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Article MASONRY AND THE BIBLE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article EXTRACTS FROM THE LONDON NEWSPAPERS RELATING TO FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 1
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Masonry And The Bible.
Your Committee so fully agree with the sentiments contained in said address and report , that they beg leave to make the same a portion of theirs , and to reaffirm the sentiments therein expressed : " It was asked by a respectable lodge whether ' the denying of the Divine authenticity of the Holy Bible be an offence against the institution of Masonry ; and , if so , what are the prerogatives of the lodge in such cases ?'
While ' tis most true that Masonry is not sectarian in its character , and that the established rules and regulations of our Grand Lodge positively inhibit all religious tests as a pre-requisite to initiation , save only the acknowledgment of a ' steadfast belief in the existence and perfection of Deity , ' it is equally true that , were it possible to wrest from the ' first Great Light' in Masonry its attribute of Divine authenticity , the vcry act would overwhelm
the Craft with a visible and tangible darkness , equalled only by that which existed ere ' the Sp irit of God moved upon the face of the waters . '_ It is impossible to despoil our great Masonic trestle-board of its distinctive characteristic , without at the " same time rifling the work of our lodges , our charges , and our lectures of every conservative and life-giving principle . If the Bible be not , indeed , an emanation from Deity , then is
Freemasonry an empty cheat ; and those who minister at her altars accessories to fraud and vile delusion . True , we have among us no lodges exclusively Christian , for the reason that Masonry dates anterior to the Christian era , and because her charity is sufficiently expansive to embrace within its ample folds , in fraternal union , the good and true of whatever name or nation . While , therefore , Christian Masons dedicate
their lodges to those two eminent and sainted Christian patrons who are always represented in every regular and well-governed lodge by most attractive and peculiar hieroglyphics , our Jewish brethren may , at the same time , without let or hindrance , and without the remotest cause of offence to any , still commemorate in the lodges him whose name is the synonym of Wisdom , and whose virtues are embalmed alike in the hearts of all good
Masons , whether Christian or the lineal descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel . But surely it could not have been the purpose of those great and good men of old , in laying thus broad the foundations of our Order , to provide in it a covert for the deriding infidel , or any asylum for the dissembling hypocrite . And if , by any means , such have found their way into our midst , it is the first duty of the lodge so invoked , by well doing , to put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men , and to teach them that , though free , they may not use their liberty for a cloak of licentiousness . And , if thus admonished , they refuse to be restrained , let them be regarded as walking disorderly , and not after the tradition they have received of us . And if any man obey not our word , note that man , and have no company with him , that he may be ashamed .
" The Select Committee , to whom was referred so much of the M . W . Grand Master's address as relates to the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures , respectfully report that they have had the subject entrusted to them under very careful consideration , and have become so deeply impressed with the importance of the question that they deem its proper settlement of vital consequence to the welfare of our institution .
" After looking at the foundations on which all our work is constructed , and contemplating the teachings of Masonry in her lectures , charges , & c , your Committee can come to but one conclusion on the subject , viz ., that the Holy Bible is the great standard of truth and duty in Masonry , and , consequently , that an humble and sincere acknowledgment of its Divine origin is indispensable , in the very nature of the case , on the part of all who come to seek or dispense light among us .
" After the very clear views on this subject presented by our worthy Grand Master in his annual communication , your Committee deem it unnecessary to say much in addition , except in reiteration of the sentiments by him so ably and eloquently expressed . " It is one of the oldest requisitions of the Fraternity that no regular and well-governed lodge can be without its Bible . The Bible is held up to the
candidate on his initiation as the first Great Light in Masonry . He is told that it is the inestimable gift of God to man . His onward pathway in its entire extent is lighted up by its blessed precepts . The Faith , the Hope , the Charity , in which he is admonished to abound , is the Faith , the Hope , the Charity of the Bible . The star , which shines from the centre of one of the three ornaments of the lodge , is the star which appeared to guide the wise
men in the East to the place of the Saviour s nativity . The two eminent patrons of the Order , to whom Christian Masons dedicate their lodges , are the Sts . John of the Bible , the precepts of which they present as a wall of defence around about every brother within which he may walk securely and never materially err . No station in the lodge is too high for the reach of the duties which the Bible enjoins . The Worshipful Master must humbly bow to its authority . On him , as he is about to enter upon his arduous
labours , is laid the obligation , weighty above all others , of a diligent observance of the Holy Scriptures , which , he is instructed , is to be a rule and a guide to his faith . And when sorrowing brethren gather around the final resting place of the departed , they mourn not as those who are without hope ; the sprig of acacia tells of an ever verdant and bright land beyond the grave . The Lion of the tribe of Judah has vanquished the foe , and hope and consolation are imparled by the thoughts of that life and immortality which the Bible , and the Bible only , has brought to light .
" Ihese are but a few of the many evidences that might be presented to show how essential the Bible is to the existence of Masonry . What then is Masonry without the Bible—the Bible acknowledged in the truth of its Divine inspiration ? It is the casket without the jewel . It is the body without the soul . It is the world without the sun . And what mi ght be its value despoiled of this , its richest treasure and bri ghtest ornament , would not be worth the trouble of a conjecture .
" Your Committee , in their search for grounds on which to sustain an opposite opinion , have found nothing meriting that character , unless it be a single clause in Section 6 of our Rules and Regulations , the language of which is that ' no religious test shall be required of any applicant for the benefits of Masonry other than a steadfast belief in the existence and perfections of Deity . ' In regard to this provision , it is respectfully submitted
whether a proper belief in the existence and perfections of Deity does not , of necessity , imply a belief in the Divine authenticity of the Bible , since from that book we derive the onl y intelligent and satisfactory knowledge of Deity ; and whether , therefore , said clause was not predicated upon this hypothesis . But whatever interpretation may be given to this provision , and
granting that it requires only such a belief in Deity as natural religion may afford , your Committee are of opinion that it is entitled to no serious weight against the abundant and clear testimony furnished by the lectures and charges , the authority of which no well-informed Mason , it is thought , will be disposed to gainsay or resist . "—Masonic Review .
Extracts From The London Newspapers Relating To Freemasonry.
EXTRACTS FROM THE LONDON NEWSPAPERS RELATING TO FREEMASONRY .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . The years 1717 , 1718 , 1719 , and 1720 do not contain any article , or advertisement , respecting Freemasons . The Post Boy , June 24 to 27 , 1721 . — " There was a meeting on Saturday last at Stationers' Hall of between two and three hundred of the Ancient
Fraternity of Freemasons , who had a splendid dinner , and music . Several noblemen and gentlemen were present at this meeting , and His Grace the Duke of Montagu was unanimousl y chosen Master for the ensuing year , and Dr . Beale Sub-Master . The Reverend Dr . Desaguliers made a speech suitable to the occasion . "
The Weekly Journal , or Saturday ' s Post , July 1 , 1721 . — "On Saturday last was a meeting at Stationers' Hall of some two or three hundred of the Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons , who made a splendid entertainment . Many noblemen and gentlemen were present at this meeting , and His Grace the Duke of Montagu was unanimously chosen Master i ' or the ensuing year , and Dr . Beal , Sub-Master . The Rev . Dr . Desaguliers made a speech on the occasion . "
The same account in the Weekly Journal , or British Gasetter , July 1 , 1721 . The Daily Post , June 20 , 1722 . —" All belonging to the society of Freemasons who design to be at Stationers' Hall on the 25 th inst ., are desired to take out tickets before next Friday , and all those noblemen and gentlemen that have took tickets , and do not appear at the hall , will be look'd upon as false brothers . "
The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , June 23 , 1722 . — " On Monday next , being the 25 th inst ., will be kept at Stationers' Hall , the Grand meeting of the most noble and Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons , as usual , and in which Society there is some peculiar word or signal given , so that if one of them walks by , or is drinking in any Edifice Building of Stone , they all come down immediately from their work and wait upon him with great respect . "
The Daily Post , June 27 , 1722 . — "On Monday last was kept at Stationers' Hall , the usual annual Grand meeting of the most noble and Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons ( where there was a noble appearance of persons of distinction ) , at which meeting they are obliged by their Orders to elect a Grand and Deputy Master , in pursuance wherrof they have accordingly chosen His Grace the Duke of Wharton their Grand Master , in the room of His Grace the Duke of Montagu , and Dr . Desaguliers Deputy Master , in the room of Dr . Beal for the year ensuing . "
The Weekly Journal , or Saturday ' s Post , June 30 th , 1722— " On Monday last the Ancient Society of Free Masons held their annual meeting at Stationers' Hall , and , as we hear , chose the Duke of Wharton for their Governour . "
The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , June 30 th , 1722— " On Monday last the Grand Meeting of the Most Noble and Ancient Fraternity of Free Masons was kept at Stationers' Hall , where they had a most sumptuous Feast , several of the nobility who are members of the Society being present ; and his Grace the Duke of Wharton was then unanimously chosen Governor of the said Fraternity . "
* The Post Boy , November 10 th to 13 th , 1722— "On Thursday last Sir Christopher Wren , the celebrated Architect , was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Corporation of Clergymen ' s Sons , in the room of Sir Gilbert Dolben , Bart ., deceased . " The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , December 1 st ,
1722—. "THE FREE MASON ' S HEALTH . " Come , let us prepare We Brothers that are Met together on merry occasion ; Let ' s drink , laugh , and sing , Our wine has a spring , 'Tis a Health to an accepted Mason .
" The world is in pain Our secret to gain , But still let them wonder and gaze on ; Till they ' re shewn the Light They'l ne ' er know the right Word or Sign of an accepted Mason .
" 'Tis this and ' tis that , They cannot tell what , Why so many great men in the nation Shou'd Aprons put on To make themselves one , With a Free or an Accepted Mason . " Great Kings , Dukes , and Lords
Have laid by their Swords , This our Mis ' try to put a good grace on , And ne ' er been ashamed " To hear themselves named With a Free or Accepted Mason . " Antiquity ' s Pride We have on our slide , It makes each Man just in his Station ;
There ' s nought but what ' s good To be understood By a Free and Accepted Mason . " Then joyn Hand in Hand ,
I each other firm Stand , Let ' s be merry and put a bright Face on ; What Mortal can boast So noble a Toast As a Free and Accepted Mason . "
Bro . Marcus Richardson , the aged Freemason of North Bangor , Me ., who recently celebrated his centennial birthday with Montgomery Lodge , of Milford , of which he was made a member October sth , 1 S 03 , at Franklin , died at his homo on Ihursday , January 13 th , aged 100 years 2 months and 14 days . He had been a member of the Masonic I'raternity for more than 77 years . He had resided in Maine 5 S years , always led a quiet , unostentatious life , and was universally respected . At the time of his death he was generally acknowledged one of , if not quite , the oldest Mason in the world . — Masonic Review .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonry And The Bible.
Your Committee so fully agree with the sentiments contained in said address and report , that they beg leave to make the same a portion of theirs , and to reaffirm the sentiments therein expressed : " It was asked by a respectable lodge whether ' the denying of the Divine authenticity of the Holy Bible be an offence against the institution of Masonry ; and , if so , what are the prerogatives of the lodge in such cases ?'
While ' tis most true that Masonry is not sectarian in its character , and that the established rules and regulations of our Grand Lodge positively inhibit all religious tests as a pre-requisite to initiation , save only the acknowledgment of a ' steadfast belief in the existence and perfection of Deity , ' it is equally true that , were it possible to wrest from the ' first Great Light' in Masonry its attribute of Divine authenticity , the vcry act would overwhelm
the Craft with a visible and tangible darkness , equalled only by that which existed ere ' the Sp irit of God moved upon the face of the waters . '_ It is impossible to despoil our great Masonic trestle-board of its distinctive characteristic , without at the " same time rifling the work of our lodges , our charges , and our lectures of every conservative and life-giving principle . If the Bible be not , indeed , an emanation from Deity , then is
Freemasonry an empty cheat ; and those who minister at her altars accessories to fraud and vile delusion . True , we have among us no lodges exclusively Christian , for the reason that Masonry dates anterior to the Christian era , and because her charity is sufficiently expansive to embrace within its ample folds , in fraternal union , the good and true of whatever name or nation . While , therefore , Christian Masons dedicate
their lodges to those two eminent and sainted Christian patrons who are always represented in every regular and well-governed lodge by most attractive and peculiar hieroglyphics , our Jewish brethren may , at the same time , without let or hindrance , and without the remotest cause of offence to any , still commemorate in the lodges him whose name is the synonym of Wisdom , and whose virtues are embalmed alike in the hearts of all good
Masons , whether Christian or the lineal descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel . But surely it could not have been the purpose of those great and good men of old , in laying thus broad the foundations of our Order , to provide in it a covert for the deriding infidel , or any asylum for the dissembling hypocrite . And if , by any means , such have found their way into our midst , it is the first duty of the lodge so invoked , by well doing , to put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men , and to teach them that , though free , they may not use their liberty for a cloak of licentiousness . And , if thus admonished , they refuse to be restrained , let them be regarded as walking disorderly , and not after the tradition they have received of us . And if any man obey not our word , note that man , and have no company with him , that he may be ashamed .
" The Select Committee , to whom was referred so much of the M . W . Grand Master's address as relates to the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures , respectfully report that they have had the subject entrusted to them under very careful consideration , and have become so deeply impressed with the importance of the question that they deem its proper settlement of vital consequence to the welfare of our institution .
" After looking at the foundations on which all our work is constructed , and contemplating the teachings of Masonry in her lectures , charges , & c , your Committee can come to but one conclusion on the subject , viz ., that the Holy Bible is the great standard of truth and duty in Masonry , and , consequently , that an humble and sincere acknowledgment of its Divine origin is indispensable , in the very nature of the case , on the part of all who come to seek or dispense light among us .
" After the very clear views on this subject presented by our worthy Grand Master in his annual communication , your Committee deem it unnecessary to say much in addition , except in reiteration of the sentiments by him so ably and eloquently expressed . " It is one of the oldest requisitions of the Fraternity that no regular and well-governed lodge can be without its Bible . The Bible is held up to the
candidate on his initiation as the first Great Light in Masonry . He is told that it is the inestimable gift of God to man . His onward pathway in its entire extent is lighted up by its blessed precepts . The Faith , the Hope , the Charity , in which he is admonished to abound , is the Faith , the Hope , the Charity of the Bible . The star , which shines from the centre of one of the three ornaments of the lodge , is the star which appeared to guide the wise
men in the East to the place of the Saviour s nativity . The two eminent patrons of the Order , to whom Christian Masons dedicate their lodges , are the Sts . John of the Bible , the precepts of which they present as a wall of defence around about every brother within which he may walk securely and never materially err . No station in the lodge is too high for the reach of the duties which the Bible enjoins . The Worshipful Master must humbly bow to its authority . On him , as he is about to enter upon his arduous
labours , is laid the obligation , weighty above all others , of a diligent observance of the Holy Scriptures , which , he is instructed , is to be a rule and a guide to his faith . And when sorrowing brethren gather around the final resting place of the departed , they mourn not as those who are without hope ; the sprig of acacia tells of an ever verdant and bright land beyond the grave . The Lion of the tribe of Judah has vanquished the foe , and hope and consolation are imparled by the thoughts of that life and immortality which the Bible , and the Bible only , has brought to light .
" Ihese are but a few of the many evidences that might be presented to show how essential the Bible is to the existence of Masonry . What then is Masonry without the Bible—the Bible acknowledged in the truth of its Divine inspiration ? It is the casket without the jewel . It is the body without the soul . It is the world without the sun . And what mi ght be its value despoiled of this , its richest treasure and bri ghtest ornament , would not be worth the trouble of a conjecture .
" Your Committee , in their search for grounds on which to sustain an opposite opinion , have found nothing meriting that character , unless it be a single clause in Section 6 of our Rules and Regulations , the language of which is that ' no religious test shall be required of any applicant for the benefits of Masonry other than a steadfast belief in the existence and perfections of Deity . ' In regard to this provision , it is respectfully submitted
whether a proper belief in the existence and perfections of Deity does not , of necessity , imply a belief in the Divine authenticity of the Bible , since from that book we derive the onl y intelligent and satisfactory knowledge of Deity ; and whether , therefore , said clause was not predicated upon this hypothesis . But whatever interpretation may be given to this provision , and
granting that it requires only such a belief in Deity as natural religion may afford , your Committee are of opinion that it is entitled to no serious weight against the abundant and clear testimony furnished by the lectures and charges , the authority of which no well-informed Mason , it is thought , will be disposed to gainsay or resist . "—Masonic Review .
Extracts From The London Newspapers Relating To Freemasonry.
EXTRACTS FROM THE LONDON NEWSPAPERS RELATING TO FREEMASONRY .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . The years 1717 , 1718 , 1719 , and 1720 do not contain any article , or advertisement , respecting Freemasons . The Post Boy , June 24 to 27 , 1721 . — " There was a meeting on Saturday last at Stationers' Hall of between two and three hundred of the Ancient
Fraternity of Freemasons , who had a splendid dinner , and music . Several noblemen and gentlemen were present at this meeting , and His Grace the Duke of Montagu was unanimousl y chosen Master for the ensuing year , and Dr . Beale Sub-Master . The Reverend Dr . Desaguliers made a speech suitable to the occasion . "
The Weekly Journal , or Saturday ' s Post , July 1 , 1721 . — "On Saturday last was a meeting at Stationers' Hall of some two or three hundred of the Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons , who made a splendid entertainment . Many noblemen and gentlemen were present at this meeting , and His Grace the Duke of Montagu was unanimously chosen Master i ' or the ensuing year , and Dr . Beal , Sub-Master . The Rev . Dr . Desaguliers made a speech on the occasion . "
The same account in the Weekly Journal , or British Gasetter , July 1 , 1721 . The Daily Post , June 20 , 1722 . —" All belonging to the society of Freemasons who design to be at Stationers' Hall on the 25 th inst ., are desired to take out tickets before next Friday , and all those noblemen and gentlemen that have took tickets , and do not appear at the hall , will be look'd upon as false brothers . "
The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , June 23 , 1722 . — " On Monday next , being the 25 th inst ., will be kept at Stationers' Hall , the Grand meeting of the most noble and Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons , as usual , and in which Society there is some peculiar word or signal given , so that if one of them walks by , or is drinking in any Edifice Building of Stone , they all come down immediately from their work and wait upon him with great respect . "
The Daily Post , June 27 , 1722 . — "On Monday last was kept at Stationers' Hall , the usual annual Grand meeting of the most noble and Ancient Fraternity of Freemasons ( where there was a noble appearance of persons of distinction ) , at which meeting they are obliged by their Orders to elect a Grand and Deputy Master , in pursuance wherrof they have accordingly chosen His Grace the Duke of Wharton their Grand Master , in the room of His Grace the Duke of Montagu , and Dr . Desaguliers Deputy Master , in the room of Dr . Beal for the year ensuing . "
The Weekly Journal , or Saturday ' s Post , June 30 th , 1722— " On Monday last the Ancient Society of Free Masons held their annual meeting at Stationers' Hall , and , as we hear , chose the Duke of Wharton for their Governour . "
The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , June 30 th , 1722— " On Monday last the Grand Meeting of the Most Noble and Ancient Fraternity of Free Masons was kept at Stationers' Hall , where they had a most sumptuous Feast , several of the nobility who are members of the Society being present ; and his Grace the Duke of Wharton was then unanimously chosen Governor of the said Fraternity . "
* The Post Boy , November 10 th to 13 th , 1722— "On Thursday last Sir Christopher Wren , the celebrated Architect , was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Corporation of Clergymen ' s Sons , in the room of Sir Gilbert Dolben , Bart ., deceased . " The Weekly Journal , or British Gazetteer , December 1 st ,
1722—. "THE FREE MASON ' S HEALTH . " Come , let us prepare We Brothers that are Met together on merry occasion ; Let ' s drink , laugh , and sing , Our wine has a spring , 'Tis a Health to an accepted Mason .
" The world is in pain Our secret to gain , But still let them wonder and gaze on ; Till they ' re shewn the Light They'l ne ' er know the right Word or Sign of an accepted Mason .
" 'Tis this and ' tis that , They cannot tell what , Why so many great men in the nation Shou'd Aprons put on To make themselves one , With a Free or an Accepted Mason . " Great Kings , Dukes , and Lords
Have laid by their Swords , This our Mis ' try to put a good grace on , And ne ' er been ashamed " To hear themselves named With a Free or Accepted Mason . " Antiquity ' s Pride We have on our slide , It makes each Man just in his Station ;
There ' s nought but what ' s good To be understood By a Free and Accepted Mason . " Then joyn Hand in Hand ,
I each other firm Stand , Let ' s be merry and put a bright Face on ; What Mortal can boast So noble a Toast As a Free and Accepted Mason . "
Bro . Marcus Richardson , the aged Freemason of North Bangor , Me ., who recently celebrated his centennial birthday with Montgomery Lodge , of Milford , of which he was made a member October sth , 1 S 03 , at Franklin , died at his homo on Ihursday , January 13 th , aged 100 years 2 months and 14 days . He had been a member of the Masonic I'raternity for more than 77 years . He had resided in Maine 5 S years , always led a quiet , unostentatious life , and was universally respected . At the time of his death he was generally acknowledged one of , if not quite , the oldest Mason in the world . — Masonic Review .