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Article MASONIC TEACHING—WHAT IT REALLY IS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC TEACHING—WHAT IT REALLY IS. Page 2 of 2 Article THE DRAMA. Page 1 of 1 Article GOOD NIGHT. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
our inquiries after truth as well for our own improvement as for the instruction of others . It consists of a regular train of argument , whence we infer , deduce , and conclude according to certain premises laid down , admitted , or granted ; in it are employed the faculties of conceiving , reasoning , judging , and
disposing , and through the whole of which we are led on from one gradation to another , until the point in question is finally determined . Arithmetic treats of the powers and properties of numbers as they aro variously expressed by figures , tables , and instruments . By this science reasons and demonstrations are given for finding out any
number , the relation and affinity of which to another number is already known and determined . Geometry treats of the powers of magnitude in general where length , breadth , and thickness are separately and collectively considered . By this science , the architect is enabled to form his plans
and cany out his designs ; the general to arrange his army , the engineer to mark out ground for the intended encampment , the geographer to give us the dimensions of the world , delineate the extent of seas , and specify the divisions of empires , kingdoms , and provinces . By it also , the astronomer is enabled to make his
observations , calculate and fix the duration of tune , seasons , years and cycles . In fine , geometry is the foundation of architecture and the root of mathematics . Music is the art of forming concords , so as to produce delightful harmony by a mathematical and proportionate arrangement of
sounds . This art , by a series of experiments , has been reduced to a demonstrable science with respect to tones and the interval of sound ; it enquires into the nature of concords and discords , and enables us to find a due proportion between them by numbers , nor is it ever heard to greater advantage than when employed in the
praise of the G . A . O . T . U . Astronomy is that sublime science which enables the contemplative mind to soar aloft , and there read the wisdom , power and goodness of the G . A . O . T . U . How nobly illustrative of the Supremo being is the celestial hemisphere . It is the most magnificent herald of His glory , it
speaks to the whole creation , and there is no people so barbarous , or nation so far distant , bnt its voice is heard amongst them . Assisted by astronomy , we obtain a knowledge of the laws governing the heavenly bodies , ascertain their size , and determine their distance , become acquainted with the general phenomena , whereby we are
enabled to correct the fallacy of the senses by the light of truth . Can anything be more wonderful than these observations ? Yes ! there are truths far more astounding , scenes far more extensive , for as there is no end to tho Almighty ' s goodness , so can no imagination set a limit to his creative hand . Could we soar beyond tho moon , pass
through tho planetary choir , wing our way to the furthest apparent star , and there take our stand upon the loftiest pinnacle of heaven , we should see the sky constantly expanding before us , other suns darting their inexhaustible beams ; other , perhaps nobler , worlds in unknown profusion through the illimitable expanse of space . Nor do the dominions of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe
terminate here , for at the end of even this vast tour we should find ourselves no farther advanced than into a suburb of creation on the frontier of the Great Jehovah's Kingdom . Thus , what an august idea of the Creator ' s power does astronomy afford ! As it scarcely admits of doubt that the fixed stars aro suns , so is it rational to
infer that each sun is the centre of a system , hence ten thousand times ten thousand worlds burst upon the mental eye all arranged like our planet in beauteous order , rapid in motion , yet harmonious and serene , and invariably keeping the bounds the great law giver first prescribed . Surely , then , it is not too presumptuous to conclude ,
as the all wise Creator has made nothing in vain , that each world in every system is peopled with myriads of intelligent beings , candidates like ourselves for the dominions of bliss and capable of endless progress in felicity and glory ; then , as so much wisdom is displayed throughout the universe , how great ! how glorious ! and how worthy of
adoration must He be who created , sustains , and controls the whole ? In conclusion , let me beg of you always to remember the sacred retreat of peace and friendship . Amid all cares and employments , forget not the sacred duties which have been inculcated and so strongly recommended ; therefore ,
be discreet , prudent , and temperate . Eemember also that you have voluntarily and solemnly vowed to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance , that you havo proxiised to remind him in tho gentlest manner of his failings , and to aid his reformation , to defend and vindicate his
character whenever wrongfully traduced , and to suggest the most favorable circumstances , even when it is most liable to reprehension and blame : thus shall the world see how dearly Masons love one another . But , my dear Son and Brother , you are to extend these noble and generous semtitnents even further ; lot me impress upon your
mind , and letitbe instilled into your heart that every human being has an undoubted claim to your kind offices . I therefore , strictly enjoin yon to do good to all , while I more particularly recommend to your care the household of the faithful , so that by diligence and fidelity in our various avocations , by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity ,
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
by constancy and sincerity in your friendship , by being uniformly kind , just , amiable and virtuous in your deportment , you may prove to the world the happy and beneficent effects of our ancient and honorable institution .
Let it not be said that you have laboured in vain , for your work is before God , and your recompense is with Him . Finally , My dear Son , live in peace , and may the God of love and
mercy delight to dwell with you and bless yon evermore . I shall reply to your letter in a mail or two with full domestic particulars . Meantime , be assured of our undying love , and believe me
My dear Son and Brother , Your affectionate Father , LIONEL HARBISON .
The Drama.
THE DRAMA .
" Flamingo" at the Strand—Becent Changes . IF any unsophisticated playgoer is desirous of seeing how a bright and amusing French comedy may be metamorphosed into a dull and meaningless English burlesque , he will best satisfy his wish by going to see Flamingo , at the Strand . Gavant , Minard et Cie , of which Flamingo is supposed to be an adaptation , is not quite what
would be called a moral play , in fact it would hardly , at first glance , be considered a fit subject for production on the English stage ; but , at least , it is amusing , and deserves a better fate than that of being converted into a weak imitation of Nemesis . It is difficult to appreciate the humour displayed in the invention of such names as Rumb the Eenown , and Soldi the Simple , in place of the original
Gavant and Minard , and the laughter gained by the exhibition of grotesque dresses is not such as is likely to assure the success of any play . Flamingo affords parts for most of the leading favourites at THE STEAND . Mr . Edward Terry , as the senior partner , acta with all his amusing eccentricity , and sings one capitally written song on the perplexities of arithmetic ; Miss Claude , always looks charming , and
plays the servant , Allserina , as well as has been her custom to play lately . The chief success in the piece was gained by Miss Lottie Venne , an immensely improved actress , whose vivacious acting and quiet fun would have saved a worse piece than Flamingo from failure . M . Marius also acts well , as , indeed , he invariably does , and , owing to the efforts of these clever artistes , the piece was well received ;
but it must be acknowledged that their talents are , to a great extent , wasted , and that the fountain of success at THE STRAND , which opened so well with Nemesis , has , apparently , run dry . Money again opens the season at THE PRINCE OF WALES ' , and , judging from appearances , its attractions are undiminished . Little change has been made in the cast , with the exception that Mr . A .
Wood plays the part of Graves , in place of Mr . Honey . The comedy is most admirably acted all round , and two particular performances in it will bear comparison with any acting of tho present day . Mrs . Bancroft as Lady Franklin , nnd Miss Ellen Terry as Clara Douglas , affords a real treat to all admirers of good acting . The piquancy and finesse of the one , combined with the womanly feeling
and passion of the other , afford a series of charming scenes . Whenover time shall necessitate a change in the programme at this theatre we shall lose a general performance which does credit to the English stage . The production of Macbeth , at THE LYCEUM , announced for last Saturday , was , at the last moment , postponed until to-nighfc , when Mr . Irving's numerous and enthusiastic admirers will assemble in
great force , to witness , we hope , another great success . A change in the programme at THE MIRROR is promised for Monday next , when Self , the new drama by Messrs . Oxenford and Wigan , will be produced , preceded by a new comedietta , by Mr . J . M . Morton . Mr . J . S . Clarke has been playing in The Toodles , and Among the Breakers , during the week at TUB HAYMAKKET , where a now comedy , by Mr . Byron , is promised for speedy production .
Good Night.
GOOD NIGHT .
( To be sung at the Closing of Lodge . ) Good-night ! the spirits of the blest and good , From Masons walls go with yon and abide In hours of sorrow , hours of solitude ; Or , when the hosts of melancholy brood And cloud your mind , may angel-spirits glide From the WHITE THRONE , and give you great delight , — Dear Friends , Goon NIGHT !
Good-night ! good-night ! and joy be with you all ! May sickness never blight , nor poverty ; May slanderous breath your spirits ne ' er appal ; May no untoward accident befall—But all things prosperous and happy be ; May morning ' s sun rise on you fresh and bri'ht—Dear Friends , GOOD NIGHT !
Good-night ! and when the shadows of the grave Close in around you ; when the labouring breath Draws heavily ; and unto Him who gave , You yield the spirit ; be He strong to save , Who is our GUIDE and MASTER unto death ! Then may dear friends and heavenly hopes nnifo To say Goon NIGHT ! Canadian Masonic News ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
our inquiries after truth as well for our own improvement as for the instruction of others . It consists of a regular train of argument , whence we infer , deduce , and conclude according to certain premises laid down , admitted , or granted ; in it are employed the faculties of conceiving , reasoning , judging , and
disposing , and through the whole of which we are led on from one gradation to another , until the point in question is finally determined . Arithmetic treats of the powers and properties of numbers as they aro variously expressed by figures , tables , and instruments . By this science reasons and demonstrations are given for finding out any
number , the relation and affinity of which to another number is already known and determined . Geometry treats of the powers of magnitude in general where length , breadth , and thickness are separately and collectively considered . By this science , the architect is enabled to form his plans
and cany out his designs ; the general to arrange his army , the engineer to mark out ground for the intended encampment , the geographer to give us the dimensions of the world , delineate the extent of seas , and specify the divisions of empires , kingdoms , and provinces . By it also , the astronomer is enabled to make his
observations , calculate and fix the duration of tune , seasons , years and cycles . In fine , geometry is the foundation of architecture and the root of mathematics . Music is the art of forming concords , so as to produce delightful harmony by a mathematical and proportionate arrangement of
sounds . This art , by a series of experiments , has been reduced to a demonstrable science with respect to tones and the interval of sound ; it enquires into the nature of concords and discords , and enables us to find a due proportion between them by numbers , nor is it ever heard to greater advantage than when employed in the
praise of the G . A . O . T . U . Astronomy is that sublime science which enables the contemplative mind to soar aloft , and there read the wisdom , power and goodness of the G . A . O . T . U . How nobly illustrative of the Supremo being is the celestial hemisphere . It is the most magnificent herald of His glory , it
speaks to the whole creation , and there is no people so barbarous , or nation so far distant , bnt its voice is heard amongst them . Assisted by astronomy , we obtain a knowledge of the laws governing the heavenly bodies , ascertain their size , and determine their distance , become acquainted with the general phenomena , whereby we are
enabled to correct the fallacy of the senses by the light of truth . Can anything be more wonderful than these observations ? Yes ! there are truths far more astounding , scenes far more extensive , for as there is no end to tho Almighty ' s goodness , so can no imagination set a limit to his creative hand . Could we soar beyond tho moon , pass
through tho planetary choir , wing our way to the furthest apparent star , and there take our stand upon the loftiest pinnacle of heaven , we should see the sky constantly expanding before us , other suns darting their inexhaustible beams ; other , perhaps nobler , worlds in unknown profusion through the illimitable expanse of space . Nor do the dominions of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe
terminate here , for at the end of even this vast tour we should find ourselves no farther advanced than into a suburb of creation on the frontier of the Great Jehovah's Kingdom . Thus , what an august idea of the Creator ' s power does astronomy afford ! As it scarcely admits of doubt that the fixed stars aro suns , so is it rational to
infer that each sun is the centre of a system , hence ten thousand times ten thousand worlds burst upon the mental eye all arranged like our planet in beauteous order , rapid in motion , yet harmonious and serene , and invariably keeping the bounds the great law giver first prescribed . Surely , then , it is not too presumptuous to conclude ,
as the all wise Creator has made nothing in vain , that each world in every system is peopled with myriads of intelligent beings , candidates like ourselves for the dominions of bliss and capable of endless progress in felicity and glory ; then , as so much wisdom is displayed throughout the universe , how great ! how glorious ! and how worthy of
adoration must He be who created , sustains , and controls the whole ? In conclusion , let me beg of you always to remember the sacred retreat of peace and friendship . Amid all cares and employments , forget not the sacred duties which have been inculcated and so strongly recommended ; therefore ,
be discreet , prudent , and temperate . Eemember also that you have voluntarily and solemnly vowed to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance , that you havo proxiised to remind him in tho gentlest manner of his failings , and to aid his reformation , to defend and vindicate his
character whenever wrongfully traduced , and to suggest the most favorable circumstances , even when it is most liable to reprehension and blame : thus shall the world see how dearly Masons love one another . But , my dear Son and Brother , you are to extend these noble and generous semtitnents even further ; lot me impress upon your
mind , and letitbe instilled into your heart that every human being has an undoubted claim to your kind offices . I therefore , strictly enjoin yon to do good to all , while I more particularly recommend to your care the household of the faithful , so that by diligence and fidelity in our various avocations , by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity ,
Masonic Teaching—What It Really Is.
by constancy and sincerity in your friendship , by being uniformly kind , just , amiable and virtuous in your deportment , you may prove to the world the happy and beneficent effects of our ancient and honorable institution .
Let it not be said that you have laboured in vain , for your work is before God , and your recompense is with Him . Finally , My dear Son , live in peace , and may the God of love and
mercy delight to dwell with you and bless yon evermore . I shall reply to your letter in a mail or two with full domestic particulars . Meantime , be assured of our undying love , and believe me
My dear Son and Brother , Your affectionate Father , LIONEL HARBISON .
The Drama.
THE DRAMA .
" Flamingo" at the Strand—Becent Changes . IF any unsophisticated playgoer is desirous of seeing how a bright and amusing French comedy may be metamorphosed into a dull and meaningless English burlesque , he will best satisfy his wish by going to see Flamingo , at the Strand . Gavant , Minard et Cie , of which Flamingo is supposed to be an adaptation , is not quite what
would be called a moral play , in fact it would hardly , at first glance , be considered a fit subject for production on the English stage ; but , at least , it is amusing , and deserves a better fate than that of being converted into a weak imitation of Nemesis . It is difficult to appreciate the humour displayed in the invention of such names as Rumb the Eenown , and Soldi the Simple , in place of the original
Gavant and Minard , and the laughter gained by the exhibition of grotesque dresses is not such as is likely to assure the success of any play . Flamingo affords parts for most of the leading favourites at THE STEAND . Mr . Edward Terry , as the senior partner , acta with all his amusing eccentricity , and sings one capitally written song on the perplexities of arithmetic ; Miss Claude , always looks charming , and
plays the servant , Allserina , as well as has been her custom to play lately . The chief success in the piece was gained by Miss Lottie Venne , an immensely improved actress , whose vivacious acting and quiet fun would have saved a worse piece than Flamingo from failure . M . Marius also acts well , as , indeed , he invariably does , and , owing to the efforts of these clever artistes , the piece was well received ;
but it must be acknowledged that their talents are , to a great extent , wasted , and that the fountain of success at THE STRAND , which opened so well with Nemesis , has , apparently , run dry . Money again opens the season at THE PRINCE OF WALES ' , and , judging from appearances , its attractions are undiminished . Little change has been made in the cast , with the exception that Mr . A .
Wood plays the part of Graves , in place of Mr . Honey . The comedy is most admirably acted all round , and two particular performances in it will bear comparison with any acting of tho present day . Mrs . Bancroft as Lady Franklin , nnd Miss Ellen Terry as Clara Douglas , affords a real treat to all admirers of good acting . The piquancy and finesse of the one , combined with the womanly feeling
and passion of the other , afford a series of charming scenes . Whenover time shall necessitate a change in the programme at this theatre we shall lose a general performance which does credit to the English stage . The production of Macbeth , at THE LYCEUM , announced for last Saturday , was , at the last moment , postponed until to-nighfc , when Mr . Irving's numerous and enthusiastic admirers will assemble in
great force , to witness , we hope , another great success . A change in the programme at THE MIRROR is promised for Monday next , when Self , the new drama by Messrs . Oxenford and Wigan , will be produced , preceded by a new comedietta , by Mr . J . M . Morton . Mr . J . S . Clarke has been playing in The Toodles , and Among the Breakers , during the week at TUB HAYMAKKET , where a now comedy , by Mr . Byron , is promised for speedy production .
Good Night.
GOOD NIGHT .
( To be sung at the Closing of Lodge . ) Good-night ! the spirits of the blest and good , From Masons walls go with yon and abide In hours of sorrow , hours of solitude ; Or , when the hosts of melancholy brood And cloud your mind , may angel-spirits glide From the WHITE THRONE , and give you great delight , — Dear Friends , Goon NIGHT !
Good-night ! good-night ! and joy be with you all ! May sickness never blight , nor poverty ; May slanderous breath your spirits ne ' er appal ; May no untoward accident befall—But all things prosperous and happy be ; May morning ' s sun rise on you fresh and bri'ht—Dear Friends , GOOD NIGHT !
Good-night ! and when the shadows of the grave Close in around you ; when the labouring breath Draws heavily ; and unto Him who gave , You yield the spirit ; be He strong to save , Who is our GUIDE and MASTER unto death ! Then may dear friends and heavenly hopes nnifo To say Goon NIGHT ! Canadian Masonic News ,