The Antiquity And Teachings Of Masonry.*

our Avork . Our Order no longer lieAvs and squares the rough ashlar for the builder's use , but essays the nobler work of fashioning living stones for the use of the Great Architect himself . We cease to employ the coarse implements Avhich Avere once the instruments of manual toil , Avielded by braAAmy

arms and with sweating broAv . The forms of these we preserve ; but Avith us they are spiritualised as emblematical teachers of a pure morality . The plumb , the level , and the square repose upon our altars still , but in jewelled majesty , to be used only by the gloved hand to symbolise the highest

truths as instruments of human improA'ement . It is natural to respect Masonry for its antiquity ; but it claims our reverence also because it is the only one of the old societies , which history records , Avhich has survived the wreck of time . Masonry is the only purely human institution which has withstood the never-ceasms tide of

change in the world's affairs . In imperishable strength and silent dignity it has endured like the rock while the current has passed by , sweeping into oblivion systems , dynasties , and institutions , some of them as ancient as herself , and once the objects of pride and admiration .

It is natural to enquire Avhat there is in Masonry which will account for its permanency thus far , and 23 romises to secure its perpetuity . Why is it that itslight thatglimmeredin early darkness should shine in increasing lustre through the ages , and in the nineteenth century glow in full effulgence ?

How is it that Avith no sign of decrepitude or decay , Masonry with unpalsied hand yet holds the sceptre of our Royal Art in increasing empire ? The answer must be sought in some peculiarity of constitution , for no miracle has been wrought in her behalf . She has been subjected to the same series of circumstances as other institutions IIOAV

numbered with things that were , with no external shield against the attack of time . In her own symbolical language , she is said to be snppoited by pillars of wisdom , strength , and beauty . On this hint Ave proi 3 ose to dwell , and a brief interpretation of this language , in an enlarged

sense , may reveal the secret of her stability and power . The wisdom of Masonry is exemplified in establishing- her basis on the immutable foundation

of truth . Her cardinal principle is belief in the existence of God . All other truths correlative Avith belief in the Diety have a place in her system . The Bible , as the source and standard of truth , is exalted on her altars as her first Great Light , and all her moral teachings are but beams of its

brightness . While Masonry makes no pretensions as a system of reli gion , and , least of all , prefers a claim to be a substitute for Christianity , she humbly walks by its side in a strict alliance , as far as she goes . In her speculative form she is as exact in her teachings of moral truth as wa-s operative Masonry in mathematical science . - Her propositions admit of no dispute . She Avisely confines herself

to simple , absolute , and acknoAA'ledged truth , and leaves no margin for controversy or contradiction . Masonry inculcates virtue and dissuades from vice , but has no casuistical refinements to perplex and divide her folloAvers . Masonry from her plane furnishes the most archie facilities for the investigation of truth . Whoever stands with her there breathes an atmosphere of unrestricted liberality , for her toleration is as boundless in matters of

opinion as her rule is imperative in fundamental faith . Anchored in her principles fast by the throne of God , inculcating in her first step a loving trust in Him , and accepting His law as the embodiment of truth , she excludes no one from a participation in

her benefits on account of diversity in religious views . Her gates are closed against the atheist only . The shackles fall from the hands of prejudice and bigotry at the entrance of her shrine . When the well known words are spoken which , like the proclamation of the mystagogue at Eleusiscloses

, the door of her sanctuary on the profane , the truths in Avhich all agree are the only lessons Avhich are taught . In her sacred retreat every discordant voice is hushed , and the bitterness of sectarian strife is abashed into silence in the

aAvful presence of pure and absolute truth . On any other platform than this Masonry could not comprehend in her embrace all the tribes of men , as the human race now exists or has ever existed . It is the recognition of these principles and the acknoAVledgmeut of corresponding obligations which alone

render it possible to make her privileges aA'ailahle to the whole of the great human family . If she should require any other creed than that God is our Father and that men are His children , and therefore bound to love Him and one another , her grand object Avould at once be defeated . Hence , Avhile every Mason

retains his religious peculiarities , the Jew , the Turk , the abovigiues of the forest , and the Christian may fraternise in the recognition of a common bond , and demand and receive mutual benefits . The perfect adaptation of our Order to the nature and -wants of man is strongly indicative of the wisdom of its constitution . Its Avhole energies have been

devoted to the interests of humanity . Next to allegiance to God , and spring from it , its controlling principle is love for man as man . Before the era of Christianity we know of no other system of morals or philosophy of religion or politics , which presents this bold peculiarity of Freemasonry .

Individual interests seem to have been nearly or quite overlooked by the sages and governors who sought to rule the world by philosophies or by poAver . In the Republics of Greece and Rome , confessedly the best developments of civilisation in ancient times , the interests of humanity Avere by no means predominant .

In the Roman Republic , the boast of being a Roman citizen had little meaning except as a defence against the exactions of foreign domination . The man Avas not esteemed of value except as part of the commonwealth . Individual rights were neither sacred nor respected as inalienable . Greece never saw the day , though she boasted the academy , Avhen the many were virtually the slaves of the feAV ; and her vaunted