Religious Aspects Of Freemasonry.

observed , At the same time , because we as Masons , require certain religious prerequisites , such as belief in the Great Architect of the Universe , & c , we strongly object to the removal of the volume of the

Sacred Law from the pedestal , and the substitution of the Book of Constitutions . On this ground we presume Bro . Norton objects to our article . We say presume , as after a careful perusal of his

communication , we cannot discover any part of out article specially mentioned or objected to , although we do find the " burning of heretics , " and other such iniquitous practices , fully alluded to , and about which certainly

we have nothing to do . In the second of our series we intend to recount a few of the persecutions by Freemasons ( not as by Christians or other religions , which , after all , we are not called upon to consider ) , and

by the time we write the third , or concluding article of the series , we fancy our friend , Bro . Jacob Norton , will not so warmly object to our " Religious Aspects of Freemasonry . " Bro . Norton says : " The

question is not what religious belief was necessary in order to be an Operative , but a Speculative , Mason . " Well , suppose we take that for granted , we then will ask what religious belief was necessary in order to

be a Speculative Mason during the last century ? In answer , we state most emphatically that not a single copy of any ritual in use during that period can be produced which does not illustrate the

connection of Freemasonry with Christianity Hence , the fact is clear that the ceremonies of the Craft decidedly were of a Christian character long after the " Revival . " The " ancient charges" promulgated by Bro .

Dr . Anderson were not as the ancient charges , which was my object in quoting so largely from the ancient MSS . of the fourteenth century to the last . All these are Christian , which any one can verify by reference

to several we have had printed , and by perusal of others published some time since . Also , however universal and unsectarian these charges of A . D . 1723 were , the

rituals then , and subsequently for many years in vogue , were Christian . We do not like Bro . Norton ' s reference to " cheating . " As we write to give and receive light , and Bro . Norton and numerous other

worthies do the same , let us not employ such terms , but always write as gentlemen . We would wish to know in England during the last century when " the Bible was not even used for obligating candidates ? " Witii

respect to the festival of St . John thc Baptist and the early Freemasons , we have plenty of evidence to prove that feast was observed by Freemasons before 1717 . Bro . Norton states , from certain reasons "the

clear-sighted Bro . Hughan is led astray by supposing that , because the bricklayers of old had to be Christians , we therefore must also somehow acknowledge Christianity in our lodges . " Any occulist would certify our

sight was good ; but we fancy Bro . Norton must have thc faculty of " seeing double , " as we cannot discover where we state lodges must somehow recognise Christianity . On the contrary , wc say it would be wro

to require them to do so , and if in any lodge tlie majority of the members arc Mahommedans , we would vote for the Koran being generally placed on the pedestal ; in like manner , if the majority are Jews , we would advocate the " Old Testament "

being " opened in Lodge ; and if the majority are professedly Christians , we should desire to sec the Holy Bible ( composed of the Old and New Testament ) always ou thc pedestal , excepting for the initiation of other religionists , when their

Religious Aspects Of Freemasonry.

volume of the Sacred Law should be substituted . With respect to the initiation of a Mahommedan by the Duke of Sussex , we do not remember an instance , although Bro . Norton says so positively . The

Ambassador from the King of Oude to this country was initiated in No . 6 , London , on the 14 th April , 1836 , when H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex sent his valuable copy of the Koran , which was used

at the obligation . The W . M . who presided was the Rev . Bro . Fallowfield ( Freemason ' s Quarterly Review , p . 192 , A . D . 1836 ) . We are delighted to witness the introduction of good Mahommedans or

consistent members of other sects into Freemasonry , and have had the pleasure of assisting on such occasions . Freemasonry is now unsectarian , and candidates can be

obligated according to their consciences . When , however , we have to talk of Freemasonry as it was , we have to disregard our own views , and assume the place of a historian .

The " Book of Constitutions would be of much less importance to me at the obligation of a Mahommedan than the Koran , because the latter opened on the pedestal , and saluted by the neophyte , would be a

" pledge of fidelity , " and according to the conscience of the candidate . At other times , the " Book of Constitutions " would to me , Masonically , be of more importance , certainly ; but at no time would it be so to

the Mahommedan , and at no tune would it be to me of more importance than the Holy Bible . By a mutual concession to the religious beliefs of the Fraternity , and by ignoring all religious and political

discussions in our lodges , we are free from the imputation of either sectarianism or bigotry . The Koran would be the " volume of the Sacred Law" to the Mahommedans , the "Old Testament" to the Jews , and the

" Old and New Testaments , " in one volume , to the Christians . We are not conscious of any difficulty as to the " Bible question "

in this country . In London , especially , men of various religions are members of the same lodge , and work in " peace and harmony . "

In conclusion , we beg to assure Bro . Norton of our sympathy with him in reading of the unmasonic laws existing among

Masons in some parts of Europe , and at the , same time would also remind him that such intolerance derives no support from this country .

The Fair Sex And Adoptive Masonry.

THE FAIR SEX AND ADOPTIVE MASONRY .

ARTICLE 2 . It is an indubitable fact that many enterprises , promoted from time to time by well-meaning people , have signally failed in consequence of the irregular

system manifested by the projectors . Their collapse has excited feelings of surprise and disgust ; hut how little was the origin of thc misfortune understood ! If men

generally were , in all their transactions , determined to obey the Divine command" Let all things be done decently and in order "—how many vexations and inconveniences would be averted !

It is imperative that all friendly societies should receive conscientious methodical treatment to ensure favourable results , for how can it be supposed that any

undertaking , uncontrolled by well-dovised principles , should flourish ? The rules enforced by the order of the Eastern Star indicate a firm basis of government , for they exhibit care and forethought , and are well

The Fair Sex And Adoptive Masonry.

constructed and comprehensively explained . They are as follows : — 1 . Not less than five ladies who are entitled to receive , or have received , the degrees should be present at any communication when the degrees of this Order are conferred .

2 . The proper persons entitled to receive the degrees are : —1 , All Master Masons in good standing ; 2 , the wives of Master Masons in good standing ; 3 , the widows of Master Masons who died in good standing ; 4 , the sisters of Master Masons in good standing ; 5 , the daughters of

Master Masons in good standing ; 6 , mothers of Masons in good standing . 3 . Those who are not entitled to receive the degrees are : —1 , Unmarried ladies , if under 18 years of age ; 2 , half-sisters or step-daughters ; 3 , Master Masons who may stand expelled , suspended , or

against whom charges may be pending . 4 . Each person before acquiring a Jknowledge ot the degrees must be honourably pledged to the observance of the above rules , and to the strictest discretion in regard to the essential secrets of the degrees .

5 . A well-guarded apartment must be secured for conferring the degrees . No person should aspire to the office of Instructor until he has thoroughly qualified himself for the work by imprinting the lectures upon his memory , perfecting himself in the signs , passwords , and scriptural illustrations , and

securing confidence in himself , so that he may not become confused when he rises to address an audience . The Instructor should make the lecture graceful , dignified , and impressive . No one should be allowed to enter the room after the pledge of secrecy has been imparted . These requisitions being complied with , the brother who may be acting as

Instructor will proceed upon the general plan indicated ; that is , he will make allusions , by way of opening , to the history , extent , and purposes of Freemasonry ; its claims to the respect and attachment of the ladies , and the practical objects for which the Order of the Eastern Star was instituted .

The subjoined composition is the opening ode to the first ceremony , and is directed to be sung by all present , to the tune of the well-known air " Just before the Battle , Mother . " The words possess pathos and simplicity , and must have an impressive effect upon the minds of all , especially the initiates : —

Here around the altar meeting , Where the sons of light combine ; Mingled with our friendly greeting , Is the glow of love divine . For this hall to virtue given , And our emblems on the wall ,

Point us to the Lodge in Heaven And the Master of us all . Chorus—Keep in view the lodge supernal , Life is love cnthron'd in Heav'n , Where the true light never wavers And our mortal sins forgiven .

In thc bonds of Mason ' s duty Seek we now thc Mason ' s light , Forms of Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty Teach us what is good and right . Far be every sinful passion , Near be every gentle grace ; .

And so at last this holy mission Shall reveal our Master ' s face . Chorus—Keep in view the lodge supernal , Life is love cnthron'd in Heav'n , Where the true light never wavers Ancl our mortal sins forgiven .

Thc piece having been concluded , the Instructor recites the following words : — A welcome and a greeting now , * To gentle friends and sisters true , Around the place where Masons' bow , And pay their homage due ; On checkered floor , ' neath starry sky , Welcome , kind friends of Masonry !

To her who finds a Father here , Or Brother ' s strong and trusty hand ; To her who mourns thc lost and dear , Once cherished in our band ; To her who husband ' s love doth own , Greeting and Welcome , every one !

Welcome the light our emblems shed , Welcome thc hopes yon volume gives—Welcome the love our covenants spread , The wages each receives ; And when is past life ' s toilsome week , Welcome the home that Masons seek . The oration following this salutation will be quoted in the next article , C . S .