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Article LIGHT COMES FROM THE EAST. ← Page 2 of 3 Article LIGHT COMES FROM THE EAST. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Light Comes From The East.
they do so they strike ungratefully at | the 'institution which , in its mature power sheltered their faith when in its infancy . The fathers of the Christian Church have left abundant proof that it was by the secret mysteries bp . sed on those of Memphis and Eieusis and Jerusalem that their doctrines were oriinally promulgated . They have
reg corded that " by God's gift they were made partakers of these mysteries , and therefore qualified to judge of them ; and when the scoffers of those days became inquisitive , they were told that " to the initiated it is given to know these things . " In the chronicles of the early Christian Church handed down to us we are told that its rites were always
celebrated in secret . Baptism and the sacrament especially were administered only in the presence of the initiated , Avith closed doors , and a guard set to protect the brethren from profane intrusion . It is also well known that the early Christians wore regalia or costumes indicating different classes , and that they had secret signs of recognition . The faithful discile received at his
p initiation a new name . This was engraved , together with a secret signal or mark upon a white stone , Avhich the possessor retained as a voucher for his membership and fidelity among strangers . But the signal most in use among the early Christian brotherhood was the sign of the cross , expressive of their faith . In this sign they conquered .
Thus provided with name and word , and mark and sign , the faithful went abroad , certain of finding , even among the pagan and Jewish brethren of the mystic tie , friends who would cherish them , and who would minister to their wants Avith fraternal care . With the evidences which Freemasons possess of the intimate relations which existed between primitive Christianity and the Mystic Order , they may quote to any professed religious teachers who isnorantly oppose
them the words of Cyril ] , Bishop of Alexandria , in the year 412 : " These mysteries are so profound and so exalted that they can be comprehended only by those Avho are enlightened . I shall not therefore attempt to speak of what is most admirable in them , lest by discovering them to the uninitiated I should offend against tho in junction not to give Avhat is holy to the impure , nor to
cast pearls before such as cannot estimate their worth . " And he also Avrote : " I should say much more if I Avero not afraid of being heard by those who are uninitiated , because men are apt to deride what they do not understand , and the ignorant , not being aware of the weakness of their minds , condemn what they ought most to venerate . "
AVith Christianity , Freemasonry was introduced into Europe and Great Britain , where may now be seen on an imposing cathedral the identical signs and symbols , which I have described as on the ruined temples of Egypt and of Greece , and at Jerusalem . Christianity had in turn availed itself of the mysteries , and woven into pagan rites the golden emblems of
regenerated life . Do not think , my brethren , that I would elevate Freemasonry to the equality of a rival Avith Christianity , or as necessary to tho enjoyment of the inspiring truths of revealed religion . A man may be a good Christian , and yet be ignorant of Freemasonry ; a man may be a bright Freemason , and yet not repent and believe ; but Freemasoury is
nevertheless the handmaiden of Christianity , aiding , assisting , comforting , and strengthening . AVe bow before the declaration of the Great Architect of the universe : " Behoid , I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone , a tried stone , a precious corner-stone , a sure foundation . " ' Judgment also will I lay to tho line and righteousness to the plummet . " And Ave all endeavour , I hope , to make ourselves worthy of a place in . that foundation , square to the line and upright for the plummet .
Light Comes From The East.
Our British brethren determined , in the year 1685 , under the direction of Sir Christopher AVren , then Grand Master of Masons , that thenceforth others than operative craftsmen might belong to the Order , and that all freeborn citizens , Avorthy and Avell qualified , might bo initiated , But the symbols and phrases of operative Masonry were retainedto be used in illustrating
-, specu lative Masonry ; thus preserving the time-honoured mystic rites to aid in the elucidation of great truths , and in leading to a proper contemplation of the mysteries of revealed religion . It was this British Speculative Masonry which was transplanted to the American colonies not a century and a half ago , and made to some extent a social institution .
The gentlemen of Maryland and of Virginia Avere delighted with this new " mystic tie , " and the progress of the fraternity hereabouts Avas encouraged by the coming of brethren in the king ' s regiments , sent here to war against the French and their Indian allies . It was in these provincial and military lodges that Bro . George AVashington learned to love tho craft he afterward
adorned . The Eevolutionary struggle commenced , and Freemasonry cemented with the life-blood of her noblest sons the foundations of the infant Republic . Peyton Eandolph , Grand Master of Virginia , died while presiding over the Continental Congress at Philadelphia , and Joseph AVarren , Grand Master of Massachusetts , fought
and fell on Bunker Hill . Some of the brethren Avho Avere among the first in the field to defend the liberties of their land received a dispensation , under Avhich they Avorked , and during the Eevolutionary struggle at- least ten other military lodges were formed . Among those Avho knelt at Masonic altars Avere those gallant generals . Bros . Harry Lee of Virginia , Sullivan of NeAv Hampshire , Putnam of Massachusetts , Caswell of North Carolina , Ogden of NeAV Jersey , Barton of Ehode Island , and
Gist of Maryland , and in the east AVashington , Avith his allies—Lafayette of France , and Steuben of Germany . Truth bids me add the name of Arnold , who forgot his Masonic lesson , turned a deaf ear to the teachings of St . John , and followed the example of Judas . Alas ! bad men are to be found in every brotherhood ! When independence had been accomplished , and peace
had been established , Freemasonry received many military craftsmen into its permanent lodges , and the fraternity became a recognized social institution of the Eepublic . There were lodges at Alexandria and at Georgetown , and I have good reasons for believing that Potomac Lodge , No . 5 , of this jurisdiction , is descended from St . Andre iv ' s Lod which Avas in Avorking Order
ge , at GeorgetoAvn , in 1773 . Certain it is that the brethren in Georgetown ivore reorganised in 1789 by the Grand Lodge of Maryland , which authorised them to convene as Lodge No . 9 , with Bro . Frier as their AVorshipful Master . Of this lodge , No . 9 , at Georgetown , the only record or relic is the marble gavel , Avell identified as having been used by Bro . George Washington , the President
of the "United States , at the laying of the corner-stone of the Capital , and by him then handed to the Worshipful Master , Valentine Eeintzel . The lodge room Avas in the third story of the AVorshipful Master ' s residence , a threestory brick house , situated on the Avest side of Jefferson Street , botAveen the canal and Bridge Street , and the Masons of Georgetown continued to meet there until they
erected their fir # c Masonic Hall , in 1860 . The house Avas destroyed b ^ fire about 1857 . AVhile many of the early lodges in Maryland and Virginia were organised under charters granted by the Grand Lodge of England , and worked in accordance Avith the York Eite , there are reasons for believing that the craftsmen in Georgetown Avere generally Scotchmen , and Avere members of the Scottish Eite . Three different lodges which succeeded each Other in
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Light Comes From The East.
they do so they strike ungratefully at | the 'institution which , in its mature power sheltered their faith when in its infancy . The fathers of the Christian Church have left abundant proof that it was by the secret mysteries bp . sed on those of Memphis and Eieusis and Jerusalem that their doctrines were oriinally promulgated . They have
reg corded that " by God's gift they were made partakers of these mysteries , and therefore qualified to judge of them ; and when the scoffers of those days became inquisitive , they were told that " to the initiated it is given to know these things . " In the chronicles of the early Christian Church handed down to us we are told that its rites were always
celebrated in secret . Baptism and the sacrament especially were administered only in the presence of the initiated , Avith closed doors , and a guard set to protect the brethren from profane intrusion . It is also well known that the early Christians wore regalia or costumes indicating different classes , and that they had secret signs of recognition . The faithful discile received at his
p initiation a new name . This was engraved , together with a secret signal or mark upon a white stone , Avhich the possessor retained as a voucher for his membership and fidelity among strangers . But the signal most in use among the early Christian brotherhood was the sign of the cross , expressive of their faith . In this sign they conquered .
Thus provided with name and word , and mark and sign , the faithful went abroad , certain of finding , even among the pagan and Jewish brethren of the mystic tie , friends who would cherish them , and who would minister to their wants Avith fraternal care . With the evidences which Freemasons possess of the intimate relations which existed between primitive Christianity and the Mystic Order , they may quote to any professed religious teachers who isnorantly oppose
them the words of Cyril ] , Bishop of Alexandria , in the year 412 : " These mysteries are so profound and so exalted that they can be comprehended only by those Avho are enlightened . I shall not therefore attempt to speak of what is most admirable in them , lest by discovering them to the uninitiated I should offend against tho in junction not to give Avhat is holy to the impure , nor to
cast pearls before such as cannot estimate their worth . " And he also Avrote : " I should say much more if I Avero not afraid of being heard by those who are uninitiated , because men are apt to deride what they do not understand , and the ignorant , not being aware of the weakness of their minds , condemn what they ought most to venerate . "
AVith Christianity , Freemasonry was introduced into Europe and Great Britain , where may now be seen on an imposing cathedral the identical signs and symbols , which I have described as on the ruined temples of Egypt and of Greece , and at Jerusalem . Christianity had in turn availed itself of the mysteries , and woven into pagan rites the golden emblems of
regenerated life . Do not think , my brethren , that I would elevate Freemasonry to the equality of a rival Avith Christianity , or as necessary to tho enjoyment of the inspiring truths of revealed religion . A man may be a good Christian , and yet be ignorant of Freemasonry ; a man may be a bright Freemason , and yet not repent and believe ; but Freemasoury is
nevertheless the handmaiden of Christianity , aiding , assisting , comforting , and strengthening . AVe bow before the declaration of the Great Architect of the universe : " Behoid , I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone , a tried stone , a precious corner-stone , a sure foundation . " ' Judgment also will I lay to tho line and righteousness to the plummet . " And Ave all endeavour , I hope , to make ourselves worthy of a place in . that foundation , square to the line and upright for the plummet .
Light Comes From The East.
Our British brethren determined , in the year 1685 , under the direction of Sir Christopher AVren , then Grand Master of Masons , that thenceforth others than operative craftsmen might belong to the Order , and that all freeborn citizens , Avorthy and Avell qualified , might bo initiated , But the symbols and phrases of operative Masonry were retainedto be used in illustrating
-, specu lative Masonry ; thus preserving the time-honoured mystic rites to aid in the elucidation of great truths , and in leading to a proper contemplation of the mysteries of revealed religion . It was this British Speculative Masonry which was transplanted to the American colonies not a century and a half ago , and made to some extent a social institution .
The gentlemen of Maryland and of Virginia Avere delighted with this new " mystic tie , " and the progress of the fraternity hereabouts Avas encouraged by the coming of brethren in the king ' s regiments , sent here to war against the French and their Indian allies . It was in these provincial and military lodges that Bro . George AVashington learned to love tho craft he afterward
adorned . The Eevolutionary struggle commenced , and Freemasonry cemented with the life-blood of her noblest sons the foundations of the infant Republic . Peyton Eandolph , Grand Master of Virginia , died while presiding over the Continental Congress at Philadelphia , and Joseph AVarren , Grand Master of Massachusetts , fought
and fell on Bunker Hill . Some of the brethren Avho Avere among the first in the field to defend the liberties of their land received a dispensation , under Avhich they Avorked , and during the Eevolutionary struggle at- least ten other military lodges were formed . Among those Avho knelt at Masonic altars Avere those gallant generals . Bros . Harry Lee of Virginia , Sullivan of NeAv Hampshire , Putnam of Massachusetts , Caswell of North Carolina , Ogden of NeAV Jersey , Barton of Ehode Island , and
Gist of Maryland , and in the east AVashington , Avith his allies—Lafayette of France , and Steuben of Germany . Truth bids me add the name of Arnold , who forgot his Masonic lesson , turned a deaf ear to the teachings of St . John , and followed the example of Judas . Alas ! bad men are to be found in every brotherhood ! When independence had been accomplished , and peace
had been established , Freemasonry received many military craftsmen into its permanent lodges , and the fraternity became a recognized social institution of the Eepublic . There were lodges at Alexandria and at Georgetown , and I have good reasons for believing that Potomac Lodge , No . 5 , of this jurisdiction , is descended from St . Andre iv ' s Lod which Avas in Avorking Order
ge , at GeorgetoAvn , in 1773 . Certain it is that the brethren in Georgetown ivore reorganised in 1789 by the Grand Lodge of Maryland , which authorised them to convene as Lodge No . 9 , with Bro . Frier as their AVorshipful Master . Of this lodge , No . 9 , at Georgetown , the only record or relic is the marble gavel , Avell identified as having been used by Bro . George Washington , the President
of the "United States , at the laying of the corner-stone of the Capital , and by him then handed to the Worshipful Master , Valentine Eeintzel . The lodge room Avas in the third story of the AVorshipful Master ' s residence , a threestory brick house , situated on the Avest side of Jefferson Street , botAveen the canal and Bridge Street , and the Masons of Georgetown continued to meet there until they
erected their fir # c Masonic Hall , in 1860 . The house Avas destroyed b ^ fire about 1857 . AVhile many of the early lodges in Maryland and Virginia were organised under charters granted by the Grand Lodge of England , and worked in accordance Avith the York Eite , there are reasons for believing that the craftsmen in Georgetown Avere generally Scotchmen , and Avere members of the Scottish Eite . Three different lodges which succeeded each Other in