Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon
ever been attractive to the mind of man , and by its symbolism Masonry conveys some of the sublimest ancl greatest truths . Masonry has been objected to on account of this distinctive feature of its teaching . Is not the parable a form of symbol ? and surely if the teaching of the greatest Teacher of all possesses an added charm and multiplied beauty on account of the fact that it is truth conveyed in allegory—in parable ; and if He has seen fit to adopt
symbols in the celebration of the most sacred of all Ordinances , surel y Masonry was right when it adopted the use of symbols in the unfolding of its principles within the recesses of its temples . It has been said : If your Masonry is so noble in its principles , and so elevating in its teaching , why hedge round with your secret symbols , why not ive it forth to the world untrammelled by secret sign or obligation ? To
g such we say our secrets are not our own to will them as we like . We have received them in trust , and we can only hand them on to those who prove themselves worthy . We use our secrets to keep out the unworthy . Do you refuse the benefits which nature lavishes upon us because there is much of mystery connected with her ? Is the ray of light less beautiful or less gladly welcomed because there is much of mystery connected with its
orig in and composition . Is the song less welcome to weary ears because there is mystery still connected with the medium through which it conveys itself to our senses ? Is the beautiful in statuary and painting- to be despised because we know not how the feeling of pleasure is conveyed by it to our senses ? Shall we not admire the poet's song or the orator ' s eloquence because it is a secret unto us whsome should be singled out above all others for the
y posses sion of such great powers ? What is life itself but one great mystery ? ' May we not write of it , as well as of much in Nature and Revelation , " Here we see through a glass darkly ? " If such be the case , shall Masonry be despised on account of its secrets , or its symbolism sneered at ? Nay , rather let them be silent who speak of that which they do not understand .
One other word of remonstrance , and as short as possible . There are those who have charged Masonry with the faults and crimes of Masons ; and I am sorry to say that some of the teachers of Christianity are found among this number . Shall we say that Christianity is base and false because some of its followers have committed crimes which have brought shame , disgrace , and poverty upon hundreds ? We only ask that Masonry may be judged by the same law as Christianity . Do not charge Masonry with faults and crimes
which are as much opposed to its principles as darkness is to light—faults and crimes which are the outcome of man ' s fallen nature , and have no connection whatever with the mere fact of his being a Freemason . Because some have failed from the mark that was set before them , don't say Masonry is false , base , misleading . I state , firmly and confidently , that the better Mason will be sure to be the better man . Let a Mason carry out into his life the high
and noble principles of Masonry , and he will be a man whom the good and the great will deli ght to honour . Masonry is something nobler ancl grander than a mere symbolism . It is a living vital institution , inculcating great truths , pregnant with noble thoughts , surrounded by generous sentiments , and based upon an und ying trust in the Wisdom , Gooclness , and Greatness of Jehovah .
If it be good and great to lead men from darkness up to light , from ignorance to knowledge , then Masonry is both good ancl great , for that is Masonry . If to uphold chastity and to exalt virtue be Godlike , then is Masonry Godlike , for that is Masonry . If it be noble to do unto others as ye would that they should do to you , then Masonry is noble , for that is Masonry . If it be a golden rule to "do good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the household of faith , " then is Masonry golden , for that is Masonry . If pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this , " to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon
ever been attractive to the mind of man , and by its symbolism Masonry conveys some of the sublimest ancl greatest truths . Masonry has been objected to on account of this distinctive feature of its teaching . Is not the parable a form of symbol ? and surely if the teaching of the greatest Teacher of all possesses an added charm and multiplied beauty on account of the fact that it is truth conveyed in allegory—in parable ; and if He has seen fit to adopt
symbols in the celebration of the most sacred of all Ordinances , surel y Masonry was right when it adopted the use of symbols in the unfolding of its principles within the recesses of its temples . It has been said : If your Masonry is so noble in its principles , and so elevating in its teaching , why hedge round with your secret symbols , why not ive it forth to the world untrammelled by secret sign or obligation ? To
g such we say our secrets are not our own to will them as we like . We have received them in trust , and we can only hand them on to those who prove themselves worthy . We use our secrets to keep out the unworthy . Do you refuse the benefits which nature lavishes upon us because there is much of mystery connected with her ? Is the ray of light less beautiful or less gladly welcomed because there is much of mystery connected with its
orig in and composition . Is the song less welcome to weary ears because there is mystery still connected with the medium through which it conveys itself to our senses ? Is the beautiful in statuary and painting- to be despised because we know not how the feeling of pleasure is conveyed by it to our senses ? Shall we not admire the poet's song or the orator ' s eloquence because it is a secret unto us whsome should be singled out above all others for the
y posses sion of such great powers ? What is life itself but one great mystery ? ' May we not write of it , as well as of much in Nature and Revelation , " Here we see through a glass darkly ? " If such be the case , shall Masonry be despised on account of its secrets , or its symbolism sneered at ? Nay , rather let them be silent who speak of that which they do not understand .
One other word of remonstrance , and as short as possible . There are those who have charged Masonry with the faults and crimes of Masons ; and I am sorry to say that some of the teachers of Christianity are found among this number . Shall we say that Christianity is base and false because some of its followers have committed crimes which have brought shame , disgrace , and poverty upon hundreds ? We only ask that Masonry may be judged by the same law as Christianity . Do not charge Masonry with faults and crimes
which are as much opposed to its principles as darkness is to light—faults and crimes which are the outcome of man ' s fallen nature , and have no connection whatever with the mere fact of his being a Freemason . Because some have failed from the mark that was set before them , don't say Masonry is false , base , misleading . I state , firmly and confidently , that the better Mason will be sure to be the better man . Let a Mason carry out into his life the high
and noble principles of Masonry , and he will be a man whom the good and the great will deli ght to honour . Masonry is something nobler ancl grander than a mere symbolism . It is a living vital institution , inculcating great truths , pregnant with noble thoughts , surrounded by generous sentiments , and based upon an und ying trust in the Wisdom , Gooclness , and Greatness of Jehovah .
If it be good and great to lead men from darkness up to light , from ignorance to knowledge , then Masonry is both good ancl great , for that is Masonry . If to uphold chastity and to exalt virtue be Godlike , then is Masonry Godlike , for that is Masonry . If it be noble to do unto others as ye would that they should do to you , then Masonry is noble , for that is Masonry . If it be a golden rule to "do good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the household of faith , " then is Masonry golden , for that is Masonry . If pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this , " to