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Article THE REVELATIONS OF A SQUARE. ← Page 10 of 14 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Revelations Of A Square.
revise the Lodge Lectures , and to make such alterations and improvements as , in his judgment , the present slate of the Order mi g ht require , always preserving inviolate the ancient landmarks . And his version of the Lectures was
so judiciousl y drawn up , that its practice was enjoined on all the Lodges under the Constitution of England * and all former Lectures were abrogated , ancl pronounced obsolete . " In this formula , the symbol of a point within a circle was introduced for the first time ; and it is a singular fact , that although the ori g inal interpretation was simple enough ,
jet several meanings were soon attached to it b y fanciful expositors , differing in reference , but agreeing in fiict . And this diversity of opinion , as I should conceive , " my companion added , with some allusion to my own individual judgment , " constitutes one of the peculiar excellencies of the Craft ; for , however the definition may have been
amp lified and extended , the results , when the several arguments were wound up and applied , pretty nearl y corresponded with the ori g inal application of Martin Clare . For whether the point be Time , as some think , and the circle Eternitv , or whether the former be an individual Mason circumscribed
b y the circle of virtue , the result will be the same ; for virtue is boundless as universal space ; ancl as the bod y of man may be accounted a fit representative of Time , so is his soul of Eternity . In the same Lectures , the numbers 3 , 5 , and 7 , were applied , in strict conformity with ancient usage , to the Trinity , the Senses , and the Institution of a
Sabbath . The Jewish Masons subsequently ( for we had no Hebrews amongst us at that period ) , rejxidiated this primitive application , and substituted the following : ' Three rule a Lodge , —in allusion to the most sacred parts of the Temple of Solomon ; viz ., the Porch , the Hol y Place , and the Hol y of Holies Five hold a Lodge , in reference to
the sacred treasures of the Sanctum Sanctorum , viz ., the Ark of Alliance , the Golden Censer , the Sacred Roll , the Rod of Aaron , and the Pot of Manna . Seven make a Lodge perfect , in allusion to the seven chief degrees conferred b y King Solomon , and to the years employed in building the Temple .
" At the Grand Lodge , when Martin Clare was appointed Deputy Grand Master , I recollect perfectl y well , the Festival was celebrated in Haberdashers' Hall , March 19 , 1741 , several old Masons being present , including Past Grancl Masters Payne , Desaguliers , the Earls of Loudon VOL . ir . i' i'
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Revelations Of A Square.
revise the Lodge Lectures , and to make such alterations and improvements as , in his judgment , the present slate of the Order mi g ht require , always preserving inviolate the ancient landmarks . And his version of the Lectures was
so judiciousl y drawn up , that its practice was enjoined on all the Lodges under the Constitution of England * and all former Lectures were abrogated , ancl pronounced obsolete . " In this formula , the symbol of a point within a circle was introduced for the first time ; and it is a singular fact , that although the ori g inal interpretation was simple enough ,
jet several meanings were soon attached to it b y fanciful expositors , differing in reference , but agreeing in fiict . And this diversity of opinion , as I should conceive , " my companion added , with some allusion to my own individual judgment , " constitutes one of the peculiar excellencies of the Craft ; for , however the definition may have been
amp lified and extended , the results , when the several arguments were wound up and applied , pretty nearl y corresponded with the ori g inal application of Martin Clare . For whether the point be Time , as some think , and the circle Eternitv , or whether the former be an individual Mason circumscribed
b y the circle of virtue , the result will be the same ; for virtue is boundless as universal space ; ancl as the bod y of man may be accounted a fit representative of Time , so is his soul of Eternity . In the same Lectures , the numbers 3 , 5 , and 7 , were applied , in strict conformity with ancient usage , to the Trinity , the Senses , and the Institution of a
Sabbath . The Jewish Masons subsequently ( for we had no Hebrews amongst us at that period ) , rejxidiated this primitive application , and substituted the following : ' Three rule a Lodge , —in allusion to the most sacred parts of the Temple of Solomon ; viz ., the Porch , the Hol y Place , and the Hol y of Holies Five hold a Lodge , in reference to
the sacred treasures of the Sanctum Sanctorum , viz ., the Ark of Alliance , the Golden Censer , the Sacred Roll , the Rod of Aaron , and the Pot of Manna . Seven make a Lodge perfect , in allusion to the seven chief degrees conferred b y King Solomon , and to the years employed in building the Temple .
" At the Grand Lodge , when Martin Clare was appointed Deputy Grand Master , I recollect perfectl y well , the Festival was celebrated in Haberdashers' Hall , March 19 , 1741 , several old Masons being present , including Past Grancl Masters Payne , Desaguliers , the Earls of Loudon VOL . ir . i' i'