted as President , wifch Bros . C . A .
Cottebrnne P . G . P . and W . Hopekirk G . P . supporting him . The first business was the confirmation of the recommendations made at the last meeting . The brethren then proceeded with the new list , which embraced fche names of forty-one
applicants . They were relieved with a total of £ 990 , composed of two recommendations to Grand Lodge of £ 50 each ; nine recommendations to the Grand Master of £ 40
each , and thirteen of £ 30 ; four grants of £ 20 each , five of £ 10 , and two of £ 5 . Four cases were deferred , one of the petitioners had died since his petition was seufc in , ancl one case was not entertained .
The W . M . and Officers of Concord Lodge , No . 1135 , Ilfracombe , intend presenting to Brother Samuel Jones , of Exeter , who was tho founder of the Lodge , and has acted as installing master for 20 years , a handsome silver
salver , on the occasion of the next annual meeting , which will take place on Monday . He will than , for the 21 st time , act in the capacity of installing officer , and instal as W . M . Bro . Sfc . Paul P . M . P . Z . The salver is inscribed in the centre as follows : —
" Presented to W . Brother Samuel Jones P . P . J . G . W ., by tbo W . Master , Pasfc Masters and Officora of the Concord Lodge , No . 1135 , as a slight recognition of bis valnablf * services as a founder of the Lodge , and installing master for 21 consecutive years . Ilfracombe , 25 th Jnne 1888 . "
Bro . W . J . Hughan has kindly consented to give a Masonic Lecture at Sunderland , on Tuesday , 17 fch July , in the Masonic Hall , Park Terrace .