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Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
absurd theories ? We therefore assert that the starting point of the Temple , and upon which our superstructure ( the various Masonic degrees ) rests , is founded upon the Temple of King Solomon . It was . designed by him , and with the assistance of Hiram , King of Tyre ; a principal conductor of the
work was selected in the person of Hiram Abiff . Although he was not equal to them as kings , yet he was their co-worker , their brother , their companion in everything appertaining to the Temple . There was no piece of work executed that Hiram Abiff did not design ; not an ashlar , or pillar , or chapiter
or base , or arch , or battlement , or bead , or casement , or cornice , or post , or lintel , or mortice , or moulding , or pedestal , or altar , that his great mind did not conceive , draft upon the trestle-board , and then submit to his companions . Hence , he wasthe master builder of that magnificent structure .
"This view of the position and standing of H . A . settles a very important question at the very outset of our investigation . It puts into our hands the key by which we can unlock the secret vault of the Temple , and thereby procure those inestimable treasures which were concealed for so many years .
It tells us in unnnstakeable language , both by tradition , and circumstances , and history , that the three Grand Masters met at Mount Moriah in the very tabernacle which was erected bo Moses , Aholiab , and Bezaleel ; and which , with the Ark of the Covenant , the children of Israel venerated and preserved
from time to time , until finally they were placed in the hands of King Solomon by his royal father David . Solomon felt that with these he had the protecting influence of Deity , and with that wisdom which God had given him he would go on to perfection , and that the Temple would be an eternal
monument to his name and his memory . " Under such inspired feelings , these Grand Masters daily met as Royal Masters in the Tabernacle—daily discoursing of those matters relating to its erection , and viewing the immense foundation stones placed in their appropriate places , with its
arches and its vaults . In process of time an important question arises : How shall so many workmen be dismissed at once , at thc completion ofthe Temple , and scattered throughout the country , without having some token and tuordhy which they should beable to communicate with each other
that they themselves had assisted in its erection . These three Grand Masters resolved in council to remedy the evil ; that , at the completion of the Temple , every skilful and approved craftsman should receive thc word and sign appertaining to thedegrce ofa M . M . ; but until that period should arrive , no
' craftsman should receive it . Nay , our Grand Masters went further—they determined that thc word of a M . M . should be in thc H . S . and C . language , and deposited in the S . V . lest accident or misfortune should befall any of them , so that the G . O . W . should be transmitted to all future time
and at this agreement they bound themselves by thc solemnity of an 015 . Time passes by , the word is deposited in the S . V ., and before the completion of the Temple death invades its hallowed precincts , and one of his Grand Masters yields up his life in defence of his honour and his integrity .
"Is it not self-evident from this position , but more especially from our traditions , that the R . M . is the Alpha or first degree of Masonry . In it the whole minutite of theTemple was planned , arranged , determined upon , even to thc rewarding of thc craftsmen after its completion . This of itself is a
powerful argument to strengthen thc position which thc Grand Council of Pennsylvania assumes when she declares that , chronologically , the Royal Master is the alpha , or first degree . Its origin was really three years before the Temple was commenced , for Hiram , King of Tyre , sent Hiram Abiff about that
period , and before the Temple was commenced , as the Bible asserts ; for after all the materials had been prepared in the forests and thc quarries under the direction ofthe H . A ., they were then brought to Jerusalem , and each piece nfterjvards put in its appropriate place without the sound ofthe hammer
axe , or any tool on it ? Do you ask me why ? I answer , because each craftsman had his own particu l ar mark upon the stone or wood which he had prepared . The timber was brought in floats by sea to Joppa , and thence to Jerusalem , while the squaring of the great stones was performed in thc
quarries under the direction of HAH . Is it not selfevident , therefore , that the S . V . had no existence until the Temple was erected , * and therefore there were no Select Masters , because the work which they performed was executed at those times when the craftsman who had laboured through the heat of the day had reposed himself upon his couch for
sleep . " The officers whom King Solomon had selected at the building of the Temple were not at that period Select Masters . They constituted his chief officers—his cabinet . In I Kings , iv . chap . 7 vcrse , their duties are thus defined : Asaria , superintendent of the twelve officers who provided food for the King and his household ; Zabud was the Prime
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
Minister , or confidant ; Ahishar had control of his household affairs ; Anoniram collected taxes , and was the Treasurer . Hence , it is very evident that these men and these officers performed the duties assigned them before even the Temple was erected . Yet it is true , for faithful and meritorious services ,
they were rewarded by receiving the secrets appertaining to Select Masters when the S . V . was in process of construction . This is a fair , rational , and honest conclusion to which we can all assent —any other proposition destroys the harmony and beauty of the degrees , and throws into chaotic
confusion the whole system of Ancient Masonry . " In connection with this subject we may state that the Grand Council of Pennsylvania therefore places the S . M . as the third or last degree , because in its history and lectures everything appertaining to the Temple is made clear and intelligible to
Cryptic Masons . The mysteries of the Royal Arch , the incommunicable word , the book of the law , pot of manna , the budding rod . —all these are fully elucidated and explained , and the light shineth in the darkness of the Royal Arch . Is it not reasonable to suppose that our Masonic fathers should institute
a degree in which the novitiate should be entitled to comprehend all the minutiae of the Temple , in its every phase , with all the explanations which the mind of man can conceive , so that our whole mysteries can be comprehended and understood as we
pass the summit and perfectionof Ancient Masonry , and therefore the circle of perfection . " After the digression we shall return to the Super-Excellent Master ' s degree , and give the reasons why it is conferred as the second in our Grand Council .
We enter the Temple , pass between the pillars of the porch , and in due time are raised to the east , having been taught in the lodge lessons of virtue , morality , of science and religion , while but one essential was wanting to make our Masonic journey finished and complete . I know you all anticipate
mc when I answer , that it was the G . O . W . agreed upon and promised to be given by our three Grand Masters at the completion of the Temple , and in the very presence of these three and no others . An agreement entered into thc Council of R . Masters , but prevented by thc death ofthe HAB until thc
long-lost word was brought to light at the re-building of the second Temple . But we have not yet finished the fust Temple . We had entered the quarries and renewed our devotions , by preparing our minds as spiritual stones for the Temple on
high ; we had presided a season in the Oriental Chair to learn to qualify ourselves for higher duties , and then wc witnessed tiic dedication of tlie Temple . Such and such alone is thc entire and complete history of the first Temple until thc Babylonish Captivity .
" The Cryptic Masons are now required to take another standpoint . Wc study the beauty of this magnificent temple , admire the character of King Solomon , contemplate his extensive dominions , lament his death , witness the Jewish nation demanding a king in the person of Saul , thc first King of
Israel . Study the entire history of this nation for a period of 485 years , during which time twenty-two kings presided over its destinies , and you all see the Temple prepared , destroyed—its people and the furniture ofthe Temple , except thc Ark , catried captive to Babylon , and there amid the willows , and
on thc banks ofthe river mourn thc loss of their temple and city . This final scattering and destruction of the Temple , was bronght on by the faithlessness of Xedekiah , its last King , who , refusing to serve the God of his fathers , ' and permitting the people to degenerate into idolatry , met a cruel and
ignominious death , lt is to commemorate this tragical event , and in further illustration of the R . A ., that it is placed as the second degree ofthe Council . Chronologically it is its proper place , first , the Royal Council of Grand Masters , next lhe erection of the Temple ; then follows the Select
Master , explanatory of both the first and second Temples . Was there ever a more perfect system of mysteries more completely harmonized , than the Cryptic degrees , as conferred in regular order , and as now practised by tlie Grand Council of Pennsylvania . Their beautiful and harmonious
arrangement stands forth , therefore , perfect , finished and complete ; being perfect , because nothing is wanting ; finished , because nothing can be added thereto ; complete , because it has no defects—harmonizing every tradition from alpha to omega in Ancient Masonry .
Wc commend Cryptic Masonry to you , as elucidating fully all the facts upon which our traditions rest , a foundation so permanent that time itself cannot destroy them . Great and important truth in both the Lodge and Chapter , and none but
the select few who pass the circle of perfection should be permitted to guard them . Be it then your highest aim as members of your subordinate Councils and of this Grand Council to devote yourselves , your time and your talents to its interests . The subject is worthy of your study , because it
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
appeals to the intellect , to the manhood , to the heart of each , and we should strive to elevate it to that high position which justly belongs to it . By doing so we shall each have fulfilled our Masonic mission , and Cryptic Masonry will be honored , served and loved . Her interests therefore are committed to
your , care , as the representatives of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania . " Private business requiring my attention at home , I have been enabled to make but very few official visits . In these I was greeted with the cordiality belonging to Cryptic Masons . I have had
considerable correspondence with all the Subordinate Councils , and prosperity seems to rest upon the Officers and Illustrious Companions . " Illustrious Companions of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania : Ffteen years since , I had the honor of receiving , bv the unanimous vote ofthe members
ofthe Grand Council , the responsible office of M . P . Grand Master . None of those who thus honored me are with us , most of whom have passed into the V . S ., awaiting the call of the Archangel ; the remaining companions are battling nobly in the duties of life . Since mv first election , vear by year
have I been honored with your suffrages . How faithfully I have discharged my duties , the history of our Grand and Subordinate Councils , and the proud position she has assumed , and the devotion of our Illustrious Companions to the diffusion of our principles , are ths best evidence of her
prosperity . With all this prosperity , with peace within our walls , with our principles engraved on every heart , I return to you the baton of authority with which I have been honored for fifteen years ; and may my successor whoever your kind partiality shall designate , be more faithful than him whose official labours are now ended . "
Canada.
CANADA .
THE GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC . The Grand Lodge of the Province of Quebec , in the Dominion of Canada , has been fraternally recognized by the twenty-two following Grand Lodges : — District of Columbia , Maine , New Hampshire
Iowa , Wisconsin , Texas , Nebraska , Nova Scotia , Nevada , Kansas , Illinois , Ohio , Michigan , Georgia , Mississippi , Arkansas , N . Carolina , Connecticut , Indiana , New York , Vermont , and Rhode Island . Fraternal intercourse has also been established with
thc Grand Orient of Belgium . The inhabitants of thc village of Danville and neighbouring township of Shipton , Quebec , have been for some weeks with great interest anticipating the proposed ceremony of the laying the foundation-stone of their new magnificent town-hall at
Danville with Masonic honours , which took place on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., in the actual performance of the ceremony by Bro . John II . Graham , LTD ., Grand Master of thc Grand Lodge of Quebec , assisted by a very large concourse of persons .
Amongst thc prominent officers of the Grand Lodge present on the occasion were the M . W . the Grand Master ; George Thompson , of Quebec , as Deputy Grand Master ; and the following District Deputy Grand Masters : The Hon . Thomas Wood , of Dunham ; William Miller , Quebec ; J . H .
Steams , Montreal ; Dr . Meigs , of Stanbridge , G . S . W . ; Thomas Milton , of Montreal , G . J . W . ; Rev . C . P . Reid , of Shcrbrooke , Grand Chaplain ; J . II . Isaacson , of Montreal , Grand Secretary . About 200 Masters and representatives from nearly every lodge in the province were also present , and
it is calculated that nearly 2 , 000 persons were spectators of the ceremony . The civic procession was marshalled by J . P . Stockwell , Esq ., and that gentleman , with Mayors Boutellc and Bernard , and the Secretary , Treasurer , T . Lcet . as well as all the people in thc place , were unbounded in their courtesy and hospitality to their
guests . The Masonic procession having reached the platform , the Danville Brass Band , led by E . M . Berry , played " Rule Britannia . " Thc Mayor of Danville , James Boutelle , Esq ., J . P ., Sea , then said * . Most Worshipful Sir , —On
behalf of the municipal councils of the town of Shipton , and of thc village of Danville , 1 heartily thank you for accepting our invitation to lay the corner-stone of our town-hall in accordance with the ancient usages of your Order , and I beg to
extend a cordial welcome to you and all thc other officers and members of the Grand Lodgeof Ancier . t Free and Accepted Masons of Quebec , and to all the other members of your Fraternity who have assembled here to-day to assist you in these
cere-. The Grand Master replied : Mr . Mayor , we are grateful for your cordial welcome , and we will now
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
absurd theories ? We therefore assert that the starting point of the Temple , and upon which our superstructure ( the various Masonic degrees ) rests , is founded upon the Temple of King Solomon . It was . designed by him , and with the assistance of Hiram , King of Tyre ; a principal conductor of the
work was selected in the person of Hiram Abiff . Although he was not equal to them as kings , yet he was their co-worker , their brother , their companion in everything appertaining to the Temple . There was no piece of work executed that Hiram Abiff did not design ; not an ashlar , or pillar , or chapiter
or base , or arch , or battlement , or bead , or casement , or cornice , or post , or lintel , or mortice , or moulding , or pedestal , or altar , that his great mind did not conceive , draft upon the trestle-board , and then submit to his companions . Hence , he wasthe master builder of that magnificent structure .
"This view of the position and standing of H . A . settles a very important question at the very outset of our investigation . It puts into our hands the key by which we can unlock the secret vault of the Temple , and thereby procure those inestimable treasures which were concealed for so many years .
It tells us in unnnstakeable language , both by tradition , and circumstances , and history , that the three Grand Masters met at Mount Moriah in the very tabernacle which was erected bo Moses , Aholiab , and Bezaleel ; and which , with the Ark of the Covenant , the children of Israel venerated and preserved
from time to time , until finally they were placed in the hands of King Solomon by his royal father David . Solomon felt that with these he had the protecting influence of Deity , and with that wisdom which God had given him he would go on to perfection , and that the Temple would be an eternal
monument to his name and his memory . " Under such inspired feelings , these Grand Masters daily met as Royal Masters in the Tabernacle—daily discoursing of those matters relating to its erection , and viewing the immense foundation stones placed in their appropriate places , with its
arches and its vaults . In process of time an important question arises : How shall so many workmen be dismissed at once , at thc completion ofthe Temple , and scattered throughout the country , without having some token and tuordhy which they should beable to communicate with each other
that they themselves had assisted in its erection . These three Grand Masters resolved in council to remedy the evil ; that , at the completion of the Temple , every skilful and approved craftsman should receive thc word and sign appertaining to thedegrce ofa M . M . ; but until that period should arrive , no
' craftsman should receive it . Nay , our Grand Masters went further—they determined that thc word of a M . M . should be in thc H . S . and C . language , and deposited in the S . V . lest accident or misfortune should befall any of them , so that the G . O . W . should be transmitted to all future time
and at this agreement they bound themselves by thc solemnity of an 015 . Time passes by , the word is deposited in the S . V ., and before the completion of the Temple death invades its hallowed precincts , and one of his Grand Masters yields up his life in defence of his honour and his integrity .
"Is it not self-evident from this position , but more especially from our traditions , that the R . M . is the Alpha or first degree of Masonry . In it the whole minutite of theTemple was planned , arranged , determined upon , even to thc rewarding of thc craftsmen after its completion . This of itself is a
powerful argument to strengthen thc position which thc Grand Council of Pennsylvania assumes when she declares that , chronologically , the Royal Master is the alpha , or first degree . Its origin was really three years before the Temple was commenced , for Hiram , King of Tyre , sent Hiram Abiff about that
period , and before the Temple was commenced , as the Bible asserts ; for after all the materials had been prepared in the forests and thc quarries under the direction ofthe H . A ., they were then brought to Jerusalem , and each piece nfterjvards put in its appropriate place without the sound ofthe hammer
axe , or any tool on it ? Do you ask me why ? I answer , because each craftsman had his own particu l ar mark upon the stone or wood which he had prepared . The timber was brought in floats by sea to Joppa , and thence to Jerusalem , while the squaring of the great stones was performed in thc
quarries under the direction of HAH . Is it not selfevident , therefore , that the S . V . had no existence until the Temple was erected , * and therefore there were no Select Masters , because the work which they performed was executed at those times when the craftsman who had laboured through the heat of the day had reposed himself upon his couch for
sleep . " The officers whom King Solomon had selected at the building of the Temple were not at that period Select Masters . They constituted his chief officers—his cabinet . In I Kings , iv . chap . 7 vcrse , their duties are thus defined : Asaria , superintendent of the twelve officers who provided food for the King and his household ; Zabud was the Prime
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
Minister , or confidant ; Ahishar had control of his household affairs ; Anoniram collected taxes , and was the Treasurer . Hence , it is very evident that these men and these officers performed the duties assigned them before even the Temple was erected . Yet it is true , for faithful and meritorious services ,
they were rewarded by receiving the secrets appertaining to Select Masters when the S . V . was in process of construction . This is a fair , rational , and honest conclusion to which we can all assent —any other proposition destroys the harmony and beauty of the degrees , and throws into chaotic
confusion the whole system of Ancient Masonry . " In connection with this subject we may state that the Grand Council of Pennsylvania therefore places the S . M . as the third or last degree , because in its history and lectures everything appertaining to the Temple is made clear and intelligible to
Cryptic Masons . The mysteries of the Royal Arch , the incommunicable word , the book of the law , pot of manna , the budding rod . —all these are fully elucidated and explained , and the light shineth in the darkness of the Royal Arch . Is it not reasonable to suppose that our Masonic fathers should institute
a degree in which the novitiate should be entitled to comprehend all the minutiae of the Temple , in its every phase , with all the explanations which the mind of man can conceive , so that our whole mysteries can be comprehended and understood as we
pass the summit and perfectionof Ancient Masonry , and therefore the circle of perfection . " After the digression we shall return to the Super-Excellent Master ' s degree , and give the reasons why it is conferred as the second in our Grand Council .
We enter the Temple , pass between the pillars of the porch , and in due time are raised to the east , having been taught in the lodge lessons of virtue , morality , of science and religion , while but one essential was wanting to make our Masonic journey finished and complete . I know you all anticipate
mc when I answer , that it was the G . O . W . agreed upon and promised to be given by our three Grand Masters at the completion of the Temple , and in the very presence of these three and no others . An agreement entered into thc Council of R . Masters , but prevented by thc death ofthe HAB until thc
long-lost word was brought to light at the re-building of the second Temple . But we have not yet finished the fust Temple . We had entered the quarries and renewed our devotions , by preparing our minds as spiritual stones for the Temple on
high ; we had presided a season in the Oriental Chair to learn to qualify ourselves for higher duties , and then wc witnessed tiic dedication of tlie Temple . Such and such alone is thc entire and complete history of the first Temple until thc Babylonish Captivity .
" The Cryptic Masons are now required to take another standpoint . Wc study the beauty of this magnificent temple , admire the character of King Solomon , contemplate his extensive dominions , lament his death , witness the Jewish nation demanding a king in the person of Saul , thc first King of
Israel . Study the entire history of this nation for a period of 485 years , during which time twenty-two kings presided over its destinies , and you all see the Temple prepared , destroyed—its people and the furniture ofthe Temple , except thc Ark , catried captive to Babylon , and there amid the willows , and
on thc banks ofthe river mourn thc loss of their temple and city . This final scattering and destruction of the Temple , was bronght on by the faithlessness of Xedekiah , its last King , who , refusing to serve the God of his fathers , ' and permitting the people to degenerate into idolatry , met a cruel and
ignominious death , lt is to commemorate this tragical event , and in further illustration of the R . A ., that it is placed as the second degree ofthe Council . Chronologically it is its proper place , first , the Royal Council of Grand Masters , next lhe erection of the Temple ; then follows the Select
Master , explanatory of both the first and second Temples . Was there ever a more perfect system of mysteries more completely harmonized , than the Cryptic degrees , as conferred in regular order , and as now practised by tlie Grand Council of Pennsylvania . Their beautiful and harmonious
arrangement stands forth , therefore , perfect , finished and complete ; being perfect , because nothing is wanting ; finished , because nothing can be added thereto ; complete , because it has no defects—harmonizing every tradition from alpha to omega in Ancient Masonry .
Wc commend Cryptic Masonry to you , as elucidating fully all the facts upon which our traditions rest , a foundation so permanent that time itself cannot destroy them . Great and important truth in both the Lodge and Chapter , and none but
the select few who pass the circle of perfection should be permitted to guard them . Be it then your highest aim as members of your subordinate Councils and of this Grand Council to devote yourselves , your time and your talents to its interests . The subject is worthy of your study , because it
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
appeals to the intellect , to the manhood , to the heart of each , and we should strive to elevate it to that high position which justly belongs to it . By doing so we shall each have fulfilled our Masonic mission , and Cryptic Masonry will be honored , served and loved . Her interests therefore are committed to
your , care , as the representatives of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania . " Private business requiring my attention at home , I have been enabled to make but very few official visits . In these I was greeted with the cordiality belonging to Cryptic Masons . I have had
considerable correspondence with all the Subordinate Councils , and prosperity seems to rest upon the Officers and Illustrious Companions . " Illustrious Companions of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania : Ffteen years since , I had the honor of receiving , bv the unanimous vote ofthe members
ofthe Grand Council , the responsible office of M . P . Grand Master . None of those who thus honored me are with us , most of whom have passed into the V . S ., awaiting the call of the Archangel ; the remaining companions are battling nobly in the duties of life . Since mv first election , vear by year
have I been honored with your suffrages . How faithfully I have discharged my duties , the history of our Grand and Subordinate Councils , and the proud position she has assumed , and the devotion of our Illustrious Companions to the diffusion of our principles , are ths best evidence of her
prosperity . With all this prosperity , with peace within our walls , with our principles engraved on every heart , I return to you the baton of authority with which I have been honored for fifteen years ; and may my successor whoever your kind partiality shall designate , be more faithful than him whose official labours are now ended . "
Canada.
CANADA .
THE GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC . The Grand Lodge of the Province of Quebec , in the Dominion of Canada , has been fraternally recognized by the twenty-two following Grand Lodges : — District of Columbia , Maine , New Hampshire
Iowa , Wisconsin , Texas , Nebraska , Nova Scotia , Nevada , Kansas , Illinois , Ohio , Michigan , Georgia , Mississippi , Arkansas , N . Carolina , Connecticut , Indiana , New York , Vermont , and Rhode Island . Fraternal intercourse has also been established with
thc Grand Orient of Belgium . The inhabitants of thc village of Danville and neighbouring township of Shipton , Quebec , have been for some weeks with great interest anticipating the proposed ceremony of the laying the foundation-stone of their new magnificent town-hall at
Danville with Masonic honours , which took place on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., in the actual performance of the ceremony by Bro . John II . Graham , LTD ., Grand Master of thc Grand Lodge of Quebec , assisted by a very large concourse of persons .
Amongst thc prominent officers of the Grand Lodge present on the occasion were the M . W . the Grand Master ; George Thompson , of Quebec , as Deputy Grand Master ; and the following District Deputy Grand Masters : The Hon . Thomas Wood , of Dunham ; William Miller , Quebec ; J . H .
Steams , Montreal ; Dr . Meigs , of Stanbridge , G . S . W . ; Thomas Milton , of Montreal , G . J . W . ; Rev . C . P . Reid , of Shcrbrooke , Grand Chaplain ; J . II . Isaacson , of Montreal , Grand Secretary . About 200 Masters and representatives from nearly every lodge in the province were also present , and
it is calculated that nearly 2 , 000 persons were spectators of the ceremony . The civic procession was marshalled by J . P . Stockwell , Esq ., and that gentleman , with Mayors Boutellc and Bernard , and the Secretary , Treasurer , T . Lcet . as well as all the people in thc place , were unbounded in their courtesy and hospitality to their
guests . The Masonic procession having reached the platform , the Danville Brass Band , led by E . M . Berry , played " Rule Britannia . " Thc Mayor of Danville , James Boutelle , Esq ., J . P ., Sea , then said * . Most Worshipful Sir , —On
behalf of the municipal councils of the town of Shipton , and of thc village of Danville , 1 heartily thank you for accepting our invitation to lay the corner-stone of our town-hall in accordance with the ancient usages of your Order , and I beg to
extend a cordial welcome to you and all thc other officers and members of the Grand Lodgeof Ancier . t Free and Accepted Masons of Quebec , and to all the other members of your Fraternity who have assembled here to-day to assist you in these
cere-. The Grand Master replied : Mr . Mayor , we are grateful for your cordial welcome , and we will now