Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jewels.
they should not deviate from that strict lino of conduct that should ever distinguish tho upright Mason , not only in his intercourse with the brethren , bufc also with the outer world . Ifc also may be assumed thafc tho obligations
of tho J . W . extend even beyond the Lodge Room , and upon his learning of the moral obliquity of a fellowmember , that a Brother was deviating from fcho
Plumblino of rectitude , his jewel urges him to seek out the offender and strive to win him back to the paths embellished with the jewels of virfcuo and purity .
The man who casts aside tho jewel of integrity , and swerves from tho perpendicular line of honesty and truth , may for a timo succeed in deceiving his fellow mon ; bufc he cannofc lono * elude the inevitable law of moral
Gravitation , and like jtho tall upright building , its perfect ; plumb once lost , ifc soon must fall a ruin to tho ground . The jewel of the J . W . is thns accepted as symbolic of the upright and virtuous man , who pursues his objects along
life ' s pathway , nofc in a halting stumbling manner , as though fearful of pit-falls afc every step ; but firmly ancl courageously upright ; plumb erect , his eye ever fixed upon
the Polar star of rectitude , and thus fcho Plumb he wears in his own heart beats responsive to the one appended to his collar , indicating the virtues that lead straight ; to the Temple above .
It has beeu beautifully said in reference to this snbject , that " to man alone , of all the inhabitants of tho earth , his Creator has given an upright and erect posture , to elevate his mind hy the continual sight of the heavenly host , and
by the noble thoughts that his natural attitude inspires , to draw him from the grovelling cares of earth , to a contemplation of the Divine sources from whence he sprung . In the human race this erect stature is the foundation of their dominion and superiority over all fche rest of the animal world . "
" Thns , while the mute creation downward bend Their sight , and to their earthly mother tend , ilan looks aloft , and with eternal eyes Beholds his own hereditary skies . " The Junior Warden may also be called the youthful
jewel of the Lodge ; because being in the regular line of succession , travelling from fche South , by way of the West ., to the East , ultimately to occupy the Oriental chair , it is of the utmost importance thafc he cultivate the jewel of
knowledge , and be prepared to assume the government and direction of the Lodge , if by some unforeseen occurrence the Senior Warden and Worshipful Master should be incapacitated from further service . Therefore , in selecting a
Junior Warden the Lodge should always remember thafc it is choosing a jewel that , in the futnre , may become a shining light to the brethren , or perhaps , through
inadvertence or incapacity , prove , upon trial , to be ot impure lustre , and like many of the false jewels impostors display , of little or no value . Let the Junior Warden remember
that the Lodge looks to him for the example of the qualities denoted by the jewel suspended afc his breast , and the uprightness of his conduct should be as true as the Plumb he wears .
Pursuing our Masonic journey , we reach the West , where we find another jewel . Ifc is the Level , the jewel of the Senior Warden , the emblem of equality . In Masonry we contend for the natural equality of man ; that is , in the
spiritual or speculative sense . " In the sight of God , who alone is great , all men are equal , subject to the same infirmities , hastening to the same goal , and preparing to be judged by the same immutable law . " So says an eminent
Masonic writer , and that is probably the best ; and truest definition of the equality denoted by the Senior Warden ' s jewel thafc could be given . But while the jewel of the Senior Warden is symbolic of equality , it does not
inculcate a blind ancl radical equality that would ignore the distinction that education ancl experience confer . Those distinctions are seen and acknowledged when we compare the rough and the perfect Ashlars . Tho doctrines of
Freemasonry are based upon reason , and the jewel of common sense shines conspicuously in all its teachings . Obedience is one of the laws of tho Fraternity , and a respect for organized government , " for the laws of your country , " is
especially enjoined , wnile tho precious jewel of order , so conspicuously displayed in all Masonic proceedings , never allows false ideas of equality to usurp its functions , so the
impotent ravings of a feeble and decayed Pontiff lately fulminated from the Vatican , charging Freemasonry as being an institution destructive of good government , wanting in respect for established institutions , of irreverent and irre-
Jewels.
ligio' . ii tendencies * , may bo regarded as the emanation of ignorance , bigotry , and intolerance , and can do no injury to ~ a Fraternity founded upon a belief iu the
existence of a Supremo Ruler ancl Crea'o * . ** of all things , a Fraternity whose creed is enriched with the jewels of Faith , Hope , and Charity , and whoso origin dates from tho timo when the bright jewel of the rising sun first illumined
a newly-created world . Symbolic of his duties , tho Senior Warden wears his jewel to remind him that the brethren must be considered as standing upon tho same level floor , that each receive his just and lawful wages , that fche worthy Craftsman bo remunerated for his labour . Ho must tako
care that tho jewel of satisfaction reign among the workmen , that no individious distinction cause complaint , and that tho jewels of good order , peace , and harmony bo ever present in all the proceedings of the Lodge . There is
another jewel attached to tho station of the Senior Warden . Ifc is tho column standing erect ; npon his pedestal . A column upon a pedestal always conveys the idea of firmness and stability . It represents to the inquiring mind
something to live , to endure , to last . Ifc also imparts confidence , and in connection with the jewel—symbolic of equality—impresses upon us tho sentiment or feeling of strength . " In strength will I establish my house , " so thafc
tho two jewels of the Senior Warden , the Level and the Doric column , combine within themselves the jewels of Might , of Majesty , of Endurance , of Faith , lasting as time , endless as eternity . There was a time , and ifc is nofc many
years ago , even within the recollections of some of the Craft of the pi'esent clay , when ifc was a peril to be a member of a Masonic Lodge . The brethren met by stealth , in unknown and obscure places , and the officers were compelled
to conceal their jewels from the prying eyes of tha profane . Timid Craftsmen denied their affinity with tho Fraternity , and many severed their connection entirely . It was then that the faithful Craftsmen found in the Doric column the
jewel that encouraged them to persevere in tho work of fcho Craffc , and the strength to endure fche persecution that the enemies of the Institution inflicted upon its adherents .
The upright column especially is a jewel thafc represents the manly courage that presents an undaunted front ; fco fcho assaults of the profane , and enables tho fearless Craftsman to meefc and vanquish thoso who attack the Fraternity .
"The man in conscious virtue bold , Who dares hia secret purpose hold , Unshaken hears tbe crowd's tumaltaous cries , Ancl theimpetnons tyrant's angry brow defies .
Let the loud winds that rule the seas , Their wild , tempestuons horrors raise ; Let Jovo ' s dread arm with thnnder rend the spheres , Beneath the crush of worlds undannted he appears . "
After long series of stormy weather , we turn to the West for evidence that the tempesfc is past , and hail a bright sunset breaking through the murky clouds , as " a token of a goodly day to-morrow , " and so , at the closing of the Lodge
we turn our eyes towards the station of tho S . W . for the assurance of a happy meeting in the coming future , and iu the symbolism of the Level he wears , we find the promise of a heavenly jewel , beneath whose brights rays all shall
sit in the Celestial Kingdom , upon a never-ending , universal Level . And , like the calm ending of a virtuous life , so should be his closing of the Lodge , as the setting sun , sinking slowly into the West , a jewel of rest .
Having referred to the several immovable jewels in their regular order , we come to the most important of them all ; the one worn by the Master . I hold ifc up to the view of the brethren , and all will recognize a familiar acquaintance .
Ifc is a Square . Strictly speaking , though called a Square , ifc is an instrument by which Squares are formed , ancl really iu itself ifc is bufc the angle of a Square ; but as tho popular voice , as well as Masonic traditions , refer to ifc as
a Square , and as ifc is the symbolic meaning of the figure with which we have to deal , I will nofc stop to discuss the correctness of the designation . So I hold up this jewel and ask , What is this ? The answer is , A Square . And
fchis gives rise to another question , What is a Square ? A geometrician would answer , A figure having four equal sides and right angles , or an angle of ninety degrees , or the fourth part of a circle . Practically the Square is an
instrument of great ; importance to all , or nearly all , classes of workmen . By its use they are enabled to prove the accuracy of their work and detect errors which , without the aid of the Square , would remain to mar its symmetry
and beauty . The Master wears the Square as the jewel of his Office
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Jewels.
they should not deviate from that strict lino of conduct that should ever distinguish tho upright Mason , not only in his intercourse with the brethren , bufc also with the outer world . Ifc also may be assumed thafc tho obligations
of tho J . W . extend even beyond the Lodge Room , and upon his learning of the moral obliquity of a fellowmember , that a Brother was deviating from fcho
Plumblino of rectitude , his jewel urges him to seek out the offender and strive to win him back to the paths embellished with the jewels of virfcuo and purity .
The man who casts aside tho jewel of integrity , and swerves from tho perpendicular line of honesty and truth , may for a timo succeed in deceiving his fellow mon ; bufc he cannofc lono * elude the inevitable law of moral
Gravitation , and like jtho tall upright building , its perfect ; plumb once lost , ifc soon must fall a ruin to tho ground . The jewel of the J . W . is thns accepted as symbolic of the upright and virtuous man , who pursues his objects along
life ' s pathway , nofc in a halting stumbling manner , as though fearful of pit-falls afc every step ; but firmly ancl courageously upright ; plumb erect , his eye ever fixed upon
the Polar star of rectitude , and thus fcho Plumb he wears in his own heart beats responsive to the one appended to his collar , indicating the virtues that lead straight ; to the Temple above .
It has beeu beautifully said in reference to this snbject , that " to man alone , of all the inhabitants of tho earth , his Creator has given an upright and erect posture , to elevate his mind hy the continual sight of the heavenly host , and
by the noble thoughts that his natural attitude inspires , to draw him from the grovelling cares of earth , to a contemplation of the Divine sources from whence he sprung . In the human race this erect stature is the foundation of their dominion and superiority over all fche rest of the animal world . "
" Thns , while the mute creation downward bend Their sight , and to their earthly mother tend , ilan looks aloft , and with eternal eyes Beholds his own hereditary skies . " The Junior Warden may also be called the youthful
jewel of the Lodge ; because being in the regular line of succession , travelling from fche South , by way of the West ., to the East , ultimately to occupy the Oriental chair , it is of the utmost importance thafc he cultivate the jewel of
knowledge , and be prepared to assume the government and direction of the Lodge , if by some unforeseen occurrence the Senior Warden and Worshipful Master should be incapacitated from further service . Therefore , in selecting a
Junior Warden the Lodge should always remember thafc it is choosing a jewel that , in the futnre , may become a shining light to the brethren , or perhaps , through
inadvertence or incapacity , prove , upon trial , to be ot impure lustre , and like many of the false jewels impostors display , of little or no value . Let the Junior Warden remember
that the Lodge looks to him for the example of the qualities denoted by the jewel suspended afc his breast , and the uprightness of his conduct should be as true as the Plumb he wears .
Pursuing our Masonic journey , we reach the West , where we find another jewel . Ifc is the Level , the jewel of the Senior Warden , the emblem of equality . In Masonry we contend for the natural equality of man ; that is , in the
spiritual or speculative sense . " In the sight of God , who alone is great , all men are equal , subject to the same infirmities , hastening to the same goal , and preparing to be judged by the same immutable law . " So says an eminent
Masonic writer , and that is probably the best ; and truest definition of the equality denoted by the Senior Warden ' s jewel thafc could be given . But while the jewel of the Senior Warden is symbolic of equality , it does not
inculcate a blind ancl radical equality that would ignore the distinction that education ancl experience confer . Those distinctions are seen and acknowledged when we compare the rough and the perfect Ashlars . Tho doctrines of
Freemasonry are based upon reason , and the jewel of common sense shines conspicuously in all its teachings . Obedience is one of the laws of tho Fraternity , and a respect for organized government , " for the laws of your country , " is
especially enjoined , wnile tho precious jewel of order , so conspicuously displayed in all Masonic proceedings , never allows false ideas of equality to usurp its functions , so the
impotent ravings of a feeble and decayed Pontiff lately fulminated from the Vatican , charging Freemasonry as being an institution destructive of good government , wanting in respect for established institutions , of irreverent and irre-
Jewels.
ligio' . ii tendencies * , may bo regarded as the emanation of ignorance , bigotry , and intolerance , and can do no injury to ~ a Fraternity founded upon a belief iu the
existence of a Supremo Ruler ancl Crea'o * . ** of all things , a Fraternity whose creed is enriched with the jewels of Faith , Hope , and Charity , and whoso origin dates from tho timo when the bright jewel of the rising sun first illumined
a newly-created world . Symbolic of his duties , tho Senior Warden wears his jewel to remind him that the brethren must be considered as standing upon tho same level floor , that each receive his just and lawful wages , that fche worthy Craftsman bo remunerated for his labour . Ho must tako
care that tho jewel of satisfaction reign among the workmen , that no individious distinction cause complaint , and that tho jewels of good order , peace , and harmony bo ever present in all the proceedings of the Lodge . There is
another jewel attached to tho station of the Senior Warden . Ifc is tho column standing erect ; npon his pedestal . A column upon a pedestal always conveys the idea of firmness and stability . It represents to the inquiring mind
something to live , to endure , to last . Ifc also imparts confidence , and in connection with the jewel—symbolic of equality—impresses upon us tho sentiment or feeling of strength . " In strength will I establish my house , " so thafc
tho two jewels of the Senior Warden , the Level and the Doric column , combine within themselves the jewels of Might , of Majesty , of Endurance , of Faith , lasting as time , endless as eternity . There was a time , and ifc is nofc many
years ago , even within the recollections of some of the Craft of the pi'esent clay , when ifc was a peril to be a member of a Masonic Lodge . The brethren met by stealth , in unknown and obscure places , and the officers were compelled
to conceal their jewels from the prying eyes of tha profane . Timid Craftsmen denied their affinity with tho Fraternity , and many severed their connection entirely . It was then that the faithful Craftsmen found in the Doric column the
jewel that encouraged them to persevere in tho work of fcho Craffc , and the strength to endure fche persecution that the enemies of the Institution inflicted upon its adherents .
The upright column especially is a jewel thafc represents the manly courage that presents an undaunted front ; fco fcho assaults of the profane , and enables tho fearless Craftsman to meefc and vanquish thoso who attack the Fraternity .
"The man in conscious virtue bold , Who dares hia secret purpose hold , Unshaken hears tbe crowd's tumaltaous cries , Ancl theimpetnons tyrant's angry brow defies .
Let the loud winds that rule the seas , Their wild , tempestuons horrors raise ; Let Jovo ' s dread arm with thnnder rend the spheres , Beneath the crush of worlds undannted he appears . "
After long series of stormy weather , we turn to the West for evidence that the tempesfc is past , and hail a bright sunset breaking through the murky clouds , as " a token of a goodly day to-morrow , " and so , at the closing of the Lodge
we turn our eyes towards the station of tho S . W . for the assurance of a happy meeting in the coming future , and iu the symbolism of the Level he wears , we find the promise of a heavenly jewel , beneath whose brights rays all shall
sit in the Celestial Kingdom , upon a never-ending , universal Level . And , like the calm ending of a virtuous life , so should be his closing of the Lodge , as the setting sun , sinking slowly into the West , a jewel of rest .
Having referred to the several immovable jewels in their regular order , we come to the most important of them all ; the one worn by the Master . I hold ifc up to the view of the brethren , and all will recognize a familiar acquaintance .
Ifc is a Square . Strictly speaking , though called a Square , ifc is an instrument by which Squares are formed , ancl really iu itself ifc is bufc the angle of a Square ; but as tho popular voice , as well as Masonic traditions , refer to ifc as
a Square , and as ifc is the symbolic meaning of the figure with which we have to deal , I will nofc stop to discuss the correctness of the designation . So I hold up this jewel and ask , What is this ? The answer is , A Square . And
fchis gives rise to another question , What is a Square ? A geometrician would answer , A figure having four equal sides and right angles , or an angle of ninety degrees , or the fourth part of a circle . Practically the Square is an
instrument of great ; importance to all , or nearly all , classes of workmen . By its use they are enabled to prove the accuracy of their work and detect errors which , without the aid of the Square , would remain to mar its symmetry
and beauty . The Master wears the Square as the jewel of his Office