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  • The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine
  • Dec. 19, 1868
  • Page 19
  • MASONIC LIFEBOAT FUND.
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The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, Dec. 19, 1868: Page 19

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    Article MASONIC LIFEBOAT FUND. ← Page 3 of 4 →
Page 19

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Masonic Lifeboat Fund.

These all , hoAveA'er , want the distinctive features Avhich mark the present work . Former Avriters Avere afraid , in preparing Manuals , of printing too much , and kept closely to the ordinary text , Avithout classifying the materials in such an order , or giving such information as to the obscurer parts of the rituals that the Masonic student could supply instinctively any hiatus , and understand the

dark passages of the ceremonies . Bro . Sickels , Ave think , has been singularly happy in his choice of tbe different portions of the rituals , and his explanations appended as to the origin and purport of the mysteries , appear to us alike very complete and interesting . Upon the principle of Cross ' s Chart , the Avork is illustrated Avith . diagrams of the boards of the different

sections in the three degrees . They are above the ordinary style of such engravings , and must prove eminently useful to a Mastor in conferring the degrees . Furthermore , the music is given Avith the different anthems , Avhich , at the present time , when lodge music occupies so much attention in this country , must prove of interest and \* aluo to all Avho desire to see our

ritualistic services performed with due reverence and magnificence . The language in which our rituals are couched , the sublime words of the Holy AVrit , and the solemnity of the prayers , strike every initiate ivith admiration and Avith awe . Thus , to deepen these feelings , and , by means of our mysteries , to raise the thoughts of the aspirant " from nature up to nature ' s God" everything should be

, done to improve and give weight to our ceremonial . The contents of the work consist , among others , of introductory accounts of the origin of Masonry and its advantages . AA e think Bro . Sickles in his observations , and the authorities he quotes , copes tho real arch of

Masonry , AAiiich is raised upon the pillars of science and morality , and the Avhole system founded upon the triangle of liberality , brotherly lovo , and charity . As to the advantages derived from Freemasonry , Bro . Sickles sums them up in tbe words of Preston : — "Abstracted from the pure pleasures Avhich arise from friendship so wisely constituted as that Avhich subsists among Masons , and

AA'hich it is scarcely possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase , Masonry is a science confined to no particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . Wherever the arts flourish , there it flourishes too . Add to this , thafc by secret and inviolable signs , carefully preserved among the fraternity , it becomes an universal language . Hencemany advantages are

, gained -. the distant Chinese , the Avild Arab , and the American savage , will embrace a biother Briton , and know that , besides the common ties of humanity , there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and -friendly offices . The spirit of tho fulminating priest -will be tamed , and a moral brother , though of a different - persuasion , engage his esteem : for mutual toleration in

religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft . As all religions teach morality , if a brother bo found to act tho part of a truly honest man , his private speculative opinions aro left to God and himself . Thus , through the influence of Masonry , Avhich is reconcilable to the best policy , all those disputes which embitter life and sour the tempers

of men , are avoided ; Avhile the common good , the general object , is zealously pursued . " Passing on , the mode of government of the fraternity and of the lodge is briefly noticed , as also the qualities and admission of candidates into the Craft . The opening and closing tbe lodge are next drawn , attention to , ancl appropriate prayers given . We then enter upon the

ceremonial of the First Degree , which , iu the Avords of Stone , possesses many prominent emblems , teaching first the proprietj * of maintaining regularity of life , and attending to tbe due improvement of time , by conforming to the prescribed rules , for ivhich eiglit hours are allotted to repose , eight to labour , and eight to tho service of God . Secondly , the cleansing of our hearts and minds from every vice is inculcated , thereby fitting

our bodies as living stones for that spiritual edifice built by the Grand Architect of the Universe . There are many other emblems in this first step , representing human life as being chequered with good and evil ; pointing to the comforts and blessings that surround us , and impressing upon our minds the necessity of a reliance on Divine Providence . Our imperfect condition

by nature is likewise adverted to , and the state of perfection to Avhich ive hope to arrive by virtuous education , aided by the blessing of God upon our own endeavours , and a due observance of the Holy Scriptures , as pointing out the ivhole duty of man . Indeed , eA-eryfching in this degree is adapted to impress upon the mind of the candidate the necessity of maintaining purity of life and

conduct in order to insure a happy immortality . The explanations of the different parts of the ceremony , as Ave have said , are peculiarly apt and to the point , and will be found of use in the preparation of lodge lectures . We think Bro . Sickles is in error AA'hen he states , at page 66 , that there Avere no Knights of the Roman Eagle . AVe suspect that there Avere , for we

knoiv that the Equestrian Order of Rome , besides being a body of the highest honour and importance , was also the origin of Chivalry . It is , consequently—although tbe fact may be open to doubt—not so far removed from probability that tbe Knights , or Guardians of tho Standard were denominated Knights of tho Roman Eagle , and , as a matter of courseit is perfectllegitimate to say

, y that the Apprentice Apron is more ancient than the badge of that Order . AVith the Essenos the neophyte on his initiation ivas clothed in a long Avhite robe , Avhich reached to the ground , bordered Avith a fringe of blue

ribbon , f ^ 'ptfymg personal holiness . Ibis robo was fastened tightly round the Avaist Avith a girdle , tn separate tho upper from the lower parts of the body . AVith feet bare , and head uncovered , the candidate Avas considered a personification of modesty and humility , walking in the fear of God . In tho Greek mysteries the robe AA'as ivhite , that colour being most acceptable

to the gods . In tho Persian mysteries of Mithras among other rcbes of investiture Avas a white apron . In tho Hiiidoostanee mysteries the novice was presented Avith a consecrated sash of nine threads , which was Avorn from left to right . The apron of the Jewish priesthood consisted of blue , purple , and red colours , and all the ancient statues of the heathen gods Avhich have

been discovered in Greece , Asia , or America , are decorated with superb aprons . Tbe description of the First Degree , Avhich is very elaborate , ends Avith an appropriate charge ut the initiation of a soldier . Archbishop Manfc Avrites , Avith reference to the Second Degree , that it is rendered interesting by those scientific instructions and philosophic lectures Avhich characterize

latter parts of the mysteries ; though these degrees tend to the glory of God and to the welfare of man . The Second Degree has nhvays been very difficult of working , OA'Ci . ivith the most efficient brothers . In Scotland it is slurred rapidly over , and seldom occupies fifteen minutes . Bro . Sickles has managed this difficult ritual with great skill , and his rendering , barring a I "

historical circumstances , the truthfulness of which we doubt , might be taken as a correct text in conferring the degree . The explanations are copious , interesting , and often very valuable ; Avhile the legend of the AVinding Staircase , by Dr . Albert Mackey , ivhich ends the degree , Avill be found Avorthy of more than one perusal . Battles-royal have been fought over the antiquity of

the Third Degree and the truth of its legend- AVe never considered either question to be of tho slightest importance , for antiquity cannot add Aveight to the sublime teachings of this degree , and tho legend is not a vital principle , but only a means of pointing more effectively tho moral . Dr . Crucifex stated thafc in this degree the last grand mystery was attempted to bo illustrated iu a forcible and peculiar manner , showing , by

“The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine: 1868-12-19, Page 19” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 2 June 2025, django:8000/periodicals/mmr/issues/mmr_19121868/page/19/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. Article 1
CHAPTER XI. Article 4
MASONIC DISCIPLINE.—III. Article 5
THE SIX DAYS' WORK OF CREATION IN HONOUR OF MASONRY. Article 7
MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES. Article 8
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 10
BRO. MANNINGHAM AND BRO. FINDEL. Article 11
BRO. MANNINGHAM. Article 11
FREEMASONRY AND CHRISTIANITY. Article 11
SHAKESPEARE A FREEMASON. Article 12
MASONIC MEMS. Article 12
METROPOLITAN. Article 13
PROVINCIAL. Article 13
SCOTLAND. Article 16
ISLE OF MAN. Article 16
ROYAL ARCH. Article 17
MARK MASONRY. Article 17
MASONIC LIFEBOAT FUND. Article 17
PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. Article 20
METROPOLITAN LODGE MEETINGS, ETC., FOR THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 26TH , 1868. Article 20
Poetry. Article 20
TO CORRESPONDENTS. Article 20
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Masonic Lifeboat Fund.

These all , hoAveA'er , want the distinctive features Avhich mark the present work . Former Avriters Avere afraid , in preparing Manuals , of printing too much , and kept closely to the ordinary text , Avithout classifying the materials in such an order , or giving such information as to the obscurer parts of the rituals that the Masonic student could supply instinctively any hiatus , and understand the

dark passages of the ceremonies . Bro . Sickels , Ave think , has been singularly happy in his choice of tbe different portions of the rituals , and his explanations appended as to the origin and purport of the mysteries , appear to us alike very complete and interesting . Upon the principle of Cross ' s Chart , the Avork is illustrated Avith . diagrams of the boards of the different

sections in the three degrees . They are above the ordinary style of such engravings , and must prove eminently useful to a Mastor in conferring the degrees . Furthermore , the music is given Avith the different anthems , Avhich , at the present time , when lodge music occupies so much attention in this country , must prove of interest and \* aluo to all Avho desire to see our

ritualistic services performed with due reverence and magnificence . The language in which our rituals are couched , the sublime words of the Holy AVrit , and the solemnity of the prayers , strike every initiate ivith admiration and Avith awe . Thus , to deepen these feelings , and , by means of our mysteries , to raise the thoughts of the aspirant " from nature up to nature ' s God" everything should be

, done to improve and give weight to our ceremonial . The contents of the work consist , among others , of introductory accounts of the origin of Masonry and its advantages . AA e think Bro . Sickles in his observations , and the authorities he quotes , copes tho real arch of

Masonry , AAiiich is raised upon the pillars of science and morality , and the Avhole system founded upon the triangle of liberality , brotherly lovo , and charity . As to the advantages derived from Freemasonry , Bro . Sickles sums them up in tbe words of Preston : — "Abstracted from the pure pleasures Avhich arise from friendship so wisely constituted as that Avhich subsists among Masons , and

AA'hich it is scarcely possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase , Masonry is a science confined to no particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . Wherever the arts flourish , there it flourishes too . Add to this , thafc by secret and inviolable signs , carefully preserved among the fraternity , it becomes an universal language . Hencemany advantages are

, gained -. the distant Chinese , the Avild Arab , and the American savage , will embrace a biother Briton , and know that , besides the common ties of humanity , there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and -friendly offices . The spirit of tho fulminating priest -will be tamed , and a moral brother , though of a different - persuasion , engage his esteem : for mutual toleration in

religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft . As all religions teach morality , if a brother bo found to act tho part of a truly honest man , his private speculative opinions aro left to God and himself . Thus , through the influence of Masonry , Avhich is reconcilable to the best policy , all those disputes which embitter life and sour the tempers

of men , are avoided ; Avhile the common good , the general object , is zealously pursued . " Passing on , the mode of government of the fraternity and of the lodge is briefly noticed , as also the qualities and admission of candidates into the Craft . The opening and closing tbe lodge are next drawn , attention to , ancl appropriate prayers given . We then enter upon the

ceremonial of the First Degree , which , iu the Avords of Stone , possesses many prominent emblems , teaching first the proprietj * of maintaining regularity of life , and attending to tbe due improvement of time , by conforming to the prescribed rules , for ivhich eiglit hours are allotted to repose , eight to labour , and eight to tho service of God . Secondly , the cleansing of our hearts and minds from every vice is inculcated , thereby fitting

our bodies as living stones for that spiritual edifice built by the Grand Architect of the Universe . There are many other emblems in this first step , representing human life as being chequered with good and evil ; pointing to the comforts and blessings that surround us , and impressing upon our minds the necessity of a reliance on Divine Providence . Our imperfect condition

by nature is likewise adverted to , and the state of perfection to Avhich ive hope to arrive by virtuous education , aided by the blessing of God upon our own endeavours , and a due observance of the Holy Scriptures , as pointing out the ivhole duty of man . Indeed , eA-eryfching in this degree is adapted to impress upon the mind of the candidate the necessity of maintaining purity of life and

conduct in order to insure a happy immortality . The explanations of the different parts of the ceremony , as Ave have said , are peculiarly apt and to the point , and will be found of use in the preparation of lodge lectures . We think Bro . Sickles is in error AA'hen he states , at page 66 , that there Avere no Knights of the Roman Eagle . AVe suspect that there Avere , for we

knoiv that the Equestrian Order of Rome , besides being a body of the highest honour and importance , was also the origin of Chivalry . It is , consequently—although tbe fact may be open to doubt—not so far removed from probability that tbe Knights , or Guardians of tho Standard were denominated Knights of tho Roman Eagle , and , as a matter of courseit is perfectllegitimate to say

, y that the Apprentice Apron is more ancient than the badge of that Order . AVith the Essenos the neophyte on his initiation ivas clothed in a long Avhite robe , Avhich reached to the ground , bordered Avith a fringe of blue

ribbon , f ^ 'ptfymg personal holiness . Ibis robo was fastened tightly round the Avaist Avith a girdle , tn separate tho upper from the lower parts of the body . AVith feet bare , and head uncovered , the candidate Avas considered a personification of modesty and humility , walking in the fear of God . In tho Greek mysteries the robe AA'as ivhite , that colour being most acceptable

to the gods . In tho Persian mysteries of Mithras among other rcbes of investiture Avas a white apron . In tho Hiiidoostanee mysteries the novice was presented Avith a consecrated sash of nine threads , which was Avorn from left to right . The apron of the Jewish priesthood consisted of blue , purple , and red colours , and all the ancient statues of the heathen gods Avhich have

been discovered in Greece , Asia , or America , are decorated with superb aprons . Tbe description of the First Degree , Avhich is very elaborate , ends Avith an appropriate charge ut the initiation of a soldier . Archbishop Manfc Avrites , Avith reference to the Second Degree , that it is rendered interesting by those scientific instructions and philosophic lectures Avhich characterize

latter parts of the mysteries ; though these degrees tend to the glory of God and to the welfare of man . The Second Degree has nhvays been very difficult of working , OA'Ci . ivith the most efficient brothers . In Scotland it is slurred rapidly over , and seldom occupies fifteen minutes . Bro . Sickles has managed this difficult ritual with great skill , and his rendering , barring a I "

historical circumstances , the truthfulness of which we doubt , might be taken as a correct text in conferring the degree . The explanations are copious , interesting , and often very valuable ; Avhile the legend of the AVinding Staircase , by Dr . Albert Mackey , ivhich ends the degree , Avill be found Avorthy of more than one perusal . Battles-royal have been fought over the antiquity of

the Third Degree and the truth of its legend- AVe never considered either question to be of tho slightest importance , for antiquity cannot add Aveight to the sublime teachings of this degree , and tho legend is not a vital principle , but only a means of pointing more effectively tho moral . Dr . Crucifex stated thafc in this degree the last grand mystery was attempted to bo illustrated iu a forcible and peculiar manner , showing , by

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