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@ -5,12 +5,12 @@
<!--Fill in your link line for CSS and JS in the XSLT here! -->
</head>
<body>
<h1 id="title-index">Politics-Conspiracies-Project</h1>
<h1 id="title-index">if_felcr</h1>
<nav id="menu">
<a href="../index.html">
<div class="button">Home</div>
</a>
<a href="../fulltext2.html">
<a href="../fulltext.html">
<div class="button">Fulltext</div>
</a>
<a href="../analysis.html">
@ -32,7 +32,6 @@
</div>
</a>
</nav>
<h2>if_felcr</h2>
<p>INTRODUCTION TO FREEMASONRY
II
FELLOWCRAFT
@ -45,7 +44,7 @@ Its crashing surf a soothing systole;
As seeks the stormtossed ship the harbor's lee,
So mariners upon life's deep, hard-pressed
To weather boiling trough and mounting crest,
Steer for the shelter of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>.
Steer for the shelter of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>.
Her ancient waves of sound lap on the strand,
A melody more God's than man's. We hear,
Like gentle murmurs in a curved sea shell
@ -58,7 +57,7 @@ infancy and youth, a period of learning fundamentals, a
beginning, so the Fellowcraft Degree is emblematic of manhood.</p>
<p>But it is a manhood of continued schooling; of renewed research;
of further instruction. The Fellowcraft has passed his early
<span class="NORP">Masonic</span> youth, but he lacks the wisdom of age which he can attain
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> youth, but he lacks the wisdom of age which he can attain
only by use of the teachings of his first degree, broadened,
strengthened, added to, by those experiences which come to men as
distinguished from children.</p>
@ -67,7 +66,7 @@ others as most beautiful and most important. They are the brazen
Pillars; the Flight of Winding Stairs as a means of reaching the
Middle Chamber by the teachings of the three, the five, and the
seven steps; and the Letter "G" and all that it means to the
<span class="NORP">Freemason</span>.</p>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>.</p>
<p>Very obviously the Fellowcraft Degree is a call to learning, an
urge to study, a glorification of education. Preston, (1) to whom
we are indebted for much of the present form of this degree,
@ -78,25 +77,25 @@ the Five Orders of Architecture, the Five Senses and the Seven
Liberal Arts and Sciences no longer embrace the essentials of a
first-class education, but think not less of the degree on that
account, since it is to be understood symbolically, not
literally, as the great <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> scbolar may have intended.</p>
literally, as the great <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> scbolar may have intended.</p>
<p>While the degree contains moral teaching and a spiritual content
only surpassed by that of the Sublime Degree, as a whole it is a
call to books and study. If the Fellowcraft takes that to mean
<span class="NORP">Masonic</span> books and <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> study he will find in this degree the
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> books and <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> study he will find in this degree the
touchstone which will make all three degrees a never-ending
happiness for their fortunate possessor.</p>
<p>(1) William Preston, born 1742, died 1818. A most eminent
<span class="NORP">Freemason</span> of England who lived and labored during the formative
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span> of England who lived and labored during the formative
Grand Lodge period. He was initiated in 1762. Later he became
the Master of several lodges and was so interested in <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>
the Master of several lodges and was so interested in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>
that he studied it deeply and wrote Illustralions of Masonry, a
book to which historians and <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> antiquarians are deeply
book to which historians and <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> antiquarians are deeply
indebted. After careful investigation he wrote the lectures of
the several degrees, encouraged by the Grand Lodge, and later
became its Deputy Grand Secretary. The Prestonian work used in
the United States was modified and changed by Thomas Smith Webb,
born 1771, died 1819. He was elected Grand Master in Rhode
Island in 1813, but is best known for his <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s Monitor, or
Island in 1813, but is best known for his <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s Monitor, or
Illustrations of Masonry. Much of the printed ritual in United
States jurisdictions is the same, or but little changed, from
that first printed by Webb in 1797.</p>
@ -107,7 +106,7 @@ candidate is received with a warning; in the second, the brother
to be passed is received with an instruction. In the first
degree the cable tow was for a physical purpose; here it is an
aid, an urge to action, a girding up, a strengthening for the
<span class="NORP">Masonic</span> life to come. The circumambulation of the Fellowcraft is
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> life to come. The circumambulation of the Fellowcraft is
longer than that of the Apprentice: journey through manhood is
longer than through youth. The obligation in the Entered
Apprentice Degree stresses almost entirely the necessity for
@ -143,15 +142,15 @@ the length of his cable tow.</p>
<p>Now we have learned that there is no merit in attendance which
comes from fear of fines or other compulsion. The very rare but
occasionally necessary summons may come to any Fellowcraft. When
it comes, he must attend. But <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is not unreasonable.
it comes, he must attend. But <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is not unreasonable.
She does not demand the impossible, and she knows that what is
easy for one is hard for another. To one brother ten miles away
a summons may mean a call which he can answer only with great
difficulty. To another several hundred miles away who has an
airplane at his command it may mean no inconvenience.</p>
<p>Long before airplanes were thought of or railroad trains were
anything but curiosities, it was determined (<span class="GPE">Baltimore</span>
<span class="NORP">Masonic</span>
anything but curiosities, it was determined (<span class="GPE" title="GPE">Baltimore</span>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>
Convention, 1843) that the length of a cable tow is "the scope of
a brother's reasonable ability."</p>
<p>Such a length the Fellowcraft may take to heart. Our gentle
@ -168,23 +167,23 @@ ritual.</p>
<p>There are clandestine or spurious Masons, but they are not
difficult to guard against. What all Fellowcrafts must be on
watch to detect is any quality of spuriousness in their own
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. For there is no real <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> of the lips only.
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. For there is no real <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> of the lips only.
A man may have a pocket full of dues cards showing that he is in
good standing in a dozen different <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> organizations; may be
good standing in a dozen different <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> organizations; may be
(although this is rare) a Past Master, and still, if he has not
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in his heart, be actually a spurious Mason.</p>
<p>(1) Hele: <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>ally, rhymes with "fail." Often confused with
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in his heart, be actually a spurious Mason.</p>
<p>(1) Hele: <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>ally, rhymes with "fail." Often confused with
"hail," a greeting or recognition. Hele (pronounced "hail") is
to cover, to conceal. Is cognate with "cell," "hull," "hollow,"
"hell" (the covered place). In old provincial English, a "heler"
was one who covered roofs with tiles or slates. Compare "tiler."</p>
<p>(2) Clandestine: other than recognized, not legitimate. A few
clandestine Grand Lodges and subordinate bodies still exist in
this country, organizations calling themselves <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> but
this country, organizations calling themselves <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> but
without descent from regular lodges or Grand Lodges, and without
recognition by the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> world.</p>
recognition by the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> world.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is neither a thing nor a ritual. It is not a lodge
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is neither a thing nor a ritual. It is not a lodge
nor an organization. Rather is it a manner of thought, a way of
living, a guide to the City on a Hill. To make any less of it is
to act as a spurious Mason. If the lesson of the pass as
@ -196,7 +195,7 @@ august body which controls the Craft.</p>
<p>Before a Craft lodge can come into existence now there must be a
Grand Lodge, the governing body of all the particular lodges, to
give a warrant of constitution to at least seven brethren,
empowering them to work and to be a <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge.</p>
empowering them to work and to be a <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge.</p>
<p>The age-old question which has plagued philosophers: did the
first hen lay the first egg, or did the first egg batch into the
first hen, may seem to apply here, since before there can be a
@ -219,7 +218,7 @@ Masters, as well as the officers, Past Grand Masters and Past
Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, is the governing body in its
jurisdiction. In the United States jurisdictional lines are
coincident with state lines. Each Grand Jurisdiction is supreme
unto itself; its word on any <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> subject is <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> law
unto itself; its word on any <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> subject is <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> law
within its own borders.</p>
<p>A Grand Lodge adopts a constitution and by-laws for its
government which is the body of the law of the Grand
@ -246,7 +245,7 @@ desire to do right than in the legal power compelling him to do
so.</p>
<p>Most Grand Lodges meet once a year for business, election, and
installation of officers. Some Grand Lodges (Massachusetts and
<span class="GPE">Pennsylvania</span>, for instance) meet in quarterly communications.
<span class="GPE" title="GPE">Pennsylvania</span>, for instance) meet in quarterly communications.
All Grand Lodges meet in special communications at the call of
the Grand Master.</p>
<p>The Grand Lodge receives and disburses certain funds; these come
@ -258,7 +257,7 @@ his office and staff, publication of Proceedings, educational
work, etc.</p>
<p>Most Grand Lodges also publish a manual or monitor of the
non-secret work of the degrees which may or may not also contain
the forms for various <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> ceremonies such as dedication of
the forms for various <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> ceremonies such as dedication of
lodge halls, cornerstone laying, funeral service, etc. Most
Grand Lodges also publish a Digest or Code, which contains the
constitution, by-laws, and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and
@ -269,8 +268,8 @@ customs of his own jurisdiction.</p>
<p>WORKING TOOLS</p>
<p>The working tools of a Fellowcraft are the Plumb, the Square, and
the Level. The Entered Apprentice has learned of them as the
Immovable Jewels, but in the Fellowcraft's Degree they have a
double significance. They are still the Jewels of the three
Immovable <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jewels</span>, but in the Fellowcraft's Degree they have a
double significance. They are still the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jewels</span> of the three
principal officers, still immovably fixed in the East, the West,
and the South, but they are also given into the hands of the
Fellowcraft with instructions the more impressive for their
@ -295,7 +294,7 @@ monitorial work. The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly; that
is, not leaning over, not awry with the world or ourselves, but
straight and square with the base of life on which we tread. We
are to square our actions by the Square of Virtue. Every man has
a conscience, be it ever so dead; every <span class="NORP">Freemason</span> is expected to
a conscience, be it ever so dead; every <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span> is expected to
carry the conscience of a Fellowcraft's Square of Virtue in his
breast and build no act, no matter bow small, which does not fit
within its right angle.</p>
@ -303,7 +302,7 @@ within its right angle.</p>
course, each level and straight. We build upon the level of
time, a fearsome level indeed. The Fellow of the Craft whose
wall stands not true on a physical level may take down his
stones, retemper his mortar and try again. But the <span class="NORP">Freemason</span> can
stones, retemper his mortar and try again. But the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span> can
never unbuild that which is erected on the level of time; once
gone, the opportunity is gone forever. Omar said, "The moving
finger writes, and having writ, moves on." The poet Oxenham
@ -312,10 +311,10 @@ winds through darkness up to light, through night, to day."</p>
<p>Therefore does it behoove the Fellowcraft to build on his level
of time with a true Plumb and a right Square.</p>
<p>In its interweaving of emblem with emblem, teaching with
teaching, symbol with symbol, <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is like the latticework
teaching, symbol with symbol, <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is like the latticework
atop the Pillars in the Porch of King Solomon's Temple, the
several parts of which are so intimately connected as to denote
unity. Here the Plumb as a Jewel, the Plumb as a working tool of
unity. Here the Plumb as a <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jewel</span>, the Plumb as a working tool of
the Fellowcraft, and the Heavenly Plumb in the hand of Jehovah,
as told in Amos vii, are so inextricably mingled that while
references to them occur in different parts of the degree,
@ -334,7 +333,7 @@ the teachings of this ceremony.</p>
in the midst of his people Israel. He did not propose to judge
them by a plumb line afar off in another land, in high heaven,
but here - here in the midst of them.</p>
<p>This is of intense interest to the <span class="NORP">Felloweraft</span> Mason, since it
<p>This is of intense interest to the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Felloweraft</span> Mason, since it
teaches him how he should judge his own work - and, more
important, how he should judge the work of others.</p>
<p>Presumably plumb lines hang alike. Presumably all plumbs, like
@ -385,7 +384,7 @@ consecration of a new lodge and in the laying of cornerstones,
when once again the fruit of the land, the brew of the grape and
the essence of the olive are poured to launch a new unit of
brotherhood into the fellowship of lodges; to begin a new
structure dedicated to public or <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> use.</p>
structure dedicated to public or <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> use.</p>
<p>In the Great Light are many references to these particular forms
of wealth. In ancient days the grapes in the vineyard, the
olives in the grove and the grain of the field were not only
@ -394,7 +393,7 @@ cruses of oil, so many bushels of corn were then as are dollars
and cents to-day. Thus when our ancient brethren received wages
in corn, wine, and oil they were paid for their labors in coin of
the realm.</p>
<p>The oil pressed from the olive was as important to the Jews in
<p>The oil pressed from the olive was as important to the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jews</span> in
Palestine as butter and other fats are among Occidentals.
Because it was so necessary and hence so valuable it became an
important part of sacrificial rites.</p>
@ -413,7 +412,7 @@ oil.</p>
majority of the uses of the word a more understandable
translation would be "grain." The principal grains of the Old
Testament days were barley and wheat and "corn" represents not
only both of these but all the grains which the Jews cultivated.</p>
only both of these but all the grains which the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jews</span> cultivated.</p>
<p>An ear of grain has been an emblem of plenty since the mists of
antiquity shrouded the beginnings of mythology. Ceres, goddess
of abundance, survives to-day in our cereals. The Greeks called
@ -432,18 +431,18 @@ vineyardist frequently lived in a watchtower or hut on an
elevation to keep sharp look out that neither predatory man nor
beast took his ripening wealth.</p>
<p>Thus corn, wine, and oil were the wages of a Fellowcraft in the
days of King Solomon. <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s receive no material wages for
days of King Solomon. <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s receive no material wages for
their labors, but if the work done in a lodge is paid for only in
coin of the heart such wages are no less real. They may sustain
as does the grain, refresh as does the wine, give joy and
gladness as does the oil. How much we receive, what we do with
our wages, depends entirely on our <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> work. Our ancient
our wages, depends entirely on our <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> work. Our ancient
brethren were paid for their physical labors. Whether their
wages were paid for work performed upon the mountains and in the
quarries, or whether they received corn, wine, and oil because
they labored in the fields and vineyards, it was true then and it
is true now that only "in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat
bread." To receive the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> equivalent of the ancient corn,
bread." To receive the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> equivalent of the ancient corn,
wine, and oil, a brother must labor. He must till the fields of
his own heart or build the temple of his own house not made with
hands. He must give labor to his neighbor or carry stones for
@ -452,11 +451,11 @@ his brother's temple.</p>
ascend into the Middle Chamber where our ancient brethren
received their wages. If he works for the joy of working, does
his part in his lodge work, takes his place among the laborers of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, he will receive corn, wine, and oil in measures
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, he will receive corn, wine, and oil in measures
pressed down and running over and know a fraternal joy as
substantial in fact as it is ethereal in quality; as real in his
heart as it is intangible to the profane world.</p>
<p>For all Fellowcrafts - aye, for all <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s - corn, wine, and
<p>For all Fellowcrafts - aye, for all <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s - corn, wine, and
oil are symbols of sacrifice, of the fruits of labor, of wages
earned.</p>
<p>THE TWO PILLARS</p>
@ -483,10 +482,10 @@ and put them on the chains. (II Chronicles iii, 15-16.)</p>
<p>From the dawn of religion the pillar, monolith or built-up, has
played an important part in the worship of the Unseen. From the
huge boulders of Stonehenge, among which the Druids are supposed
to have, performed their rites, through East <span class="NORP">Indian</span> temples to
to have, performed their rites, through East <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Indian</span> temples to
the religion of ancient Egypt, scholars trace the use of pillars
as an essential part of religious worship; indeed, in Egypt the
obelisk stood for the very presence of the <span class="LOC">Sun</span> God himself.</p>
obelisk stood for the very presence of the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span> God himself.</p>
<p>It is not strange, then, that Hiram of Tyre should erect pillars
for Solomon's Temple. What has seemed strange is the variation in
the dimensions given in Kings and Chronicles; a discrepancy which
@ -497,7 +496,7 @@ not necessary to speak at length, since the Middle Chamber
lecture is quite satisfyingly explicit regarding their ancient
use and purpose. But their inner symbolic significance is not
touched upon in the ritual; it is one of the hidden beauties of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> left for each brother to hunt down for himself.</p>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> left for each brother to hunt down for himself.</p>
<p>It is a poor symbol that has but one meaning. Of the many
interpretations of the Brazen Pillars, two are here selected as
vivid and important.</p>
@ -528,7 +527,7 @@ established from everlasting to everlasting."</p>
<p>It is impossible to escape the conviction that in meaning they
are related to religion, and represent the strength and
stability, the perpetuity and providence of God, and in
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> are symbols of a living faith.</p>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> are symbols of a living faith.</p>
<p>Faith cannot be defined. The factors of mightiest import cannot
be caught up in speech. Life is the primary fact of which we are
conscious, and yet there is no language by which it can be fenced
@ -549,7 +548,7 @@ relationship is conditioned. We must have faith in institutions
and ideals, faith in friendship, family and fireside, faith in
self, faith in man, and faith in God.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is the oldest, the largest, and the most widely
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is the oldest, the largest, and the most widely
distributed fraternal Order on the face of the earth to-day by
reason of its faith in God. At one end of the Second Section of
the Fellowcraft Degree are the Two Brazen Pillars - a symbol of
@ -579,16 +578,16 @@ spiritual, legal, monarchial, political, personal. Power is
without either virtue or vice; the user may use it well or ill,
as he pleases.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> passes the brother in process of becoming a
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> passes the brother in process of becoming a
Fellowcraft between the pillar of strength - power; and the
pillar of establishment - choice or control. He is a man now and
no minor or infant. He has grown up <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>ally. Before him are
no minor or infant. He has grown up <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>ally. Before him are
spread the two great essentials to all success, all greatness,
all happiness.</p>
<p>Like any other power - temporal or physical, religious or
spiritual - <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> can be used well or ill. Here is the
spiritual - <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> can be used well or ill. Here is the
lesson set before the Fellowcraft; if he like David would have
his kingdom of <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> manhood established in strength he must
his kingdom of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> manhood established in strength he must
pass between the pillars with understanding that power without
control is useless, and control without power, futile. Each is a
complement of the other; in the passage between the pillars the
@ -601,7 +600,7 @@ control; he shall rise by the might that is in him, but arrive by
the wisdom of his heart.</p>
<p>So seen the pillars become symbols of high value; the initiate of
old saw in the obelisk the very spirit of the God he worshiped.
The modern <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> initiate may see in them both the faith and
The modern <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> initiate may see in them both the faith and
the means by which be may travel a little further, a little
higher toward the secret Middle Chamber of life in which dwells
the Unseen Presence.</p>
@ -638,7 +637,7 @@ earthly conditions and transient truths, but rest upon divine and
limitless foundations, coexistent with the cosmos and its
Creator.</p>
<p>THE WINDING STAIRS</p>
<p>Like so much else in <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> the Middle Chamber is wholly
<p>Like so much else in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> the Middle Chamber is wholly
symbolic. It seems obvious that Solomon the Wise would not have
permitted any practice so time wasting and uneconomic as sending
many thousand workmen up a flight of stairs to a small Middle
@ -654,7 +653,7 @@ country have the Winding Stairs fifteen steps. In older days the
stairs had but five, sometimes seven steps. Preston had
thirty-six steps in his Winding Stairs in a series of one, three,
five, seven, nine, and eleven. But this violated a Pythagorean
principle - and <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> has adopted much in its system from
principle - and <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> has adopted much in its system from
the science of numbers as exemplified by Pythagoras as the
Fellowcraft will discover when - if - he receives the Sublime
Degree.</p>
@ -663,7 +662,7 @@ more perfect than even; indeed, the temple builders who wrought
long before Pythagoras always built their stairs with an odd
number of steps, so that, starting with the right foot at the
bottom the climber might enter the sacred place at the top with
the same foot in advance. <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> uses only odd numbers,
the same foot in advance. <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> uses only odd numbers,
with particular reliance on three: three degrees, three principal
officers, three steps, three Lesser Lights, and so on.</p>
<p>Hence the English system later eliminated the number eleven from
@ -672,7 +671,7 @@ Preston's thirty-six, making twenty-five steps in all.</p>
physical life of eating, drinking, sleeping and working, but the
mental and spiritual life, of both the lodge and the world
without; of learning, studying, enlarging mental horizons,
increasing the spiritual outlook. <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s divide the fifteen
increasing the spiritual outlook. <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s divide the fifteen
steps into three, referring to the officers of a lodge; five,
concerned with the orders of architecture and the human senses;
and seven, the Liberal Arts and Sciences.</p>
@ -685,7 +684,7 @@ symbol.</p>
just starting his ascent that he does not climb alone. The
Worshipful Master, Senior, and Junior Wardens are themselves
symbolic of the lodge as a whole, and thus (as a lodge is a
symbol of the world) of the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> world - the Fraternity. The
symbol of the world) of the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> world - the Fraternity. The
Fellowcraft is surrounded by the Craft. The brethern are present
to help him climb. In his search for truth, in his quest of his
wages in the Middle Chamber, the Fellowcraft is to receive the
@ -832,7 +831,7 @@ refreshment meant wine. If we no longer drink wine at lodge, we
still have reason for this charge upon the Junior Warden, since
it is his unpleasant duty, when ordered by the Master or Grand
Master, because he supervises the conduct of the Craft at
refreshment, to prefer charges against those suspected of <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>
refreshment, to prefer charges against those suspected of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>
misconduct.</p>
<p>Only Wardens (or Past Masters) may be elected Master. This
requirement (which has certain exceptions, as in the formation of
@ -854,7 +853,7 @@ knew five minor planets, five elements, five elementary powers.
The Greeks had four elements and added ether, the unknown, making
a cosmos of five.</p>
<p>(1) At the time of the formation of the Mother Grand Lodge in
London (1717) the <span class="NORP">Felloweraft</span>s formed the body of Masonry, as
London (1717) the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Felloweraft</span>s formed the body of Masonry, as
Master Masons do to-day.</p>
<p>Five is peculiarly the number of the Fellowcraft's Degree; it
represents the central group of the three which form the stairs;
@ -874,10 +873,10 @@ Greeks commenced and the Romans added to the kinds of
architecture; he learns of the beautiful, perfect and complete
whole which is a well-designed, well-constructed building.</p>
<p>Here is symbolism in quantity! And here indeed the Fellowcraft
gets a glimpse of all that <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> may mean to a man, for
just as the <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s of old were the builders of the cathedrals
gets a glimpse of all that <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> may mean to a man, for
just as the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s of old were the builders of the cathedrals
and the temples for the worship of the Most High, so is the
Speculative <span class="NORP">Freemason</span> pledged to the building of his spiritual
Speculative <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span> pledged to the building of his spiritual
temple.</p>
<p>Temples are built stone by stone, a little at a time. Each stone
must be hewn from the solid rock of the quarry. Then it must be
@ -897,17 +896,17 @@ age.</p>
which he will erect bis spiritual temple, design the structure
before he commences to build.</p>
<p>There are five orders of architecture, not one. There are many
plans on which a man may build a life, not one only. <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>
plans on which a man may build a life, not one only. <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>
does not attempt to distinguish as between the Doric, Ionic, and
Corinthian as to beauty or desirability. She does suggest that
the Tuscan, plainer than the Doric, and the Composite, more
ornamental though not more beautiful than the Corinthian, are
less reverenced than the ancient and original orders.
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> makes no attempt to influence the Fellowcraft as to
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> makes no attempt to influence the Fellowcraft as to
which order of life building he shall choose. He may elect the
physical, the mental, the spiritual. Or be may choose the
sacrificial - "plainer than the Doric" or the ornamental, which
is "not more beautiful than the Corinthian." <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is
is "not more beautiful than the Corinthian." <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is
concerned less with what order of spiritual architecture a
Fellowcraft chooses by which to build than that he does choose
one; that he build not aimlessly. He is bidden to study symmetry
@ -934,7 +933,7 @@ a Middle Chamber of unknown proportions, containing an unknown
wage, is overweighted with the emphasis put upon the spiritual
side of life, he may here be comforted.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is not an ascetic organization. It recognizes that
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is not an ascetic organization. It recognizes that
the physical is as much a part of normal life as the mental and
spiritual upon which so much emphasis is put.</p>
<p>The Fellowcraft Degree is a glorification of education, the
@ -979,7 +978,7 @@ between thing and thing, and life and life. That factor is the
perception, the mind, the soul or spirit, if you will, which
differentiates man from all other living beings.</p>
<p>If the Fellowcraft's five steps, then, seem to glorify the five
senses of human nature, it is because <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is a
senses of human nature, it is because <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is a
well-rounded scheme of life and living which recognizes the
physical as well as the mental life of men and knows that only
through the physical do we perceive the spiritual. It is in this
@ -997,10 +996,10 @@ two, two and three, and two and four, three and three. Nor can
it be produced by the multiplication of any whole numbers.</p>
<p>Our ancient ancestors knew seven planets, seven Pleiades, seven
Hyades, and seven lights burned before the Altar of Mithras. The
Goths had seven deities: <span class="LOC">Sun</span>, <span class="LOC">Moon</span>, Tuisco, Woden, Thor, Friga,
Goths had seven deities: <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span>, <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Moon</span>, Tuisco, Woden, Thor, Friga,
and Seatur or Saturn, from which we derive the names of the seven
days of our week. In the Gothic mysteries the candidate met with
seven obstructions. The ancient Jews swore by seven, because
seven obstructions. The ancient <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jews</span> swore by seven, because
seven witnesses were used to confirm, and seven sacrifices
offered to attest truth. The Sabbath is the seventh day; Noah
had seven days' notice of the flood; God created the heaven and
@ -1037,7 +1036,7 @@ seven steps. If the author may venture to quote himself: (1)</p>
<p>William Preston, who put so practical an interpretation upon
these steps, lived in an age when these did indeed represent all
knowledge. But we must not refuse to grow because the ritual has
not grown with modern discovery. When we rise by <span class="PERSON">Grammar</span> and
not grown with modern discovery. When we rise by <span class="PERSON" title="PERSON">Grammar</span> and
Rhetoric, we must consider that they mean not only language, but
all methods of communication. The step of Logic means a
knowledge not only of a method of</p>
@ -1085,7 +1084,7 @@ wrong, oppression, danger, and despair, man has climbed to
enlightenment. Each individual man must climb his little winding
stairs through much the same experience as that of the race.</p>
<p>Aye, man climbs because he has courage; because he has faith;
because he is a man. So must the <span class="NORP">Freemason</span> climb. The winding
because he is a man. So must the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span> climb. The winding
stairs do lead somewhere. There is a Middle Chamber. There are
wages of the Fellowcraft to be earned.</p>
<p>So believing, so, unafraid, climbing, the Fellowcraft may hope at
@ -1108,8 +1107,8 @@ all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast
expanse, controlled by the same unerring law.</p>
<p>It is difficult to visualize the vital importance of the heavens
to early men. We can hardly conceive of their terror of the
eclipse and the comet or sense their veneration for the <span class="LOC">Sun</span> and
his bride, the <span class="LOC">Moon</span>. We are too well educated. We know too much
eclipse and the comet or sense their veneration for the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span> and
his bride, the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Moon</span>. We are too well educated. We know too much
about "the proportions which connect this vast machine." The
astronomer has pushed back the frontiers of his science beyond
the comprehension of most of us; the questions which occur as a
@ -1118,13 +1117,13 @@ have substituted facts for fancies regarding the sun, the moon,
the solar system, the comet, and the eclipse.</p>
<p>Pike (1) says:</p>
<p>(1) Albert Pike: born 1809, died 1891. One of the greatest
geniuses <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> has ever known. It is said of him that "he
geniuses <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> has ever known. It is said of him that "he
found Scottish Rite Masonry in a hovel and left it in a palace."
He was a mystic, a symbolist, a teacher of the hidden truths of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. To him the world of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> owes a debt of
incalculable size. Poet, <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>, philosopher, his genius had a
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. To him the world of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> owes a debt of
incalculable size. Poet, <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>, philosopher, his genius had a
profound effect upon the Craft in general, and the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in particular.</p>
Accepted Scottish Rite of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in particular.</p>
<p>We cannot, even in the remotest degree, feel, though we may
partially and imperfectly imagine, how those great, primitive,
simple-hearted children of Nature felt in regard to the Starry
@ -1140,8 +1139,8 @@ audible language. Jupiter, with its kingly splendors, was the
emperor of the starry legions. Venus looked lovingly on the
earth and blessed it; Mars with his crimson fires threatened war
and misfortune; and Saturn, cold and grave, chilled and repelled
them. The ever-changing <span class="LOC">Moon</span>, faithful companion of the <span class="LOC">Sun</span>, was
a constant miracle and wonder; the <span class="LOC">Sun</span> himself the visible emblem
them. The ever-changing <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Moon</span>, faithful companion of the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span>, was
a constant miracle and wonder; the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span> himself the visible emblem
of the creative and generative power. To them the earth was a
great plain, over which the sun, the moon and the planets
revolved, its servants, framed to give it light. Of the stars,
@ -1152,14 +1151,14 @@ some heralds of evil, which, steadily foretelling, they seemed to
cause. To them the eclipses were portents of evil, and their
causes hidden in mystery, and supernatural. The regular returns
of the stars, the comings of Arcturus, Orion, Sirius, the
Pleiades, and Aldebaran, and the journeyings of the <span class="LOC">Sun</span>, were
Pleiades, and Aldebaran, and the journeyings of the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span>, were
voluntary and not mechanical to them. What wonder that astronomy
became to them the most important of sciences; that those who
learned it became rulers; and that vast edifices, the Pyramids,
the tower or temple of Bel, and other like erections elsewhere in
the East, were builded for astronomical purposes? - and what
wonder that, in their great childlike simplicity, they worshiped
Light, the <span class="LOC">Sun</span>, the Planets, and the Stars, and personified them,
Light, the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span>, the Planets, and the Stars, and personified them,
and eagerly believed in the histories invented for them; in that
age when the capacity for belief was infinite; as indeed, if we
but reflect, it still is and ever will be?</p>
@ -1172,7 +1171,7 @@ The ecliptic was known before Solomon's Temple was built; the
Chinese predicted eclipses long, long before the Europeans of the
Middle Ages regarded them as portents of doom!
Astronomical lore in <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is very old. The foundations of
Astronomical lore in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is very old. The foundations of
our degrees are far more ancient than we can prove by documentary
evidence. It is surely not stretching credulity to believe that
the study which antedates geometry must have been impressed on
@ -1182,14 +1181,14 @@ gave us the system of degrees we use to-day in one form or
another.</p>
<p>The astronomical references in our degrees begin with the points
of the compass; East, West, and South, and the place of darkness,
the <span class="PERSON">North</span>. We are taught why the <span class="PERSON">North</span> is a place of darkness by
the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">North</span>. We are taught why the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">North</span> is a place of darkness by
the position of Solomon's Temple with reference to the ecliptic,
a most important astronomical conception. The sun is the Past
Master's own symbol; our Masters rule their lodges - or are
supposed to! - with the same regularity with which the sun rules
the day and the moon governs the night. Our explanation of our
Lesser Lights is obviously an adaptation of a concept which dates
back to the earliest of religions; specifically to the <span class="NORP">Egyptian</span>
back to the earliest of religions; specifically to the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Egyptian</span>
Isis, Osiris, and Horus, represented by the sun, moon, and
Mercury.</p>
<p>In circumambulation about the altar we traverse our lodges from
@ -1211,10 +1210,10 @@ months' period the determination was not exact.</p>
<p>The earliest Chaldean star gazers, progenitors of the astronomers
of later ages, saw that the apparently revolving heavens pivoted
on a point nearly coincident with a certain star. We know that
the true north diverges from the <span class="PERSON">North</span> Star one and a half
the true north diverges from the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">North Star</span> one and a half
degrees, but their observations were sufficiently accurate to
determine a <span class="PERSON">North</span> - and consequently East, West, and South.</p>
<p>A curious derivation of a <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> symbol from the heavens is that
determine a <span class="LOC" title="LOC">North</span> - and consequently East, West, and South.</p>
<p>A curious derivation of a <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> symbol from the heavens is that
universally associated with the Stewards, the cornucopia.</p>
<p>According to the mythology of the Greeks which goes back to the
very dawn of civilization, the god Zeus was nourished in infancy
@ -1240,15 +1239,15 @@ the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handiwork."</p>
accident of the English language that geometry and God begin with
the same letter; no matter what the language or the ritual, the
initial of the Ineffable Name and that of the first and noblest
of sciences are <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>ally the same.</p>
of sciences are <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>ally the same.</p>
<p>"But that is secret!" cries some newly-initiated brother who has
examined his printed monitor and finds that the ritual concerning
the further significance of the letter "G" is represented only by
stars. Aye, the ritual is secret, but the fact is the most
gloriously public that <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> may herald to the world. One
gloriously public that <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> may herald to the world. One
can no more keep secret the idea that God is the very warp and
woof of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> than that He is the essence of all life.
Take God out of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and there is, literally, nothing
woof of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> than that He is the essence of all life.
Take God out of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and there is, literally, nothing
left; it is a pricked balloon, an empty vessel, a bubble which
has burst.</p>
<p>The petitioner knows it before he signs his application. He must
@ -1257,15 +1256,16 @@ accepted. He must declare his faith in a Supreme Being before he
may be initiated. But note that he is not required to say, then
or ever, what God. He may name Him as he will, think of Him as he
pleases; make Him impersonal law or personal and anthropomorphic;
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> cares not.</p>
<p>Freemasonry's own especial name for Deity is Great Architect of
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> cares not.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>'s own especial name for Deity is Great Architect of
the Universe. She speaks of God rarely as if she felt the
sacredness of the simple Jewish symbol - the Yod - which stood
sacredness of the simple <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jewish</span> symbol - the Yod - which stood
for JHVH, that unpronouncable name we think may have been
Jehovah. But God, Great Architect of the Universe, Grand
Artificer, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Above, Jehovah, Allah,
Buddha, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or Great Geometer, a symbol of the
conception shines in the East of every American <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge, as
conception shines in the East of every American <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge, as
in the center of the canopy of every English lodge.</p>
<p>Secret? Aye, secret as those matters of the heart which may not
be told are secret. Let him who loves his wife or his child more
@ -1274,12 +1274,12 @@ just how he loves, and he will understand just what sort of a
secret this is. All the world may know that he loves; how he
loves, how much he loves, there are no words to tell.</p>
<p>All the world may know that the symbol of Deity shines in the
East of a <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge; only the true <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>, who is actually
East of a <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> lodge; only the true <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>, who is actually
a Mason in his heart, as well as in his mind, may know just how
and in what way the Great Architect is the very essence and
substance of the Ancient Craft.</p>
<p>The symbol of Deity bas always been a part of all houses of
initiation. In the <span class="NORP">Egyptian</span> mysteries it was the <span class="LOC">Sun</span> God's
initiation. In the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Egyptian</span> mysteries it was the <span class="LOC" title="LOC">Sun</span> God's
symbol, Ra. The Greeks considered the number five to be the
symbol of man's dependence upon the Unseen; from five also came
the Pentalpha or five-pointed star. The imaginative will easily
@ -1291,21 +1291,21 @@ step, to symbolize the refinement of man's conception of Deity as
he progressed from the darkness of ignorance to the light of
faith in some one of many forms of belief in God.</p>
<p>
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> uses a much more tender and beautiful symbolism. In
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> uses a much more tender and beautiful symbolism. In
modern and costly temples the letter "G" may be of crystal,
lighted behind with electric light. In some country lodge it may
be cut from cardboard and painted blue, illuminated if at all
with a tallow dip. A Western lodge meets yearly on the top of a
hill in a forest, and nails to a tree cut branches in the form of
a rough letter "G." Freemasonry's symbolism is not of the
a rough letter "G." <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>'s symbolism is not of the
material substance of the letter, but its connection with
geometry, the science by which the universe exists and moves and
by which the proportions which connect this vast machine are
measured.</p>
<p>Aye, God is always geometrizing. Geometry is particularly His
science. <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> makes it especially the science of the
science. <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> makes it especially the science of the
Fellowcraft's Degree and couples it with the symbol of the Great
Architect of the Universe. No teaching of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is
Architect of the Universe. No teaching of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> is
greater; none is simpler than this. The Fellowcraft who sees it
as the very crux and climax of the degree, the reality behind the
form, has learned as no words may teach him for what he climbed
@ -1313,9 +1313,9 @@ the Winding Stairs, and the true wages of a Fellowcraft which he
found within the Middle Chamber.</p>
<p>HISTORY - THE GRAND LODGE PERIOD</p>
<p>The formation of the Mother Grand Lodge in London, in 1717, which
profoundly affected <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, is shrouded in mystery, clouded
profoundly affected <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, is shrouded in mystery, clouded
in the mists of time, and as extraordinary as it was important.</p>
<p>The <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s of those far-off days could have had no idea of
<p>The <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s of those far-off days could have had no idea of
the tremendous issues which hung upon their actions nor dreamed
of the effect of their union. Had they even imagined it,
doubtless they would have left us more records, and we would not
@ -1323,19 +1323,19 @@ now have to speculate on matters of history the very causes of
which are - in all probability - never fully to be kmown to us.</p>
<p>One of the causes which led to the sudden coming to life of the
old and diminishing Fraternity was the Reformation. During its
operative period <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> had been if not a child of the
operative period <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> had been if not a child of the
Church at least its servant, working hand in hand with it. Our
oldest document - the Halliwell Manuscript or Regius Poem, dated
1390 - invokes the Virgin Mary, speaks of the Trinity and gives
instructions for observing Mass! But the same influences which
produced the Reformation worked in <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and by 1600,
produced the Reformation worked in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and by 1600,
according to the Harleian Manuscript, (1) the Order had </p>
<p>(1) Harleian Manuscript: dated about the middle of the
Seventeenth Century and originally the property of Robert Harley,
Earl of Oxford.</p>
<p>largely severed is dependence upon the Church and become a refuge
for those who wished to be free in thought as well as for
<span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s. It was still Christian - almost aggressively
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s. It was still Christian - almost aggressively
Christian - in its teachings. Not for another hundred years or
more and then only partially did it rid itself of any sectarian
character whatever and become what it is to-day, a meeting ground
@ -1343,7 +1343,7 @@ for "men of every country, sect and opinion," united in a common
belief in the Fatherhood of God, the brotherbood of man, and the
hope of immortality.</p>
<p>Seventeen hundred and seventeen is the dividing line between
before and after; between the old <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and the new;
before and after; between the old <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> and the new;
between a Craft which was slowly expiring and one which began to
grow with a new vitality; between the last lingering remains of
operative Masonry and a Craft wholly Speculative.</p>
@ -1365,7 +1365,7 @@ and Harmony, viz., the Lodges that met,</p>
<p>1. At the Goose and Gridiron Alchouse at St. Pauls Church-yard.
2. At the Crown Alehouse in Parker's-Lane, near Drury-Lane.
3. At the Apple-Tree Tavern in Charles-street Covent Garden.
4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel-Row, <span class="GPE">Westminster</span>.</p>
4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel-Row, <span class="GPE" title="GPE">Westminster</span>.</p>
<p>They and some old Brothers met at the said Apple-Tree, and having
put in the chair the oldest Master Mason (now the Master of a
Lodge) they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge pro Tempore in
@ -1409,7 +1409,7 @@ Gentleman, came from lodge number three - the Apple-Tree Tavern
Lodge; we know little more of it. These three lodges were small,
and at least as much operative as Speculative. But the fourth
lodge, which met at the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row,
<span class="GPE">Westminster</span>, was not only the largest (seventy members) but the
<span class="GPE" title="GPE">Westminster</span>, was not only the largest (seventy members) but the
most Speculative and with the highest type of membership. It
mothered not only men of high social rank, lords, counts and
knights, but also Dr. Desaguliers (1) and James Anderson, (2) two
@ -1431,10 +1431,10 @@ material from which Anderson wrote his "Constitution."
(2) James Anderson, Father of the first printed Constitutions,
1723, which contains the Old Charges, the General Regulations,
and a fanciful, fascinating, but wholly erroneous history of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>.
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>.
(3) Kilwinning: a small town in Scotland which tradition states
is the birthplace of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in the land of heather, as is
York the seat of the first General Assembly of <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s in
is the birthplace of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in the land of heather, as is
York the seat of the first General Assembly of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s in
England. Kilwinning Lodge - Mother Kilwinning by affection and
common consent - at one time seceded from the Mother Grand Lodge,
during which period she chartered various lodges as of "inherent
@ -1457,7 +1457,7 @@ Jacobite struggle against the House of Hanover. Indeed, a Grand
Master, the Duke of Wharton (1722) turned against the Grand Lodge
and the Fraternity when it refused to lend itself to his
political aspirations and sponsored the Gormogons, a caricature
organization which tried to destroy <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> by</p>
organization which tried to destroy <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> by</p>
<p>(1) Assembly: sometimes called General Assembly, or Yearly
Assembly. The word seems to denote a meeting of Masons in the
ancient operative days equivalent to a modern lodge. The York
@ -1471,13 +1471,13 @@ within five miles shout him, if he have any warning."</p>
it is, never in the long run prevails against reality. The
Gormogons, like other and later organizations, such as the Scald
Miserable Masons, (1) had its brief day and died - and
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> throve and grew.</p>
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> throve and grew.</p>
<p>Finally the Grand Lodge erased the ancient Charge "to be true to
God and Holy Church" and substituted the Charge already quoted.</p>
<p>This was of unparalleled importance; it was one of the factors
which led to the formation of other Grand Lodges and dissension
in <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, but as it was distinctly right and founded modern
speculative <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> on the rock of non-sectarianism and the
in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, but as it was distinctly right and founded modern
speculative <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> on the rock of non-sectarianism and the
brotherhood of all men who believe in a common Father regardless
of His name, His church, or the way in which He is worshiped, it
won out in the end and became what it is to-day, a fundamental of
@ -1485,15 +1485,15 @@ the Craft.</p>
<p>Between 1717 and 1751 the Craft spread rapidly, not only in
England, but on the Continent, and in the Colonies, especially
Colonial America, where time and people, conditions and social
life provided fallow ground for the seeds of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. But in
life provided fallow ground for the seeds of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>. But in
spite of a new life, and wise counsels of brethren</p>
<p>(1) Scald Miserables: mock Masons wbo paraded in London in 1741.
Many such mock <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> processions were formed by enemies of the
Many such mock <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> processions were formed by enemies of the
Order - often men who had been denied acceptance. Of little
importance then, and none now, except that the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>
importance then, and none now, except that the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>
disinclination to take part in public processions - dedications,
cornerstone layings and funerals excepted - comes from the mock
<span class="NORP">Masonic</span> processions which imitated the ancient "March of
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> processions which imitated the ancient "March of
Procession" of Masons in London in the early years of the Grand
Lodge.</p>
<p>who restricted the acts if not the power of the new Grand Lodge,
@ -1517,21 +1517,21 @@ clauses come from this - and this caused the same reaction then
as an attempt by modern brethren to change or rearrange our
present ritual would produce.</p>
<p>Probably the religious issue did not cause a major</p>
<p>(1) Grand Orient of France: a body once <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> which is without
<p>(1) Grand Orient of France: a body once <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> which is without
recognition by the Grand Lodges of England, the United States,
and most of the other nations. It removed from its Constitutions
a paragraph affirming the existence of the Great Architect of the
Universe. Withdrawal of recognition by the United Grand Lodge of
England followed immediately (1878) and ever since the Grand
Orient bas been clandestine to practically all the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> world.</p>
Orient bas been clandestine to practically all the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> world.</p>
<p>part of the trouble, but it provided a constant source of
irritation. Then as now many clergymen were Speculative Masons.
To-day enlightened clergymen do not see in the absence of mention
of the Carpenter of <span class="GPE">Nazareth</span> in a lodge any denial of Him, any
more than a Jewish Rabbi sees in the absence of mention of
of the Carpenter of <span class="GPE" title="GPE">Nazareth</span> in a lodge any denial of Him, any
more than a <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Jewish</span> Rabbi sees in the absence of mention of
Jehovah, or a Buddhist sees in the absence of mention of Buddha,
a denial of those deities. Then, however, many clergymen
insisted upon a Christian tinge to the <span class="NORP">Masonic</span> ceremonies, and
insisted upon a Christian tinge to the <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span> ceremonies, and
while the quarrel would hardly have come from this alone, it was
a contributing cause.</p>
<p>In 1738 the Grand Lodge sanctioned the making of the "Master's
@ -1551,7 +1551,7 @@ this peculiar and confusing terminology; the original, the older,
the more ancient Grand Lodge was called the "Modern" Grand Lodge,
and the newer and rebellious body was called "Antient." (1)</p>
<p>The curious story of the rise of this Antient Grand Lodge should
be read by every <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>, for it has had a tremendous effect
be read by every <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>, for it has had a tremendous effect
upon the Craft. We can afford to be charitable to those who
believed they were engaged in a revolution, not a rebellion. This
country was born out of what we call the Revolution, which to the
@ -1568,7 +1568,7 @@ the Moderns seem anti-religious. He </p>
<p>(1) United States Grand Lodges style themselves under several
different abbreviations: F. and A.M.; A.F. and A.M., and
variations using the Ampersand (&amp;) in place of the word "and."
The District of <span class="GPE">Columbia</span> still uses F.A.A.M., meaning Free and
The District of <span class="GPE" title="GPE">Columbia</span> still uses F.A.A.M., meaning Free and
Accepted Masons, in spite of the possible confusion as to whether
the first A stands for "and" or "ancient." The variations are
accounted for by differences in origins, some Grand Lodges coming
@ -1585,16 +1585,16 @@ Christian sentiments and references into its Constitutions and
its documents whenever be could get them adopted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile other Grand Lodges arose; they were not very important
and never grew very large, but they belong in the story of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>; the "Grand Lodge of All England," "The Grand Lodge
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>; the "Grand Lodge of All England," "The Grand Lodge
of England South of the River Trent," "The Supreme Grand Lodge"
all made their bids for recognition, lived their little day and
passed on, each leaving its trace, its influence, but unable to
contend against the Antients and the Moderns.</p>
<p>The benefits which came from the clash seem to-day to be greater
than the evils. Then <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s saw only harm in the rivalry
than the evils. Then <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s saw only harm in the rivalry
which split the Fraternity. Now we can see that where one Grand
lodge established lodges on war-ships, the other retaliated with
Army lodges which carried <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> to far places; where one
Army lodges which carried <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> to far places; where one
body started a school for girls, the other retorted with a school
for boys - both still in existence, by the way - where one Grand
Lodge reached out to the provinces, the other cultivated Scotland
@ -1602,10 +1602,10 @@ and Ireland. Both worked indefatigably in the American Colonies.</p>
<p>The heart burnings, the jealousies, the sorrows and the contests
between Antients and Moderns, if they exhibited less of brotherly
love than the Fraternity taught, were actually spurs to action.
Without some such urge <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> could hardly have spread so
Without some such urge <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> could hardly have spread so
fast or so far. As the United States became a much stronger and
more closely welded union after the cleavage of 1361-65, so
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> was to unite at last in a far greater, stronger and
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> was to unite at last in a far greater, stronger and
more harmonious body when the two rival Grand Lodges came
together, composed their differences, forgot their rivalries, and
clasped hands across the altar of the United Grand Lodge.</p>
@ -1625,11 +1625,11 @@ appointed and differences finally composed, the Antient Grand
Lodge, in accepting the idea of reconciliation, receded from
almost all the positions for which it had fought so long! It was
as if the spirit of combat, so alien to the gentle genius of
<span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, had worn itself out and brethren became as eager to
<span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span>, had worn itself out and brethren became as eager to
forgive and forget and compromise as they had previously been
strong to resist and to struggle.</p>
<p>Whatever the spirit which caused it, the final reconciliation
took place in <span class="NORP">Freemason</span>s' Hall in London, on St. John's Day,
took place in <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemason</span>s' Hall in London, on St. John's Day,
December 27, 1813. The two Grand Lodges filed together into the
Hall; the Articles of Union were read; the Duke of Kent retired
as Grand Master in favor of the Duke of Sussex, who was elected
@ -1640,7 +1640,7 @@ Masonry consists of three degrees and no more; viz., those of the
Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft and the Master Mason
(including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch)."</p>
<p>In 1815 a new Book of Constitutions proclaimed to all the world
forever the non-sectarian character of <span class="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in this Charge
forever the non-sectarian character of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Freemasonry</span> in this Charge
concerning God and religion:</p>
<p>"Let a man's religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is
not excluded from the Order, provided be believes in the glorious
@ -1654,7 +1654,7 @@ Masonry is not identified with any one religion to the exclusion
of others, and men in India who were otherwise eligible and could
make a sincere profession of faith in one living God, be they
Hindus or Mohammedans, might petition for membership in the
Craft. Such in our own day is the spirit and practice of <span class="NORP">Masonic</span>
Craft. Such in our own day is the spirit and practice of <span class="NORP" title="NORP">Masonic</span>
universality, and from that position, we may be very sure, the
Craft will never recede.