Masonry And Christianity.

MASONRY AND CHRISTIANITY .

BY BRO . ROBERT RAMSAY , ORILLIA , ONTARIO . WE are perfectly aware that in discussing Masonry and Christianity we are stepping upon delicate ground , as many excellent brethren hold very peculiar views in regard to this subject . Our theory is that Masonry and Christianity go hand in hand , as twin sisters of one fond parent , along the sweet paths of honour , virtue , and truth , and

we defy anyone to discover in Masonry aught that is opposed , to the benign teachings of the Gentle Nazareno . On the other hand , because we do not invoke the name of the Crucified One in our prayers in the Lodge Room , we are told that we ignore the Son of God . Such a statement is founded upon a false basis . Masonry is not Religion , but simply the handmaid of Religion . Her portals are thrown open to the followers of every creed and ' sect , so long as they , before entering , profess their belief in

One Great God , a Common Father , and a faith in the immortality of the soul . On this grand basis the whole superstructure of our spiritual temple is erected . We interfere not with the religion of any one of our members . The Red Man of the American forests , the Mohammedan , the followers of the priests of Buddha , the Deist , tho Hebrew , the Christian , —all of these are equally welcome in our Lodge Rooms , because they have a common faith in the Fatherhood of Godand Brotherhood of man

, , and when they meet there , they kneel around one altar , and with solemn accents from contrite hearts unite in prayer to Him whom they all worship as their Heavenly Father . We scoff at no man ' s creed , we ignore no man ' s faith , and interfere with no man ' s belief . All are welcome to their own peculiar doctrines and creeds , so long as there is that great , grand , and g lorious central point around which we can all rally , and towards which we all look with awe , wonder , admiration , and love .

No ! the teachings of Masonry , as explained by a symbolism only understood by the initiated , are peculiarly in accordance ivith the doctrines and dogmas exemplified by the Christian religion , ivhich are also frequently illustrated in the Old and ' Eew Testaments by a series , of emblems and symbols . Masonry does not pretend to give man the means of salvation ; her mission is simply to teach him his duty to the Author of his being , to point out to him the great debt that he owes Him for all the comforts ivith

ivhich he is surrounded , to make him comprehend by impressive lessons that it should be his crowning glory to lead a pure , spotless , blameless life , in order in some measure to show he possesses some grain of gratitude to Him who holds his life in the hollow of His hand . Masonry , then , should be looked upon as the handmaid of Christianity . The former teaches man his duty on earth towards God and his fellow-man ; the latter points out the means of salvation . The object of the first is to make man honourable

, pure , and good , a perfect stone for that spiritual temple , that " house not made with hands , eternal in the heavens ; " and the latter , to teach him that when once perfect , pure , and holy , he must not rely upon himself alone , but , in addition , place more confidence , trust , and hope for eternal salvation in those means th at God has pointed out to him through His inspired word . The very teachings of Masonry are all founded upon Christian doctrines . Purity

of life is constantly pointed out , and a simple faith is daily taught . A Freemason true to his principles , must necessarily be a good man ; and if he belongs to the Christian religion , the lessons explained to him in the Graft will aid him in his efforts to exemplify by his daily life the beautiful doctrines of the Divine teachings of the Gentle Nazarene . Freemasonry and Christianity , then , arc in harmony . The former is based upon the latterand they should ever hand in hand continue to do goodexercising

, , charity in hiding the faults of others , helping those in poverty and distress , supporting the widow and orphan in the hour of their affliction , confronting vice in the- hells of immorality ,- sin , and sensuality , and pointing heavenwards to the wounded and dyinc Ereemasonry and Christianity are not antagonistic but harmonious in all their teachings , and in all their works , and so may they ever continue to be .