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Article PROVINCE OF SOUTH WALES (WESTERN DIVISION). ← Page 3 of 3 Article FIRST PRINCIPLES. Page 1 of 2 →
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Province Of South Wales (Western Division).
tems—Christianity and Masonry—have their points of contact and their points of divergence . In this country they run along together amicably on kindred and parallel lines—sometimes on the same lines . With us , as a rule , all Masons are Christians . Thw is the reason why I am permitted to havo the privilege of address ing the brethren belonging to our most ancient Order here
today . The performance of Divine Service is not the least important part of our proceedings . When the Grand Lodge meets , our Head , and his high Officers with him , proceed always in state to some holy Templo to invoke the blessing of God on themselves , their undortakings , and on the whole Fraternity . And it ought to be recorded as a signal proof of that large-hearted Charity that is the distinguishing
mark of the Mason—that this peculiarly Christian act on our part is not objected to by thoso brethren who have not had the blessing of being brought up in the Christian faith . But let us not forget that many who are not Christian in name , are Christian in heart . All who are guided by , and take their oreed from , the volume of the Sacred Law , though not Christian by actnal profession , are Christian unconsciously .
All who believe Moses believe in Christ , ( John v . 46 )—and will form part of that capacious Grand Lodge above , which will embrace members belonging to many different Religions communities on earth . They will form part of that " multitnde which no man can numberwhich will stand before the Throne and the Lamb—clothed with white robes and palms in their hands . " They will form part of the
choir that will on that clay sing " a New Song , " an old song trulybut with a new application— " The Song of Moses , and the Song of the Lamb , " ( Rev . xv . 3 ) . And why , in our warfare against evil in all its varied forms , should not the Christian hail with gladness those earnest-minded ncn-conforming brethren—as we may style themwho , because they too are fighting against the common enemy , may be said to he on our side . " In this warfare he that is not with us
is against us , " ( Matt . xii . 30 ) , " and he that is not against us is for us , " ( Luke ix . 50 ) . The real Church of the Redeemer and of the redeemed is , after all , larger , perhaps , than any of us imagine . Those Masons who are Christians , however , have everywhere presented to them the blessed opportunity of showing the great superiority of our own holy faith . They can
exhibit Christ in their conduct . By the all . powerful force cf a good example they can preach Christ , and say to all earnest readers of the Law , " Whom ye ignorantly worship , Him declare we unto you , " ( Acts xvii . 23 ) . In preaching the Gospel acts are far more eloquent than words . There is nothing in the long run so persuasive as the irresistible logio of love . " Ye are the light of the world , " " Let yonr light so shine before men that they may see your good works , and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven , " ( Matt . v . 14 , 16 ) . Now abideth Faith , Hope , Charity , but the greatest of these is Charity . " In things essential , " says an old Christian writer , "let there be unity , in things indifferent liberty , and in all things Charity . " " God is Love . " " And this commandment have we from Him that he who loveth God love his brother also" ( 1 John iv . 8 , 21 ) . " Let brotherly love continue . "
" Lord , shower upon us from above , The sacred gift of mutual love ; Each other ' s wants may we supply . And reign together in the sky . " Finally , " be ye all of one mind , love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous , " ( 1 Peter iii . 8 ) .
When our Reverend Brother had brought bis eloquent sermon to a close , a collection was made , and the sum raised , amounting to bebetween £ 5 and £ 6 , was set apart for distribution among the poor , though we must not omit to add that Milford is one of those splendidly-constituted places where a poverty-stricken person is a rare bird . Every one possessing the slightest claim to reputability is sure
to obtain regular employment , while the lazy and criminal classes are almost entirely unrepresented . But to resume . On quitting the Church the brethren marched back in procession , and the other business arranged for the meeting having been completed , Provincial Grand Lodge was closed with the usual formalities , and the brethren adjourned to the South Wales Hotel , where a sumptuous banquet had
been prepared for them , the greatest possible credit being due to the Manager and his wife , Mr . and Mrs . Wetton , for the excellency of the wines and viands they purveyed , as well as for the exemplary character of the arrangements made in order to secure the comfort and convenience of the guests . Dinner over , the customary toasts were folly honoured , that of the Provincial Grand Master , Colonel
Lloyd-Philipps , evoking tbe utmost enthusiasm . The Visitors , too , who had already experienced the heartiness of a South Wales welcome , were charmed with the reception which their toast met with . In short , the gathering was one of the most successful it has been our privilege to attend , undoubtedly also one of the most enjoyable , and we must be understood as using the word in no conventional sense , or for
the purpose of paying a cheap and empty compliment . We experienced on all sides the greatest possible kindness , Bro . Adkins , W . M . of the Neylnnd Lodge , being especially conspicuous in his efforts to make agreeable the visit of those guests who , like ourselves and Bro . Terry , had come from a distance , while a similar recognition is
due to Bros . Dr . Ring P . G . Chaplain , and Symes , the former for having courteously coudncted ns over Pembroke Dockyard , while the latter piloted us to and over the Great Eastern . In fact , our visit to New Milford must be set down as marking a most pleasing era in onr Masonic experiences .
ROYAL POLYTECHNIC—Lurline , the Rhine Maiden , by Mr . George Buckland . Arctic Kxploration , by Commander Cheyne , R N . Porcelain Manufacture , by Mr . . 1 . D . Cognn . The Phot grapher ' s Sunbeam , by Mr . T . C . Hepworth . The Rising in the Transvaal , by Mr . W . It . Msiy . Etherdo , the Juggler . The Microscope , Electricity , the Isle of Wight , & c by Mr . J . I ,. King . Fleuss ' s Diving Apparatus . The Electric Railway . Balmain ' s Luminous Paint Room . Recitals , by Mrs . Stirling and others , at 3 on Saturdays . Admission to the whole Is , Open it'rom 12 till 5 and 7 tillHO .
First Principles.
FIRST PRINCIPLES .
FROM THE VOICE OP MASONRY . EVERY association has , or ought to have foundation principles on which to rest for Bupport , and to which its members may refer both its friends and enemies . These principles constitute the " ohief corner stone "—the support of the institution . If these principles be truth—immutable and eternal—the institution resting upon them will be proof against all assaults and indestructible as its foundation .
Such is religion founded upon the Holy Scriptures . Its corner stone is Truth , pure , simple , changeless , consistent , eternal TRUTH . When we say religion , we do not mean a sect ; for mere sectarianism we have little respect , though the different sects embrace great truths , but more or less mixed with traditions and priestly dogmatism . There is religion among all these sects , and many beautiful
exemplifications of it among their members ; but this rests upon the truth that still remains , and not because of the questionable additions that have been added to it by theological doctors , church councils , and vague traditions . Freemasonry has its corner stone—its foundation principles , and , while it remains there , it is indestructible by the assaults of priest or
demagogue , fool or fanatic But it should never be forgotten that alt is not Freemasonry whioh goes by its name or sails under its banner . Degrees do not constitute Freemasonry ; regalia is a mere outside indication ; banner and plume and feather are no part of it , —all these may and do exist without Freemasonry , yet they are appendages , perhaps ornaments . At the mast-head of every
vessel may be seen a flag of peculiar form and bearing peculiar devices ; and every seaman knows that these merely name the country to which that vessel belongs . The flag is not the ship ; ifc had no part in its construction ; and is only indicative of its present nationality . So ifc is with Freemasonry ; its jewels aud symbols are not the institution itself ; they were not at its birth or beginning ,
and were only appended as illustrations of its character and purposes . Yet they have their uses , us the flag has which floats over the ship at sea , or as a banner above opposing armies . The sign may be destroyed—the prinoiple is imperishable . And now let us inquirewhat is the corner-stone of Freemasonry—what its foundation principle—what the fundamental doctrine which has supported the
structure for centuries , and which still and ever must constitute its strength and capacity for endurance ; it is not the airaple , though beautiful and impressive ceremonies of the Lodge . room ; nor yet its symbolism nor its history nor its traditions ? Like the elements in every other social and moral fabric which feeds on itself , on its own inherent sources of strength and durability , it is constituted of two elements
—Faith and practice . And the same is true of Christianity or any other form of Biblical religion . And now , perhaps , it may be well , in this very article , to look into these elements of strength , and ascertain what they are . Here is an institution whose history has been traced , dimly or distinctly , for nearly a thousand years , and is still , increasing in strength and numbers , —what sustains it f
Whence the sources of its strength and its capacity for enduranoe ? Governments have tried to destory it , though it was their best and most reliable friend ; the churches , from that of Rome to the modern United Brethren , have endeavoured to blot it out of existence , though in one form aud at one time it seemed to be the protecting power of Christianity and a bulwark against the aggressions of infidelity . A
higher civilization and more liberal government owes much to this quiet and silent and unseen power . Especially in our own conutry , on every battle-field of a hundred years ago , the Craft , on both sides , left its mark to be recorded in the annals of the future . In almost every country of Europe it has been the same for centuries that have come and gone , and the same elements are still in progress of
development . What are those elements ? The most prominent and potent of all is this , —a Freemason cannot , must not , be an atheist . He must believe in the existence and perfections of a supreme first cause . He must not only believe in Him , but he must trust in Him ; and here is the beginning , the germ of that faith which runs through the entire Masonic system .
There is an old law in Masonry , so old we cannot tell when it was first adopted ; hut in its present form of expression it was considered and re-affirmed about one hundred and sixty years ago , and was the first and most important act of the first delegated Grand Lodge in the world . In its quaint form of expression it reads : " A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly
understands the Art , he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine . " In commenting upon this first and fundamental provision of Masonic law , nearly thirty years ago , we wrote substantially as follows , aud as the work has long been out of print , and our opinions confirmed by so many years since , oar views may be new to most of
our readers . An atheist is one who does not believe in the existence of a God , or supreme intelligent being . But Freemasonry requires , in all who would affiliate with it , a belief iu Godj hence no atheist can be made a Mason , and for the reason that , discarding the Bible , he cannot recognise the force of moral obligation . If
there be no God , there is no supreme moral law , and consequently no infallible standard of moral rectitude ; hence an acknowledgment of a belief in the existence and perfections of the Deity is an essential pre-reqnisite in every one who desires to become a Freemason . A certain Masonic author , a few years since , said that the King of Dahomy , one of the lowest and most brutal savages in the interior
of Africa , had as good a right to become a Freemason as he had . We cannot concur in such extraordinary liberality , for such a doctriii 1 , put into practice , would remove " the chief corner-stone" of the edifice , and the entire fabric would tumble into ruins in a y ear Fiance tried it in i . er civil capacity , and the resu't shocked the nations by the atrocities which followed . The throne was overturned ] the authorities sent to the block , society wa 3 demoralised , and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Province Of South Wales (Western Division).
tems—Christianity and Masonry—have their points of contact and their points of divergence . In this country they run along together amicably on kindred and parallel lines—sometimes on the same lines . With us , as a rule , all Masons are Christians . Thw is the reason why I am permitted to havo the privilege of address ing the brethren belonging to our most ancient Order here
today . The performance of Divine Service is not the least important part of our proceedings . When the Grand Lodge meets , our Head , and his high Officers with him , proceed always in state to some holy Templo to invoke the blessing of God on themselves , their undortakings , and on the whole Fraternity . And it ought to be recorded as a signal proof of that large-hearted Charity that is the distinguishing
mark of the Mason—that this peculiarly Christian act on our part is not objected to by thoso brethren who have not had the blessing of being brought up in the Christian faith . But let us not forget that many who are not Christian in name , are Christian in heart . All who are guided by , and take their oreed from , the volume of the Sacred Law , though not Christian by actnal profession , are Christian unconsciously .
All who believe Moses believe in Christ , ( John v . 46 )—and will form part of that capacious Grand Lodge above , which will embrace members belonging to many different Religions communities on earth . They will form part of that " multitnde which no man can numberwhich will stand before the Throne and the Lamb—clothed with white robes and palms in their hands . " They will form part of the
choir that will on that clay sing " a New Song , " an old song trulybut with a new application— " The Song of Moses , and the Song of the Lamb , " ( Rev . xv . 3 ) . And why , in our warfare against evil in all its varied forms , should not the Christian hail with gladness those earnest-minded ncn-conforming brethren—as we may style themwho , because they too are fighting against the common enemy , may be said to he on our side . " In this warfare he that is not with us
is against us , " ( Matt . xii . 30 ) , " and he that is not against us is for us , " ( Luke ix . 50 ) . The real Church of the Redeemer and of the redeemed is , after all , larger , perhaps , than any of us imagine . Those Masons who are Christians , however , have everywhere presented to them the blessed opportunity of showing the great superiority of our own holy faith . They can
exhibit Christ in their conduct . By the all . powerful force cf a good example they can preach Christ , and say to all earnest readers of the Law , " Whom ye ignorantly worship , Him declare we unto you , " ( Acts xvii . 23 ) . In preaching the Gospel acts are far more eloquent than words . There is nothing in the long run so persuasive as the irresistible logio of love . " Ye are the light of the world , " " Let yonr light so shine before men that they may see your good works , and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven , " ( Matt . v . 14 , 16 ) . Now abideth Faith , Hope , Charity , but the greatest of these is Charity . " In things essential , " says an old Christian writer , "let there be unity , in things indifferent liberty , and in all things Charity . " " God is Love . " " And this commandment have we from Him that he who loveth God love his brother also" ( 1 John iv . 8 , 21 ) . " Let brotherly love continue . "
" Lord , shower upon us from above , The sacred gift of mutual love ; Each other ' s wants may we supply . And reign together in the sky . " Finally , " be ye all of one mind , love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous , " ( 1 Peter iii . 8 ) .
When our Reverend Brother had brought bis eloquent sermon to a close , a collection was made , and the sum raised , amounting to bebetween £ 5 and £ 6 , was set apart for distribution among the poor , though we must not omit to add that Milford is one of those splendidly-constituted places where a poverty-stricken person is a rare bird . Every one possessing the slightest claim to reputability is sure
to obtain regular employment , while the lazy and criminal classes are almost entirely unrepresented . But to resume . On quitting the Church the brethren marched back in procession , and the other business arranged for the meeting having been completed , Provincial Grand Lodge was closed with the usual formalities , and the brethren adjourned to the South Wales Hotel , where a sumptuous banquet had
been prepared for them , the greatest possible credit being due to the Manager and his wife , Mr . and Mrs . Wetton , for the excellency of the wines and viands they purveyed , as well as for the exemplary character of the arrangements made in order to secure the comfort and convenience of the guests . Dinner over , the customary toasts were folly honoured , that of the Provincial Grand Master , Colonel
Lloyd-Philipps , evoking tbe utmost enthusiasm . The Visitors , too , who had already experienced the heartiness of a South Wales welcome , were charmed with the reception which their toast met with . In short , the gathering was one of the most successful it has been our privilege to attend , undoubtedly also one of the most enjoyable , and we must be understood as using the word in no conventional sense , or for
the purpose of paying a cheap and empty compliment . We experienced on all sides the greatest possible kindness , Bro . Adkins , W . M . of the Neylnnd Lodge , being especially conspicuous in his efforts to make agreeable the visit of those guests who , like ourselves and Bro . Terry , had come from a distance , while a similar recognition is
due to Bros . Dr . Ring P . G . Chaplain , and Symes , the former for having courteously coudncted ns over Pembroke Dockyard , while the latter piloted us to and over the Great Eastern . In fact , our visit to New Milford must be set down as marking a most pleasing era in onr Masonic experiences .
ROYAL POLYTECHNIC—Lurline , the Rhine Maiden , by Mr . George Buckland . Arctic Kxploration , by Commander Cheyne , R N . Porcelain Manufacture , by Mr . . 1 . D . Cognn . The Phot grapher ' s Sunbeam , by Mr . T . C . Hepworth . The Rising in the Transvaal , by Mr . W . It . Msiy . Etherdo , the Juggler . The Microscope , Electricity , the Isle of Wight , & c by Mr . J . I ,. King . Fleuss ' s Diving Apparatus . The Electric Railway . Balmain ' s Luminous Paint Room . Recitals , by Mrs . Stirling and others , at 3 on Saturdays . Admission to the whole Is , Open it'rom 12 till 5 and 7 tillHO .
First Principles.
FIRST PRINCIPLES .
FROM THE VOICE OP MASONRY . EVERY association has , or ought to have foundation principles on which to rest for Bupport , and to which its members may refer both its friends and enemies . These principles constitute the " ohief corner stone "—the support of the institution . If these principles be truth—immutable and eternal—the institution resting upon them will be proof against all assaults and indestructible as its foundation .
Such is religion founded upon the Holy Scriptures . Its corner stone is Truth , pure , simple , changeless , consistent , eternal TRUTH . When we say religion , we do not mean a sect ; for mere sectarianism we have little respect , though the different sects embrace great truths , but more or less mixed with traditions and priestly dogmatism . There is religion among all these sects , and many beautiful
exemplifications of it among their members ; but this rests upon the truth that still remains , and not because of the questionable additions that have been added to it by theological doctors , church councils , and vague traditions . Freemasonry has its corner stone—its foundation principles , and , while it remains there , it is indestructible by the assaults of priest or
demagogue , fool or fanatic But it should never be forgotten that alt is not Freemasonry whioh goes by its name or sails under its banner . Degrees do not constitute Freemasonry ; regalia is a mere outside indication ; banner and plume and feather are no part of it , —all these may and do exist without Freemasonry , yet they are appendages , perhaps ornaments . At the mast-head of every
vessel may be seen a flag of peculiar form and bearing peculiar devices ; and every seaman knows that these merely name the country to which that vessel belongs . The flag is not the ship ; ifc had no part in its construction ; and is only indicative of its present nationality . So ifc is with Freemasonry ; its jewels aud symbols are not the institution itself ; they were not at its birth or beginning ,
and were only appended as illustrations of its character and purposes . Yet they have their uses , us the flag has which floats over the ship at sea , or as a banner above opposing armies . The sign may be destroyed—the prinoiple is imperishable . And now let us inquirewhat is the corner-stone of Freemasonry—what its foundation principle—what the fundamental doctrine which has supported the
structure for centuries , and which still and ever must constitute its strength and capacity for endurance ; it is not the airaple , though beautiful and impressive ceremonies of the Lodge . room ; nor yet its symbolism nor its history nor its traditions ? Like the elements in every other social and moral fabric which feeds on itself , on its own inherent sources of strength and durability , it is constituted of two elements
—Faith and practice . And the same is true of Christianity or any other form of Biblical religion . And now , perhaps , it may be well , in this very article , to look into these elements of strength , and ascertain what they are . Here is an institution whose history has been traced , dimly or distinctly , for nearly a thousand years , and is still , increasing in strength and numbers , —what sustains it f
Whence the sources of its strength and its capacity for enduranoe ? Governments have tried to destory it , though it was their best and most reliable friend ; the churches , from that of Rome to the modern United Brethren , have endeavoured to blot it out of existence , though in one form aud at one time it seemed to be the protecting power of Christianity and a bulwark against the aggressions of infidelity . A
higher civilization and more liberal government owes much to this quiet and silent and unseen power . Especially in our own conutry , on every battle-field of a hundred years ago , the Craft , on both sides , left its mark to be recorded in the annals of the future . In almost every country of Europe it has been the same for centuries that have come and gone , and the same elements are still in progress of
development . What are those elements ? The most prominent and potent of all is this , —a Freemason cannot , must not , be an atheist . He must believe in the existence and perfections of a supreme first cause . He must not only believe in Him , but he must trust in Him ; and here is the beginning , the germ of that faith which runs through the entire Masonic system .
There is an old law in Masonry , so old we cannot tell when it was first adopted ; hut in its present form of expression it was considered and re-affirmed about one hundred and sixty years ago , and was the first and most important act of the first delegated Grand Lodge in the world . In its quaint form of expression it reads : " A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly
understands the Art , he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine . " In commenting upon this first and fundamental provision of Masonic law , nearly thirty years ago , we wrote substantially as follows , aud as the work has long been out of print , and our opinions confirmed by so many years since , oar views may be new to most of
our readers . An atheist is one who does not believe in the existence of a God , or supreme intelligent being . But Freemasonry requires , in all who would affiliate with it , a belief iu Godj hence no atheist can be made a Mason , and for the reason that , discarding the Bible , he cannot recognise the force of moral obligation . If
there be no God , there is no supreme moral law , and consequently no infallible standard of moral rectitude ; hence an acknowledgment of a belief in the existence and perfections of the Deity is an essential pre-reqnisite in every one who desires to become a Freemason . A certain Masonic author , a few years since , said that the King of Dahomy , one of the lowest and most brutal savages in the interior
of Africa , had as good a right to become a Freemason as he had . We cannot concur in such extraordinary liberality , for such a doctriii 1 , put into practice , would remove " the chief corner-stone" of the edifice , and the entire fabric would tumble into ruins in a y ear Fiance tried it in i . er civil capacity , and the resu't shocked the nations by the atrocities which followed . The throne was overturned ] the authorities sent to the block , society wa 3 demoralised , and